Grammar: Ability in the past; The and zero article p. 111

Complete the sentences with could, was / were able to, succeed in and manage to in the correct form. In some sentences, more than one answer is possible. Use the contracted negative form.
1 The rhino, chased by the hunters, ________ escape.
2 Thanks to early warnings, the coastal town ________ evacuating most residents before the tsunami hit.
3 Before the earthquake, the scientists ________ predict its intensity.
4 Despite the blizzard, the search team ________ find the lost hikers in a cave.
5 The old lighthouse ________ resist the hurricane-like winds that hit the coast.
6 Trapped by the avalanche, the skiers ________ building a snow cave to stay warm until help arrived.
7 The firefighters ________ contain the wildfire because of the strong winds.
8 The barrier ________ stop the water from flooding the city.

Rewrite the second sentence so that it has the same meaning as the first. Use the words given in brackets. Use the contracted negative form.

1 Could they grow anything here after the wildfire? (to)
________ grow anything here after the wildfire?
2 One of the contestants couldn't complete the project. (in)
One of the contestants ________ the project.
3 We couldn't get to the club on time because our train was late. (were)
We ________ to the club on time because our train was late.
4 We couldn't get a ferry to the island because of the bad weather. (didn't)
We ________ a ferry to the island because of the bad weather.
5 My grandad could reach the top of that high mountain when he was younger. (was)
My grandad ________ reach the top of that that high mountain when he was younger.

Choose the correct alternative.

Factory farming animals
Factory farming involves raising many animals in ________ confined spaces. This method allows farmers to produce faster at low costs, but ________ environmental impact is significant. ________ USA and most of ________ Europe have a high percentage of factory-farmed animals, often exceeding ________ 90%.
Breeding animals like ________ cows and pigs leads to ________increased production of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Methane emissions from livestock contribute significantly to ________ global warming.
Transitioning away from factory farming practices could be a positive step for ________ planet. By supporting sustainable farming methods and reducing meat consumption, we can work towards ________ best future possible.

Complete the dialogue with the words in brackets. If there are two words, choose the correct one. If there is a verb, use the gerund or the infinitive. Then think about the text. Are you in favour or against introducing insects into our diet? Do some research and write your own arguments in favour or against. Make any changes you need and use it for your oral production

Are insects the food of the future?
Omar: Hey, Nadia, I had time yesterday, so I ________ (could / was able to) complete my project on insects. Did you know that ________ (eat) insects could become a new trend? Apparently, they're good for your health and, unlike factory farming, their breeding avoids ________ (deforestation / harmful emissions)!
Nadia: Ugh, insects? I don't know, Omar. The idea is a bit ... disgusting. Sure, they might be nutritious, but wouldn't they be difficult ________ (digest)? And what about ________ (the / –) allergies? I wouldn't want ________ (have) a reaction to something so unfamiliar.
Omar: Those are good points. But researchers say they're generally safe for consumption, and ________ (the / –) easiest source of protein to digest!
Nadia: Okay, but even if they're safe, wouldn't the taste be... well, funny? There's no point in ________ (argue) that crickets taste delicious!
Omar: Besides ________ (come) in a variety of species, each with its own taste, it really depends on how they're prepared. Stop ________ (think) about it for a minute: you can season or flavour them just like any other dish.
Nadia: Still, the thought of ________ (eat) a cricket is gross! Anyway, isn't ________ (breed) insects on a massive scale dangerous?
Omar: Well, obviously there would be rules and regulations. But honestly, raising insects takes up less space than raising ________ (the / –) cows or sheep. Imagine all ________ (the / –) land we could ________ (reduce / save) for other uses! It'll benefit the ________ (environment / greenhouse effect).
Nadia: Is there enough protein in insects to ________ (stay) healthy?
Omar: You will be surprised ________ (know) that insects contain more protein than animals!