READING 2 The Smokies

The SMOKIES

Read the following article. Pay special attention to the words in bold. 2.4

The most popular national park in the United States is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Sometimes we call the Smoky Mountains “The Smokies.” Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the park.

Q: How many visitors does this park receive a year? A: It receives more than 11 million visitors a year. Q: What do visitors do in the park? A: Some people like to drive through the

Smokies to see the natural beauty. Some people prefer to hike1. This park has 800 miles of hiking trails. Q: Does the park have many plants and animals? A: Yes, it does. It is home to 100 different native species2 of trees. There are 1,600 species of plants, 60 species of mammals, and 200 species of birds. Q: Do bears live in the park? A: Yes. The park has about 1,500 black bears. Q: Does the park have educational programs? A: Yes, it does. It has programs to teach young people about conservation. Q: What does conservation mean? A: It means “protection.” The park protects plants and animals. Q: Why do the mountains have the name Smoky

Mountains? A: There is a blue mist3 that looks like smoke. Q: Where do visitors to the park stay? A: The park has a lodge4 and campgrounds. Q: How much does it cost to enter the park? A: Entrance to the park is free. If you want to camp, you have to pay.

1 to hike: to walk in nature for exercise 2 species: a type or category of something 3 mist: a cloud of tiny water droplets 4 lodge: a small country house, often that you use on vacation

A sunset view of the Smokies from the Morton Overlook in Tennessee, USA

COMPREHENSION Based on the reading, write T for true or F for false.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park produces smoke from fires. 2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has educational programs. 3. It is free to camp at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.