Civil Service Exam Reviewer · Reading Comprehension · easy

The Rice Terraces of the Cordilleras

High in the mountains of Ifugao in northern Luzon lie the famous rice terraces of the Cordilleras. These terraces look like giant green steps carved into the sides of the mountains. They were built by hand centuries ago by the Ifugao people, using simple tools and stone or mud walls to hold the soil. The terraces are watered by a clever irrigation system that brings water from the forests above, letting it flow down from one level to the next. In 1995, several of these terraces were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing them as a treasure for all humanity. However, the terraces face many threats. Some young people leave the farms to work in the cities, so fewer farmers remain to repair the walls. Earthworms, landslides, and changes in weather can also damage the terraces. Local groups and the government now work together to preserve them by training young farmers, promoting tourism carefully, and protecting the forests that supply water.

It can be inferred from the passage that protecting the forests is important because .

  1. the forests are used for building houses
  2. the forests supply water to the terraces
  3. tourists prefer forests to terraces
  4. forests prevent people from leaving

Answer

B. the forests supply water to the terraces

Solution

Since the terraces rely on water from the forests, protecting the forests protects the water supply.

More Reading Comprehension questions

  1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a threat to the terraces?
  2. As used in the passage, the word "preserve" most nearly means .
  3. According to the passage, where does the water for the terraces come from?
  4. What is the passage mainly about?
  5. The phrase "so that working overseas becomes a choice rather than a necessity" suggests that the author believes .
  6. Which of the following is cited in the passage as a social cost of labor migration?
  7. As used in the passage, the word "foster" most nearly means .
  8. According to the passage, how do remittances help the national economy?
  9. Which statement best expresses the main idea of the passage?
  10. Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

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