No matter where you live or when you were born, you almost surely have at least asmall amount of DDT stored in the fatty tissues of your body. Why? Thisnotorious toxic pesticide, which led to the extinction of the American bald eagle in1970s, has long been banned in the U.S. and most other developed countries.But according to a new report by the World Wildlife Fund in Washington, DDTis still used in many developing nations, mainly because it’s so effective incontrolling mosquitoes that carry the malaria parasite.
The persistence of DDT is a problem—and not just in the countries that use it.DDT and several other common chlorine-containing pesticides are sturdymolecules that can stay intact for decades. They evaporate into the atmosphereand are blown by the wind all over the globe. They condense and fall to theground in cold weather, especially in higher altitudes. Some of the highest
concentrations of DDT are found in polar bears, penguins and the Inuit people of
northern Canada.
Although levels of DDT contamination are gradually falling in countries wherethe pesticide has been banned, new scientific research suggests that the chemicalsare still a serious threat everywhere. Studies show that even small amounts of
pesticides can disrupt the working of human hormones, interfering withreproduction and the functioning of the immune system. That’s whyrepresentatives of more than 100 nations gathered at a U.N. meeting in Nairobito work toward a global treaty that would phase out DDT and 11 otherpesticides, known as the “dirty dozen.” Environmentalists say it’s possible tofind alternative way to fight malaria—and get rid of DDT once and for all.
51. What is the writer’s tone of the text?
1. manipulative 2. obstructive
3. uncooperative 4. argumentative
52. Which of the following would be the best title for this text?
1. DDT is still around—and still a menace
2. Where there is DDT, there is no malaria
3. Get rid of DDT in order to save wildlife
4. DDT contamination is a trivial threat everywhere
53. Which of the following does the writer conclude at the end?
1. DDT is the most effective chemical in controlling mosquitoes that
carry the malaria parasite.
2. A small amount of pesticides can disrupt the working of both human
hormone and immune system.
3. The molecules of DDT and several other common chlorine-containing
pesticides cannot be damaged for many years.
4. A global treaty that would phase out DDT and 11 other notorious
toxic pesticides should be enacted very soon.
54. Why does the writer refer to the new scientific research?
1. to state the impact linked to DDT and other pesticides
2. to illustrate the serious threats caused by DDT and other pesticides
3. to show the amounts of DDT and other pesticides involved with
human hormones
4. to explain the effectiveness of DDT and other pesticides in controlling mosquitoes
55. What is the writer primarily concerned with?
1. Controlling the use of DDT that has not yet been successful for long
2. Encouraging the readers to realize how significant DDT is
3. Giving examples of the hazardous effects of DDT on human health,
wildlife, and plants
4. Discussing the persistence and effects of DDT and several other
pesticides found all over the globe