TIẾNG ANH CHUYÊN NGÀNH NÔNG NGHIỆP – PHẦN 4 pps

57

III. Fill in the gaps with given words in the box.

breakage ; substitute ; to meet ; activation ; growth
sugars ; significant ; to move ; vital role ; which

Function of potassium in plants
Potassium is known to play a…(1)…in photosynthesis, the process by which the sun's
energy in combination with water and carbon dioxide is converted into…(2)…and organic
matter. It has also been shown that K plays a key role in the …(3)…of more than sixty
enzyme systems in plants. Contrasted to other elements …(4)…are involved in the formation
of the cell structure, K functions in the cell sap. Its high mobilitypermits it…(5)…quickly
from cell to cell or from older plant tissue to newly developing tissue and storage organs.
Inadequate K …(6)…the needs of all plant parts diminishes…(7)…and subjects crops to
undesirable traits such as increased disease, stalk and stem…(8)…, and susceptibility to other
stress conditions. Nitrogen (N) is usually the most universally deficient plant nutrient but one
element cannot…(9)…for another. It has been said that N is the most important yield-
increasing plant nutrient, but K is the most…(10)…in stabilizing yields.

IV. TRANSLATION. Translate the passage into Vietnamese.

__________  __________

Judge a man by his work
















58
§ UNIT 9 THE FUNCTIONS OF PLANTS
I. Word study.
1. Find the words which have similar meaning.
a. operate or work

b. decrease
c. eatable
d. unchangeable state, quality
e. pleasant smell
f. great disaster
g. variety
h. strong unpleasant light
- edible
- diversity
- reduction
- catastrophes
- stability
- glare
- aroma
- epidemics
2. Match the words on the right with the definitions on the left.
a. placing plants into groups according to similarities of structure,
origin or flowers and fruit.
b. row of trees that give protection from the wind.
c. warm sunny place that is sheltered from the wind.
d. wood prepared for use in building or carpentry.
e. obtain juice by crushing or pressing.
f. group of animals or plants within a genus.
g. protective covering spread on soil surface to retain moisture.
h. power to remain undamaged or unaffected.
i. disease spreading quickly among many people, animals or trees in
the same place for a time.
- suntrap
- mulch
- epidemics

- resistance
- extract
- species
- classification
- timber
- windbreak
3. Fill in the gaps with the right form of the given words.
a. Olive oil is………………from black olives. (extraction)
b. Species diversity is fundamental to…………………environment. (stability)
c. All plants growing in rainforests could have been……………….in the same group.
(classification)
d. All plants…………… by bees could have been allocated the same family. (pollination)
e. It is better to grow four or five varieties of onions because in addition to ………………
continuous yields over a longer period, some varieties are more likely to survive disease
epidemics or other……………… catastrophes. (provide ; environment)
f. Aromatic oils can be extracted from the flowers and , of course, the tree itself will give
……………… to the environment. (stable)
g. When you are planning the orchard you will need to………… …how the shape of the
manure trees will……………… other trees planted nearby. (consideration / affection)
II. GRAMMAR . Adverbial clause of concession
Adverbial clauses of concession are introduced by: although; though; even though; even if;
no matter; however; much as; while; whereas. . . .
A. Example.
However rich people are, they always seem anxious to make more money.
Even though you don't like him you can still be polite.
No matter what you do, don't touch this switch.
Much as I 'd like to help, there isn't a lot I can do.
We work 8 hours a day, whereas the British people work only 5 hours.
B. Practice.
1. Fill in the gaps with one of the conjunctions above.

a. ………………some villages are still set out in this way, governments and companies are
changing the traditional landscape and way of life for these people.


59
b. ………………the annual rainfall is 1 cm per year, they manage to live well and stay
healthy because their society maintains strict ecological laws.
c. World climates have fairly predictable wind patterns………………these seem to be
changing with global warming.
d. ………………almonds prefer a mild Mediterranean climate they can still be grown in
cool areas by planting near a warm, east-facing wall with good drainage and excellent
wind protection.
e. ………………K is not a constituent of any plant structures or compounds, it is essential
in nearly all processes needed to sustain plant life.
f. Permaculture can be applied in any ecosystems, ………………it is degraded.
g. ……………… their fruiting characteristics may not be as desirable as other varieties,
they will have a greater chance of establishing in the new environment.
h. ………………you were not able to diagnose the disease, it would assist the veterinary
surgeon if you could describe the symptoms.

