Министерство образования и науки РФ
ФГАОУ ВО Севастопольский государственный университет
Гуманитарно-педагогический институт
Возобновляемые источники энергии
RENEWABLES
Методические указания
к практическим занятиям по дисциплине
«Иностранный язык» для студентов I курса
Политехнического института
специальности 20.03.01 «Техносферная безопасность»
дневной формы обучения
Севастополь
2015
УДК [811.111’ 24:62] (076)
81.2 Англ-923
В 64
Возобновляемые источники энергии = RENEWABLES. Методические указания к практическим занятиям по дисциплине «Английский язык» для студентов I курса факультета Политехнического института
специальности «Техносферная безопасность» дневной формы обучения/Сост. Л.В. Меркулова. – Севастополь: Изд-во СГУ, 2015. – 56с.
Методические указания предназначены для практических занятий студентов 1 курса специальности «Техносферная безопасность» дневной формы обучения. Целью данных методических указаний является активизация и совершенствование речевых умений и навыков в процессе изучения профессионально-ориентированных текстов, умений и навыков перевода оригинальной литературы. В каждом уроке представлен текст, лексико-грамматические упражнения на закрепление материала урока и задания, развивающие и помогающие совершенствовать коммуникативные навыки.
Методические указания утверждены на заседании кафедры романской и германской филологии (протокол №7 от 25.06.15г.).
Допущено учебно-методическим центром и научно-методическим советом СГУ в качестве методических указаний.
Рецензент: Клепикова Т.Г., доцент кафедры «Романская и германская филология» СГУ.
Содержание
Введение…………………………………………………………………4
Unit 1. Renewable energy sources………………………………………5
Unit 2. Wind energy…..…………………………………………………9
Unit 3. Solar energy………………………………………………………13
Unit 4. Geothermal energy..……………………………………………..16
Unit 5. Biomass…………………………………………………………20
Unit 6. Hydropower.……………………………………………………25
Unit 7. Energy technologies and their impact on the environment ……29
Unit 8. Climate change and energy .……………………………………33
Test exercises……………………………………………………………37
Краткий грамматический справочник………………………………40
Библиографический список……………………………………………52
Введение
Данные методические указания предназначены для студентов 1 курса специальности «Техносферная безопасность» дневной формы обучения.
Целью данных методических указаний является:
- развитие у студентов умений и навыков речевой деятельности (чтение, говорение, аудирование);
- изучение лексического материала по специальности;
- повторение и закрепление пройденного грамматического материала;
- развитие коммуникативных навыков и умений.
Методические указания состоят из 8 уроков. Каждый урок состоит из следующих разделов:
- Comprehension reading включает в себя аутентичный текст с блоком новых лексических единиц, содержащих терминологию по специальности и слова и выражения из общей лексики, послетекстовые упражнения на понимание содержания текста, а также упражнения для развития навыков устной диалогической и монологической речи;
- Vocabulary exercises включает в себя упражнения на расширение активного словаря студента;
- Grammar exercises включает в себя упражнения на повторение и закрепление пройденного грамматического материала;
- Tasks for individual work включают в себя задания для самостоятельной работы студента с последующей проверкой в ходе аудиторных занятий.
В конце методических указаний представлены тестовые задания для индивидуальной проверки знаний учащихся.
Методические указания дополнены кратким грамматическим справочником, призванным помочь студентам в процессе выполнения грамматических упражнений.
UNIT 1. Renewable energy sources
COMPREHENSION READING
Task 1. Read the following words and word combinations paying attention to the correct pronunciation, write them down and learn by heart.
To combat – бороться
Fossil fuel – ископаемое топливо
To switch to smth. – переключаться на
Appropriate – подходящий, соответствующий
Conventional – традиционный, обычный
Environmental issues to be considered – экологические проблемы, которые надо рассмотреть
To identify – обозначать, указывать
Response – ответ
To evaluate – оценивать
Disastrous – бедственный
To run out of – кончаться, иссякать
To consume – потреблять, расходовать
Rate – скорость
According to – в соответствии с
To seize – прекращать
To release – выбрасывать, извергать
Wastes – отходы
To reckon – полагать, считать, рассматривать
To inquire into – исследовать
Sustainable – стабильный
Task 2. Read and translate the text, define its main idea.
