II. READING

TASK 1. Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer.

New Zealand is an island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses  that of the North Island, and the South Island, and numerous smaller islands. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinctive biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country’s sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.

The official languages are English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language. English is the predominant language in New Zealand, spoken by 98 percent of the population. Many places have both their Maori and English names officially recognized. New Zealand Sign Language is used by about 28,000 people. It was declared one of New Zealand's official languages in 2000.

New Zealand was one of the last lands to be settled by humans because of ______.