1) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.
Elephants
Elephants form deep family bonds and live in tight family groups. The herd is led by the oldest and often largest female in the herd, ___ (CALL) a matriarch.
2) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.
When a calf is born, it ___ (RAISE) and protected by the whole matriarchal herd.
3) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.
Males leave the family unit between the ages of 12-15 and may lead solitary ___ (LIFE) or live temporarily with other males.
4) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.
The role of art
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the most famous in the world. This year, MIT jumped from the fourth to the ___ (TWO) highest globally ranked university in art and design.
5) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.
It ___ (NAME) the top university in the world for architecture some years ago.
6) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.
The hard work of the faculty, staff, and students ___ (LEAD) to that recognition.
7) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.
Though it is called the Institute of Technology, the arts are essential to MIT’s mission to build a ___ (GOOD) society and meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Вставьте слово, которое грамматически и лексически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.
Millennium Park
Rising by the lakefront, Millennium Park is a great place to spend a day. It is a complex of ___ (BEAUTY) examples of modern architecture.
9) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически и лексически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.
One can say it is an outdoor modern design gallery. Most elements of this outstanding park are free for ___ (VISIT).
10) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически и лексически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.
The park is especially ___ (FAME) for its connection with music.
11) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически и лексически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.
In summer, Millennium Park ___ (OFFICIAL) hosts free concerts at lunchtime and at 6.30 pm.
12) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически и лексически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.
For the latter, bring a picnic basket and enjoy new music on Mondays, jazz and world music on Thursdays, and classical music on a ___ (DAY) basis.
13) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически и лексически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.
Each Saturday free exercise classes (yoga at 8 am, Pilates at 9 am and dance at 10 am) take place in the park as well. The Family Fun Tent provides free ___ (ACTIVE) for kids on Sundays between 10 am and 3 pm. Free walking tours take place on Sundays, or you may do it yourself with a downloadable tour from the website.
14) Запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
A festival in Pepin
There are many interesting festivals in the USA. If you want to experience village life of the nineteenth century, you should go to the annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Days festival. It takes ___ in the Village of Pepin. This event is devoted to an American writer Laura Ingalls Wilder known for the “Little House on the Prairie” series of children’s novels based on her childhood in a settler family.
1) side
2) time
3) place
4) part
15) Запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
This is the perfect festival for those who have read the books and ___ what life really was like for Laura and her family.
1) expected
2) wondered
3) doubted
4) believed
16) Запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Several thousand people come to see a beautiful parade and ___ many other activities at the two-day event.
1) please
2) satisfy
3) amuse
4) enjoy
17) Запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Come join us for this fun-filled weekend! The annual Laura Days celebration is ___ on the second weekend in September.
1) held
2) done
3) put
4) kept
18) Запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Saturday events include a parade, children’s pioneer games and activities in the park, craft demonstrations and a food tent. ___ the same time, there are many other activities, such as Little Miss Laura contest, a greased pig contest, tours of the Masters Hotel, and more!
1) On
2) By
3) At
4) In
19) Запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
___, you can visit an old church on Sunday morning or go to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, which features many items Laura and her family had and recalls the era in which they lived.
1) Though
2) Therefore
3) However
4) Besides
20) Запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
And we ___ recommend finishing your visit to Pepin with a picnic on the shore of Lake Pepin, picking up pretty pebbles as Laura did so many years ago.
1) strongly
2) deeply
3) hardly
4) strictly
The hard work of the faculty, |
LEAD |
Прочитайте приведённые ниже тексты. Преобразуйте, если необходимо, слова, напечатанные заглавными буквами в конце строк, обозначенных номерами 19–25, так, чтобы они грамматически соответствовали содержанию текстов. Заполните пропуски полученными словами. Каждый пропуск соответствует отдельному заданию из группы 19–25.
Elephants
Elephants form deep family bonds and live in tight family groups. The herd is led by the oldest and often largest female in the herd, _____CALL____ a matriarch. When a calf is born, it ___RAISE____ and protected by the whole matriarchal herd. Males leave the family unit between the ages of 12-15 and may lead solitary ____LIFE___ or live temporarily with other males.
The role of art
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the most famous in the world. This year, MIT jumped from the fourth to the ____TWO____ highest globally ranked university in art and design. It __NAME___ the top university in the world for architecture some years ago. The hard work of the faculty, staff, and students ____LEAD____ to that recognition. Though it is called the Institute of Technology, the arts are essential to MIT’s mission to build a ___GOOD___ society and meet the challenges of the 21st century.
