The Ghost Orchid: Facts, Conservation, and Literary Analysis
Ghost Orchid Comprehension Check
True or False Statements
- 1.1. FALSE: “Traditionally, the best time to see a ghost is at night, and in fact botanists sometimes look for the Ghost Orchid when it is dark.”
- 1.2. TRUE: “botanist Rex Graham, who had been searching for years in the hope of finding the Ghost Orchid.”
- 1.3. FALSE: “An experienced botanist, she recognized it immediately.”
Key Facts and Discoveries
- 2.1. The Ghost Orchid was named due to its pale appearance, mysterious beauty, and the way it appears and disappears unexpectedly.
- 2.2. Many botanical discoveries were made by women in the 19th century because botany was considered an appropriate and respectable hobby for young ladies.
- 2.3. Mark Jannink succeeded because he carefully studied where and when the Ghost Orchid had been seen before and noticed it often appeared after cold winters. He then searched systematically after a cold season.
Vocabulary Matching
- 3.1. Hidden, disguised: camouflaged
- 3.2. Appropriate, acceptable: suitable
- 3.3. Saw, noticed: spotted
- 3.4. Established, determined: declared
Multiple Choice Answers
- 4.1. a) heard of
- 4.2. b) had studied
- 4.3. a) appear
Sentence Completion
- 5.1. The Ghost Orchid, which rarely appears above ground, is very well camouflaged in the woods and forests.
- 5.2. If you want to see a ghost, the best time is at night.
- 5.3. It’s been years since anyone saw it.
Essay: Should People Be Punished for Picking Wildflowers?
They say small actions can have great consequences — and picking a single wildflower is one of them. From my point of view, people should definitely be punished for picking wildflowers. Wildflowers play a vital role in their ecosystems, providing food for insects and helping maintain biodiversity. When people pick them carelessly, they damage not only the flowers themselves but also the entire environment that depends on them.
Moreover, many species of wildflowers are already endangered, and picking them could lead to their extinction. Nature reserves and parks often display signs prohibiting the picking of plants, but some visitors still ignore these rules. Without strict punishments, these rules are often ineffective.
Fines or community service could act as a deterrent and make people think twice before harming nature. Protecting wildflowers is not just about preserving beauty; it is about maintaining a healthy planet for future generations. Therefore, I strongly believe there should be penalties for picking wildflowers.
Book Review: “Searching for the Ghost Orchid”
A Critical Look at a Botanical Quest
“Searching for the Ghost Orchid” promised an exciting journey into the mysterious world of rare plants, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver. The plot is slow and repetitive, with the characters lacking depth and believable motivations.
The main character spends most of the story wandering through forests, reflecting endlessly on the meaning of life instead of making real discoveries. After a few chapters, the endless descriptions of trees and muddy paths become tedious and boring.
Moreover, the novel’s climax is completely disappointing. After all the buildup, the actual encounter with the Ghost Orchid feels rushed and meaningless. It seems the author lost interest in their own story halfway through.
Although the idea had potential, the book is poorly structured and leaves readers frustrated rather than satisfied. I would not recommend this novel to anyone looking for an exciting or rewarding read.