III. READING A.
1. Pre-reading task. Read the passage and find the answer to the following.
a. Write out the types of plant.
b. Write out the functions of plants.
c. Write out a good plant species diversity for your garden.
THE FUNCTIONS OF PLANTS
The system of plant classification that we now use is based on similarities of flowers and
fruit. However, a different classification system could have been used. For example, all plants
pollinated by bees could have been allocated the same family, or all plants growing in
rainforests could have been classified in the same group. This would change how we see

plants functioning in their environment.
Permaculture is interested in how plants function, and more specifically, their yields and
potential uses. We all know, for example, that an orange tree is evergreen and bears edible
fruit and aromatic leaves and flowers. So how would it function in a permaculture design? As
well as providing fruit, it could be used as a windbreak, as part of a suntrap, or as a timber
tree. The fruit can be eaten fresh, or can be used to make jam, preserves or juice. Aromatic
oils can be extracted from the flowers and , of course, the tree itself will give stability to the
environment.
Plant Species Diversity
We have seen how species diversity fundamental to stable environments. In permaculture
systems a diverse range of plant species will serve many functions in your garden, including
the following:
soil improvement
fire resistance
shade
mulch
nutrient cycling
variety of yields
glare reduction
windbreak
nitrogen supply
temperature modification
In the event of major or minor disasters such as floods and droughts, or a partner going
berserk with the slasher, some plants will survive if you plant a large enough diversity of
species and cultivars (cultivated varieties). For example, it is better to grow four or five


60
varieties of onions because in addition to providing continuous yields over a longer period,
some varieties are more likely to survive disease epidemics or other environmental

catastrophes.
One large problem is finding out the names and getting hold of varieties which will grow
in your local area. These are not usually available from commercial outlets but older
gardeners can often tell you about them and may be able to give you seeds or seedings.
2. Comprehension check.(pair-work)
Answer the following questions.
a. What do you base on to classify plants?
b. How many basic functions of plants are there? What are they?
c. What is a big problem in planting species diversity?
d. How is species diversity fundamental to stable environments?
e. What is the benefit from planting species diversity in the garden?
f. What are permaculturists interested in when they design their garden?
g. What should you do when you plant the manure trees?
h. How can you find out the names and getting hold of varieties which are grown in your
local area?
i. Why do people want to plant only one type of fruit trees in their garden? Is that harmful
or harmless? Why?
3. Writing and speaking.(group-work)
Write summary on the followings:
a. What are the functions of plants.
b. What are the advantages of planting species diversity.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………… …

PART B.
I. READING B.
1. Pre-reading task.
a. What does Guajule mean?
b. Where does it grow?
c. What do people plant it for?
GUAYULE
Rubber is very important in the modern world. We use it for tires for automobiles, buses,
trucks, motorcycles, and airplanes.
Natural rubber comes from trees. Most of the world's rubber comes from Malaysia,
Indonesia, and Thailand in Southeast Asia. We also make rubber from petroleum. This kind
of rubber becomes hot very fast. We can use it only for some kinds of tires.
Now scientists can make rubber from guayule. This wild plant grows in northern Mexico
and the southwestern United States. It doesn't need very much rain. It can grow in desert
soil. Guayule rubber is nearly the same as rubber from the rubber tree.
Indians in Arizona plan to start guayule farms. They know a lot about farming in the
desert. The farms will use poor desert land and give people jobs. The Indians think they can
make a lot of money from guayule rubber.


61
Poor desert countries in Africa could grow guayule too. People could earn money on their
own desert land. If they grow their own rubber, they will not have to buy it from other
countries.
2. Checking questions. Are the following statements true or false? Correct the false ones.
a. There are three types of rubber.
b. Scientists can make artificial rubber from petroleum.
c. Artificial rubber is better than natural one.
d. Natural rubber is used in many different industrial sectors.
e. Natural rubber becomes hot very fast.

f. Most of natural rubber is produced in the South-east Asian countries.
g. Natural rubber is produced only from rubber trees.
h. Guayule is a kind of tree from which we can make rubber.
i. The Indians in Arizona have planted guayule in the desert.
j. African people have planted guayule in Sahara desert and got a lot of money from it.

II. Writing.
1. Directions and descriptions:
Statements which refer to the steps to be followed at various stages of growing particular
crops may take the form of directions or descriptions. Study the following columns:
Growing salad plants
Directions
Descriptions
1. Nursery beds
- Sow the seeds first in nursery beds.
- Disinfect the soil of the beds with boiling
water.
- Mix the seeds with a little disinfected sand.
- Push the seeds into the soil, but not too
deeply.
- Firm the soil well with the tamper.
- Water.
1. Nursery beds
The seeds are first sown in nursery
beds. The soil of these beds is
disinfected with boiling water. The seeds
are mixed with a little disinfected sand.
They are pushed in the soil, but not too
deeply. The soil is well firmed down
with the tamper, and watered.

2. Exercise.
Write descriptions based on the following sets of directions. Join sentences together
where possible with and, but or so.
Growing tomatoes
Directions
Descriptions
a. Tilling
- Prepare a deep soil which is friable and well
drained.
- Mix manure and fertilizers into the soil.
- Apply potassic and phosphatic fertilizer.
a.




b. Nursery beds
- Sow seeds in nursery beds
- Disinfect the soil of the nursery beds with
boiling water.
- Sow the seeds in rows leaving 10cms
between the rows.
- Do not push the seeds into the soil, merely
cover them with a little earth.
- Water twice a day.
- When the seedlings begin to grow remove
surplus seedlings and weeds.
b.

