Describe

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 The natural world
Vocabulary Meaning Example

To release or give off

Emit something, such as gas, heat,
or light

To send out a substance,

Discharge
especially waste or liquid

To extend or reach across the

Span the world
entire globe

To go further than a set limit

Extend beyond
or boundary

To disappear suddenly or
Vanish
completely

Become To be at risk of extinction or

endangered serious decline

To become worse in condition

Deteriorate
or quality over time

To completely destroy or wipe

Obliterate
out something

To cause deliberate damage or

Destruct
destruction

To gradually erode or remove

Wear away through friction or natural
forces

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 Harm caused to nature, such as
Damage to the
deforestation, pollution, or habitat
environment
destruction

To negatively affect ecosystems or

Harm the
natural resources through human
environment
actions

Pollute the To make air, water, or land dirty or

environment unsafe by adding harmful substances

Pollution Pollution puts living beings or

threatens ecosystems at serious risk

Pollution Pollution causes complete ruin or loss

destroys of natural habitats or species

The level or amount of pollution

Pollution rises
increases over time

Gases or smoke are released in large

Fumes pour out amounts, often from vehicles or
factories

To produce unwanted or unusable

Create waste materials, often as a result of
consumption

To lead to destruction or harm, either

Cause damage
intentionally or unintentionally

To experience harm or destruction,

Suffer damage often due to natural disasters or
human impact

To throw away or release garbage or

Dump waste
toxic materials, often illegally
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Ava: Have you seen the news? Another species might become
endangered soon.
Leo: Yeah, I read that pollution threatens their habitat,
especially near the river.
Ava: It’s terrible. People still dump waste into the ocean like
it’s nothing.
Leo: And industries create waste every day, while factories
emit harmful fumes that pour out into the atmosphere.
Ava: Exactly. As pollution rises, forests deteriorate, and some
animals even vanish completely.
Leo: If this continues, we could obliterate entire ecosystems.
Ava: And the damage doesn’t stop there—it extends beyond
nature and harms human health too.
Leo: True. When we harm the environment, we also cause
damage to ourselves.
Ava: That’s why governments need to act. Laws should span
the world so everyone follows the same rules.
Leo: I agree. If we don’t act now, the balance of nature will
slowly wear away, and future generations will suffer damage
that cannot be reversed.
Ava: But if we work together, recycle, and reduce waste,
maybe we can deter further destruction and protect the
planet.
Leo: Yes, it’s not too late. We just need to change our habits
before the environment is completely destroyed.

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 Warm up
What places in nature do you enjoy visiting? Why?

Do you think humans are part of nature or separate from it?

How does pollution affect your daily life?

How do you manage waste at home or school?

Do you recycle? What kinds of things can be recycled?

What small actions can people take to help the planet?

What would happen if certain animals disappeared forever?

What do you imagine the world will look like in 50 years if

we don’t protect the environment?

What kind of world would you like future generations to live

in?

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 Reading
The natural world is a complex and beautiful system that spans the world,
from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans. However, in recent
decades, human activities have begun to cause significant damage to the
environment. Pollution threatens ecosystems, and the consequences are
becoming more visible every day. Factories and vehicles emit harmful
fumes that pour out into the atmosphere, polluting the air we breathe. As
pollution rises, many species suffer damage to their habitats. Some
animals vanish completely, becoming endangered or even extinct. This
deterioration of the natural world is alarming, and if we do not act, we may
obliterate entire ecosystems. One major issue is the way we create waste.
Industries and individuals often dump waste into rivers, oceans, and
forests. This not only pollutes the environment but also causes damage to
wildlife and natural resources. Over time, these actions wear away the
balance of nature and destruct the systems that support life on Earth.
Pollution destroys not only the land but also the water and air. Fumes from
cars and factories discharge toxic chemicals, making it harder for plants
and animals to survive. When we harm the environment, we also harm
ourselves. Clean air, fresh water, and healthy soil are essential for human
life. Despite these challenges, there is hope. Many people around the world
are working to deter further damage and protect the natural world.
Governments are creating laws to reduce pollution, and scientists are
developing new technologies to emit fewer harmful substances.
Communities are learning how to recycle, reduce waste, and live in
harmony with nature. To save our planet, we must understand how our
actions affect the environment. We need to stop dumping waste and start
finding sustainable solutions. If we continue to pollute the environment,
we will suffer damage that cannot be reversed. But if we act now, we can
prevent further deterioration and ensure that the natural world continues
to span the world for generations to come.

