Endangered Animals

Reading Comprehension 

Endangered Animals (A2)

1. Before You Read  

Discuss with a partner or write short answers:  

1. What is an endangered animal?  

2. Do you know any endangered animals?  

3. How can people protect animals and nature?  

2. Vocabulary  

Match the words with the meanings.  

1. endangered  

2. wildlife  

3. habitat  

4. pollution  

5. protect  

6. forest  

a. Animals and plants that live in nature  

b. To keep safe from harm  

c. A large area with many trees  

d. Dirty air, water, or land  

e. In danger of disappearing forever  

f. The natural home of an animal or plant  

3. Reading Text  

Read the text carefully.  

Endangered Animals and How to Protect Wildlife

Many animals in the world are endangered. This means they are in danger of disappearing forever. Some examples of endangered animals are tigers, pandas, sea turtles, and rhinos. There are only a few of these animals left in the wild.  

Animals become endangered for many reasons. One big problem is the loss of habitat. People cut down forests to build houses, roads, and farms. When the forest is gone, animals lose their homes and food. Another problem is pollution. Dirty water, air, and land can make animals sick or kill them.  

Hunting is also a danger. Some people hunt animals for their fur, horns, or meat. Sometimes it is illegal, but it still happens. Climate change is another problem. The weather is changing, and some animals cannot live in the new conditions. For example, polar bears need ice to hunt and rest, but the ice is melting.  

We can all help protect wildlife. We can recycle and use less plastic, so there is less rubbish in the oceans and forests. We can save water and energy at home. We can plant trees and flowers that give animals food and shelter. We can also learn about endangered animals and share this information with others.  

When we protect animals, we also protect our planet. Every animal is important. Together, we can help endangered animals survive and live safely in their natural homes.  

4. Comprehension – True or False  

Write T (true) or F (false). Correct the false sentences.  

1. Endangered animals are animals that are very common.  

2. Tigers and pandas are examples of endangered animals.  

3. Animals only become endangered because of pollution.  

4. Cutting down forests can destroy animal habitats.  

5. Hunting is never a problem for animals.  

6. We can help animals by recycling and using less plastic.  

5. Comprehension – Answer the Questions  

Answer in full sentences.  

1. What does “endangered” mean?  

2. Name two endangered animals from the text.  

3. Why is habitat loss a problem for animals?  

4. How does pollution hurt animals?  

5. How is climate change a danger for polar bears?  

6. What are two things people can do to protect wildlife?  

6. Vocabulary in Context  

Complete the sentences with words from the box.  

endangered – pollution – protect – habitat – hunting – climate change

1. Tigers are __________ because there are not many left in the wild.  

2. Factories and cars make a lot of __________ in the air.  

3. We must __________ animals by keeping their homes safe.  

4. When people cut down forests, animals lose their __________.  

5. Illegal __________ of rhinos is a big problem.  

6. __________ is making the weather hotter and the ice melt.  

7. Grammar Focus – “Can” for Advice  

Complete the sentences with can or can’t and a verb from the box.  

recycle – hunt – feed – learn – plant – throw 

1. We __________ plastic and paper to help the environment.  

2. We __________ trees to give animals more places to live.  

3. We __________ rubbish in the river. It is bad for fish and birds.  

4. We __________ about endangered animals at school and online.  

5. We __________ wild animals, because it can be dangerous for them.  

6. People __________ endangered animals. It is wrong and often illegal.  

8. Speaking / Writing Task  

Choose one task.  

A. Speaking (pair work):

Talk with a partner. Use the questions to help you.  

- Which endangered animal do you like? Why?  

- What problems does this animal have?  

- What can people do to help this animal?  

B. Writing (5–7 sentences): 

Write about one endangered animal. Include:  

- The name of the animal  

- Where it lives  

- Why it is endangered  

- How people can protect it  

9. Extra Challenge (Optional)  

Make a small “Protect Wildlife” poster,  

Include:  

- A picture (draw or print) of an endangered animal  

- 3–4 short sentences with advice, for example:  

  - “Don’t throw rubbish on the beach.”  

  - “Use less plastic.”  

  - “Recycle paper to save trees.”