62
c. Transplanting
- Prepare the soil of the tomato beds several
weeks before transplanting.
- Work manure into the soil.
- Put stakes in the beds.
- Plant the seedlings in rows 50cms apart with
40cms between seedlings.
- Transplant tomato seedlings 5 to 6 weeks
after sowing.
- Water the soil of the nursery beds, remove
the seedlings without damaging the roots.
- Transplant the seedlings at once.
- Dig a hole at the base of each stake, lean the
seedlings a little sideways, cover the roots
with earth.
- Pack the earth down well around each
seedling, and water them.
c.

d. Care for plants
- Water the plants very often.
- Cover the soil between the plants with cut
herbage or leaves.
- When cultivating remove weeds, snails and
insects, take out and burn plants that are
diseased or have been spoilt by insects.
- Prune plants once or twice a month.
- Keep only one or two main stems with their
leaves and flowers.
d.

3. Fill in the gaps with the words in the box.

enrich ; which ; enough ; allows ; supply
poultry ; invaded ; plants ; increased ; consider
Feeding the Orchard
After the groundcovers and the in-crop leguminous species have been established, let
your…(1)…into the orchard (or you may like to keep a pig which will also help to maintain
the orchard). The plants and animals will…(2)…all the fertilizer your trees need.
However, you will still need to monitor the health of the orchard. If the land is …(3)…by
bracken fern, then the nitrogen levels are too low. You can either grow a green manure crop
and chop it into the soil, or enclose your animals so their stocking rate is higher and manure
output is…(4)… .
If you don't have…(5)…animals to keep the groundcover well controlled, regular slashing
of the ground cover will provide organic mulch to…(6)…the soil.
When you are planning the orchard you will need to…(7)…how the shape of the manure
trees will affect other trees planted nearby. For example, pear trees have a fairly dense
pyramidal canopy…(8)…may cast heavy shadows on smaller-growing…(9)… . In
comparison, plums have an open canopy which…(10)… sunlight to filter through the leaves
and branches.

__________

Strike while the iron is hot

63
§ UNIT 10 TREE SELECTION AND PLANTING
I. Word study.
1. Match the words which have similar meaning.
a. graft - desirable
b. rootstock - change something slightly
c. flavour - connect one piece of a living plant to another
d. storage - harmful insect
e. characteristic - plant onto which another is grafted
f. hardy - secondary species
g. peripheral species - keeping from being damaged
h. modify - healthy
i. pest - aromatic
j. preferable - special feature
k. thrive - produce new types of animal or plant.
l. breed - ability to grow quickly
2. Fill in the gaps with given words.

deciduous ; storage ; in front ; season ; evergreen
flavour ; outside ; drop ; resistance ; inside ; shape

a. You can try to find a cultivar which has a known……………….to fungal diseases and
plant it in a place where it receives drying breezes.
b. Good gardeners often plant the first deciduous trees………………(towards the sun) of
those that ………………their leaves later in the ………………or which are evergreen.
c. When planting trees the general rule is to plant………………trees in winter
and…………….trees in summer.
d. Trees with large adult size and ……… …. are planted behind smaller trees so that they do
not block the light from the sun.
e. Trees with fruit ripening………….………the leaf canopy will need less sun than trees with

fruit ripening…………………the leaf canopy.
f. Later you can add varieties that have special qualities such as early or late fruit,
special………………… or colour, and good ………………… or processing
characteristics.
II. GRAMMAR. Passive voice
A. Example. active structure  passive structure
- My grandfather grew this tree 20 years ago. - This tree was grown 20 years ago (by my
grandfather).
- They are going to build a new school here. - A new school is going to be built here (by
them).

B. Practice. Rewrite the following sentences, using active or passive structure.
1. Soils can be repaired and rebuilt.
2. Farmers use different methods to improve unhealthy soils.
3. gardeners often plant rye grass, lupines or barley in winter and wheat, lucerne and
buckwheat in summer.
4. The green manure crop can be slashed two or three times while it is growing and then
chopped into the soil before it flowers and seeds.
5. Plants can absorb nutrients in the form of soluble compounds.
6. Three most important elements fertilizers add to the soils are nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium.
7. Farmers add fertilizers to their soils to replace nutrients which previous crops have used.


64
8. People can extract aromatic oils from some kinds of flower.
9. Fertilizers supply large quantities of plant nutrients.
10. Dry-land salting is a particular problem in areas where people have removed the
vegetation from recharge areas.
C. Put the right form of the verb in bracket in to the blanks.

1. You should select cultivars that……………………. (know) to be especially resistant to
diseases and pests.
2. when the soil and microclimate have……………………. (modify) by the trees you have
planted, you can add more peripheral species to take advantage of such factors as non-
average seasons or atmospheric warming.
3. Some fruits, like citrus, plums and peaches, have been…………………(breed) to thrive
over a wide range of soil and climates.
4. The first deciduous trees to drop their leaves………………… (place) in front (towards
the sun) of those that drop their leaves later in the season.
5. Orange trees could…………………. (use) as a windbreak, as part of a suntrap, or as a
timber tree.
6. In Europe and Asia forests ………………….(plant) by rulers, church leaders and
farmers - for the people.
7. As well as providing fruit, orange could………………….(use) as a windbreak, as part of
a suntrap, or as a timber tree.
8. Orange fruit can ………………….(eat) fresh, or can………………….(use) to make jam,
preserves or juice.
9. Aromatic oils can………………….(extract) from the flowers.
10. The function of K in the plant are so numerous and complex that to the present day
many of them are still not fully…………………(understand).

