ALPINE FORESTS Forests are the lifeguards of the snowy peaks of the Alps They provide a natural barrier against avalanches and landslides, but the skiing industry, which proved a boon for poor Alpine farmers, is damaging the environment. Forests have been felled to make way for more ski runs, car parks, and hotels, and Alpine meadows have been abandoned by farmers keen to exploit tourism . Consequently, the avalanche has now become a common phenomenon. Forestry experts estimate that two-thirds of the several thousand avalanches that descend into inhabited parts each year are the result of forest depletion. EXERCISE 1: Find words or phrases in the passage which mean the same as: COLUMN A COLUMN B a) an expert swimmer employed at a beach or pool to protect other swimmers from drowning or other accidents ( (used metaphorically in the passage) __ b) pointed top of a mountain __ c) something that stops or hinders movement from one place to another __ .... d)great mass of snow and ice that slides down the side of a mountain __ e) small movement of rocks and soil down the side of a hill or other slope __ f)advantage; something that makes life better or easier __ g) cut down (of trees) __ h) area of grassland __ i)stop looking after and leave, not intending to return __ j) eager; wanting (to do something) very much __ k) develop in order to make money; take advantage of __ I)something that happens and can be seen or experienced __ m) calculate approximately __ n) go or move downwards __ o) with people living there; occupied __ p) reduction; being used up so that little or none remains .......................................................................................... __