Population & Migration
A Century of World Population Trends: 1995 to 2050
A. Match the Following Words with Their Correct Meanings
| Word | Correct Meaning |
|---|---|
| a. populous | v. having a large population: densely populated |
| b. mortality | vii. the number of deaths in a particular situation or period of time |
| c. projection | iii. an estimation of what figures will be in the future |
| d. demographic | ii. relating to the population and different groups within it |
| e. peak | ix. to reach the highest point or value |
| f. stabilization | iv. the process of making somebody/something unlikely to change |
| g. trajectory | i. a path followed by something |
| h. surpass | vi. to be greater than something; exceed |
| i. disparate | viii. completely dissimilar |
B. Complete the Following Sentences
a. The world's highest population growth rate was 2.1 percent.
b. By the middle of the twenty-first century, the global population growth rate is expected to fall below 1 percent.
c. Population change is mainly influenced by fertility and mortality.
d. During the early 2020s, Eastern and South-Eastern Asia had the largest population.
e. The population of the sub-Saharan region is projected to cross 2 billion by the end of the 2040s.
f. Due to low fertility, the population of Europe and Northern America is expected to decline by the late 2030s.
g. India was expected to exceed China in population by 2023.
C. Answer the Following Questions
a. What was the approximate world population in the mid-twentieth century?
=> Answer: Around the middle of the twentieth century, the total population of the world was approximately 5 billion inhabitants.
b. During which period did the world population grow most rapidly? What was the growth rate?
=> Answer: The fastest expansion of the world's population occurred from 1962 to 1965. During this period, the annual population growth rate was about 2.1 percent.
c. What is the main reason behind the decline in population growth?
=> Answer: The major reason is the reduction in fertility. As people have fewer children than in the past, the number of births added to the population decreases, causing the overall growth rate to slow down.
d. How many people are expected to live in the world by 2050?
=> Answer: The world's population is expected to rise to more than 9.7 billion by 2050.
e. What are fertility and mortality? How do they influence population growth?
=> Answer: Fertility is related to the number of births, whereas mortality refers to the number of deaths. When fertility is high, population size tends to increase because more people are born. On the other hand, a higher mortality rate can decrease the population because the number of deaths increases.
f. Which two countries have contributed greatly to the large population of Eastern and South-Eastern Asia?
=> Answer: China and India** are the two countries with enormous populations that contribute greatly to the large population of Eastern and South-Eastern Asia.
g. Why will population growth vary among different regions during the next three decades?
=> Answer: Population development will be different from one region to another because fertility, mortality, and other demographic characteristics are not the same everywhere. Some regions will continue experiencing strong population growth, while others will grow slowly or begin to lose population.
h. Which countries are expected to contribute the most to global population growth by 2050?
=> Answer: The countries expected to contribute most to the increase in the world's population are the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, and United Republic of Tanzania.
D. Discussion
Do you think the world's population will increase as projected? Discuss.
=> Answer: Population projections are estimates based on present demographic trends, so they cannot guarantee exactly what will happen in the future. The world's population may continue increasing considerably and could reach a very high level by 2050. However, future birth rates, mortality, healthcare conditions, social practices, and people's attitudes toward family size may alter the projected figure. Therefore, the estimate is useful for understanding possible population trends, but the actual population may be different from the prediction.
Grammar I
A. Match the Following Sentence Halves
| Beginning | Ending |
|---|---|
| a. We continued the match | iv. though it was raining heavily. |
| b. Dolma was selected for the post | vii. even though she had no prior experience for the job. |
| c. Christina attended the class | viii. despite the fact that she was not feeling well. |
| d. I often leave home quite early | i. however, I always reach my office on time. |
| e. Chintamani never participates in social functions | despite looking very sociable. |
| f. It was snowing heavily | ii. yet it was not too cold. |
| g. He did not give up smoking | ix. in spite of the warnings of the doctor. |
| h. I have never been to Bandipur | iv. though it is not far from my home. |
| i. We were lost in the town | although we had the map of the town with us. |
B. Join the Sentences Using Appropriate Contradiction Connectives
a. I had not seen him before. I recognized him immediately.