III. READING A.
1. Pre-reading questions.
a. Have you ever planted a tree?
b. When did you do that?
c. Is the tree alive and growing well?
d. What do you think when you want to plan an orchard?
e. What steps do you follow when you plant a tree?

TREE SELECTION AND PLANTING

It is best start off with hardy locally-proven species which are known to grow well in your
area. Although their fruiting characteristics may not be as desirable as other varieties, they
will have a greater chance of establishing in the new environment. Later you can add varieties
that have special qualities such as early or late fruit, special flavour or colour, and good
storage or processing characteristics. Finally, in later years, when the soil and microclimate
have been modified by the trees you have planted, you can add more peripheral species to
take advantage of such factors as non-average seasons or atmospheric warming.
If possible, use grafted species as they will bear more heavily and the rootstock will be
hardier under your conditions.
If you know the species, geographical origin you may be able to modify your microclimate
to suit. For example, although almonds prefer a mild Mediterranean climate they can still be
grown in cool areas by planting near a warm, east-facing wall with good drainage and
excellent wind protection.
It is preferable to select cultivars that are known to be especially resistant to diseases and
tests - this will greatly reduce the need for sprays. For example, if you grow grapes in an area
with hot, wet summers you can expect the plants to suffer from fungal diseases every year.


65
Instead, you could try to find a cultivar which has a known resistance to fungal diseases and
plant it in a place where it receives drying breezes.
Some fruits, like citrus, plums and peaches, have been bred to thrive over a wide range of
soil and climates. Other trees are more specialized in their requirements, e.g. tea and coffee
grow best at high altitudes; coconuts will only fruit in warm coastal regions.
The following table shows the climatic origins of a range of cultivated fruit trees and the
most desirable placement of these trees along a slope. In many cases, the fruits in one climate
group can be grown in the climate listed in the adjacent column - in particular, many desert
(hot, dry) species can be grown in mediterranean climates. (Note that each species in the table
has several to hundreds cultivars and varieties.)
After you have decided on the best position for the trees according to the slope

characteristics, e.g. warmer, cooler, deeper soil, etc., you can then check the following list:
- Leaf drop: The first deciduous trees to drop their leaves are placed in front (towards the
sun) of those that drop their leaves later in the season, or which are evergreen.
- Adult size and shape: Small trees are planted in front of larger trees so they are not
blocked from the sun.
- Fruit ripening: Trees with fruit ripening outside the leaf canopy (such as oranges) will
need more sun than trees with fruit ripening inside the leaf canopy (grapes).
2. Comprehension check.
A. Are the following sentences true or false according to the passage?
a.__All local species are proven to be grown well in the local environment.
b.__The grafted species often grow better than other varieties because they bear more
heavily and are hardier under local conditions.
c.__Some fruits may grow well over a wide range of soils and climates.
d.__All industrial species of crop may grow best at high altitudes.
e.__The local species are often resistant to diseases and pests better than the other new
varieties.
f.__There are three important factors for you to decide the place where you will plant your
various trees.
g.__You shouldn't plant the grafted species in your garden because it can't bear the local
conditions where you live.
h.__Farmers often plant evergreen trees in winter and deciduous trees in summer.
i.__Trees with fruit ripening outside the leaf canopy will need more sun than trees with fruit
ripening inside the leaf canopy.
j.__Grape belongs to the tree spiecies with fruit ripening outside the leaf canopy.
B. Look at the table of fruit trees and Write your answer to the following questions.

Mediterranean
Hot / Dry
Hot / Wet
Cool / Wet

- Olives
- Grapes
- Mulberries
- Almonds
- Cape gooseberry
- Melons
- Apricots
- Figs
- Dates
- Pumpkins
- Rose apple
- Banana
- Pineapple
- Mangosteen
- Mango
- Apples
- Cherries
- Pears
- Brambles
- Berries
Questions:
1. Why can't apples grow in hot-dry region?
2. Why aren't mangoes grown in the North of Vietnam?
3. Can olives grow in Vietnam? Why?
4. Where are pears, pine-apples and grapes grown in Vietnam?
5. What fruit is your area famous for?
6. What fruit trees would you plant in your garden if you have one?
7. Which area in our country are apricots appropriate to?

66
8. What climate is mango suitable to?
9. What fruit in your area is famous for?
10. Are pineapples grown in coastal areas? Why?
C. Read the passage, and put the verbs in brackets into the present passive.
Olive oil is one of Spain‟s most important products. Olives (grow) all along the
Mediterranean coast, from Catalunya down to Andalucia. Olives (use) mainly for
making olive oil, although some (sell) for eating. You may have eaten both green and
black olives. The only difference between them is that the green ones (pick) in
September when the olive is unripe; the black ones (pick) a couple of months later,
when the olive is fully ripe. Black olives (use) to make oil.
When olives (pick), two large sheets of plastic (place) under the tree on
each side of the trunk so that all the olives will fall on the plastic. Then the olives
(pull) off the branches with a sort of wooden hand on the end of along wooden pole or
the branches (knock) with a pole until the olives fall to the ground. Then the olives
(take) to the factory where they (clean) . After that, they (crush) into a
paste and finally the oil (extract).
The price farmers get for olive oil (fix) by the government, and it is very low. For
one of their olive trees, they get about 5 kilos of oil and they get 100 to 150 pesetas a kilo,
depending on the quality. So they get about 750 pesetas from each tree.

