I have broken up this General Training Reading text to help you read it more easily.
Look at each question and read the blue text taken from the original passage. Write down your answer, then check the answers below.
Look for TYPES of information:
e.g ‘threats’ = dangers, ‘glow-worm distribution‘ = examples of places where they live.
Practice: Matching Information
This Reading Passage has five sections, A-E.
Which section contains the following information?
NB You may use any letter more than once
28 threats to the glow-worm
29 ways in which glow-worms have been used
30 variations in type of glow-worm
31 glow-worm distribution
32 glow-worms becoming an attraction
33 the life-cycle of a glow-worm
A So within any one area each species will differ from its neighbours in some way, for example in the colour or pattern of its light, how long the pulses of light last, the interval between pulses and whether it displays in flight or from the ground.
B In Britain, for example, there are plenty of anecdotes describing how glow-worms have been used to read by or used as emergency bicycle lamps when a cyclist’s batteries have failed without warning. Early travellers in the New World came back with similar stories, of how the native people of Central America would collect a type of click beetle and release them indoors to light up their huts. Girls threaded them around their feet to illuminate the forest paths at night.
The highest concentrations of firefly species today are to be found in the tropics of South America, which may mean either that this is where they first evolved, or simply that they prefer the conditions there. Wherever they first arose, fireflies have since spread to almost every part of the globe. Today members of the firefly family can be found almost anywhere outside the Arctic and Antarctic circles.
C As with many insects, the glow-worm’s life is divided into four distinct stages: the egg, the larva (equivalent to the caterpillar of a butterfly), the pupa (or chrysalis) and the adult.
D In some countries, the numbers of glow-worms have been falling. Evidence suggests that there has been a steady decrease in the British glow-worm population since the 1950s and possibly before that. Possible causes for the decline include habitat destruction, pollution and changes in climate. Thousands of acres of grassland have been built upon and glow-worm sites have become increasingly isolated from each other. The widespread use of pesticides and fertilisers may also have endangered the glow-worm. Being at the top of a food chain it is likely to absorb any pollutants eaten by the snails on which it feeds. The effect of global warming on rainfall and other weather patterns may also be playing a part in the disappearance of glow-worms. A lot more research will be needed, however, before the causes of the glow-worm’s gradual decline are clear.
E By 1888 Tane Tinorau had opened the cave to tourists.
28. D 29. B 30. A 31. B 32. E 33. C
Practice: True False Not Given
34 Scientists have only recently been able to list the exact number of glow-worm species.
The fireflies are a huge group containing over 2000 species, with new ones being discovered all the time.
35 The first fireflies appeared 30 million years ago.
Fireflies very similar to those we see today have been found fossilised in rocks which were formed about 30 million years ago, and their ancestors were probably glowing long before then. It is impossible to be sure exactly when and where the first firefly appeared.
36 Glow-worm populations are decreasing faster in some countries than in others.
Wherever they first arose, fireflies have since spread to almost every part of the globe. Today members of the firefly family can be found almost anywhere outside the Arctic and Antarctic circles.
37 Heat affects the production of glow-worm larvae.
The egg usually takes about 35 days to hatch, but the exact time varies according to the temperature, from about 27 days in hot weather to more than 45 days in cold weather.
38 Adulthood is the longest stage of a glow-worm’s life.
Throughout its time as a larva, approximately 15 months, the glow-worm emits a bright light.
The adult flies have no mouth parts, cannot eat and therefore only live a few days.
39 The exact reason why glow-worm numbers are decreasing is unknown.
A lot more research will be needed, however, before the causes of the glow-worm’s gradual decline are clear.
40 Glow-worms are usually found in wet areas.
Although glow-worms are found wherever conditions are damp, food is in good supply and there is an over-hanging wall, they are most spectacular in caves.
34. False 35. False 36. Not Given 37. True 38. False 39. True 40 True
Questions 34-40
34 Scientists have only recently been able to list the exact number of glow-worm species. FALSE
The fireflies are a huge group containing over 2000 species, with new ones being discovered all the time.
35 The first fireflies appeared 30 million years ago. FALSE
Fireflies very similar to those we see today have been found fossilised in rocks which were formed about 30 million years ago, and their ancestors were probably glowing long before then. It is impossible to be sure exactly when and where the first firefly appeared.
36 Glow-worm populations are decreasing faster in some countries than in others. NOT GIVEN
Wherever they first arose, fireflies have since spread to almost every part of the globe. Today members of the firefly family can be found almost anywhere outside the Arctic and Antarctic circles.
37 Heat affects the production of glow-worm larvae. TRUE
The egg usually takes about 35 days to hatch, but the exact time varies according to the temperature, from about 27 days in hot weather to more than 45 days in cold weather.
38 Adulthood is the longest stage of a glow-worm’s life. FALSE
Throughout its time as a larva, approximately 15 months, the glow-worm emits a bright light.
The adult flies have no mouth parts, cannot eat and therefore only live a few days.
39 The exact reason why glow-worm numbers are decreasing is unknown. TRUE
A lot more research will be needed, however, before the causes of the glow-worm’s gradual decline are clear.
40 Glow-worms are usually found in wet areas. TRUE
Although glow-worms are found wherever conditions are damp, food is in good supply and there is an over-hanging wall, they are most spectacular in caves.
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