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A smart cat My Snowball is a wonderful cat. I don’t know of any other cat that loves to watch Sesame Street. He will also come running up to the TV if he _________________ a baby crying or little kids playing. He can’t stand TV commercials! Anytime a commercial comes on he turns his head to the side and so he _________________ to watch the commercial. When the show is back on the air, he will start watching the show again. It was then that I _________________ out that when a commercial is on, the volume goes up a bit, and this is his signal to turn away. When the volume goes down then the commercial is over. Smart cat, I started to do the same thing. |
HEAR NOT HAVE FIND |
Creative thinking Percy Spencer was an American physicist and inventor. He was the chief of the power tube division of the Raytheon Company. Once he noticed that microwaves from the radar set he _________________ on had melted the candy bar in his pocket. It had been known that microwaves generate heat. But he was the _________________ one to think of using this heat to cook food. He received a patent in 1950, and Raytheon developed the idea _________________ for commercial and industrial use. In a sign of things to come, popcorn was what Spencer and ________ colleagues cooked with microwaves. Spencer’s creative thinking turned a routine observation into a technological breakthrough. |
WORK ONE FAR HE |
Did you know? Here are some interesting facts about Australia. Canberra _________________ as the capital because Sydney and Melbourne could not stop arguing which city should be the capital of Australia. The sports capital of the world has 70 percent of __________ total population participating at least once a week in a particular recreational activity or sport. 80 % of Australians believe Australia has a strong culture and identity characterised by honesty, sports and multiculturalism based on research _________________ by the Australia Day Council of NSW in 2008. |
CHOOSE IT ORGANISE |
The wolf and the goat A hungry wolf was out searching for a meal. He _________________ a goat feeding on grass on top of a high cliff. The wolf wished to get the goat to climb down from the rock and into his grasp and he called out to her. “Excuse me, dear Goat,” he said in a friendly voice, “It is very dangerous for you to be at such a height. Do come down before you injure yourself. Besides, the grass is much _________________ down here. Take my advice, and please come down from that high cliff.” But the goat knew too well of the wolf’s intent. “You _________________ if I eat good grass or bad. What you care about is _________________ me.” |
SEE GREEN NOT CARE EAT |
Archeology What is archeology? It is the study of human activity, primarily through the study of __________ material remains. Most human activity is in the past, and most past human activity occurred before any _________________ record. That is why archaeology is the _______________________ method for the study of human pre-history. |
IT WRITE IMPORTANT |
Sports in Victorian times Sports became extremely popular in Victorian times. Traditional sports like football, cricket and boxing had been played for centuries but now they were given proper rules for the ______________ time. This was the time when many football clubs were set up. Football _________________ to keep people healthy and to encourage a sense of fair play. It _________________ that successful and free kicks and penalty kicks had to be brought in to stop foul play. International matches started in 1880s. The organized matches drew large crowds and watching sport _________________ a hobby. |
ONE MEAN NOT BE BECOME |
Elephants Elephants form deep family bonds and live in tight family groups. The herd is led by the oldest and often largest female in the herd, _____________ a matriarch. When a calf is born, it _________________ and protected by the whole matriarchal herd. Males leave the family unit between the ages of 12-15 and may lead solitary _______________ or live temporarily with other males. |
CALL /RAISE LIFE |
The role of art Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the most famous in the world. This year, MIT jumped from the fourth to the _________________ highest globally ranked university in art and design. It _________________ the top university in the world for architecture some years ago. The hard work of the faculty, staff, and students _________________ to that recognition. Though it is called the Institute of Technology, the arts are essential to MIT’s mission to build a _________________ society and meet the challenges of the 21st century. |
TWO NAME LEAD GOOD |
Apollo Apollo was one of the ancient Greek gods. He was the god of music, the god of healing, and is also seen as a pastoral god, protecting flocks of sheep from _________________. One of Apollo’s most important daily tasks was to harness _________________ four-horse chariot, in order to move the Sun across the sky. Apollo was an oracle and people from all over the world travelled there to learn what the future _________________ for them. |
WOLF HE HOLD |
Guinness record for gadgets A dedicated Batman fan created the most impressive costume and earned a Guinness World Record for it. His costume had _________________ gadgets on it than anyone could imagine. Julian Checkley, a lifelong player, said his suit _______________________ by a character in a video game. He tricked out the batsuit with 23 functioning gadgets. “I _________________ many long hours finding ways to store gadgets on the suit. They are classic gadgets but also some are specific to Batman. I think I’ve found the _________________ way to place the gadgets on the suit. I am immensely proud of my Guinness World Records title,” Checkley said. |
MANY INSPIRE SPEND GOOD |
Instagram is a mobile photo-sharing application. It’s one of the __________________ services for users to share their pictures and videos. Mike Krieger __________________ it in October 2010 as a free mobile application. In the near future everybody __________________ Instagram to attract people’s attention and simply show off. |
POPULAR BEGIN USE |
About fables A fable is a fictional story. It often features animals like __________________and lions, mythical creatures or forces of nature. These creatures __________________ human qualities as they can talk, think and act like humans. The creatures are often stereotypes of human characteristics, __________________ some important idea or message. Writers __________________ many fables into fairy-tales for small kids so that the moral of the story is interesting and attractive for them. |
MOUSE GIVE ILLUSTRATE ADAPT |
The camera The camera is a miraculous invention. It __________________ with us forever in our photos and home videos.Some people treat it as a time machine. It helps people capture any moment in history and in the present. The __________________ camera appeared in 1840. Alexander Walcott __________________ to have invented it. The improvement in the camera technology has helped bring motion pictures. Today, we enjoy our __________________ images and get time to interact with our own past. |
STAY ONE CONSIDER GOOD |
Strange but true When President Lincoln was ready to sign the Emancipation Proclamation, his hands ______________________ because he was very nervous. He was afraid that his critics would accuse __________________ of hesitating if they saw a shaky signature. So he __________________ the pen down. He decided to wait to sign the document until he could do this with a steady hand. |
SHAKE HE PUT |
GPS functions Car GPS Tracking appears a lot in new vehicles, offering drivers tracking and navigation. Yet, the __________________ inventions have got it more modern and sophisticated, offering extra opportunities to people. Without doubt, this new technology __________________ popular among drivers very soon. Smart box technology is one example of how car GPS tracking systems __________________ to lower car insurance. If the driver __________________ the rules, he gets a discount or an insurance premium. |