=> Answer: Although I had not seen him before, I recognized him immediately.
b. It was snowing outside. I went for a walk.
=> Answer: Even though it was snowing outside, I went for a walk.
c. He worked hard. He failed to achieve his goal.
=> Answer: In spite of his hard work, he failed to achieve his goal.
d. Sarmistha gave a good speech at the function. Some audience members seemed uninterested.
=> Answer: Although Sarmistha gave a good speech at the function, some audience members seemed uninterested.
e. She had not lived in France for very long. She spoke excellent French.
=> Answer: Despite not having lived in France for very long, she spoke excellent French.
f. I had not eaten anything since last evening. I wasn't very hungry.
=> Answer: I had not eaten anything since last evening, although I wasn't very hungry.
g. We made our best efforts. We were not qualified for the final match.
=> Answer: In spite of our best efforts, we were not qualified for the final match.
h. The restaurant was not very popular. The food was actually quite delicious.
=> Answer: The food was actually quite delicious even though the restaurant was not very popular.
i. I had studied for hours. I could only attempt half of the questions.
=> Answer: Although I had studied for hours, I could only attempt half of the questions.
j. We worked hard. She was not pleased with us at all.
=> Answer: Despite our hard work, she was not pleased with us at all.
Writing I
A. Interpretation of the Graph: Nepali Students Going Abroad for Study
ans:
The graph presents information about the number of Nepali students who travelled abroad for educational purposes during different academic years. The figures show some fluctuations, but the overall movement is upward.
In 2009/2010, the number of students going abroad was 26,948. The figure then fell sharply to 11,912 in 2010/2011. After this decline, the number generally began to rise, although there were occasional decreases during individual years.
By 2016/2017, the number had reached 50,659, showing a substantial increase compared with the beginning of the period. After this point, overseas education became an increasingly common choice among Nepali students, and more students continued to leave the country for study.
Overall, the graph indicates a growing tendency among Nepali students to pursue education abroad. Although the figures did not rise continuously every year, the long-term trend clearly shows an increase in students travelling overseas for education.
B. Language Distribution in Kathmandu Metropolitan City According to the 2011 Census
ans:
The data illustrates the languages spoken by people living in Kathmandu Metropolitan City according to the 2011 census. Nepali occupied the largest share, being spoken by 57 percent of the population. Newari followed with 18.5 percent.
Tamang and Maithili each accounted for approximately 5 percent. Hindi and Bhojpuri together represented about 3.5 percent, while speakers of other languages constituted approximately 9.5 percent.
The distribution clearly establishes Nepali as the predominant language of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Nevertheless, the percentages belonging to Newari, Tamang, Maithili, Hindi, Bhojpuri, and other languages demonstrate that the city also possesses considerable linguistic diversity.
Reading II
Discovering Migration: What Birds Reveal
A. Synonyms and Antonyms
| Word | Synonyms | Antonyms |
|---|---|---|
| transform | change, remodel, revamp | stagnate, hold on |
| incredible | unbelievable, amazing, wonderful | credible, plausible |
| roadmap | guideline, plan, direction, map | NA |
| retrace | backtrack, recall, recollect, reminisce | forget |
| grab | clutch, snatch, capture | free, liberate, release |
| elevation | height, altitude | flat, level, lowness |
| waterlogged | soaked, drenched | dehydrated, dry, arid |
| refuel | refill, replenish, restock | deplete, exhaust |
| cluster | array, bunch, clump | NA |
| crucial | vital, fundamental | trivial, insignificant, unimportant |
| perilous | risky, dangerous, precarious | harmless, safe, secure |
B. Complete the Following Sentences
a. In the past, people had the misconception that birds hid underground or changed into some other birds.
b. To supply themselves with energy, birds stop to feed themselves with grains.
c. When the weather is favourable in spring, birds fly back to their habitats.
d. As a sign of partial migration, some birds travel to a different place while others do not.
e. To wait for favourable weather, birds fly in large groups.
f. For better flying conditions, some birds choose to fly during the night.
