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Daily 
Warm-Up
6
Nonfiction: Current Events
Global Warming
A widely debated subject in the last decade is global 
warming. Have humans really caused our planet to 
become warmer?
Scientists agree that global temperatures have risen by 
about one degree Fahrenheit over the last 150 years. In 
parts of the Arctic, the temperature has risen about two 
degrees. However, temperatures have fluctuated over 
that time span as well.
Due to limited data, scientists use several strategies to 
approximate temperature changes. Tree rings and 
sediment layers from oceans and lakes provide us with 
clues. Drilling cores through Earth’s polar ice sheets 
also gives us information regarding the past thousands 
of years.
However, some scientists question if such evidence is 
valid. Some argue the data and computer-enhanced 
climatic programs are too vague to make definite claims 
regarding global warming. They note major 
temperature fluctuations throughout history. These 
changes are unrelated to anything man-made and could 
be just another weather cycle.
As a result, the debate continues as to whether or not 
any global warming is caused by man and if anything 
can or should be done about it.
The term “greenhouse gases” refers to changes in the 
atmosphere caused by human activity. Regardless of 
such gases contributing to global warming or not, from 
an environmental perspective, reducing these gases is a 
wise course to follow. One way to do this is to find 
alternate sources of energy other than burning coal.
Emissions from automobiles, industrial plants, and 
power facilities can be more strictly regulated.
Individuals can help by recycling and using 
environmentally friendly methods of travel.
The potential threat and reality of global warming is 
being taken seriously by scientists worldwide.
Text Questions
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 1 . Which evidence is stated in the passage to support the theory of global warming?
a. melting polar ice
b. changes in animal populations
c. rising temperatures worldwide
d. decreased ozone in the atmosphere
 2 . What would be a good resource to learn more about this topic?
a. a scientific climate research site
b. a book about the Arctic
c. a talk show on television
d. your friends at school
 3 . In the second paragraph, what does it mean to say that temperatures fluctuated over time?
a. They vary in different parts of the world.
b. They change frequently.
c. They changed dramatically.
d. They rose and fell with the tides.
 4 . Which of the following statements is an opinion?
a. Global temperatures have risen by about one degree Fahrenheit over the last 150 years.
b. Drilling cores through Earth’s polar ice sheets gives us information regarding the past thousands of years.
c. Computer-enhanced climatic programs are too vague to make definite claims regarding global warming.
d. There have been major temperature fluctuations throughout history.
 5 . What do you think should be done, if anything, to combat global warming? Give reasons and evidence to 
support your answers.
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#3658 Daily Warm-Ups: Reading 
76 
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