Read the following text to answer question no. 2, 3 and 4 !Pipelines and fixed facilities are responsible for more than two-thirds of oil spilt onto

water or land. Accidental spills from ships account for about 15 percent of the oil entering

the ocean every year. Tankers and barges have spilt nearly six million tonnes of oil into

the marine environment since 1970, with large spills (greater than 700 tonnes) responsible

for most of the oil spilt into water bodies. In 2005, spillage from tankers and barges was

about 17,000 tonnes. Oil spills happen most frequently in the Gulf of Mexico, northeastern

United States and the Mediterranean Sea.

Oil spills can be caused by accidents, breakdown of equipment, natural disasters such

as hurricanes or acts of terrorism and war. Large oil spills at sea can kill thousands of

marine animals and destroy habitats, as well as affect the fishing and the tourist industries.

Exposure to hydrocarbons can also harm people’s health.

The cost of clean up depends on the type of oil -- the more viscous and sticky it is, the

higher the cost -- and the size and area of the spill. Refined products such as diesel

evaporate and dissipate quickly. Oil spills can be contained through use of equipment such

as booms and skimmers. The clean up could involve dispersants, gelling agents and raking and bulldozing on shorelines. The 1989 Exxon Valdez spill of some 34,000 tonnes

(240,000 barrels) of crude oil onto Alaskan shores was the costliest ever. The clean up

alone cost around $2.5 billion while the total cost, including fines and claims settlement, is

estimated at $9.5 billion.

2. What issue is discussed in the text above? And why it is so important ?

3. What are the causes of this tragedy?

4. Write your own opinion about the issue ! And give your suggestion about the title of the

text ! ​