LATE BECOME USE / NOT BREAK |
The Thorn Birds The Thorn Birds is a 1977 bestselling novel by the Australian author Colin McCullough. The story gives __________________ information about life on Australian sheep stations, but it also includes a dramatic love story. The book __________________ the writer international fame as soon as it was published. In 1983 it was adapted into a TV miniseries __________________ Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward. |
WE BRING STAR |
Kenneth Graham Kenneth Graham (1859–1932) was a Scottish writer. Life was very hard on __________________ but he remained an optimistic person. His books are classics of literature for __________________. Recently the Disney studio __________________ some films based on his books, for example, The Reluctant Dragon. These films are certainly worth watching. |
HE CHILD / MAKE |
A Walking House Can you imagine a house that can walk? An innovative prototype of a walking house __________________ last year in England. The __________________ samples are already on sale. The __________________ thing about it is that this eco-friendly house has everything necessary – a kitchen, a composting toilet, a method to collect rain water, and so on. Without a doubt, such houses __________________ enthusiastic travellers in the near future. |
INTRODUCE ONE GOOD ATTRACT |
The two crabs One fine day two crabs came out of their home to take a stroll on the sand. “Child,” said the mother, “you __________________ very ungracefully. You should get yourself used to walking straight forward without twisting from side to side.” The young crab asked his mother to show how to do it so that he __________________ copy it. You see, setting an example is the __________________ way of teaching. |
WALK CAN / GOOD |
Emoji Emoji is a Japanese word to denote ideograms and smileys. People often put __________________ emoticons in their electronic messages and Web pages. They __________________ in the 1990s. Since that time they __________________ immensely popular worldwide, much thanks to their international inclusion in smartphones. There is no doubt that people __________________ using Emoji in the future. |
THIS INTRODUCE BECOME CONTINUE |
The invention of the light bulb Every person in the world knows about Thomas Edison. The electric light bulb __________________ by this famous scientist. The electrification of the modern world profoundly changed human life, __________________ the night. Edison started with a 40-hour life light bulb and finally made a bulb that lasted for 1500 hours. This certainly revolutionized human __________________ at that time. The __________________ electric bulb made it possible for people to continue their usual day activities after dark. |
INVENT ILLUMINATE LIFE / ONE |
A hungry wolf An old nurse was putting a baby to bed. She __________________ the boy to be quiet otherwise she would give him to a wolf. But the child __________________ even more and more loudly. The wolf heard the screams and thought to himself, “I __________________ any lunch yet. This boy is just what I need.” But the old nurse shut the door and all the windows, and the wolf had to go away. Never trust enemies’ promises. |
TELL SCREAM NOT HAVE |
A school photo My son and I were checking out a house he was interested in buying. When the owner came to the door, she looked at me and said, “Larry? I know you. We _______________ to school together. I’m Elaine. Don’t you recognize me?” I failed to remember her. She took out our old yearbook and showed me her graduation picture – still nothing. “Let’s look at _______________ picture,” she said. She flipped the pages until she came to me. Under my photo I read, “Elaine, I __________________ you. Never!” |
GO YOU NOT FORGET |
The most famous book for kids Have you read Mary Poppins? It is a series of eight books for _______________ written by P.L.Travers and published over the period from 1934 to 1988. The books centre on magical English nanny Mary Poppins. She __________________ by the East wind to Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane, London, and into the Banks’s household to care for their children. Various adventures follow until Mary Poppins abruptly leaves. Only the _______________ three of the eight books feature Mary Poppins arriving and leaving. The _______________ five books recount previously unrecorded adventures from her original three visits. |
CHILD BRING ONE LATE |
What do you know about Australia? Here are some interesting facts about Australia. Over 200 different languages and dialects __________________ in Australia including 45 indigenous languages. Australia has the world’s __________________ proportion of migrant settlers in a developed nation with over 25% of Australians born in another country. The _______________ Australian Friendly Society with the motto of “Advance Australia” was formed in Victoria in 1871. The cat, the rooster, and the young mouse A very young mouse made his first trip out of the hole and into the world. He returned to tell his mother of the wonderful creatures he __________________. “Oh, Mother,” said the mouse, “I met some curious animals. There was one beautiful animal with fluffy fur, a long winding tail and a tender voice. I met another animal, a terrible looking monster. He had raw meat on his head and on his chin that wiggled and shook as he walked. He gave such a powerful and frightening cry, that I ran away in fear, without __________________ to the kind beautiful animal.” Mother Mouse smiled, “My dear, that horrible creature was a harmless bird, but that beautiful animal with the fluffy fur was a cat who eats __________________. You are lucky she __________________ you for dinner.” |
SPEAK HIGH ONE SEE TALK MOUSE NOT HAVE |
Questions and answers Johnny was in the 4th grade when he had to take his first school exam. When Johnny came home that day, the mother asked him, “How was ______________ exam? Were all the questions difficult?” Johnny answered, __________________ shyly, “No mom, the questions were simple. It was the answers which __________________ me all the trouble!” The compass in the sea Many people think that to navigate in the sea sailors need the compass. Sailors in ancient times charted their course by the stars, and __________________ the compass. We know very little about its invention. All we know is that the compass __________________ for the first time in the 12th century manuscript. ________________ early compasses consisted of an iron needle attached to a piece of wood or cork that floated in a bowl of water. It wasn’t until the 19th century that a really dependable compass was invented. But the compass is no longer used on ships, it’s been replaced by a much __________________ device called the gyrocompass. |
YOU SMILE GIVE NOT USE MENTION THAT GOOD |
First impressions In 1880 Great Britain began to trade with Morocco. The Moroccan king was one of the ________________ people of his time. He was interested in the British fleet, so a group of British diplomats showed him their best ship hoping he __________________ it. “We hope our ship __________________ you,” they finally said at the end of the tour. “Yes, but I like the captain’s face better,” was the reply. Strange but true A. Conan Doyle is a well-known British writer. When you hear his name, the __________ thing that comes to mind is his famous detective Sherlock Holmes. A lot of people remember Sherlock Holmes’ address. There is now a museum there. But few people know the following facts about ______________. Sherlock Holmes wasn’t a professional detective. In fact he __________________ at university to be a chemist. One more interesting thing is that Sherlock Holmes __________________ quite an unusual hobby for a detective at his time. It was playing the violin. |
