Unit 1 Skills Assessment 1 of 181 of 18 Items
Item 1
DIRECTIONS: This passage is the basis for the items that follow. Read the passage and select the best answer to each item. Base your answers on the passage and on any accompanying graphics.

This passage is from a promotional pamphlet for ecotourism.

Are you ready to go out and see other areas of the world? Do you

want to interact with other cultures, encounter other traditions, practice other

languages, and behold other scenery? Regardless of age, gender, or

background, traveling is one of those adventures almost everyone wants to

5 experience. Now you can do it too—and make the world a better place in the

process!

A New Kind of Tourism

Ecotourism goes by many names, including sustainable, conscious,

and responsible travel. While the names may change from one organization

to the next, the basic definition remains the same: traveling to natural areas

10 around the world, experiencing and learning about the region, and while

there, helping to preserve the environment and sustain the well-being of the

local residents.

Tourists adversely affect the destinations they visit when they are not

mindful of the impact of their actions. They may leave trash in their wake,

overlook local merchants and vendors in favor of flashy chain stores and

restaurants, and even tromp all over important historical monuments, ancient

sites, and religious icons. Their heavy foot traffic may interfere with the

growth patterns of local species of flowers, bushes, and trees. Those who

veer off established hiking trails may affect the habitats and development of

20 indigenous animals and plants. In fact, studies show that just the presence of

tiny microorganisms, which visitors may bring with them on their clothes,

have been known to compromise the ecosystems of natural sites popular with

tourists.

Ecotourism focuses on ensuring these negative effects do not occur.

25 The tenets of this style of travel include:

• Building respect for native peoples and cultures

• Reducing the impacts of visitors on cultural locations

• Participating in activities that benefit the local flora and fauna

• Improving awareness of the local environment

30 • Respecting the rights, values, beliefs, and customs of the community

The Origins of Ecotourism

Sustainable travel is not a new idea—it originated with the Sierra

Club's Outings program more than a century ago. These annual expeditions

were designed to take hikers into the backcountry of the Sierra Nevada

mountains to find and admire natural wonders—and then be inspired to

35 actively work to preserve them. In the early 1980s, the term “ecotourism"

was officially coined, and since then, it has become an increasingly popular

choice for travelers.

A Positive Impact

Nowadays, some people argue that ecotourism is not a perfect

solution to the potentially negative effects of travel. After all, ecotourism still

40 has some environmental impact, and it may draw more people to fragile areas

than traditional tourism would. However, as long as mankind has a thirst for

travel, ecotourism will remain the most responsible option. Travel is one of

the great human experiences—that people will travel is a fait accompli, so

the only question is whether it will be done in a sustainable way.

45 Ecotourism also brings numerous benefits to the world at large.

Sustainable travel piques tourists' interests in distant corners of the planet and

raises awareness of the cultures and traditions of the people who live there.

Individuals who have taken part in ecotourism may be more environmentally

conscious back home. Additionally, this form of travel provides tangible

50 benefits to the areas visited. Tourists can assist with scientific research, such

as mapping biodiversity by determining the number of plant and animal

species in a location. In other expeditions, tourists may help with excavating

archaeological sites. Ecotourists work hard to provide important data to

scientists and help us learn more about our world.

55 As an ecotourist, you can join the other 105.3 million Americans

who are dedicating their travels to having a positive effect on the world

around us. You can find out how to explore new places, see wildlife in its

natural habitat, and interact with local cultures—and leave them all as they

were to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Which is the best way the passage could be improved?

A. Providing more information about the negative impact of tourism

B. Replacing the bulleted list with information in paragraph form

C. Adding a section that describes ecotourism opportunities now available

D. Providing information about the history of tourism