Read the article about reintroducing animals called beavers into Scotland, and then answer the following questions. Beavers are one of the largest members of a group of animals called rodents, which also includes mice and rats. Beavers live in and around rivers. They build structures called dams in rivers with sticks and mud, which provide them with shelter, but also create pools that attract fish, frogs, birds and other wildlife. Beavers live in many parts of the world, but I am proud to have played a part in bringing these beautiful creatures back to my country, Scotland. Unfortunately, beavers died out in many European countries during the nineteenth century. In Scotland, they had disappeared long before that, with no recorded sightings there after the sixteenth century. There's evidence to suggest that a few beavers survived until the eighteenth century in parts of England. The main reason for the beavers' decline was hunting, largely for fur. Coats made from their fur were incredibly warm, but far too expensive for all but the wealthiest people. Hats made from it, however, were more affordable and became very fashionable, which increased the trade in beaver fur. The twentieth century saw growing interest in returning beavers to areas where they had once lived. They were reintroduced into 25 European countries after permission was granted by the relevant authorities. In Scotland, an organisation called Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) wanted to reintroduce beavers there, and during the ten years between 1995 and 2005 gathered the large amount of evidence required for a proposal to submit to the Scottish parliament for bringing beavers back. This proposal was unsuccessful, and it took a further three years before the reintroduction was approved. The first application was turned down because it was felt that beavers might damage ancient forests. Other concerns expressed by some people that the beavers' habit of blocking rivers would create floods were not seen as a serious issue. However, SNH didn't give up and, with the help of another organisation called the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT), submitted a second application in 2008. This time it was quickly approved, and the first beavers were released into the wild in 2009. Over the next few years, the beavers spread, and the total population increased to more than 400. Local fishermen's worries that the animals' presence might impact on their hobby didn't last long, but objections from the region's farmers regarding flooding were far harder to overcome. An understanding was finally reached that if beavers were having a significant negative impact on agricultural land, they would be removed. Some years later, in 2016, it was agreed that beavers should be allowed to move to new territories. SWT made further proposals regarding conservation of the species in 2018, and the following year, beavers were made a protected species by the government. Beaver numbers are now increasing worldwide and, once again, there are beavers living in the wild in Scotland. For me personally, the reintroduction of beavers was a significant moment in Scotland's history. It's hard to explain the excitement I get every time I visit an area where beavers are present. I watch the water, looking and listening for signs that they are out and about: a small, silent wave spreading across a pool in the river, or the splash of a tail on the water, which warns other beavers of danger. You've probably heard of the expression 'eager beaver', which describes someone who's willing to work harder than anyone else. It comes from the fact that beavers always appear to be busy. I prefer to call them 'natural engineers', though; it seems to sum up really well their extraordinary ability to change the environments and landscapes in which they live. 1 In which century did beavers die out in Scotland? 2 What clothing made from beaver fur was especially popular? 3 How long did it take to prepare the first application to reintroduce beavers to Scotland? 4 What reason was given for rejecting the first application to reintroduce beavers? 5 Which group of people was most strongly against the reintroduction of beavers? 6 What important decisions about Scottish beavers have been made since 2016? Give two details. . 7 What sound does the writer listen for to check if beavers are active? 8 Which phrase does the writer like to use to describe beavers?

Answer:

1.16 / 16th / sixteen / sixteenth
2.hats
3.10 years / ten years / 1995-2005
4.damage ancient forests
5.farmers
6.Award 1 mark for each detail up to a maximum 2 marks:
- allowed to move (to new) territories
- protected species / protected by the government
7.splash
8.natural engineers

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