RICH BUY IMPRESS ONE HE EDUCATE HAVE |
Warwick Castle Warwick Castle is one of the greatest sights in the UK. You won’t believe what the castle __________________ over the last ten centuries of its existence. Still, it’s a very nice place with beautiful nature and lots of outdoor activities, so many tourists bring their _________________ here too. There’s always much for __________________ to see and do, including outdoor games in summer and a visit to the mysterious Ghost Tower in winter. A funny mistake Two policemen went on patrol. One of them was a beginner, but he considered himself to be much __________________ than his partner. Some time later the policemen __________________ on the radio that if they noticed a crowd, they should make these people go away. Very soon they __________________ a small crowd of people standing in one place. The young policeman began __________________ at them very loudly so the people ran away quickly. The young policeman was very proud of himself on his first patrol. The old policeman sighed and said: “It was a very good job, my friend. The only problem is that it’s a bus stop”. |
SEE CHILD THEY CLEVER / TELL FIND SHOUT |
No man without a secret Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, enjoyed practical jokes. He is said to have once sent a telegram to twelve of __________________ friends, all people of great significance and power. The telegram said: “Flee at once, the secret __________________.” Within 24 hours all twelve __________________ the country. Elizabeth II becomes longest-reigning U.K. monarch On September 9, 2015, Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Her tenure of 63 years 7 months plus surpassed that of the famous Queen Victoria. In some respects Elizabeth _________________ the monarchy less formal and remote. She sent her ________________, 3 boys and a girl, to school, ending the practice of royal sons and daughters being educated at home by private tutors. She also allowed television cameras limited access to her palaces and, through them, provided to the general public glimpses of her daily life and leisure interests, the _______________________ of which was horse racing. |
HE DISCOVER LEAVE MAKE / CHILD PROMINENT |
Strange but true Everybody knows Walt Disney, a person who invented many cartoon characters such as Donald Duck and Pluto. But it’s Mickey Mouse which __________________ by children all over the world. Millions of kids worldwide __________________ this cartoon since it was made. However, few people know about the following fact. The funny thing is that Walt Disney, its creator, had a strong phobia – he was very much afraid of __________________! Not quite a musician Albert Einstein, the famous scientist, liked to play the violin very much. Once he found himself in the company with Hans Eisler, a composer and a pianist. They met for the __________________ time. Everybody began asking __________________ to play together, so they agreed. Einstein tuned in his violin but every time Eisler started a musical piece, Einstein __________________ get it right. After several attempts Eisler __________________ up from the piano and said: “I don’t understand why the whole world thinks this is a great scientist! He isn’t able to count to three!” |
LOVE SEE MOUSE ONE THEY NOT CAN STAND |
The compass What do you know about the invention of the compass? You might think that sailors _________________ the compass for centuries to navigate in the open sea. The truth is, there was no such thing as the compass in ancient times, and even after _____________ invention the compass wasn’t used all that much for marine navigation. No one knows where or when the first compass __________________. It may have been in China or in the Near East or in Italy. A kind man A truck driver was driving 100 penguins to the New York Zoo when his truck broke down on the freeway. The driver got out of the cab. He __________________ at the engine when another truck stopped in front of him. The second truck driver asked if his colleague __________________ any help. The penguins’ driver explained that he was taking the penguins to the zoo and asked if the other man ________________ the penguins there. He agreed. Some hours later, the second truck driver drove past the first one, who was still waiting on the freeway for help to come. The penguins, however, ______________ still on the truck! “I thought I asked you to take those penguins to the zoo,” shouted the first driver. The second replied, “I did, but I had some money left, so we’re going to the cinema now.” |
USE IT INVENT LOOK NEED TAKE BE |
Olympic-size wedding dress A Chinese man ordered a 2008-metre long wedding dress for his future wife because of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It was important for _____________ to know that his future bride would wear a very special dress. The local factory which produced the dress says it was the ________________ time that they had made such a dress. Unfortunately, during the ceremony the bridegroom __________________ anyone take pictures of the unusual garment. The farewell symphony What do you know about Franz Joseph Haydn? A German composer of the Classical period, he was one of the __________________ musicians of his time. Haydn __________________ much of his career as a court musician for the wealthy Esterhazy family at their mansion. The result of this was that Haydn __________________ from other composers and trends in music of the 18th century. When it was time for him to leave the Esterhazy family, he wrote his “Farewell Symphony”. This musical piece __________________ popular for centuries ever since it was first presented to the public. |
HE ONE NOT LET FAMOUS SPEND ISOLATE BE |
A difficult question One day, the chemistry teacher asked his students, “What is the chemical formula for water?” Suzie was the _______________ to raise her hand. “Yes, Suzie, what’s the answer?” the teacher asked. Suzie answered proudly, “The chemical formula for water is ‘HIJKLMNO’!” The class started __________________. The teacher looked __________________. He asked, “What are you talking about?” Suzie replied, “Yesterday you said the formula for water is H to O!” The Irish celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Last week people all over Ireland celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day in the traditional way. Dublin _____________________ with flags and bunting. Sprigs of shamrock __________________ everywhere. In many countries of the world, the Irish held parades, pageants, sports and drama festivals. Saint Patrick, who __________________ Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century, is the country’s patron saint. For centuries, his day __________________ a day of celebration in Ireland. |
ONE LAUGH SHOCK DECORATE SELL BRING BE |
The Eiffel Tower The Eiffel Tower is located on the banks of the Seine River in Paris. The construction _______________ in 1886. It took three years to complete the tower. Its initial purpose was to broadcast radio signals. Since then, it __________________ the symbol of Paris. Today the tower is popular with tourists. You can go to the top floor to witness the marvelous view of Paris or you can enjoy _______________ in two restaurants located on the first and second floors of the tower. My summer job I like my summer job in a small food store. It __________________ boring. It’s like running a marathon from 7 in the morning till 12 at noon. I have to make sandwiches for the customers. Usually I make __________________ than fifty sandwiches a day. I __________________ this job by my dad’s friend. My dad thought that I should do something instead of playing computer games every day. It’s the __________________ week I’ve been in the store and I want to go on. |
BEGIN BECOME EAT NOT BE MANY / GIVE THREE |
