Page 55 - Reading and Writing 4

Before You Read

1 Match the famous deserts with the continents.

Sahara Desert South America

Patagonian Desert Asia

Arabian Desert Africa

Listen and Read

Desert Facts

Deserts are dry places that receive very little rainfall. There are

two types of desert, hot deserts and cold deserts. Hot deserts are

characterised by extremely high temperatures. The Sahara Desert
in Africa is the largest hot desert in the world. Cold deserts remain

cold throughout the year. The Gobi Desert in Asia and the continent

of Antarctica are large cold deserts.The desert is a habitat for many
plants and animals. Desert plants have special leaves or roots that

help them to store water or to collect water from deep under the soil.

The cactus is one of the most common desert plants. Desert animals,
too, have many special characteristics that help them survive in the

harsh weather. Many desert animals sleep during the day and come
out at night to find food. This saves them from the scorching heat.

Animals like the camel can live for many days without food and water.

This is why camels are called ‘ships of the desert.’

After You Read

1 Work with a partner and discuss the following questions.

According to the passage, what are the two types of desert?
What are the differences between them? Give two examples.

53