To combat global warming and the other problems associated with fossil fuels, the world must switch to renewable energy sources like sunlight, wind, and biomass. All renewable energy technologies are not appropriate to all applications or locations, however. As with conventional energy production, there are environmental issues to be considered. This paper identifies some of the key environmental impacts associated with renewable technologies and suggests appropriate responses to them. A study by the Union of Concerned Scientists and three other national organizations, America's Energy Choices, found that even when certain strict environmental standards are used for evaluating renewable energy projects, these energy sources can provide more than half of the US energy supply by the year 2030.
Today the situation in fuel and industrial complexes round the world is disastrous. Current energy systems depend heavily upon fossil and nuclear fuels. What this would mean is that we would run out of mineral resources if we continue consuming non-renewables at the present rate, and this moment is not far off. According to some estimates, within the next 200 years most people, for instance, seize using their cars for lack of petrol (unless some alternatives are used). Moreover, both fossil and nuclear fuels produce a great amount of polluting substances when burnt. We are slowly but steadily destroying our planet, digging it from inside and releasing the wastes into the atmosphere, water and soil.
We have to seize vandalizing the Earth and seek some other ways to address the needs of the society some other way. That’s why renewable sources are so important for the society. In fact, today we have a simple choice – either to turn to nature or to destroy ourselves. I have all reasons to reckon that most of people would like the first idea much more, and this is why I’m going to inquire into the topic and look through some ways of providing a sustainable future for next generations.
Task 3. Give the full answers to the following questions according to the text.
1) What environmental problems do we face today? 2) Is there any way to provide people with energy without destroying our planet?
Task 4. Decide whether the given statements are true or false. You may use any of the following phrases:
That is true/that’s not true
I agree with this statement/I can’t agree with it
The information is correct /the information is false
There is no mistake in this statement /there is a mistake in this statement
1) To combat global warming people should switch to non-renewable energy sources. 2) Modern energy systems don’t depend upon fossil and nuclear fuels. 3) We must stop using non-renewables not to run out of mineral resources. 4) Burning of fossil fuels generates a great amount of polluting substances. 5) Renewable energy sources are very important for the society.
Task 5. Compose dialogues “Obvious advantages of renewables over non-renewables”.
VOCABULARY EXERCISES
Task 1. Find in the text corresponding equivalents to the following words.
Глобальное потепление, ключевые экологические проблемы, предлагать подходящий ответ, ядерное топливо, нехватка бензина, загрязняющие вещества, медленно но верно, отвечать чьим-либо нуждам.
Task 2. Match each of the given words with its definition and translate.
Fossil fuel |
a material that can be 'burned' by nuclear fission or fusion to derive nuclear energy. |
Atmosphere |
a general increase in world temperatures caused by increased amounts of carbon dioxide around the Earth. |
Global warming |
undesirable materials or substances that are left after you have used something. |
Nuclear fuel |
a fuel such as coal or oil, made from decayed material from animals or plants that lived many thousands of years ago. |
Wastes |
a liquid used as fuel for cars and other vehicles. The American word is gasoline. |
Petrol |
a complex dynamic natural gaseous system that is essential to support life on planet Earth. |
Task 3. Make pares of synonyms taking one word form A and another one from B.
А: to combat, appropriate, conventional, to evaluate, to run out of smth., a rate, to release, to inquire into smth.
B: traditional, speed, to investigate, to fight, suitable, to emit, to estimate, to exhaust.
GRAMMAR EXERCISES
Task 1. Define the parts of the speech and translate the words. Compose your own sentences with each word.
Produce: production, productive, productivity, producer.
Protect: protection, protective, protector.
Technology: technological, technologically, technologist.
Compute: computer, computerize, computation, computational.
Move: movement, movable, mover, movability.
Mix: mixer, mixture, mixable.
Observe: observer, observation, observable, observational.
Intense: intensify, intensity, intensive, intensifier, intensively.
Physics: physical, physicist, physically.
Act: action, active, activate, activation, activator.
Nation: national, nationality, nationalism, nationalist, nationalize, nationalization.
Mechanic: mechanical, mechanically, mechanism.
Task 2. Choose the right variant.
We know that the contamination ___ the coastline into dump.
A convert B converts C is converted D was converted
The supply of oil ___ assumed to become limited on the Earth.
A are B were C will be D is
Water and natural ingredient soap and toothpaste are all children ___ in the bathroom.
A needs B need C will need D needed
Rivers and ground water ___ from less chemical dumping as will our wildlife.