The bank job When Emma started working in a big bank, she was always afraid someone might rob her. On the ____________ day, a man who looked suspicious entered the bank. He walked straight to Emma who was sitting behind bulletproof glass. Then he placed a note under her window. Being very scared, Emma __________________ on the floor under the counter and hit the alarm button. The guards came and the man __________________. Then Emma read the note. It said, “Would you have lunch with me?” Memories As people get older, the part of the brain responsible for helping record new memories becomes less efficient. New information __________________ more difficulty getting in, but memories that were stored in the past do not disappear. This is one of the reasons why elderly people often remember details about ________________ youth but sometimes forget what they had for dinner the night before. One lady said, “Things __________________ a lot since I retired. But I try to keep in touch by sharing life stories with others. For example, I talk with friends about the plot of a book or a good movie. It makes me organize information and strengthens my memory. Isolation is the __________________ thing”. |
THREE FALL ARREST HAVE THEY CHANGE BAD |
Canberra What is the capital of Australia? Many people think that it is Sydney, but in fact the capital of Australia is Canberra, a city __________________ about 240 kilometers southwest of Sydney. It is the heart of Australia’s federal district, the Australian Capital Territory, which __________________by the state of New South Wales. In Canberra you can visit the National Museum of Australia and learn about Australian peoples and __________________ history. Do it yourself Our fire department is often called when people get stuck in lifts. However, our methods sometimes __________________. That was the case once when we tried all our tricks, but had to tell the trapped occupant: «Sorry. There’s nothing we can do. We’ll have to wait for the lift repairman to arrive and help _______________ to get you out.» «Great! Just great!» came the cry from the inside the lift. «Elevator service was called quite a while ago,» I reassured the fellow. I added that the lift serviceman __________________here any minute. The man sighed deeply. «The ______________ thing is that I am the lift serviceman!» |
LOCATE SURROUND THEY NOT WORK WE BE / BAD |
The name of Alaska The name Alaska comes from the Aleut word alaxsxaq, __________________ “object toward which the action of the sea is directed” – that is, the mainland. It is also known as Alyeska, the “great land”, an Aleut word __________________ from the same root. Its nicknames are the Land of the Midnight Sun and America’s Last Frontier. Its first nicknames were “Seward’s folly” and “Seward’s icebox” to laugh at the secretary of state who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia, which _______________________ foolish at the time. A landmark for the new millennium Have you seen the photos of the London Eye? The London Eye is a giant observation wheel __________________ in the Jubilee Gardens on the South Bank of the river Thames. The structure __________________ by the architectural team of David Marks and Julia Barfield, husband and wife. They submitted their idea for a large observation wheel as part of a competition to design a landmark for the new millennium. None of the entrants __________________the competition. However, the couple pressed on and eventually got the backing of British Airways, who sponsored __________________ project. |
MEAN FORM CONSIDER LOCATE DESIGN WIN THEY |
The Sydney Opera House For many years there was no good opera house in Australia. In 1954, Jorn Utzon from Denmark ___________________ a competition organized by the Australian government to build an opera house. The construction lasted for fourteen years until 1973. Since then, the building ___________________ the symbol of Australia. The best way to visit the Sydney Opera House is to see a show. In sunny weather visitors can take a picnic basket and enjoy ________________ around the Botanic Gardens near the Opera House. My job in a restaurant I was seventeen, when I ___________________ a job in a local fast food restaurant. Training was for three days. During the ___________________ two days I watched videos about my job. During the last day of orientation, I had to be at the restaurant to see how things got done.I began work on Saturday, which was the ___________________ day of the week. My present job ___________________ with cooking. I work for a computer company. I like it, but I miss communicating with people. |
WIN BECOME WALK GIVE ONE BUSY / NOT CONNECT |
The Beatles The Beatles were one of the most successful pop-music groups of the 1960s. Also ___________________ the Fab Four, this quartet of British musicians created songs and recordings that many people still enjoy. The group __________________ in the working-class neighbourhoods of Liverpool. The Beatles’ first __________________ song was ‘Love Me Do’ (1962). Traffic lights Have you ever wondered about the origin of the green, yellow, and red colour scheme for traffic lights? In 1920, in Detroit, the USA, a policeman __________________ William L. Potts invented the four-way, three-colour traffic signal. It _____________________ on the colours used in the railroad system. Thus, Detroit _____________________the first city to use the red, green, and yellow lights to control road traffic. |
CALL BEGIN RECORD NAME BASE BECOME |
Barbados What do you know about Barbados? This island country is located on an island group in the Caribbean Sea _________________ to the east of the West Indies. It __________________ to have received its name from the Portuguese word for ‘bearded’ because of the bearded fig trees that grow on the island. Bridgetown is the capital, __________________ city and only seaport. Baghdad Baghdad is the capital of Iraq. Located along historic trade routes, it __________________ an important city in the Middle East for thousands of years. It is also the __________________ city in the country. In 1991 and again in the early 2000s it was the scene of heavy fighting during U.S. led attacks on Iraq. Parts of the city ___________________. |
LIE / THINK LARGE BE LARGE DESTROY |
The Aztec In the 1400s and early 1500s, the Aztec people controlled a vast empire in the area that is now central and southern Mexico. The Aztec ruled ________________ empire from the great capital, Tenochtitlán. It ___________________ on the site of what is now Mexico City. The capital reflected the empire’s power and wealth, with its gleaming white palaces and temples. The Spanish conquest of the city in 1521 marked the end of the Aztec Empire. The Indians __________________ in the Mexico City region today, however, are largely descendants of those whom the Spanish conquered. What is acacia? The name acacia is given to a group of hundreds of different trees and shrubs. Acacia trees are known for their __________________. They ____________________ into many small leaflets. This makes them look feathery or fernlike. Acacias have small, often fragrant, yellow or white flowers. Acacias have different ways of protecting themselves. Their leafstalks may have sharp thorns which keep animals from __________________ the branches. |
THEY LOCATE LIVE LEAF / DIVIDE EAT |
Bears There are many kinds of bears. The polar bear lives mostly in the Arctic North, often on drifting masses of floating sea ice __________________ ‘floes’. Brown bears, once widespread in Europe and Asia, are now rare. The American black bear is __________________ than the brown bears. The spectacled bear, which gets its name from the light-coloured rings around its eyes, is the only bear of the Southern Hemisphere. It __________________ in the Andes Mountains. Popular destination Barcelona offers an exciting mixture of Catalan history and architecture. It is a regionally dominant city and it _________________ to compete with its neighbours. Barcelona _________________ popular since the city hosted the 1992 Olympics. At present this metropolis welcomes millions of tourists every year. __________________ make up the majority of the city’s visitors. It’s not surprising because Barcelona’s shops offer a wide variety of fashionable clothes. |
