Read the following information carefully and answer the given questions. Deforestation and climate change are altering the Amazon rainforest's ability to soak up carbon, according to a new study. Significant parts of the world's largest tropical forest have started to emit more CO2 than they absorb. The southeast is worst-affected, say, scientists, with higher rates of tree loss and an increasing number of fires. Temperatures there have risen by three times the global average during the hottest months. Areas of our planet that absorb more carbon from the atmosphere - for example, in the form of the greenhouse gas CO2 - than they store are known as sinks. The role played by the lands and forests of the Earth in soaking up carbon has been a critical factor in preventing faster rates of climate change. Since the 1960s, these sinks have taken in around 25 percent of carbon emissions from the use of fossil fuels. The Amazon, home to the world's largest tropical forest, has (A) _________ a key role in absorbing and storing much of that carbon. But the growing impacts of climate change and deforestation are taking their toll on this crucial CO2 sponge. Earlier this year, a study showed that the rainforest in Brazil released about 20 percent more CO2 into the atmosphere than it took in over the period from 2010-2019. The researchers are worried that the changing climate is also interfering with rainfall, which they argue, has immediate consequences for Brazil. "This is very bad news for everybody but mainly for Brazil," said Dr Gatti.
Choose the word that means the same as the word 'crucial' as used in the passage.
Understanding Vocabulary through Context: Finding a Synonym for 'Crucial'
The question asks us to find a word that has the same meaning as 'crucial' as it is used in the provided passage about the Amazon rainforest.
Let's look at the sentence where the word 'crucial' appears:
"But the growing impacts of climate change and deforestation are taking their toll on this crucial CO2 sponge."
In this sentence, 'crucial' describes the Amazon rainforest's role as a "CO2 sponge" – meaning its ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide. The passage highlights that this role has been "a critical factor in preventing faster rates of climate change" and that the Amazon has played "a key role in absorbing and storing much of that carbon". This tells us that the Amazon's function as a CO2 sponge is extremely important and essential.
Analyzing Synonym Options
Now let's examine the given options and see which one best matches the meaning of 'crucial' in this context:
- Option 1: Minor
The word 'minor' means small, unimportant, or of little significance. This is the opposite of what the passage implies about the Amazon's role in absorbing CO2, which is described as a "critical factor" and a "key role". Therefore, 'minor' is not a synonym for 'crucial'. - Option 2: Pivotal
The word 'pivotal' means of central importance; critical; key. Something that is pivotal is essential to the success or function of something else. In the context of the passage, the Amazon's role as a CO2 sponge is described as vital for preventing faster climate change. This meaning aligns perfectly with the importance conveyed by 'crucial'. - Option 3: Fleeting
The word 'fleeting' means lasting for a very short time. This relates to duration, not importance. The passage discusses the long-term function of the Amazon, not something temporary. Therefore, 'fleeting' is not a synonym for 'crucial'. - Option 4: Scarce
The word 'scarce' means rare, or in short supply. This relates to quantity or availability, not importance. The passage talks about the significance of the Amazon's function, not how rare it is. Therefore, 'scarce' is not a synonym for 'crucial'.
Determining the Best Synonym for 'Crucial'
Based on the analysis of the options and the context provided in the passage, the word that means the same as 'crucial' is 'pivotal'. Both words emphasize the extreme importance or essential nature of something. The Amazon's role as a carbon sink is indeed a pivotal, or crucially important, factor in the global climate system.
Revision Table: Vocabulary and Synonyms
| Word | Meaning | Synonyms (Context Dependent) | Antonyms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crucial | Extremely important or essential | Pivotal, Critical, Key, Vital, Essential | Minor, Unimportant, Insignificant |
| Pivotal | Of central importance; critical | Crucial, Key, Vital, Essential | Unimportant, Insignificant, Minor |
Additional Information: Reading Comprehension and Context Clues
Understanding the meaning of words in a passage is a key part of reading comprehension. When you encounter an unfamiliar word like 'crucial', using context clues is a helpful strategy. Context clues are hints found within the text that help you understand the meaning of a word. In this case, the surrounding sentences describing the Amazon's function as a "critical factor" and a "key role" provide strong context clues that 'crucial' means something highly important.
Building your vocabulary is also important for reading comprehension. Learning synonyms helps you understand different ways to express similar ideas and recognize nuances in meaning.
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
Why, according to the writer can't people be motivated to use a resource prudently?
1. They feel that others may overuse the resource
2. It is possible to substitute the resource
3. Abundance of the resource availability
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
When do people use resources exhaustively?
The self-interest of people affects the use of renewable resources
People rooted in a locality
Which among the following is closest in meaning with the word 'deplete'?