A benefits B benefiting C will benefit D benefited
All bathroom chemicals ___ an ingredient list.
A should carry B has carried C will carry D mustn’t carry
Long- lasting and reliable products ___ you much money in the long run.
A has saved B had been saved C save D saves
Task 3. Make four types of questions to each of the given sentences and ask your group mates to answer them.
1) Efficient heating reduces the consumption of natural resources. 2) A wide range of environmental problems are caused by chemicals used in bathroom cleaners. 3) We should pay attention to amount of water that we use every day.
Task 4. Translate the following nominative-attributive groups, try to explain their meaning in English: fossil fuel, non-renewable energy sources, renewable energy technologies, conventional energy production, energy supply, current energy systems.
TASKS FOR INDIVIDUAL WORK
Task 1. Make correct sentences and translate them.
1) Scientists, for, projects, use, evaluating, energy, strict, renewable, standards. 2) Some, alternative, instead, cars, fuels, of, use, petrol. 3) Fossil, a, produce, amount, fuels, great, of, substances, polluting. 4) We, stop, non-renewables, rate, must, consuming, at, present, the. 5) We, a, sustainable, for, generations, can, provide, next, future.
Task 2. Translate the following sentences into English.
1) Чем больше автомобилей используется, тем больше выхлопных газов выбрасывается в атмосферу. 2) Необходимо искать другие способы получения энергии. 3) Именно человек с его научно-техническим прогрессом разрушает планету. 4) Скорость потребления невозобновляемых ресурсов постоянна. 5) После презентации инженерам было разрешено протестировать новейший прибор. 6) Я не могу быстро решить эту задачу, так как она слишком сложная. 7) Увеличился расход ископаемого топлива по сравнению с прошлым десятилетием. 8)Чем быстрее мир переключится на возобновляемые источники энергии, тем больше у нас шансов на стабильное будущее. 9) Трудно было исследовать это явление традиционными методами. 10) Именно альтернативные технологии помогли нам не исчерпать минеральные ресурсы.
Task 3. Prepare the summary of the text.
UNIT 2. Wind energy
COMPREHENSION READING
Task 1. Read the following words and word combinations paying attention to the correct pronunciation, write them down and learn by heart.
Benign – благоприятный
Hazardous – опасный
To pose a threat – угрожать, ставить под угрозу
Obstacle – препятствие
Concern – беспокойство, озабоченность
Impact – влияние
To graze – пастись
Leasing – аренда
To interfere with – мешать чему-л.
Substantial benefits – значительная выгода
Vast stretches – обширные пространства
Electrocution – электрический удар
Collision – столкновение
Spinning rotor – вращающийся винт
To emerge – возникать, появляться
Raptor – хищник
Red-tailed hawk – краснохвостый ястреб
Preventive measures – профилактические меры
Affected communities– затрагиваемые группы
Insurmountable – непреодолимый
Task 2. Read and translate the text, define its main idea.
It is hard to imagine an energy source more benign to the environment than wind power; it produces no air or water pollution, involves no toxic or hazardous substances (like those commonly found in large machines), and poses no threat to public safety. And yet a serious obstacle facing the wind industry is public opposition reflecting concern over the visibility and noise of wind turbines, and their impacts on wilderness areas. One of the most misunderstood aspects of wind power is its use of land. In reality the wind turbines themselves occupy only a small fraction of the land area, and the rest can be used for other purposes or left in its natural state. For this reason, wind power development is ideally suited to farming areas. In Europe, farmers plant right up to the base of turbine towers, while in California cows can be seen peacefully grazing in their shadow. The leasing of land for wind turbines, far from interfering with farm operations, can bring substantial benefits to landowners in the form of increased income and land values. Perhaps the greatest potential for wind power development is in the Great Plains, where wind is plentiful and vast stretches of farmland could support hundreds of thousands of wind turbines.
In California, however, bird deaths from electrocution or collisions with spinning rotors have emerged as a problem at the Altamont Pass wind "farm," where more than 30 threatened golden eagles and 75 other raptors such as red-tailed hawks died or were injured during a three-year period. Studies under way to determine the cause of these deaths and find preventive measures may have an important impact on the public image and rate of growth of the wind industry. In appropriate areas with careful planning, and early contacts between the wind industry, environmental groups, and affected communities, environmental problems should not be insurmountable.
Task 3. Give the full answers to the questions according to the text.