CALL SMALL FIND NOT HAVE BE WOMAN |
Pets of my childhood My pet history began when I was five. One summer day, while my mother __________________ clothes with the window open, a nice canary flew in. We called it Chirpy and it became our first pet. Soon, while Chirpy was still alive, my parents bought a pair of __________________, whom we named Timmy and Tina. Unfortunately, Timmy and Tina lived only two years, and after they died we __________________ any more pets. A visit to the dentist My tooth hurt through the night. I had to take a painkiller to lessen the pain. __________________ of all, I did not sleep the whole night. The next morning I told my mother about my toothache. It was obvious I __________________ go to school. So I had to go to the dentist. At nine o’clock we were waiting outside the dentist’s office. There was a small crowd. The nurse came and opened the door. I was the __________________ patient to rush into the office. |
IRON MOUSE NOT GET BAD NOT CAN ONE |
Education for everyone Thomas Jefferson made a considerable contribution to the development of education. He hoped that one day all young people on our planet __________________ the right to education. Today, his dream __________________ true. At the global level, the United Nations recognises the right of everyone to education. Although education is compulsory in most places, school attendance is optional, therefore some parents choose home-schooling for their __________________. |
HAVE COME CHILD |
Exotic pets There is no exact definition for “exotic” pets. This term usually refers to any animal that __________________ domesticated yet. Many people keep bears as pets. For example, Ivan the Terrible kept two bears in his palace. They __________________ to him by the boyars. Perhaps the __________________ ruler in history with a soft spot for bears was Ptolemy II, king of Egypt. He was fond of a “white bear” kept in his private collection. The purpose of education A famous professor greeted the first year undergraduates at the beginning of the academic year. He __________________ them in his opening remarks: “Nothing you learn here at the university will be of slightest use to you __________________, but one thing. If you work hard, if you train your brain, you should be able to understand when a man __________________ nonsense. And that, in my view, is the main, if not the sole, purpose of education.” |
NOT BE GIVE / EARLY TELL LATE TALK |
In thick fog It was a foggy night. In a very thick fog, a ship __________________ very slowly. Suddenly lights appeared forward on a collision course. The Captain shouted through the mouthpiece: “Get out of my way! I am the carrier ‘Manchester’! My displacement is 30,000 tons!” A voice __________________ through the fog in reply: “You __________________ turn away yourself. I’m the light house!” Kite fighting Have you ever heard of kite fighting? Kite fighting is a highly competitive sport traditionally __________________ in India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Thailand, and South America. Each player hopes to get his or her kite to fly __________________. The players try to cut their opponents’ kite strings with sharp objects imbedded in their kites. __________________ in the late 1990s, kite fighting gained popularity in the USA and is now practiced throughout the country, with an annual championship competition held in Washington state. |
SAIL COME WELL PLAY HIGH START |
New Zealand: history What do you know about the history of New Zealand? Maoris were the ________________ inhabitants of New Zealand, arriving to the islands in about 1000. Maori oral history maintains that the Maoris came to the island in seven canoes from other parts of Polynesia. In 1642, New Zealand __________________ by Abel Tasman, a Dutch navigator. British captain James Cook made three voyages to the islands, __________________ in 1769. Britain formally annexed the islands in 1840. Global warming In northern Québec and Labrador, temperatures __________________ two degrees Celsius since the mid-1990s. That rise has helped more trees grow in the area which was previously too cold for trees. And the more trees that grow, the __________________ the region becomes. “The cold landscape that we are accustomed to in northern Canada __________________ a thing of the past soon,” specialists predict. |
ONE EXPLORE BEGIN RISE WARM BE |
Russian rivers Do you know Russian rivers? Do you know what the __________________ river in Russia is? It is the Volga River. This river is a great source of hydroelectric power. The water from the river __________________ for irrigation. Canals link the Volga River to the Baltic and White Seas. The Volga __________________ for most of its length for three months each year. Why a zigzag? Have you ever noticed that when we climb hills we create zigzags? We don’t go straight ahead but go in zigzags. It can mean walking 20 times as far, and still a zigzag is _________________ than the shortest distance between two points. Researchers developed a mathematical model __________________ that a zigzag provides the most efficient way for humans to go up or down steep slopes. They explain that zig-zagging _________________ less effort. |
LONG USE FREEZE FAST SHOW REQUIRE |
Does the plan work? Brad was a student in my after-school tutoring session. He was working _________________ than diligently. “Brad,” I said, “I talked to your mom, and she wants you to stay for the full hour, so you may as well get something done.” “She wants you to keep me every day for an hour?” he complained. “She wants you to learn it’s __________________ to work during regular class hours than to give up after-school time.” Brad seemed to agree. “So,” I continued, “why not get your work done now so you can bring your marks up and get your mom off your back?” “No!” he replied in horror. “If I _________________ good marks now, she’ll think this plan is working, and she’ll keep me in here until June!” |
LITTLE EASY GET |
Star pilot My four-year-old brother Kevin wanted to become a pilot. But one dark night he watched a plane ________________ across a clear sky. As it disappeared, he heaved a relieved sigh and said, “Whew! I’m not going to be a pilot!” __________________, Mom asked, “Why not? “Do you realize,” Kevin replied wisely, “how hard it would be to steer around all _______________stars?” Who discovered radioactivity? Marie Curie’s discovery of two naturally radioactive elements, polonium and radium, made headline news. However, her real discovery was that atoms __________________ small solid balls and that there must be even ________________ particles inside them. This discovery opened the door to all atomic and subatomic research and even to the splitting of the atom. Curie carried out her research with radioactive elements before the dangers of radioactivity ___________________________. She suffered from radiation sickness for most of her adult life. Indeed, for many years after her death, her notebooks were still highly radioactive. |
MOVE SURPRISE THAT NOT BE SMALL UNDERSTAND |
He didn’t need advice Once Mozart was approached by a young man, who was interested in Mozart’s advice on how to compose a symphony. Since he was still very young, Mozart recommended that he should start by __________________ ballads. __________________, the young man responded, “But you wrote symphonies when you were only ten years old.” “But I __________________ to ask,” countered Mozart. Why do the Chinese call the Yellow River in China “China’s Sorrow”? The Huang He, or Yellow River, in China is called “China’s Sorrow” by the Chinese themselves. Since long ago, flooding __________________ a serious problem. The __________________, most sorrowful flood on record happened in 1931. The waters began to rise in July, and by November of that year, more than 40,000 square miles had been flooded, __________________ 80 million people homeless. |