PART B
I. READING B
1. Pre-reading questions.
a. Ask your partner to find out what life cycle means.
b. What appears first, plant or seed?

The Life Cycle of a Plant
The life cycle of a typical annual plant can be divided into several stages. The first stage is
germination. Seeds remain dormant, or in a resting state, if they are kept cool and dry. When

the amount of moisture and the temperature level are right, the seeds germinate and start
growing.
Certain conditions are necessary for this to happen. An essential condition is that the seeds
must be alive. Sometimes seeds are dried at a temperature which is too high. This has two
effects : the water content in the seeds is reduced too much, and certain essential proteins are
destroyed. As a result, the seeds die.
Other conditions for germination concern the amount of moisture in the soil. If dry seeds
are planted in a dry soil, they will not germinate until it rains. On the other hand, if there is
too much water in the soil, the seeds will not germinate either. This is because wet soils
remain cold for a longer period of time than drier, well-drained soils. If the soil is too cold,
germination will not occur. An additional reason for seeds not germinating is that badly
drained soils may lack sufficient oxygen. Dormant seeds require very little oxygen in order to
stay alive, but when they start to germinate they require more.
2. Are the following statements true or false, according to the passage?
a. Before a seed germinates it is in a dormant state.
b. When the temperature level is right a seed will germinate.
c. If seeds are dried at too high a temperature they will die.
d. If a soil is too dry seeds will not germinate.
e. The temperature of wet soils is lower than that of well-drained soils.
f. Dormant seeds cannot stay alive in a badly drained soil.
g. Dormant seeds require more oxygen in order to stay alive.
h. When seeds start to germinate they require very little oxygen.


67
i. When the water content in the seeds is reduced too much, and certain essential proteins
are destroyed the seeds will die.
3. Write the stages of the life cycle of a plant.
a. The first stage:
b. The second stage:

c. The third stage:
d. The fourth stage:

4. Fill in the gaps with given words in the box.

lift ; hole ; compost ; rains ; coming
seasonal ; backfill ; deciduous ; climates ; hole

Planting Fruit Trees
When planting trees the general rule is to plant…(1)…trees in winter and evergreen trees
in summer. Plant with the opening…(2)…rains - in Mediterranean climates these are the
opening autumn…(3)… . In warm, wet…(4)…plant trees in the cooler season.
Dig the planting…(5)… twice as wide and deep as the container and place some
…(6)…or rotted manure in the hole (if you only put compost around the surface the tree's
roots will not penetrate deeply looking for food and water). Fill the…(7)…with water and let
it drain twice. …(8)…the plant out of the pot, place it in the hole and then…(9)…the hole
with soil but never above the graft. Then slowly fill the hole water until there are no more
bubbles…(10)…from the water.

__________


Stuff today and starve tomorrow

68
TEST 2 (Unit 6 – Unit10) (score: 100 marks)
I. SECTION 1: (Grammar and Vocabulary) (45 marks)
A. Vocabulary. Choose the best answer among A,B,C,D.
1. It is suitable for cultivation in a soil.
A. fine-textured soil B. medium-textured soil C. coarse-textured soil D. B & C
2. One of the techniques of improving soils is to let ………….… into the soil.
A. more oxygen B. more organic matter C. more fertilizers D. A or B
3. Organic matter is anything which was once , including food scraps, grass clippings,
hay, straw, leaves, sawdust, and even fur coats, jute bags and old cotton curtains.
A. living B. nonliving C. animal D. none is correct
4. When the soil particles are mainly sand and coarse gravel, the soil will soil nutrients.

A. leach out B. release out C. wash away D. A & C
5. When water moves through the soil, it may bring………….…into water table.
A. soil surface B. plant nutrients C. humus D. soil organisms
6. Oxygen with ethylene may help to increase the build-up of………….… .
A. micro-organisms. B. organic matter C. soil texture D. nutrients
7. Gases in the air are exchanged with those given off by plant roots and by soil
micro-organisms.
A. soils B. nutrients C. gases D. none is correct
8. In permaculture, animals are very important part of the system.
A. permanent cultivation B. permanent agriculture
C. sustainable agriculture D. all are correct
9. In permaculture, soil repair is fundamental to productivity and health.
A. good production B. high yield and fertility C. cultivation D. none is
correct
10. In soil ethylene cycles with oxygen, increasing the build-up of micro-organisms and other
soil materials.
A. soil components B. mineral fractions C. soil improvers D. A & B
11. In the tropics there is a low temperature range and a high average temperature.
A. temperature difference B. temperature change
C. temperature difference between day and night D. A or B
12. It has recently been found that ethylene gas is particularly beneficial to plant growth.
A. extremely useful B. extremely harmful C. very poisonous D. very toxic
13. Organic mulches will gradually add to the soil organic matter and nutrient bank as they
break down.
A. carry down B. become fertility C. break into small pieces D. B or C
14. Plants are unable to grow through laterite and water cannot penetrate it.
A. go through B. erode C. wash D. none is correct
15. Soil can promote the active growth of trees.
A. support B. reduce C. delay D. encourage
16. Soils provide a suitable environment in which plants may obtain water, nutrients and

oxygen.
A. retain B. hold C. absorb D. release
17. Sulphur can be added to an alkaline soil to make it more .
A. fertile B. alkaline C. acidic D. neutral
18. you can design ecosystems which failures of crops and animals caused by climatic
extremes.


