TOEFL Integrated Writing Practice Test 003Cheatgrass

Cheatgrass, originally from Europe and Asia, has become an invasive species in North American fields, causing significant ecological issues. Once cheatgrass takes over an area, it can outcompete other plants, leading to the destruction of animal habitats and scenic landscapes. Ecologists have suggested several approaches to manage the cheatgrass invasion.

One proposed solution is to use grazing animals, like cattle, to feed on cheatgrass. Cattle and similar livestock, which graze on small amounts of grass throughout the day, could be released into areas where cheatgrass is abundant. By grazing on cheatgrass, the plant’s presence would be reduced, allowing native species to regrow and reclaim their space. This method is particularly promising because cheatgrass is most common in regions of North America where cattle are already raised.

Another approach is to conduct controlled burns to remove cheatgrass. Cheatgrass is known to be highly flammable, much more so than the native plants it has replaced. By setting carefully planned fires, large areas of cheatgrass can be quickly eliminated, creating open space that can be reseeded with native grasses and other plant species.

A third option involves introducing a fungal parasite that specifically targets cheatgrass. In its native habitats of Europe and Asia, cheatgrass is naturally controlled by a fungus that inhibits its ability to reproduce. Bringing this fungus to North America could slow the spread of cheatgrass, giving native plants a better chance to compete.