1
Integrated Skills in English II
Task 1 — Long reading
Read the following text about the drought in California and answer the 15 questions.
Paragraph 1
The California drought continues. While we do not know yet what the rest of the wet season will bring –
and while we hope for big storms needed to recharge our rivers, groundwater and reservoirs – it seems
likely that California will not see enough rain to make up for the last 3 years with no rainfall.
Paragraph 2
There is, however, some confusing information out there. Some people are arguing that California’s
rainfall is back to normal or that because there have been more serious droughts in the past we do not
need to worry anymore. Most of these claims are based on misunderstandings of California’s water
systems, or current conditions, and on very narrow definitions of “drought.”
Paragraph 3
First, to understand the data, it is important to realize that California’s rain year is from October 1 to
September 30. This is not the “calendar year” (January to December). This distinction is important,
because mixing data from different water years produces inaccurate studies.
Paragraph 4
Second, it is important to understand that “drought” means more than just “less rain.” California’s
drought is the result of several things: how much rain and snow we receive, how much water is used by
humans, animals, and plants, and additional losses of water due to higher than normal temperatures (the
past three years have been the hottest in California’s record). If all of these factors are included, the
current drought in California can be considered the worst in recorded history.
Paragraph 5
Because of this, it is important that people in California save water. If they don’t, people, animals, and
crops in this area of the country will suffer a lot. To save water, people can stop watering their lawns, turn
off the sink when brushing their teeth, and taking shorter showers.