69
A. recline B. modify C. retain D. decrease
19. The bacteria supply the plant with nitrogen and receive energy from it.
A. the nitrogen B. the bacterium C. the plant D. the sun
20. The following techniques describe ways of increasing the organic content and
nutrient status of soils.
A. materials B. fertility C. structure D. substance
21. The management of tropical soils involves different principles from those of temperate
soils.
A. principles B. principles of management C. managements D. people
22. The rainfall is usually very heavy in the rainy season but inadequate in the dry season.
A. insufficient B. lack C. not enough D. A, B or C
23. The root systems open up the soil to air and water and protect the surface from erosion and
desiccation.
A. prevent B. keep C. guard D. A or B
24. The second principle is to use a method which maintains sufficient organic matter in the
surface soil.
A. obtains B. supports C. retains D. holds
25. The world does not have uniform ecosystems because of all the factors upon them.
A. acted B. acting C. action D. active
26. They are usually rich soils and valuable for cultivation.
A. grazing cattle B. growing fish C. farming D. A or B

27. Various reforms in agriculture have been implemented in an attempt to reduce costs and
subsidies.
A. in order B. with the aim C. so that D. A or B
28. Water in soil becomes a weak acid or alkali solution, which carries the soluble nutrients
that plants absorb through their roots.
A. release B. evaporate C. take in D. penetrate
29. When you understand and appreciate the workings of these wild energies you can design
ecosystems which modify climatic extremes.
A. increase B. limit C. reduce D. keep
30. Worldwide, different climates are affected by precipitation, radiation and wind acting on
the huge continental landmasses and ocean currents.
A. influenced B. caused C. given D. A or B
B. Grammar. Choose the best answer among A,B,C,D.
31. If the soil is silky, it will form a claypan vegetation is removed from the soil
surface.
A. which B. when C. how D. that
32. It is important to understand how water moves through the soil when you
add water you can help to keep it there and prevent leaching of valuable plant nutrients.
A. so that B. so as to C. in order to D. in order that
33. the soil is gritty, it will have few soil fungal diseases.
A. If B. When C. While D. A or B
34. Soil with good air-water balance and plenty of organic material will have millions of
micro-organisms faster nutrient breakdown and cycling.
A. assisted B. assisting C. assist D. B or C
35. The animals themselves are a part of the soil nutrient bank and will eventually
part of the organic matter.
A. be becoming B. became C. becoming D. become


70

36. The methods to repair soil will vary according to the climate and site
characteristics.
A. used B. using C. use D. useful
37. The nature of organic matter helps sandy soils to hold water and nutrients and conversely,
helps clay soil to become more open.
A. compacting B. compacted C. compact D. to compact
38. The three most important elements to the soil by fertilizers are nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium.
A. adding B. added C. additional D. add
39. The world does not have uniform ecosystems because of all the factors upon them.
A. acted B. acting C. action D. active
40. There are many animals living in the soil, from microscopic organisms to
beetles.
A. ranging B. range C. to ranging D. ranged
41. There are plants which have a bacterium, Rhizobium species, in their roots.
A. lives B. lived C. live D. living
42. When the soil has a rough feel, its texture is said .
A. being B. to be silky C. being gritty D. to be gritty
43. Worldwide, different climates are affected by precipitation, radiation and wind ……….
on the huge continental landmasses and ocean currents.
A. acting B. acted C. action D. active
44. You can design ecosystems which modify failures of crops and animals ….…. by climatic
extremes.
A. caused B. cause C. causes D. causing
45. Many biocides continue to exist in the soil because they cannot move into one
of the cycles of matter.
A. unchange B. changing C. unchanged D. changed
II. SECTION2: (Reading comprehension) (25 marks)
Reading 1: Fill in the gaps with given words in the box.

ploughed ; food ; special ; brings ; takes in ; to hold
above ; growing ; to get ; main ; root ; single

The basic parts of a plant are the (1) system, which is below the ground, and the shoot
system (2) . The root of a plant has two (3) functions. it (4) , or absorbs, water
and minerals from the soil through from the root hairs, which are (5) cells near the tip of
each root. The other main function of the root is (6) , or anchor, the plant firmly in
position in the soil. Plants such as sugar beet and carrots are able to store (7) in their
roots. In this way they can keep (8) for more than one season. In addition, plants such as
clover and lucerne, known as „legumes‟, have (9) bacteria which live on the roots. These
simple forms of life take nitrogen out of the air which is in the soil. Such leguminous plants
are usually (10) under the soil. By doing this the soil is made more fertile.

