Using the Land

Some land is used for parks and gardens where we often grow trees and plants. They are living things with roots and leaves. First, you plant the tree or plant (you put them in the ground), then you must water them. Land in the country is often used for agriculture or farming. Some farms concentrate on dairy products such as milk, butter and cheese. Other farms keep animals which are killed and sold for their meat, e.g. cows and lambs.

Some farms use the land to grow fruit (apples, pears, cherries, etc.) or vegetables (potatoes, carrots, cabbage, etc.) Some grow cereals: wheat, maize and barley. When they are ready, farmers pick the fruit and harvest the other crops.

There are many large flowing plants that are parasites attacking crops and trees. These parasitic plants are members of various botanical families. Some of them attack only another plant’s roots, others attack only the stems. There are even trees that attack other trees in Brazil and Australia.

2.13 Are these statements true or false? If false, correct them.

1. Plants need roots.

2. The harvest is the period when you plant the crops.

3. You must water the tree before you plant it.

4. Farmers keep animals to enjoy them.

5. Plants have no leaves.

6. Parasitic plants attack only the roots of other plants.

2.14 Complete these sentences with the correct “general” word.

Example: Apples, oranges, bananas are all types of fruit.

1. Potatoes, beans and carrots are types of …

2. Milk, butter and cheese are all … products.

3. … is a general word for wheat, maize, barley, etc.

4. We use the word … as a general word for plants which are grown to be eaten.

5. Members of various botanical families that attack other plants are called …