Uluru, the Great Rock
In 1873, explorer William Gosse found a large rock on the continent of Australia. He named it Ayers Rock after Sir Henry Ayers, who was then the prime minister of Southern Australia. But, the rock already had a name.
The rock had been a very important and sacred site to the Aborigines, who were the people who first lived on the continent. They had called the rock "Uluru" long before England started prison colonies there in the 1700s. When the government of Australia returned ownership of the rock to the Aborigines, it once again became known around the world as Uluru.
Uluru, which is the world's largest rock, is made of sandstone marked by rainwater gullies, or ditches. There are also caves with ancient carvings on the walls. The rock rises to over 1,100 feet tall, and its borders stretch to 6 miles. Though its climate is hot like the desert, there is considerable plant and animal life in the area around Uluru. During the day, different colors are reflected from it in the sunlight. At night, it glows red like a large burning coal.
Many people travel to Australia each year to witness the wonder of Uluru. Some like to walk around the edge of the rock on the ground. Others climb to the top, though some people think they should not do so. They believe that climbing destroys the beauty of the rock. They also argue that it should be kept as a sacred place for the Aborigines. From the ground or its highest point, Uluru is a true wonder of the world.
Passage 2
To Climb or Not to Climb
The continent of Australia is vast with many amazing sites to enjoy. One of these is Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock. It is a giant rock formation that rises out of the center of the continent. The rock and the area that surrounds it are known to be sacred to the aboriginal peoples of Australia.
Beginning in the late 1930s, Uluru became a favorite spot for tourists who visited Australia. Over time, roads were run up to the base of the rock, making way for cars and tour buses to carry visitors up close. Motels and other buildings were erected nearby. However, after the government gradually realized the negative effects these additions were having on the area, it moved the buildings farther away.
Though the rock and its surroundings had been home to aboriginal groups, the Australian government owned and managed it until the mid-1980s. Then, the area was given back with certain conditions. One condition was that visitors could still climb the rock. This was against the wishes of the aboriginal groups because of the rock's importance in their culture. It was also clear that having tourists on the rock—and in the surrounding areas—was harmful to nearby plant and animal life. The group worked together with the government to try to limit or control climbing on the rock, but agreements were not always kept. However, after a number of undesirable behaviors by tourists in recent years, it has been decided that climbing will be banned in the near future.
Which statement best describes Uluru according to the passages?
A.
Uluru is important to all the people of Australia and their government as a tourist site.
B.
Uluru is a rock formation that is more important to some people than to others.
C.
Uluru is a rock formation in Australia that is sacred to some people and interesting to others.
D.
Uluru is being destroyed by misbehaving tourists who visit the continent of Australia.