C. Answer the Following Questions
a. Why is bird migration considered incredible?
=> Answer: The migration of birds is extraordinary because some birds are capable of travelling thousands of miles to reach their destinations without using a roadmap or compass. Their natural ability to find and follow distant routes makes their journeys remarkable.
b. What conditions do birds take into account during migration, and how do they respond to them?
=> Answer: Migrating birds have to cope with factors such as changing winds, their body weight, and storms. To deal with these conditions and conserve energy, they can alter their flying speed, altitude, and route.
c. What types of creatures are included in the diet of birds?
=> Answer: Birds may feed on a wide variety of creatures, including insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and mammals.
d. How do scoters obtain food from the ocean?
=> Answer: Scoters dive beneath the water to obtain shellfish from the ocean floor. They are capable of staying underwater for as long as a minute while searching for food.
e. How do brindled titmice and mountain chickadees move between different areas?
=> Answer: Brindled titmice and mountain chickadees move according to elevation. They travel between high-altitude evergreen forests and lower regions, moving downward and upward as environmental conditions change.
f. What is meant by partial migration? Give an example.
=> Answer: Partial migration refers to a situation in which some members of a particular species migrate while the remaining members stay in their existing location. Robins are an example: some travel south during winter, while others remain in the South throughout the year.
g. Why are sea terns unable to remain in water for a long period?
=> Answer: Sea terns cannot stay in water for a prolonged period because their bodies become waterlogged. This makes extended periods in the water unsuitable for them.
h. What purpose do stopover points serve for migrating birds?
=> Answer: Stopover points act as temporary resting and feeding places. Birds may spend several days or weeks there to recover from their journey, obtain food, and build up enough energy to continue migrating.
i. How are migrating birds observed at night?
=> Answer: Migrating birds are normally almost impossible to see in the darkness. However, they can become visible when they pass across the moon. Watching the moon provides a way of counting migrating birds, and during migration seasons the number can reach as many as 200 birds in an hour.
D. Discussion
Why do animals migrate from one place to another?
=> Answer: Animals migrate mainly to improve their chances of survival and reproduction. They may leave an area because food is insufficient, weather conditions become unfavorable, predators pose a threat, or suitable breeding locations are available elsewhere. Migration may also be driven by natural instincts. By moving to more suitable environments, animals can obtain necessary resources, find safer conditions, and increase their chances of surviving and reproducing.
Grammar II
A. Choose the Correct Alternative and Complete the Sentences
a. Even though ........... we are intimate friends.
=> Answer: Even though we have different ideologies, we are intimate friends.
b. .......... our hard efforts, we could not establish a hospital in the village.
=> Answer: Despite our hard efforts, we could not establish a hospital in the village.
c. ............ the film was very popular, it was a commercial failure.
=> Answer: Even though the film was very popular, it was a commercial failure.
d. I enjoyed all the luxuries of life ........... that I grew up in a remote village.
=> Answer: I enjoyed all the luxuries of life despite the fact that I grew up in a remote village.
e. I watched a late-night movie. ............ I didn't feel sleepy in the morning class.
=> Answer: In spite of watching a late-night movie, I didn't feel sleepy in the morning class.
f. Even though ............, there is no evidence of life on Mars.
=> Answer: Even though scientists have made lots of research, there is no evidence of life on Mars.
g. ............. my efforts, I can't ever score excellent marks in the exam.
=> Answer: Despite my efforts, I can't ever score excellent marks in the exam.
h. My room was burgled .......... I had locked it securely before going out.
