Тексты для чтения и грамматические тесты. Антонишкис А.А - 8 стр.

                                          8
contained in the first paragraph. The rest of the paragraph supports and develops the
main idea. Sentences which actually contain the main idea are called topic
sentences. It is a help to be able to recognize the indicators which show the function
of the other sentences that develop the topic sentences. Some indicators are: for
example, an example/illustration/instance of this is… Thus/so/consequently/as a
result, …
In addition/furthermore/moreover/also… The reason for this is that … Because of…
This is because… Due to … Owing to …

       Text A. A recent investigation by scientists at the US Geological Survey
shows that strange animal behaviour might help predict future earthquakes.
Investigators found such occurrences in a ten-kilometer radius of the epicenter of a
fairly recent quake. Some birds screeched and flew about wildly; dogs yelled and
ran around uncontrollably.
       Scientists believe that animals can perceive these environmental changes as
early as several days before the mishap.
    In 1975 after observing animal behaviour, the Chinese were able to predict a
devastating quake. Although hundreds of thousands of people were killed, the
government was able to evacuate millions of other people and thus the death toll at
a lower level.

         1.   What is the main idea of the passage?
         a.   Earthquakes cause changes in the environment.
         b.   Animals go mad before a quake.
         c.   Animal behaviour can be used to predict future earthquakes.
         d.   The Chinese can predict future earthquakes.

         2.What predictions can be made by observing animal behaviour?
         a. an impending earthquake
         b. the number of people who will die
         c. the ten-kilometer radius of the epicenter
         d. environmental changes

          3. Why can animals perceive these changes when humans cannot?
         a. Animals are smarter than humans.
         b. Animals have certain instincts that human don’t possess.
         c. By running around the house, they can feel the vibrations.
         d. Humans don’t know where to look.

          4. Which of the following is not true?
         a. Some animals may be able to sense an approaching earthquake.
         b. By observing animal behaviour scientists perhaps can predict
            earthquakes.
         c. The Chinese have successfully predicted an earthquake and saved
            many lives.