Question

Match the titles with these texts. a) The Steppes b) The Arctic North c) The Taiga d) The Subtropical Region 1)-It is a severe tundra region. The subsoil1 there is nearly always frozen. The usual temperature in winter is minus 50°C though lower temperatures have been registered. Most of the land is nearly uninhabitable because of the length and severity of winters there. 2)-It is the most extensive of Russia's natural zones and covers more than half of the country. It consists of open coniferous2 forests growing on swampy ground. In European Russia it gives way southward to a zone of mixed coniferous and deciduous3 forest that, however, dies out to the east with decreasing rainfall and severer winters. 3)-This part of Russia is grass-covered and almost treeless. Winters are cold there but summers are hot and dry. 4)-It stretches in a narrow coastal strip along the Black Sea. From the North it is sheltered by mountains. The water in the sea is warm enough to swim in seven months of the year. Vast tea, tobacco and citrus plantations have been developed in the region.

Answer 1

1 - b;
2 - c;
3 - a;
4 - d. 

Answer 2

a) The Arctic North

Text 1 describes the Arctic North. It mentions that it is a severe tundra region with a frozen subsoil. The temperatures in winter can reach as low as minus 50°C, making the land nearly uninhabitable. The length and severity of the winters contribute to its harsh conditions.

b) The Taiga

Text 2 describes the Taiga, which is the most extensive natural zone in Russia and covers more than half of the country. It consists of open coniferous forests growing on swampy ground. In European Russia, it transitions to a zone of mixed coniferous and deciduous forests, but as you move eastward, the rainfall decreases and winters become more severe, causing the forest to die out.

c) The Steppes

Text 3 describes the Steppes. It mentions that this part of Russia is grass-covered and treeless. Winters in the Steppes are cold, but summers are characterized by hot and dry weather.

d) The Subtropical Region

Text 4 describes the Subtropical Region. It stretches along a narrow coastal strip along the Black Sea and is sheltered by mountains. The water in the sea is warm enough for swimming for seven months of the year. This region has developed vast tea, tobacco, and citrus plantations.