=> Answer: My room was burgled, although I had locked it securely before going out.
i. I called Siddhartha several times .............. he did not respond.
=> Answer: I called Siddhartha several times, but he did not respond.
j. Even though we had not invited them ...........
=> Answer: Even though we had not invited them, they came to the party.
B. Combine the Following Sentences
a. I was really exhausted. I could not sleep well. (Although)
=> Answer: Although I was really exhausted, I could not sleep well.
b. She did not meet the requirements. She was shortlisted for the job. (In spite of)
=> Answer: In spite of not meeting the requirements, she was shortlisted for the job.
c. I decided to work for the company. The pay was quite low. (Even though)
=> Answer: Even though the pay was quite low, I decided to work for the company.
d. We lost the match. We had prepared for the match really well. (Yet)
=> Answer: We lost the match, yet we had prepared for the match really well.
e. Dipisha completed her assignment. She had badly injured her hand. (Despite)
=> Answer: Despite having badly injured her hand, Dipisha completed her assignment.
f. Kripa exercises every day. She is gaining weight. (However)
=> Answer: However, Kripa exercises every day, but she is gaining weight.
g. Barcelona won the match. They were limited to ten players. (Nevertheless)
=> Answer: Nevertheless, Barcelona won the match, even though they were limited to ten players.
h. I love to watch cricket on TV. My brother loves to watch football. (While)
=> Answer: While I love to watch cricket on TV, my brother loves to watch football.
i. He had not gone to bed until midnight. He woke up early in the morning. (In spite of)
=> Answer: In spite of not having gone to bed until midnight, he woke up early in the morning.
j. He was selected for the school team. He had not played well. (Although)
=> Answer: Although he had not played well, he was selected for the school team.
Writing II
The Impacts of Migration
ans:
Migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another in search of safety, opportunities, or a better life. People may be pushed away from their homes by conflict, poverty, and persecution. At the same time, better employment opportunities, improved living conditions, and the hope of a higher quality of life can attract people to new destinations. Because migration involves both the places people leave and the places where they settle, it produces economic, social, political, and environmental effects on both sides.
Economically, migration can bring several advantages to receiving countries. Migrants provide workers and contribute their knowledge, skills, taxes, and consumer spending to the economy. They may take jobs at both low- and high-skill levels and help meet labor shortages. Nevertheless, a large migrant population can increase demand for social services. In certain low-skilled sectors, increased competition for employment may also place downward pressure on the wages of native workers.
Countries of origin can also benefit financially from migration. People working abroad often send remittances to their families at home. Such transfers can provide valuable income and foreign currency for the sending country. However, the departure of highly educated and skilled professionals may result in brain drain. When a country loses a large number of trained workers, its human capital can be weakened, potentially slowing its long-term development.
Migration can significantly reshape the social character of a society. The arrival of people from different backgrounds changes population patterns and introduces new cultural influences. Migrants may enrich their host societies through their languages, foods, art, religions, customs, and traditions. This can increase cultural diversity and create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to interact. However, difficulties may emerge when migrants struggle to integrate or when local communities resist social and cultural changes. Migrants often maintain connections with their home countries while continuing to preserve their original identities and traditions.
Political life can also be affected by migration. Large-scale movement of people may change the demographic composition of a country and consequently influence political interests and voting patterns. Immigration can therefore become an important subject of political discussion, particularly concerning national identity and immigration policy. Governments differ in their responses: some countries introduce strict restrictions, whereas others adopt comparatively open policies toward migrants.
In conclusion, migration is neither entirely beneficial nor entirely harmful. It can provide workers, generate income, create cultural diversity, and promote connections between societies, but it can also put pressure on public services, create social tensions, and contribute to brain drain. For this reason, migration needs to be managed through balanced, humane, and evidence-based policies. If governments and communities respond wisely and cooperate with one another, migration can contribute to economic development, cultural exchange, and greater understanding between people across the world.