module 1 // Unit 3

4.   Read Read this article and complete the suggestions with the words in the box.

caption  main body  quotation  headline  lead paragraph

Magdalena River Make the a

by Gloria Torres more specific. What is the
problem with the river?

Ab is not a
description of the photo. It tells the
story behind the picture or adds
interesting information.

The c should explain

Dead fish in the Magdalena River.
The Magdalena River is the most important river in
Colombia. It has permitted the cultural and economic
development of many towns and cities that are near it,
but it has a very serious environmental problem.
The Magdalena River provides drinking water and food.
It is also used to generate energy. But the river is now
very polluted. The number of fish is decreasing, and
there is a lot of deforestation around the river.
We need to do something to restore its biodiversity,
protect its waters and help the people that make a
living from it.
the specific environmental problem
and the causes of this problem.
The d  should add
interesting facts. For example, all
rivers provide drinking water.
But how many people benefit
from the river as a drinking water
resource? Research!
This part of the main body should
say how to restore the river. It can
include the opinion of an expert.
Find a e  .

Rewrite the article. Use the suggestions in exercise 4, the extra

5.   Write information below and your own ideas.

• Large numbers of fish die every year in the Magdalena River because pollution reduces the
level of oxygen.
• According to the Nature Conservancy Agency, 38 million people benefit from its water. 37
• Pablo Garavito, environmental engineer: ‘Local people and industries need to take
responsibility for cleaning up the river. Without this important contribution, there is
no solution.’

Look back at your research in Unit 1, lesson 1, exercise 8 and lesson 3,

6.   Write exercise 9. Complete the chart with notes from your research. Then write
a similar article, following the suggestions in exercise 4.

What’s the problem? Who is involved? Where is it? How can we solve
the problem?
 Module // 1 Unit // 3 Lesson // 3

Read the letter from a student to an international foundation. Label the

7.   Read letter with parts a–h.

a. Supporting information
b. Name and address of sender Study Tip
c. Opening salutation
Writing a letter is a
d. Request for help
very important skill.
e. Opening paragraph (statement of purpose)
Formal letters have
f. Closing salutation
specific and important
g. Concluding paragraph
elements.
h. Name, company and address of recipient

 David Quiroga
Paso Verde School, Nóvita, Chocó
20 June 2018
 Ms Claire Smith
World Ecosystems Foundation
210 Manchester Street, London SW2 1TJ, United Kingdom
 Dear Ms Smith,
 I’m writing to you about the illegal mining that happens in my community.
We need to stop illegal mining now because it is affecting our environment and
our health.
 Every day the industry throws large quantities of mercury and other chemicals into
streams and rivers that are our sources of fresh water. According to the Mining and
Energy Ministry’s latest report, 35% of the protected area near the River Tamaña has now
been eroded as a result of illegal mining activities. We are concerned about our health,
deforestation and the destruction of local ecosystems in general.
 We would like to ask for your international support because we have heard about your
initiatives and your commitment to helping communities like ours. We can all work
together to make sure that there is a healthy environment for everyone.
 In conclusion, we strongly believe it is time to stop these activities before it is too late
for the people and the environment. The area is a beautiful rainforest with amazing
biodiversity, and it belongs to all of us.
 Yours sincerely,

David Quiroga

38 Eco-Warriors Youth Group
Paso Verde School

In groups, think of an environmental problem in your town or city. Write a

8.   Write similar letter to the local authorities expressing your concern. Include:

• the correct names and addresses • supporting information

• opening and closing salutations • a request for help
• an opening paragraph • a concluding paragraph.