Deforestation is the act of cutting down or burning trees or wildfires in large areas of a forest. It (21) ______ the landscape around the world significantly for millions of years. Around 2,000 years ago, the forest cover in Western Europe was 80 percent (22) ______, it is only 34 percent today. Between the 1600s and the 1870s, almost half of the woods in eastern North America were cleared for farming and logging. China has also seen a severe (23) ______ of forests over the past 4,000 years, so only about 20% of the country is covered in trees today.

Deforestation has put the biodiversity of the planet at risk. Many species in tropical woods might go (24) ______ because of forest clearing or fires. Some scientists claim that the period of major extinction has already begun. The destruction of forests might also cause soil erosion, (25) ______ may turn the forest environment from a closed, wet habitat to an open, dry one. Therefore, the remaining plants will catch fire more easily.

However, thanks to various conservation programs, more and more forests are being grown all around the world, which may help reduce the negative effects of deforestation on the environment.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word for each of the questions.

THE TAJ MAHAL

In the Indian city of Agra, close to the Yamuna River, stands the Taj Mahal, a well-known mausoleum, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “The crown of palaces” is what the Taj Mahal means.

The huge white dome in the center of the Taj Mahal is its most iconic feature. It is surrounded by four smaller domes and is 35 meters high. The interior spaces of the building are decorated with lovely arches and priceless stones set into the walls. There are gardens with walkways, pools, and fountains around the structures.

The Taj Mahal’s construction began in 1631 and was completed in 1648. It was built using materials from India and other Asian countries. However, the main material is white marble. The Indians also used other high-quality building materials at that time. Historians believe that around 1,000 elephants transported the materials for the construction.

Emperor Shah Jahan had the Taj Mahal built as a burial place for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. According to legend, he intended to create a black Taj Mahal on the other side of the river, but this never came true. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, British soldiers destroyed many areas of the Taj Mahal, taking some of the precious stones from its walls. The Taj Mahal has suffered from environmental damage over the years, and significant government efforts have been made to preserve its beauty.

The Taj Mahal is one of India’s most well-known landmarks. Every year, millions of people come to see the mausoleum. The Taj Mahal is mentioned in lists of iconic buildings to see and is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.