Whales are still hunted and killed

More than two million whales were killed by advanced whale hunting methods and equipment during the 20th Century, although the hunting of blue whales was banned within the Southern Hemisphere by international agreement in 1966. The blue whale is not the only kind of whale that might eventually become extinct. The right whale, the bow head whale and the gray whale are also endangered in that regard. Then again, products made from any kind of whale should be forbidden from production.

More than one hundred years ago whales were hunted for food and clothing items. It was soon discovered that whale oil burns and provides light. After that discovery the hunting and killing of whales increased. Some people just could not make enough money so they were out to get all that they could. To make matters worse for those hunted whales, perfume makers discovered a product within whales that better contained the scents of the perfumes that they created. Ambergris is that product that is contained within the head of the whale. Whales have to die so that people can smell nice.

As such, those kinds of whales - mentioned above - that contained the greatest amount of oil and perfume ingredients became the most hunted and are in danger of becoming extinct. As a matter of fact, whale oil is still used as a lubricant within many petroleum-based oils. Whether we like it or not, some people still rely on whale oil to light their homes for practical and/or decorative purposes. If the people on our Earth truly want to save the whales for such a fate all those whale products must be banned from use. It seems people on Earth no longer need what those whales once provided to Humanity. We cannot understand why those whales are still hunted and killed.

 

1. Comprehension exercises 

1.a. According to the text

• Many kinds of whales are in danger of extinction.
• Four groups of whales may become extinct.
• People only hunted whales that contained oil and perfume.

1.b. According to the text

• Whale oil is only used to light houses and for decoration.
• We still need some products we get from whales.
• If whale products were forbidden from use whales could be saved.

1.c. Hunting whales has been forbidden all over the world since 1966.
(Answer "True" or "False" AND write the sentence supporting this idea)

• FALSE: The hunting of blue whales was banned within the Southern Hemisphere by international agreement in 1966.

1.d. A century ago, whales were not hunted for oil and perfume.
(Answer "True" or "False" AND write the sentence supporting this idea)

• TRUE: More than one hundred years ago whales were hunted for food and clothing items

2. Do the following grammar exercises according to the instructions given

2.a. Rewrite the second sentence in the passive voice
The company will send an application form.

• An application form will be sent by the company.

2.b. Rewrite the sentence using "even if"
If I had a lot of money, I wouldn't travel around the world.

• Even if I had a lot of money, I wouldn't travel around the world.
• I wouldn't travel around the world even if I had a lot of money.

2.c. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first one using "must"
Jane is not here. She has probably gone home.

• Jane is not here. She must have gone home.

2.d. Write the appropriate verb form of the verb in brackets

• Learning (to learn) about different countries is really worth.

3. Identify ONLY FOUR words from their definitions 

• The written statement of an exchange of promises: agreement
• To prohibit, especially by legal means or social pressure: to ban
• To take measures in preparation for: to provide
• A whole individual unit, especially when included in a list or collection: item
• In fact, really: truly
• A distinctive odour that is pleasant: scent

 +EXÁMENES RESUELTOS