Some big cats throughout history have become extinct because they were replaced with newer species better suited to the environment. (1) the sabretooth (smilodon fatalis) is one example of a large ice-age predator that died out even though the large prey it needed retreated with the glaciers. pumas and jaguars now roam where the mighty dirk-toothed cats once ruled. natural extinction is part of the grand drama of life on earth. (2) thus, many more cat species are in danger of dying out due to unnatural extinction, the killing of an entire species by man for reasons having nothing to do with fitness for survival. these species are not replaced with better ones; their death merely leaves a hole in the fabric of life on earth. 2 many big cats have been killed because they either compete with humans for the same prey animals or because they occasionally attack human-raised livestock. (3) some that become too weak to hunt their own natural prey, big cats find domestic livestock much simpler to acquire. other big cats develop a taste for livestock out of sheer opportunity. there are times when control of individual predators, through moving or killing, appears to be justified. (4) however, there is a much more dangerous approach to predator control where an entire population or even an entire species was classified as a "pest" and open to extermination. extermination is an attempt to kill every last individual of a population or species. there were times when pumas were targeted for extermination in large areas of the american west. bobcats and jaguars have also been targets of extermination campaigns. (5) these days most governments in the world agree that extermination is not a viable form of human intervention, but sometimes local peoples ignore laws designed to protect species from extermination. 3 the majority of people in western countries no longer give big game hunters the same reverence they once held in the writings of ernest hemmingway, especially when they kill animals that are the hunters rather than the hunted. the mystique of the "great white hunter" no longer leads the majority of outdoorsmen to seek trophies for their mantles and entrance halls. (6) however, a number of people still consider locating, outwitting, and to defeat large predators to be the ultimate test of courage and a satisfying form of enjoying the out of doors. while this practice is losing popularity, it should be said in all fairness that more and more sport hunters support laws and practices that prevent the species they hunt from becoming extinct. (7) the cheetah which was once abundant in india hunting to complete extinction. the mughal emperor akbar killed nearly 1000 cheetahs during his lifetime when the number of cheetahs was already dwindling. the asian lion met with the same fate. 4 (8) people who defy existing laws to kill predators for money, animal parts, yet personal reasons are called poachers. as outlaws, many poachers are dangerous people who are willing to protect their livlihood through violent means. (9) famous conservation leaders george adamson and diane fossey who saw them as a threat were killed by poachers. stopping poaching is very difficult because most big cat habitat is remote land that is difficult to patrol and exists in some of the world's poorest countries without many law enforcement resources. (10) the most effective way to curb poaching is to reduce the demand for the products they provide. read the passage on the left to answer the following questions: 29) sentences (), and (6) make use of a) transitions. b) active verbs. c) adverb clauses. d) extended metaphors.

modern day technological advancements are constantly seen throughout every aspect of life. cell phones, portable internet availability, laptop computers, ipods, mp3 players of every brand, and many other devices, are everywhere. they seem to possess unending possible detriments, but, along with such issues, technology also has positive impacts on today’s youth. in some situations, the internet and ipod prevent sociability, though in others they may be the cause of increased social activity. overall, modern technology has the capability to bring people together as well as enhance the social abilities of the today’s youth; however, if used without discretion, can also create a less interactive generation, frequently depending on technology for contentment.  

the immense capabilities of the internet today are astonishing, and offer many positive opportunities for teens. primarily, the internet makes sharing information fast and simple, despite factors that in other cases would prohibit such simple distribution. according to jean-francois coget in source c, “with the internet, information can be transmitted and received with ease at any time of the day to and from any number of friends.” it is possible to send videos, pictures, papers, projects, and a quantity of other things with the click of a button. the transfer can happen in seconds. the amazing capability of modern day internet simplifies teenage life, by providing a way to convey knowledge. another way in which internet proves positive is by providing a way to keep in touch with friends and family worldwide, or just across town. whether it’s a friend that switched schools and is never around, or a family member in london, the internet makes it possible to email, instant message, and even video chat. such qualities of internet communication bring people together with more frequent contact, boosting sociability and relationships. in addition, the internet also has the capability to, “foster openness, self-confidence, and a greater sense of ease, and comfort in dealing with others” (source c). since it is not obligatory to reveal physical appearance or social status over the internet, it grants an opportunity to be a completely new person, who is entirely open and confident. internet chats, even with mere acquaintances, can supply a chance for socially challenged teens to experience a form of social interaction, in order to create a sense of composure. modern day internet advancements not only offer an easier way to share information, but also contribute to sociability by providing a way to communicate with distant friends and family, as well as giving socially challenged teenagers an opportunity for interaction.

likewise, another modern day technology, the ipod, may also have a positive effect on some teenagers, by presenting a different view of the world as well as uniting individuals through musical taste. in the eyes of kelly doyle-mace, in source d, “music deepens the experience of walking through the world, rather than detracting from it.” there are millions of songs out there, one to match every possible mood. sometimes, turning on just the right song can be motivational and provide a completely new outlook on a certain circumstance. in addition, lyrics are often relatable to personal life and can be significant or simply encouraging. another way in which ipods and personal musical taste is a positive effect on teens is by uniting people of different backgrounds and diversities through their music choice. lisa and johnny rocket, hosts of “ipod dj nights,” describe that one night a month they invite guests to bring their ipods to a london bar. where they can play whatever songs they choose (source d). “even more diverse than the music are the members… the ipod acts to bring people together,” lisa explains (source d). these gatherings prove that as diverse as music can be, it is also unifying. the multitudes of people attending these parties, from every race background and belief, are united through their assorted music taste. ipods have the potential to positively affect today’s youth by matching any and every mood with music, resulting in a deeper walk through life, as well as bringing people together by means of musical interest.

the alternative argument is that the internet can be a significantly negative influence on teenagers, if overused. constant internet use detracts time that could be spent with friends and family. hours wasted away typing useless messages is detrimental to personal relationships with the ones who really matter. it was discovered through a study in pittsburgh that people who use the internet most often are “spending less time talking with their families…keeping up with fewer friends” (source b). it is of no use to spend so much time talking to people over the internet, when one could just as easily walk down the stairs and spend time with family, or go to see friends instead. according to source