# PTE Reading FIB #25: Global Mineral Resource...

Reading: Fill in the Blanks #25 - Level 2 - Feeds Reading

> In the text below some words are missing. Drag word from the box below to the appropriate place in the text. To undo an answer choice, drag the word back to the box below the text.

Mineral resources are the ____ of human society and national economic development. At ____ , more than 200 kinds of mineral resources have been discovered in the world, mainly in Russia, China and other countries, among which coal, oil and natural gas are ____ to 120 trillion tons of standard coal. Acid mine drainage is produced in the process of mining and seriously ____ the health of plants, animals and humans.

## Answer

Mineral resources are the **lifeblood** of human society and national economic development. At **present** , more than 200 kinds of mineral resources have been discovered in the world, mainly in Russia, China and other countries, among which coal, oil and natural gas are **equivalent** to 120 trillion tons of standard coal. Acid mine drainage is produced in the process of mining and seriously **endangers** the health of plants, animals and humans.

## Explanation

Blank 2 completes the fixed phrase "at present," meaning now. "Presence" is the trap, but "at presence" is not correct English. Blank 3 follows "are" and comes before "to," so you need "equivalent to," which compares amounts. "Similar" also takes "to," but it does not express an exact amount like "120 trillion tons."

## Hints

- Look for words that describe the essential nature of the resources mentioned.
- Check the verb tense and subject-verb agreement for the final blank regarding environmental impact.

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