C1 English Reading – Short Story & Vocabulary Quiz
The town of Willow Creek used to be quite picturesque. Its charm would always perk up any visitor. However, for the last five years, their special Willow River had been terribly contaminated. A nearby factory, using outdated methods, would release waste. This turned the once-clear waters into a lifeless zone. The fish vanished, and a widespread bad odor filled the air. The residents were on the point of giving up hope.
Many would just assume the problem was too big. The factory owners were reluctant to pay for costly solutions. They claimed it would entail unbearable expenses. Discussions with local authorities were also useless. Officials would constantly neglect serious concerns, only offering limited promises.
Then, a group of dedicated villagers decided to strive for a novel solution. They would meet every week, refusing to accept the monotonous decay. Their leader, old Mrs. Gable, would always convey a strong sense of optimism. After much research, they found a natural filtration system. This system used special wetland plants that could extract pollutants from the water.
Initially, some people didn’t believe their plan. But the group’s passion eventually won over many. It was a slow, tiring process, but the community was bound to see it through. Slowly, almost miraculously, the water began to clear. The foul smell was eliminated, and some fish even returned. The Willow River, once a sign of environmental harm, became proof of what a determined community could attain when working altogether.