II. READING PART 1. Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.
The Earth’s climate is changing, and human activities are the main cause. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide trap heat in the atmosphere. While this process is natural, (1) _______ fossil fuels, cutting down forests, farming, industry, and waste management add too many gases, causing global warming. Scientists have clear (2) _______ from direct measurements, ice cores, and climate models that show human actions are driving recent climate change.
The effects can already be seen around the world. Temperatures are rising, ice is melting, (3) _______ sea levels are going up, which puts many communities at risk. Weather patterns are shifting, with more floods in some areas and more droughts in others. The ocean is also becoming more sour, (4) _______ harm to animals like corals. To fight climate change, we can use renewable energy, protect forests, reduce waste, and adopt sustainable farming. Governments also need strong policies. Working together, people can still protect the Earth (5) _______ the future.
(adapted from https://populationconnection.org/resources/human-activities-and-climate-change/)
