Should the Sport of Hunting be Completely Banned?

The sport of hunting must have been one of the most heatedly debated topics in England since the early 20^th century. Animal rights activists stress the cruelty of killing animals for sport, whereas hunters argue that it can’t have any negative effects in the natural environment. It may be true because legally allowing hunting during particular times of the year prevents overpopulation of certain species. Moreover, hunters’ groups and clubs actually protect endangered species by financially supporting the preservation of wetlands, which gives the animals the chance to breed and let their offspring reach adulthood, thus resisting the threat of extinction.

Opponents of this view argue that it is an aggressive, cruel, pointless activity; it may have been vital for man’s survival many years ago, but now such a need does not exist.

All things considered, before deciding to completely ban hunting, one must take into account the positive aspects of organized, controlled and legal hunting. In addition to the pleasure hunters enjoy when tracking game in the great outdoors, conscientious hunting could actually be doing nature some good.

(After Virginia Evans – Jenny Doodley, Mission, 2000.)

b) Answer the teacher’s questions.

13. Read the following sentences and translate them into Russian. Comment on the forms of modal verbs.

1. The company must have expected a sharp shrinkage in profits. 2. Could the company be planning to expand their activities in South America? 3. Many buildings and roads must have been damaged in the earthquake. 4. He can’t have been engaged in political activities without the manager’s permission. 5. Increased emissions must have had a damaging effect on the environment in that part of the country. 6. Could you have believed his story about the fabulous kingdom? 7. The indigenous people might have left the island centuries ago. Still there is little evidence to prove the hypothesis. 8. He must have been speaking with a hideous accent, even some of his countrymen failed to understand him. 9. This air-conditioning equipment can’t be too wasteful and expensive. Most offices in the area have already installed it.

14. Paraphrase using modal verbs.

Model 1: T – John doesn’t answer the phone. Perhaps he is very busy.

St – John doesn’t answer the phone. He may be very busy.

T – Perhaps Sarah is still working.

St – Sarah may still be working.

Model 2: T – Perhaps she has left office.

St – She may have left office.

T – Perhaps Diane has been working hard lately.

St – Diane may have been working hard lately.

Model 3: T – We are sure that the Lockhearts are on holiday.

St – The Lockhearts must be on holiday.

T – We are sure that the Lockhearts are holiday-making.

St – The Lockhearts must be holiday-making.

Model 4: T – I am sure the Lockhearts have gone on holiday.

St – The Lockhearts must have gone on holiday.

T – I am sure the Lockhearts have been holiday-making for over a week already.

St – The Lockhearts must have been holiday-making for

over a week already.