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 Reading Comprehension
Quiz
Level: B1–B2
Instructions: Read each question carefully and choose the correct answer.

1. What is one of the main causes of environmental damage

mentioned in the text?
a) Human activity
b) Natural disasters
c) Animal migration
d) Solar radiation

2. What happens to animals when their habitats are damaged?

a) They adapt immediately.
b) They become endangered or extinct.
c) They migrate to cities.
d) They grow in population.

3. What is one solution mentioned in the text to reduce pollution?

a) Building more factories
b) Creating laws to reduce pollution
c) Cutting down more trees
d) Increasing waste production

4. What does the text suggest about the relationship between

humans and the environment?
a) Humans are not affected by environmental damage.
b) Humans and the environment are interconnected.
c) The environment can recover without human help.
d) Humans should ignore environmental issues.

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 5. What is the meaning of the word deter as used in the text?
a) To encourage
b) To prevent
c) To increase
d) To ignore

6. Why is it important to stop dumping waste, according to the

text?
a) It increases the beauty of cities.
b) It prevents damage to wildlife and natural resources.
c) It helps factories produce more goods.
d) It reduces the cost of living.

7. What does the text suggest about the future if we act now?
a) The environment will deteriorate further.
b) We can ensure the natural world survives for future
generations.
c) Pollution will increase rapidly.
d) Animals will become extinct faster.

8. What is the role of scientists in protecting the environment, as

mentioned in the text?
a) Developing new technologies to emit fewer harmful substances
b) Cutting down trees to create more space
c) Encouraging people to pollute more
d) Building more factories

9. What does the text say about the balance of nature?

a) It is not affected by human actions.
b) It is worn away by pollution and waste.
c) It is stronger than human activity.
d) It does not support life on Earth.

10. What is the main message of the text?

a) Humans should ignore environmental issues.
b) The natural world is not important.
c) We must act now to protect the environment.
d) Pollution is not a serious problem.
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 Listening Audio 1
1. Harmful __________ pour out of factories and vehicles every day.
2. Many species are on the brink of becoming __________.
3. Industrial practices often __________ into rivers and oceans.
4. What is one major cause of environmental damage mentioned in
the passage?
A. Overpopulation
B. Emissions from vehicles and factories
C. Lack of recycling programs

5. What does the passage suggest about landscapes affected by mining?

A. They can be restored easily
B. They are protected by law
C. They may be obliterated beyond recognition

6. What is the tone of the final paragraph?

A. Hopeless
B. Optimistic
C. Indifferent

7. Pollution A. Disappearance of species

8. Deforestation B. Damage to ecosystems

Answer the questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.

9. Which regions are mentioned as being affected by environmental
damage?
10. What can deter further damage to the planet?

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 Speaking
1. Describe a place in nature you enjoy visiting. You should say:
2. Where it is
3. What you see there
4. How pollution affects it
5. Why it is important to protect it
6. What actions people or the government are taking to protect it
7. How you personally feel when you visit this place

- The forest near my city is beautiful but deteriorating.

- Factories emit fumes that threaten the area.
- If people dump waste, animals may vanish.
- We must protect it so future generations can enjoy it.
- Local communities are trying to recycle and reduce waste.
- Scientists are developing new technologies to emit fewer harmful
substances.
- When I walk there, I feel peaceful, but also worried about its future.
- Pollution rises every year, and the river habitats deteriorate.
- If we act now, we can deter further damage and span the world
with protection laws.

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 Writing
1. Dogs are great companions because they
are loyal and affectionate.
2. Studying abroad can be life-changing due
to the exposure to new cultures.
3. Regular exercise improves mental health
by reducing stress and anxiety.
4. Social media has transformed
communication, especially among
teenagers.

What Is a Topic Sentence?

A topic sentence is the main sentence in a paragraph that tells the
reader what the paragraph is about. It usually comes at the beginning
and sets the focus.
What Is a Controlling Idea?
The controlling idea is the part of the topic sentence that limits or
controls what the paragraph will discuss. It gives direction and tells the
reader what specific aspect of the topic will be explained or argued.

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 Writing
1. Dogs are great companions because they
are loyal and affectionate.
2. Studying abroad can be life-changing due
to the exposure to new cultures.
3. Regular exercise improves mental health
by reducing stress and anxiety.
4. Social media has transformed
communication, especially among
teenagers.

