Task 1. Reading Monarch without a kingdom
This November a hundred million butterflies will drop from the sky over Mexico, like autumn
leaves. But for how long? Genetically modified maize could mean extinction for this beautiful
butterfly. Rafael Ruiz reports. In the US, millions of farms grow genetically modified maize
which is pure poison for the butterfly.
In November, millions of Monarchs fall like bright, golden rain onto the forests in the
mountains of central Mexico. In the silence of these mountains you can hear a strange flapping
of wings, as the Monarchs arrive at their destinations,
Before reaching their journey's end they have faced strong winds, rain and snowstorms and
they do not all manage to reach their destination. When the winters are really bad, perhaps 70
per cent of them will not survive. Their long journey to Mexico is thought to be one of the most
amazing events in the whole of the American continent. The long journey, with all its dangers,
begins again. When they get there they will stay until the beginning of April, when their
internal calendar tells them that it is time to go back.
These delicate creatures now face danger of another kind - from scientific progress. According
to the investigations of the European Union, the Monarch butterfly may disappear in several
decades.
Laboratory experiments have shown that half of the butterflies which feed on the leaves of
genetically modified maize die within 48 hours. Not all experts agree that this variety of maize
is responsible for the threat to the Monarchs. In spite of these doubts, the European Union has
refused to approve new crops of genetically modified maize until further investigations have
been carried out.
Task 2. Answer the questions
1. What is the text about?
2. How do you understand "genetically modified"?
3. Why maize is so dangerous for Monarchs? Why? Explain.
4. Is it true that the European Union refused to approve new crops of genetically modified
maize?
5. Is it true that all Monarchs will reach the destination?
6. When do Monarchs go back?
7. What happens during winter?
8. Are you for the scientific progress or no, why? Explain.
9. Find one odd sentence in the text
Task 3. Translate and choose the right variant
1. Я бы хотел, чтобы ты мне
2. Жаль, что он уехал
3. Я бы хотел говорить по- английски хорошо
4. I wish I did it yesterday/ had done it yesterday
5. If only you will bring me a book/ would bring me a book
6. I wish they dance perfectly they danced perfectly​