Reading 2: Choose the correct answer.
Harvesting ice sounds like a new concept, but actually it has been around for years.
Scientists have been studying this idea as a possible solution to the problem of the world‟s
dwindling fresh water supply. Ninety percent of the earth‟s fresh water is in the icecaps of
Antarctica. If only ten percent of that ice could be towed to civilization, it could provide water
for 500 million people. But the problem, of course, is one of melting. How can a giant iceberg
be towed across the sea without melting? The answer could lie in closing the floating ice in a
huge cylindrical container made of a high-strength synthetic fabric. If the iceberg is nudged


71
into the fabric container, which is open at both ends, then the ends can be sealed and the sea
water pumped out. After that it can be towed to civilization. The melting rate will be slowed
down, and the synthetic cocoon will act as a holding tank for the water. Engineering this
project, which might include a container up to one kilometer in length and 100 meters in
diameter, would be a feat, but engineers say it is possible. After all, fishermen in north
Australia sometimes use nets 8 kilometers long and 20 meters across.

1. Which of the following is the best title for this passage?
A. The Earth‟s Dwindling Water Supply B. Icecaps of Antarctica
C. The solution to Fresh Water Needs D. A Synthetic Cocoon
2. Of all the earth‟s water, the icecaps of Antarctica contain .
A. 10% of the fresh water B. 10% of the salt water
C. 90% of the fresh water D. 90% of the salt water
3. How does the author purpose to transport the ice?
A. By pulling it B. By chopping it C. By piping it D. By melting it
4. According to the passage, the purpose of the fabric container is to .
A. protect the ice B. diminish the speed of melting
C. cause the ice to float D. pump out the sea water
5. The word “nudged” is closest in meaning to .
A. imagined B. glued C. melted D. pushed
6. A “cocoon” refers to .
A. protection against insects B. a tank in the boat
C. a very large net D. a protective covering
7. The purpose of the last sentence is to .
A. reinforce the feasibility of the project. B. compare fishermen to engineers.
C. contrast iceberg containers and fishing nets D. define the size of the container.
III. SECTION 3: (Writing) (30 marks)
A. Rewrite the following pairs of sentence, using present or past participle construction.
1. Every crop was harvested or animal was sent to market. They contained nutrients that
were once in the soil.
2. In summer hot air rises from deserts. The air draws in cooler, moist air from the oceans,
bringing rain as it moves in.
3. Seed is bought locally or seed produced by a farmer for his own use. The seed may carry
an infection that will quickly spread to the new crop.
4. The methods are used to repair soil. They will vary according to the climate and site
characteristics of the soil.
5. The three most important elements are added to the soil by fertilizers. These elements are

nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
B. Change the following sentences into the passive form.
1. They are going to build some tea plantations in the area.
2. Plants can absorb nutrients in the form of soluble compounds.
3. People can extract aromatic oils from some kinds of flower.
4. Farmers use different methods to improve unhealthy soils.
5. He will build a high wall surrounding his garden.
C. Write conditional sentences.
1. Pests can easily destroy a crop. They are not controlled.
2. Seeds are dried at too high a temperature. The seeds die.
3. The soil is better. Farmers cover their soil with organic matter.


72
4. You understand your microclimate very well. You design an appropriate ecosystems for
the new plants and animals.
5. The farmers in the area get better harvests. The weather is good.
D. Write complex sentences, using relative pronouns or relative adverbs.
1. Water in soils carries the soluble nutrients. Plants absorb the nutrients through their roots.
2. Animals carry out many functions. One of their functions is to supply plant nutrients in the
form of manures.
3. Chickens and pigs have a strong manure. The manure should be composted before applying
to gardens.
4. Clay soils have minute particles. They give the soil a smooth feel and a silky texture.
5. Dry-land salting is a particular problem in areas. People have removed the vegetation in
recharge areas.

73
§ UNIT 11 TREES, FORESTS AND ANIMALS
I. Word study:
1. Match the words with similar meaning.
a. sustainable - system of winds turning round by low pressure
b. process - assert, declare
c. collapse - timber trees
d. renowned - seasonal wind
e. ecologist - famous
f. claim - series of actions or operations
g. monsoon - stable
h. cyclone - person who buys goods or uses services
i. consumer - decay, break down
j. shelterbelt trees - person who studies ecology
2. Fill in the gaps with words in the box.

monoculture ; trunks ; cyclones ; monsoons ; sustainable
regions ; prevailing ; generations ; fundamental ; systems

a. You should establish your windbreaks with their edges to the……………. wind.
b. For hundreds of years people have planted trees to serve the needs of future …………….
for timber and tree products.
c. Trees are……………. to life and the processes that maintain healthy soil, and clean air
and water.

e. There is evidence which shows that in ……………. where the trees are cleared to less
than 30% of their original surface area, other ……………. life processes begin to
collapse.
f. The breakdowns in natural……………. will in turn affect other world bio-areas such as
deserts and polar regions; for example, the……………. could fail on another continent
or ……………. may occur more frequently.
g. Close planting helps the tree……………. to grow straight.
h. Many valuable timber trees will not grow in a……………. as they require a 'companion'
shrub or tree.
II. GRAMMAR. Noun clauses
1. How to identify a noun clause. Compare the following sentences.
A noun clause can be the subject, object or a complement.
Example:
I know that the match will be cancelled.
That the match will be cancelled is now certain.
I am afraid that we have sold out of tickets.
Noun clauses are derived from question word.
They will believe what you tell them.
She asked me where I worked.
Do you know what time the train for Hanoi leaves.
A. Practice.
1. Combine the following pairs of clauses to make a complete sentence using the conjunctions
of noun clause: who; what, that; where; when; why; how; if; how much; how nany
…………… he is staying now.
…………… rooms there are in the hotel
…………… to complete the form.
* I don't know …………… she left the meeting so early.