WRITE SURPRISE NOT HAVE BE / BAD LEAVE |
What is the oldest subway system in the world? London’s Underground, which opened in 1863, is the oldest subway system in the world. Despite the name, about 55% of the subway network is above ground. __________________ than one billion passenger journeys were recorded in 2007. The __________________ station in the London Underground network is Victoria station, which serves about 78 million passengers a year. The tube map, with its schematic and colour-coded layout, __________________ a design classic. What is the longest river in Europe? The Volga River, which flows entirely within Russia, is the longest river in Europe. From its source in the hills northwest of Moscow, the Volga travels almost 2,300 miles (3,700 km) to the Caspian Sea. Much of Russia’s freight __________________ on barges on this river. The Danube River is Europe’s __________________ longest, at almost 1,770 miles (2,860 km). The Danube passes through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, and Romania before it empties into the Black Sea. The Danube River flows through __________________ countries than any other river in the world. |
MANY BUSY CONSIDER CARRY TWO MANY |
Who invented spaghetti, the Italians or the Chinese? When you think of agriculture in China, you probably think of rice. However, China is the largest wheat producer in Asia, and the __________________ largest producer overall, __________________ for about 10 percent of the world’s wheat crop. What do the Chinese make from their wheat? Among other things, they make spaghetti! The Chinese __________________ noodles from wheat and other grains for longer than the Italians. Russian inventions: holography Do you know what holography is? It is a technique __________________ on lasers, which enable 3-D (three-dimensional) images to be made. In 1962, Soviet physicist Yuri Denisyuk _________________ up with the first reflection hologram also known as the “Denisyuk hologram”. Now the technology __________________ in most holographic displays and it was the first to allow multi-color image reproduction in holograms. |
THREE ACCOUNT MAKE BASE COME USE |
Do Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving? Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving Day, but on a different day. Their Thanksgiving is on the __________________ Monday in October. It happens so because harvest time comes ________________ in Canada. Canadians enjoy turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, but they _____________________ their holiday with Pilgrims and the landing of the Mayflower. Instead, they refer back to the landing of Martin Frobisher from England at Newfoundland in 1578, 43 years before the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts. |
TWO EARLY NOT ASSOCIATE |
He was too clever Some people want to show how clever they are and that may lead to trouble. Once a professor _____________________ by boat. On his way he asked the sailor: “Do you know biology, ecology, zoology, geography?” The sailor said no to all his questions. The professor said: “What on Earth do you know? You __________________ of illiteracy.” After a while, the boat started __________________ . The sailor asked the professor: “Do you know swiminology and escapology from sharkology?” The professor said no. The sailor said, “Well, sharkology and crocodilogy will eat your headology and bodyology and you will dielogy because of your mouthology.” Growing old in England Someone asked the other day, ‘What was your favourite fast food when you were growing up?’ ‘We ___________________ fast food when I was growing up,’ I informed him. ‘All the food was slow.’ ‘Come on, you are not serious. Where did you eat?’ ‘In my childhood, it __________________ “at home,”’ I explained. ‘Mum cooked every day and when Dad got home from work, we __________________ down together at the dining room table, and if I didn’t like what she had put on my plate I was allowed to sit there until I did like it.’ |
TRAVEL DIE / SINK NOT HAVE CALL SIT |
What a story! Daniel, aged 4, returned from Sunday school with a new amusing Christmas story about the Three Wise Men of the East. They ____________________ gifts to the baby Jesus. Daniel was so excited he just had to tell his parents, “I learned in Sunday School all about the very __________________ Christmas. There wasn’t a Santa Claus then, so these three wise men on camels had to deliver all the toys. And Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer with his nose so bright ______________________ the sleigh, so they had to follow the big star in the sky to find their way around”. Christmas trees One Christmas Eve the trees in a wood were very unhappy. They wished very much to make Christmas stay, but they _____________________ how to do so. ‘We are so bare,’ complained one tree. ‘If we only had our pretty green summer dresses,’ said other trees. ‘Hush, children, hush,’ whispered North Wind in a gentle voice, which was unusual for the __________________ of all winds. ‘Go to sleep.’ While they slept something happened. When the trees awoke they found that someone, perhaps North Wind, had cast over each of __________________ a lovely soft cloak of spotless feathery white. |
BRING ONE NOT LEAD NOT KNOW BAD THEY |
The North Pole has melted again Two weeks of warm weather in the high Arctic have caused a lake to begin forming. To be clear, the water ______________________ the pole is not sea water from the ocean. It is ____________________ ice water resting on a layer of ice below. “It’s a shallow lake. It’s a cold lake. But it is, actually, a lake,” writes William Wolfe of Canada.com. That lake started to form on July 13 during a month of abnormally warm weather. In addition, the weather is likely to get __________________ over the coming week. An Arctic cyclone will bring strong winds and rain. Difficult landing One airline had a policy that required the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited. He smiled and thanked them for _____________________ the airline. A pilot on this airline landed his plane into the runway really hard. He thought that passengers _________________ angry comments. However, it seemed that all of __________________ were too shocked to say anything. Finally, everyone got off except for a little old lady. She said, ‘Can I ask you a question?’ ‘Yes, Madam,’ said the pilot. ‘What was it?’ the lady asked, ‘Did we land or were we shot down?’ |
SURROUND MELT BAD FLY HAVE THEY |
The largest snowfall in decades This week’s snowfall in Brazil is one of the largest in decades. As snow on the ground is not a very common landscape in a so-called tropical country, everybody ___________________ excited when they saw streets in snow. In the cities by the sea people are used to spending the summer sun bathing. They ____________________ very much when they saw snow covering the city. It __________________ long before social media became loaded with pictures of white fields and roads, and snowmen. Funny seagull thinks he is a cat A seagull was adopted by June and Steve Grimwood, who found a soot-covered young bird in their fireplace and called him Mr. Pooh. The gull __________________ up with cats. He slept in a cat’s basket, from which he acquired a taste for Whiskas. Since then, Mr. Pooh has learned the sound of the fridge door __________________. He _________________ the family home, but he can’t resist returning three times a day for his favourite food, announcing his arrival by tapping on the door. |
FEEL SURPRISE NOT BE BRING OPEN LEAVE |
