Read the following passage about Christmas trees and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions....

Read the following passage about Christmas trees and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions.

[I] The environmental impact of Christmas trees goes beyond choosing real or artificial. [II] Real trees, typically spruce, fir, or pine, are grown on plantations for about ten years, supporting biodiversity by providing habitats for farmland birds and insects. [III] These trees play a small but meaningful role in preserving rural landscapes and preventing alternative, less sustainable land uses, like urban development. [IV]

Artificial trees, while reusable, have a significantly higher carbon footprint during production and transport. According to the Carbon Trust, they must be reused for several years to match the lower carbon footprint of real trees.

Disposal methods are critical. Real trees release their stored carbon upon decay, but if they end up in landfill, anaerobic conditions produce methane, a far more potent greenhouse gas. Composting, chipping, or using trees for energy or habitat restoration are far better alternatives. Additionally, some companies now offer tree rentals, and pot-grown trees can be replanted, making them excellent sustainable options.

Sustainability efforts can also include buying locally grown trees, reducing travel emissions, and supporting certified sustainable farms. While Christmas trees represent a minor part of land use and the global carbon cycle, their management highlights opportunities for improvement. Reducing waste, eliminating fertilisers, and avoiding landfill disposal are practical steps toward making this cherished tradition more eco-friendly.

Though a small element of the festive season, Christmas trees remind us of the broader need to balance ecological responsibility with tradition. With mindful practices, this holiday symbol can contribute positively to both biodiversity and climate goals.

(Adapted from https://www.bbc.com)

Question 23. Where in paragraph I does the following sentence best fit?

However, concerns arise from the fertilisers and pesticides used to grow them and the emissions from harvesting, transporting, and managing them.

A. [III]                        B. [II]                                C. [IV]                                D. [I]

Question 24. According to paragraph I, which of the following is NOT mentioned about real Christmas trees?

A. They help prevent unsustainable land use.                B. They are grown on plantations for a long time.

C. They are beneficial to biodiversity.                D. They can help slow down urbanisation.

Question 25. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 2?

Artificial trees, while reusable, have a significantly higher carbon footprint during production and transport.

A. It is their ability to be reused that makes artificial trees less harmful despite emissions from production and transport.

B. Although artificial trees can be reused, they produce much higher carbon emissions during manufacturing and transport.

C. Not until artificial trees are reused many times do their production and transport reduce overall carbon emissions.

D. No matter how reusable artificial trees may be, their production and transport rarely result in significant carbon emissions.

Question 26. Which of the following best summarises paragraph 3?

A. Pot-grown trees and rented ones are widely used because they release fewer emissions than chipped or composted trees.

B. Real trees release carbon, but landfill creates worse methane, calling for composting as the most sustainable alternative.

C. Real trees decay naturally, so landfill is the most common solution, although composting may sometimes be used.

D. Anaerobic decay worsens with decaying, but landfill causes worse methane, which highlights the role of sustainable options.

Question 27. The word “potent” in paragraph 3 is CLOSEST in meaning to ____________.

A. typical                B. natural                        C. widespread                        D. powerful

Question 28. The word “them” in paragraph 3 refers to ____________.

A. tree rentals and pot-grown trees                        B. anaerobic conditions

C. real trees                                                D. sustainable options

Question 29. The word “cherished” in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

A. appreciated                B. deep-rooted                        C. forgotten                        D. dominant

Question 30. Which of the following is true according to the passage?

A. The carbon footprint of real Christmas trees is comparable to that of artificial ones.

B. Buying locally grown Christmas trees is the most sustainable way to enjoy the holiday.

C. Most companies are sluggish in providing sustainable alternatives to fake Christmas trees.

D. Real Christmas trees pose a greater environmental threat if they are disposed of in landfills.

Question 31. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Managing Christmas trees can serve as a small but meaningful step towards sustainability.

B. Turning Christmas into an eco-friendly holiday depends mostly on Christmas trees.

C. Reusing real Christmas trees for energy and habitat restoration should be prioritised.

D. Real Christmas trees are considered more environmentally friendly than artificial ones.

Question 32. Which of the following best summarises the passage?

A. Christmas tree sustainability compares real trees’ biodiversity benefits with landfill methane, and artificial ones’ high carbon footprint, urging better disposal, local sourcing, and waste reduction for a fading tradition.

B. Beyond real or artificial, Christmas tree sustainability requires understanding their carbon footprint from growth to disposal, promoting options like composting and local sourcing to align this tradition with biodiversity and climate goals.

C. The environmental impact of Christmas trees involves comparing real and artificial options, considering factors like production, methane from landfill versus composting, and sustainable choices such as buying locally – all highlighting the urgency of phasing out artificial trees.

D. Choosing between real and artificial Christmas trees is complex; real trees offer biodiversity benefits but require proper disposal, while artificial ones need extensive reuse to offset their production footprint.