74

…………… they come to see me.
…………… his car cost
…………… there is a cheap hotel near here.
…………… they are talking about.
…………… you live with in that house.
2. Combine the following fairs to make complex sentences.
a. You should consider…………… the microclimate affects the tree species you will plant
in your garden.
b. Farmers should know…………….temperature is optimal to the germination of the new
seeds.
c. Permaculture designers need to find out…………… functions of the trees they will plant
on their land are.

III. READING A.
1. Pre-reading task.
a. what parts does a plant have?
b. Which part of a plant is the most important?
c. What is the difference between plant, tree and crop?
TREES
For hundreds of years people have planted trees to serve the needs of future generations
for timber and tree products. In Europe and Asia forests were planted by rulers, church
leaders and farmers - for the people. By planting trees they particularly and symbolically
showed faith and hope for the future.
Trees are fundamental to life and the processes that maintain healthy soil, and clean air
and water. There is evidence which shows that in regions where the trees are cleared to less
than 30% of their original surface area, other sustainable life processes begin to collapse.
Rivers silt up, soils wash away, and air quality declines. Jame Lovelock, a renowned
ecologist, claims these breakdowns in natural systems will in turn affect other world bio-areas
such as deserts and polar regions; for example, the monsoons could fail on another continent
or cyclones may occur more frequently. It will be sad if these things happen before we change

from consumers to producers.
In permaculture we aim to plant trees on 30-35% of all land. As you work through your
design you will have noticed that you are gradually filling your land with trees - orchard trees,
nut trees, windbreak trees, fodder trees and shelterbelt trees.
2. Comprehension check.
a. What do people plant trees for?
b. What do European and Asian people want to show by planting trees?
c. What are fundamental roles of trees?
d. What will happen to the area where trees are cut down?
e. What causes monsoon?
f. How does a cyclone occur?
g. What species of trees do permaculturists often plant in their garden?
h. What does the author imply in his statement “It will be sad if these things happen before
we change from consumers to producers.”?
3. Write out the names of the plants which belong to the following headings.
orchard trees
nut trees
windbreak trees
fodder trees
shelterbelt trees
- apple
-
-
-
- cherry
-
-
-
- orange
-

-
-
- lupines
-
-
-
- acacia
-
-
-


75
PATR B
1. Word study.
A. Match the words which have similar meaning.
1. canopy
2. pioneer
3. mulch
4. firewood
5. interplant
6. fodder
7. diverse
- protective covering spread over the land to retain moisture.
- wood used for lighting or as fuel.
- different kinds
- first plants grown to help the early development of other plants
- distance between the plants.
- dried food as hay for horse and farm animals.
- any overhanging covering

B. Fill in the gaps with words above.
1. The early plantings should also include…………… trees for grazing animals.
2. It is important to grow a …………… range of species.
3. You will also need to take into account the …………… diameter of the manure trees
when you plant the tree and row spacing.
4. By this stage, the short-lived…………… species will have been harvested for their
short-term yields such as …………… , poles and ……………
5. The initial tree planting will consist of pioneer species …………… with long-term
valuable trees.
C. Find the words/phrases in the reading passage which have similar meaning to the
following words/phrases.
1. to clear the area of weed : -
2. trees which protect the others from wind : -
3. legume species : -
4. very young trees : -
5. grass for animal food : -
6. monsoon : -
7. main species : -
8. initial plantings : -
9. various species : -
10. consider carefully : -
II. READING B.
1. Pre-reading questions. Ask each other some questions as followings.
a. Have you got a farm or a large garden?
b. What kinds of tree are growing there?
c. Are there any animals grazing there?
TREES, FORESTS AND LARGE GRAZING ANIMALS
Areas from two to sixteen hectares are suitable for self-maintaining forests. Smaller areas
need more work to keep the area weed free and watered.
The forest will be more successful if water systems and swales are developed before

planting. Next, you should establish your windbreaks with their edges to the prevailing wind.
The first trees to be planted will be nitrogen-fixing and pioneer species, which act as
'nurses' for later plantings. The early plantings should also include fodder trees for grazing
animals.
Later planting - the climax tree species - are chosen for their yields and suitability for
your environment. It is important to grow a diverse range of species. Many valuable timber
trees will not grow in a monoculture as they require a 'companion' shrub or tree (often these
will be nitrogen-fixing species). You can obtain lists of timber trees that require a companion
from your local Forestry Department or National Park office.