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Handwritten Page Format
for Paragraph Writing

Name: _________________
Course number: __________
Date: ___________________

Paragraph title:
______________________________
_______________________________________
_.____________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_____________________________________.

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Sample

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 Sample
Name: Sara Mohammadi
Course number: English 304
Date: April 2, 2025

Introducing myself
My name is Sara and I am twelve years
old. I live in Tehran with my family and I study
in grade seven. I enjoy reading books, especially
stories about adventure and mystery. In my free
time, I like drawing and listening to music. I am
a friendly and curious person, and I love
learning new things at school.

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 Lesson 1
i enjoyed reading your paragraph. you are the first
person from central america i have met. i was living
in chicago before i moved here last december. until
now, everyone in my english classes came from
asian countries, such as china, thailand, and
vietnam, or from countries in the middle east. i
would like to know more about your goals. for
example, i want to know how a nurse is different
from a nurse practitioner. i would also like to know
how many science classes you need to take after
biology 101 to become a nurse practitioner.

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 Capitalization
Capitalization is one of the most basic yet essential
rules in English writing. It helps readers understand
the structure of sentences, recognize proper nouns,
and follow the flow of ideas more easily. Using capital
letters correctly shows attention to detail and
improves the clarity and professionalism of your
writing.

Why Is Capitalization Important?

Clarity: It helps distinguish between common and
proper nouns (e.g., city vs. Paris).
Grammar: Capital letters mark the beginning of
sentences and important words.
Academic Standards: In exams like IELTS, correct
capitalization is part of grammatical accuracy,
which affects your writing score.
Respect: Capitalizing names, countries, and titles
shows respect and correctness.
Even small mistakes in capitalization can make your
writing look careless or confusing.

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 Capitalization
The first word in a sentence My best friend is my bird

The pronoun I He and I never argue.

Abbreviations and acronyms formed from

USA-IBM-AIDS-UN-VW-CBS
the first letters of words

All proper nouns:

God - Allah - Shiva
Names of deities
Mr. - Mrs. - John - Smith
Names of people and their titles
President George Washington
BUT Not a title without a name
my math professor, the former prime minister
Note: Some writers capitalize titles such as
The president (OR President) will speak to the
president and prime minister when they
nation on television tonight.
clearly refer to one person.

Names of specific groups of people -

Asian - Japanese - Muslim
languages - religions
Caucasian - Indian - Hispanic
(Nationalities - Races - Ethnic groups)

Names of specific places on a map New York City - North Pole - Indian Ocean

Names of specific geographic areas the Middle East - Eastern Europe

(Not the names of compass directions) Drive east for two blocks, and then turn south

Names of days - Months - Special days Monday-January-Ramadan-Independence day

(Not the names of seasons) Spring - Summer - Fall - Winter

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 Capitalization
Names of specific structures such as Golden Gate Bridge - Taj Mahal - the White
building - bridges - dams - monuments House

Names of specific organizations State Department - Bank of Canada -

(Government - agencies - businesses - Harvard University - New York Yankees -
schools - clubs - teams) French Students Club - United Nations

Names of school subjects with course Business Administration 312 -

numbers Chemistry 101
(Not names of classes without numbers, chemistry
except languages) French literature

First, last, and all important words (Nouns -

pronouns - adjectives - adverbs) in the titles
War and Peace
of books, magazines, newspapers, plays,
‘’The Three Little Pigs’’
films, stories, songs, paintings, statues, tv
Toronto Star
programs
Paris Match
Note: Italicize (or underline) titles of books,
‘’Jingle Bells’’
magazines, newspapers, plays, and films.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Use quotation marks for short stories and
song titles.

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 Grammar Lesson 1

Subject-verb
agreement

The verb must agree with the subject in number and in person.
a.) If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular as well.

For example:

The boy plays basketball.

The subject "boy" The verb "plays" is also

is singular. in singular form.

The su
bject o
"boy" a f the se
nd the ntence
verb is is
Both ag "plays."
ree in n
umber
.

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 Grammar
The verb must agree with the subject in number and in person.
b.) If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural as well.

For example:
The boys play basketball.

The subject The verb "play" is also

"boys" is plural. in plural form.

