We tend to view termites only in terms of their destructive potential, but perhaps it is time to think of their potential for good. Yes, they are agricultural pests and cause millions of dollars in damage to wood structures, but perhaps they have some useful properties as well.
It may come as a shock to you to learn that in certain cultures, termites are part of the human diet. In parts of Africa and southern Asia, people eat winged termites roasted or fried (after first removing their wings). They are said to have a nutty taste and to be rich in protein.
Termites are important in other ways. They create habitats for other species, whether by hollowing trees or by building large termite mounds. They clear away flammable materials on the savanna, lessening the possibility of grass fires. In addition, termites are notoriously efficient energy producers. They break down wood products quickly, releasing hydrogen as they do so. Scientists are studying their biochemical processes in hopes of reproducing them on a large scale as a source of renewable energy.
Of course, these positive qualities do nothing to assuage the fears of homeowners. The subterranean consumers thrive on dark, damp places in your home, tunneling and foraging as they go. Without your ever recognizing their existence, they may thoroughly undermine the wood throughout your dwelling, leaving only the external grain. To prevent such infestations, store firewood well away from your home, keep any mulch at least six inches from your foundation, and check old furniture for telltale tunnels and ridges before moving it into your living space.
1. Which of the following conclusions may be drawn directly from the second paragraph of the passage?(A) The author has actually tasted roasted or fried termites.
(B) The author has heard about the consumption of termites.
(C) The author does not believe that people ever eat termites.
(D) The author is disgusted by the notion of eating termites.
(E) The author is surprised about human consumption of termites.
2. The author’s list of termites’ uses in the third paragraph is reflective of which of the following types of text structure?(A) Opinion and examples
(B) Problem-solution
(C) Comparison-contrast
(D) Space order
(E) Cause and effect
3. Which of the following statements best describes the author’s bias?(A) She is biased against termites.
(B) She thinks termites are both good and bad.
(C) She approves of everything termites do.
(D) She is biased in favor of termites.
(E) She holds no opinion of termites.
4. According to the passage, termites play what role in energy production?(A) Their digestive processes release hydrogen.
(B) Their respiration converts water to oxygen.
(C) They convert cellulose to flammable fuel.
(D) They produce renewable energy via transpiration.
(E) They manufacture hydrogen in their spiracles.
5. Unlike the previous paragraphs, the final paragraph plays what role in the passage?(A) It focuses on the habits and powers of the termite.
(B) It illustrates termites’ role in ecology.
(C) It stresses termites’ negative qualities.
(D) It develops a theory about termite behavior.
(E) It presents scientific facts about termites.