Unseen Passage for Class 3 - Passage 16

Unseen passage - Redwood trees stand as the tallest trees globally, reaching heights of over 300 feet, surpassing the stature of a 30-story building. To put this into perspective, when a six-foot-tall person stands at the base of a redwood tree, the tree towers 50 times taller than the individual. These colossal trees thrive in the coastal regions of California and Oregon, where the climate is characterized by frequent fog and rainfall, ensuring a consistent water supply for the redwoods. Remarkably, redwoods can endure for several centuries, with some having a lifespan exceeding 2,000 years.

The resilience of redwoods is attributed to their robust bark, which acts as a protective shield against insects, diseases, and fires. Colored in a distinctive reddish-brown hue, the bark plays a crucial role in the trees' longevity. Despite their significance to lumber companies due to the vast amount of wood each tree can yield, many redwood trees find protection under the law within the Redwood National Park. This protective measure prevents lumber companies from cutting down trees in this area, safeguarding the redwoods from extinction. The impact of redwood trees is visible in products like redwood fences and patio furniture, showcasing the utilization of their lumber while aiming to preserve these majestic trees.

Unseen passage - Soccer stands as the most popular sport worldwide, enjoyed in numerous countries across the globe. Every four years, an international tournament known as the World Cup takes place. The soccer field itself is rectangular, featuring a goal on each end, composed of a rectangular, net-covered frame. The game involves a leather ball filled with air.

In a soccer match, two teams face off, and each team aims to score goals to secure points. The team with the highest goal count at the end of the game emerges victorious. A soccer team comprises 11 players, with forwards, also known as strikers, having the primary responsibility of scoring goals. Midfield players, or halfbacks, support forwards in both scoring and preventing the opposing team from reaching the goal.

Additional teammates stationed farther back on the field serve as defenders, often referred to as fullbacks. Their main role is to protect their own goal by preventing the opposing team from getting close enough to score. Each team also has a goalie, tasked with blocking or catching the ball to prevent the opposing team from scoring. Goalies are the only players allowed to use their hands, either to catch or throw the ball.

However, no other players besides the goalie are permitted to use their hands; they must rely on their feet, legs, chest, or head to move the ball. Violations of this rule result in penalties by the referee. Soccer is fundamentally a team sport where every position plays a crucial role in achieving victory.