The su
bject o
"boys" a f the se
nd the ntence
verb is is
Both ag "play."
ree in n
umber
.

Exercises
1. Mom (cook, cooks) breakfast at 7.
2. James (brings, bring) lunch to school.
3. Rosa and Matt (clean, cleans) the classroom every
Tuesday.
4. The parents always (agrees, agree) with the
teacher.
5. The children (plays, play) in the playground. 21
 Grammar
Do not let a phrase between the subject and the verb trick you.
The subject is what the verb agrees with, not a noun or pronoun
in the phrase.

For example:
One of the gifts is open.

The subject in Since the subject is

this sentence is "one", the verb must be
"one," not "gifts." "is."
The su
bject o
f the se
"one" a ntence
nd the is
Both ag verb is
ree in n "is."
umber
.

Exercises
1. The students, as well as the parents, (plans, plan)
for the party.
2. The student who competed in the competition
(honors, honors) her mother.
3. The goal of the girls (is, are) to collect funds for
the victims of the typhoon.
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 Grammar
If one subject is singular and the other is plural and they are
connected by the words or, nor, neither/nor, either/or, and not
only/but also, use the subject that is closest to the verb.

For example:
Either the leader or the members agree.
The subjects in
this sentence are
"leader" and
Since "
"members." membe
subject rs" is th
to the v e close
e rb "agr st
verb fo ee," the
llows t
he sub
"memb ject
ers."

Exercises
1. Either the cats or the dog (eats, eat) food in the
morning.
2. Neither the mother nor the children (know,
knows) the way to the mall.
3. Not only the principal but also the teachers
(submits, submit) the files every weekend.
4. Sean or Richard (has brought, have brought)
home the cat. 23
 Grammar
If a sentence starts with "there" or "here," the subject will always
come after the verb.

For example:
There are children outside.
The subject in Since the subject
this sentence is is "children", the
"children" and verb must be
not "there." "are." The su
bject o
"childr f the se
en" and ntence
the ver is
Both ag b is "ar
ree in n e."
umber
.

Exercises
1. Here (is, are) the mail today.
2. There (is, are) chocolates in the fridge.
3. There (was, were) a haunted house near the road.
4. Here (is, are) the answer to your question from
yesterday.
5. There (was, were) parents in the hallway a while
ago.
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 Grammar
The indefinite pronouns "each," "each one," "either," "neither,"
"everyone," "everybody," "anyone," "anyone," "nobody," "somebody,"
"someone," and "no one" are all singular and need a singular verb.

For example:
Everyone in the room supports her.
The subject in Since the subject
this sentence is is "everyone", the
"everyone." verb must be
singular. The su
bject o
"everyo f the se
ne" and ntence
is
"suppo the ver
rts." Bo b is
th agre
numbe e in
r.

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 Grammar
The indefinite pronouns "both", "few", "fewer" , "many", "others" ,
and "several" are all plural and require a plural verb.

For example:
Both agree to the conditions.
The subject in Since the subject
this sentence is is "both", the verb
"both." must be plural.
The su
bject o
"both" a f the se
nd the ntence
v erb is " is
Both ag agree."
ree in n
umber
.

Exercises
1. Everybody (likes, like) apple pie.
2. Few (wants, want) to be part of the organization.
3. Someone (refills, refill) the water dispenser every
day.
4. Both (matches, match) that color.
5. Nobody (listens, listen) to the morning
announcement.
26
 Grammar

Nouns like "economics," "politics," "measles," "mathematics,"

"dollars," and "news" need singular verbs.

For example:
Mathematics is a hard subject for many.
The subject in Since the subject
this sentence is is "Mathematics",
"Mathematics." the verb must be
singular. Use a p
lural v
referrin erb wh
g to the en
dollars
themse
lves.

27
 Grammar

When a noun is plural, like scissors, glasses, tweezers, shorts,

trousers, shears, or binoculars, the verb must also be plural.

For example:
The trousers fit an average teenager.
The subject in Since the subject
this sentence is is "trousers", the
"trousers." verb must be
plural. Becaus
e they
these n come i
ouns a n pairs
re cons ,
idered
be plur to
al.

Exercises
1. The binoculars (is, are) dirty, so it's hard to use
them.
2. The news (starts, start) at 8 in the evening.
3. The scissors (needs, need) shaping. Shorts (is, are)
not allowed in the building.
4. Measles (spreads, spread) quicker than expected.

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