📖 The Passage: The Great Barrier Reef

Stretching over 2,300 kilometres along the coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system. It is home to an extraordinary variety of marine life, including more than 1,500 species of fish, 4,000 types of mollusc, and six of the world's seven species of marine turtle.

The reef is not just one structure — it is made up of nearly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands. Coral polyps, which are tiny living creatures, build the reef by secreting calcium carbonate to form hard skeletons. Over thousands of years, these skeletons have built up to create the magnificent reef we see today.

Unfortunately, the Great Barrier Reef faces serious threats. Rising ocean temperatures caused by climate change lead to coral bleaching, a process where coral loses its vibrant colour and may die. Scientists and conservationists are working hard to protect this precious Australian treasure for future generations.

🔵 Part 1: Multiple Choice

Circle the best answer for each question.

✏️ Part 2: Vocabulary Matching

Draw a line to match each word with its correct meaning.