Chapter 31 Homework

Chapter 31, Section 1

1. Why is rice farming the most important agricultural activity in Southeast Asia?

Answer:

Rice farming is the most important agricultural activity because it is an important export product, it grows very well in the climate, and there is enough water to support it.

2. Why are the countries in the region industrializing at different rates?

Answer:

Countries are industrializing at different rates because of the political crisis in the countries.  The countries that still struggle with it are confused as to what to do.  The resources available and the current state of economy in the individual countries also affects how fast they industrialize.

Creative Writing: Write a paragraph describing how the economies of Southeast Asia are becoming more interdependent. What factors are driving this change?

Answer:

The economies of Southeast Asia are becoming more interdependent.  Mostly, this is because the countries need to trade with one another for more resources, and the ASEAN provides loans to other countries to support their own economy,  The need to survive and thrive and trade is what drives this change.

Chapter 31, Section 2

1. What dangers are posed by volcanoes, floods, and typhoons in Southeast Asia?

Answer:

Floods and typhoons kill many people and destroy whole cities and towns.  The country crashes because of this loss.  The volcanoes in Southeast Asia may erupt at any time, blowing ash and dust and killing hundreds of people and destroying homes.  All three natural disasters are deadly to people, their lives, and their stability.

2. How has economic progress increased environmental pollution in the region?

Answer:

Economic progress means industrialization.  The industrial plants result in polluted air and water, and offshore oil and gas searching has resulted in deaths of the mangrove forests.  Mining leads to waste being dumped in rivers.  Over-fishing has resulted in reefs and fish dying.  Cutting trees result in more carbon dioxide in the air, polluting it.

Creative Writing: The people of Southeast Asia face many challenges with both natural and man-made environmental issues. Identify what you think is the most important challenge and write a paragraph designed to convince readers of the importance of addressing the issue

Answer:

I think the most important challenge is the natural disasters.  The countries need to find ways to predict when cyclones and typhoons will arrive and build efficient houses and shelters where people can go to hide.  Without the people, a country is nothing.  The countries of Southeast Asia need to protect their people from disaster before they can focus on anything else.