Does it ever snow in Brazil? During winter and sometimes even autumn and spring it snows in some cities of southern Brazil. There are several cities _______________ for their snow, like Urupema and Urubici. These cities ________________ all in high areas, but even places at sea level can have snow, although in small amounts and not every year. Brazil __________________ to be a “tropical paradise” which is very wrong. Foreigners who travel to southern Brazil during autumn or winter in search for some heat and beaches are often disappointed. The popsicle Not all new things are created by wise old scientists. Frank Epperson invented the popsicle, fruit ice cream without milk, in 1905 when he was only 11 years old. Frank ____________________ his drink outside on the porch overnight with the stir stick in it. That night the temperature dropped and froze things, ___________________ Frank’s drink. That didn’t stop him from tasting it. 18 years __________________ Frank started his business. Just over 1 billion popsicles __________________ in the US each year. Out of the 30 flavors to choose from, orange has been the favorite for many years. Mother’s Day We are a family of four: my mom, my dad, my brother and I. One morning my dad started ____________________ breakfast. Ben, my __________________ brother, asked him: «Why are you making Mommy breakfast? Is she sick?» «No, dear,» replied her father, «it’s Mother’s Day.» Immediately the boy had another question. «Oh,» he said, «then __________________ every other day Father’s Day?» |
KNOW BE THINK LEAVE INCLUDE LATE EAT COOK YOUNG BE |
The invention of video games Do you know the story behind the invention of video games? Here is the story of the__________________video game. If you ____________________ this article in 2013, you probably imagine video games as we know them now. Nowadays we are used to online games full of colour and action. However, the story about the invention of video games dates back to the 1940s and to a patent registered by the US patent office. The invention patent __________________: “The cathode ray tube amusement.” It was very primitive by today’s standards but has given the inspiration for many video games created __________________. Grandma My grandma often comes to us to babysit my sister, Ann. Yesterday she was tired after a full day of looking after an active five-year-old, but she _____________________ to upset Ann and agreed to play ball in the backyard after supper. After 5 minutes, she __________________ down on a patio chair and said, “Grandma is too old for this.” Ann came over, put her arm around Grandma’s neck and said, “Grandma, I wish you __________________ newer.” |
ONE / READ CALL LATE NOT WANT SIT BE |
As highly social, intelligent and ecologically-important animals, elephants are a symbol of loyalty, compassion and ecosystem engineering. Tragically, because of the illegal trade of their ivory, elephants have also emerged as a symbol of international wildlife trafficking.
Elephants are classified into two species: the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). Elephants live in tight-knit matrilineal family groups led by a matriarch who is often the eldest female. In their habitats, elephants play the role of keystone species and ecosystem engineers because they reshape the environment, uprooting vegetation while they forage and creating new waterholes as they dig for water.
Defenders’ Impact
Since elephants are not native to North America, Defenders does not work on their conservation directly. As America’s leading voice for imperiled wildlife, Defenders has a critical role to play in stopping the deadly scourge of elephant poaching by advocating for the adoption of a near ban on commercial trade of ivory to the United States. Defenders is an active participant in the Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and helps ensure the regulation of trade for imperiled plants and animals across the globe. We also study and advocate for stronger monitoring and law enforcement of trafficked wildlife and wildlife products, including elephants, into the United States and between U.S. states.
- Threats & Status
- What You Can Do
- Facts
- Range & Population
- Behavior & Reproduction
Threats
Habitat loss is one of the key threats facing elephants. Climate change projections indicate that key portions of elephants’ habitat will become significantly hotter and drier, resulting in poorer foraging conditions and threatening calf survival. Increasing conflict with humans due to encroachment on elephant habitat and poaching for ivory are also driving elephant declines globally.
Protection Status
Endangered Species Act |
IUCN Red List |
CITES |
Appendix I |
||
The African elephant is threatened and the Asian elephant is endangered. |
The African elephant is vulnerable and the Asian elephant is endangered. |
Except the populations of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, which are included in Appendix II subject to annotation 2. |
What You Can Do
Buy responsibly when looking to purchase products – avoid palm oil and threatened rainforest woods, buy shade grown coffee and sustainable cocoa, and reduce your carbon footprint. Choose responsible ecotourism trips and tour operators and treat wild animals with respect. Speak up for habitat and wildlife protections.
Facts
Latin Name
Loxodonta africana and Elephas maximus
Size
African elephants are larger than Asian elephants. Males stand 7-11 ft at the shoulder; females of all subspecies are smaller than males and stand 7-9 ft at the shoulder.
Length
Up to 30 ft trunk to tail
Weight
6,000 — 15,000 lbs
Range/Habitat
African elephants live in diverse habitats including wetlands, forest, grassland, savanna and desert across 37 countries in southern, eastern, western and central Africa. The Asian elephant is found across 13 countries in South, Southeast and East Asia.
Population
At the turn of the 20th century, there were a few million African elephants and about 100,000 Asian elephants. Today, there are an estimated 470,000 African elephants and between 40,000 — 50,000 wild Asian elephants.
Behavior
Elephants form deep family bonds and live in tight matriarchal family groups of related females called a herd. The herd is led by the oldest and often largest female in the herd, called a matriarch. Herds consist of 10-140 individuals depending on terrain and family size. When a calf is born, it is raised and protected by the entire herd. Males leave the family unit between the ages of 12-15 and may lead solitary lives or live temporarily with other males. Elephants are extremely intelligent animals and have memories that span many years. This memory serves matriarchs well during dry seasons when they guide their herds, sometimes for tens of miles, to watering holes that they remember from past years. Elephants also display signs of grief, joy, anger and play. Recent discoveries have shown that elephants can communicate over long distances by producing a sub-sonic rumble that can travel over the ground faster than sound through air. Other elephants receive the messages through the sensitive skin on their feet and trunks. It is believed that this is how potential mates and social groups communicate.
Reproduction
Mating Season: Mostly during the rainy season.
Gestation: 22 months.
Litter size: 1 calf (twins rare).
Calves weigh between 200-250 lbs at birth. At birth, a calf’s trunk has no muscle tone, therefore it will suckle through its mouth. It takes several months for a calf to gain full control of its trunk.
Diet
Staples: Grasses, leaves, bamboo, bark, roots. Elephants are also known to eat crops like banana and sugarcane which are grown by farmers. Adult elephants eat 300-400 lbs of food per day.
News
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Lawmakers in China Urged to Reduce Demand for Vulnerable Wildlife
Defenders of Wildlife and more than 25 nonprofit organizations from India, Vietnam, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa and Germany this week published an open letter to lawmakers in China urging them to act to reduce demand for wild animal species threatened with extinction.
Elephants Blog Posts
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