Page 282 - Grammar_Explorer_3_Amy_Cooper_&_Samuela_Eckstut_Didier1_1 (1)_Neat

1 READ & NOTICE THE GRAMMAR.

A _ Look at the photo below. What do you know about this animal?
Discuss with a partner. Then read the essay.

AFRICAN MANATEES

African manatees can be found in the rivers and coastal areas of western Africa. Unfortunately,
the future of African manatees is uncertain. There are now fewer than 10,000 of these animals left.
The destruction of their natural habitat and hunting are major threats.

A large part of the manatees’ habitat is being destroyed by the building of dams. In Senegal, for
example, manatees get stuck in the shallow water created by dams on the Senegal River. Pollution
from boats on the river also damages their habitat, as does the clearing of wetlands.

Hunting is another problem. Hunting manatees is illegal, but their meat is still being sold

in markets, and their bones are used to make parts of walking sticks. Because the laws are not
strongly enforced, people who hunt manatees illegally do not get punished.

Although all manatees are endangered, the African manatees are especially at risk because of
the serious problems they face. Many environmental groups are working to save African manatees.
They hope that education and better law enforcement will help protect these animals.

GRAMMAR FOCUS

In this essay, the writer uses the passive with and without the agent.
* The agent is mentioned when it adds new information.
A large part of the manatees’ habitat is being destroyed by the building of
dams.
e The agent isn’t mentioned when it is already clear or obvious.
African manatees can be found in the rivers and coastal areas of western
Africa.

264 THE PASSIVE

Copyright 2015 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).

Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.