1) What areas are ideally suited for wind power development? 2) Are there any problems associated with wind industry?
Task 4. Decide whether the given statements are true or false. You may use any of the following phrases:
That is true/that’s not true
I agree with this statement/I can’t agree with it
The information is correct /the information is false
There is no mistake in this statement /there is a mistake in this statement
1) Of all energy sources wind power is the most benign to the environment. 2) People are concerned over the visibility and noise of wind turbines. 3) Wind turbines occupy vast stretches of farmlands. 4) The Great Plains have low potential for wind power because wind is scarce here. 5) Wind turbines pose a threat to birds because of spinning rotors.
Task 5. Compose dialogues about wind energy development. Find out whether it is ecologically friendly or it raises public opposition. Ask your opponent if wind turbines can be profitable and where they are best suited. Suggest your ideas concerning the ways to minimize environmental impacts.
VOCABULARY EXERCISES
Task 1. Find in the text corresponding equivalents to the following words.
Общественная безопасность, серьезное препятствие, небольшая часть, оставить в своем первозданном виде, исчезающие хищные птицы, проводимые исследования, скорость роста, тщательное планирование.
Task 2. Match each of the given words with its definition and translate.
Benign |
a bird that kills other birds and animals for food. |
Toxic |
Having little or no detrimental effect. |
Wind turbines |
an animal that kills and eats other animals |
Raptor |
poisonous and harmful to people, animals, or the environment. |
Predator |
a modern windmill for providing electrical power. |
Wind farm |
a place where wind turbines are used for producing electricity from the power of the wind. |
Task 3. Make pares of synonyms taking one word form A and another one from B.
A: benign, a fraction, a study, to injure, an impact, to emerge, an interfering, to destroy.
B: a research, a part, to damage, an effect, favorable, an intervention, to appear, to ruin.
GRAMMAR EXERCISES
Task 1. In the text find the sentences with Participle II, define its function and translate the sentence. You may consult the Appendix.
Task 2. Choose the right variant.
Millions of animals are ___ or treated cruelly by man every year.
A has killed B kills C killed D having killed
Wetlands are the areas that ___ water and land.
A linking B links C are linked D link
The production and use of energy ___ a significant effect on the environment.
A should have had B can have C have to have D to have
The impact of energy production ___ of short duration, long duration or irreversible.
A may be B must be C could be D will have to be
___is important to know that cadmium and arsenic are toxic substances.
A that B one C it D this
___ could evaluate this situation as disastrous.
A that B one C it D this
Task 3. Make four types of questions to each of the given sentences and ask your group mates to answer them.
1) We have to employ scarce factors of production to build, install and maintain antipollution equipment. 2) Our health can be seriously harmed by air pollution. 3) Disposal of toxic wastes has contaminated land as well as ground water.
Task 4. Translate the following nominative-attributive groups, try to explain their meaning in English: energy source, wind power, water pollution, public safety, wind industry, public opposition, wind turbines, wilderness areas, land area, wind power development, turbine towers, farm operations, bird deaths.
TASKS FOR INDIVIDUAL WORK
Task 1. Make correct sentences and translate them.
1) Wind, is, benign, the, energy, most, the, to, environment. 2) Hazardous, are, found, large, substances, commonly, in, machines. 3) People, about, of, turbines, are, noise, wind, concerned. 4) In, preventive, should, taken, this, measures, case, be. 5) Wind, has, a, obstacle, industry, faced, serious.
Task 2. Translate the following sentences into English.
1) Чем меньше ядерного топлива мы сжигаем, тем меньшее количество загрязняющих веществ образуется. 2) Невозможно было оценить скорость расхода ископаемого топлива без соответствующих данных. 3) Именно парниковые газы уничтожают озоновый слой земной атмосферы. 4) Вскоре люди перестанут пользоваться автомобилями из-за недостатка топлива. 5) Перед строительством новой электростанции нужно найти подходящее место. 6) Лаборант обязан отключать все оборудование в лаборатории перед уходом. 7) Основная экологическая проблема, которую нужно рассмотреть, - это количество промышленных выбросов. 8) В этом штате ни один пернатый хищник не пострадал от электрического удара благодаря профилактическим мерам правительства. 9) Ученые должны исследовать влияние электростанций на смертность в данном регионе. 10) Чем опаснее производство, тем дальше от населенных районов оно должно находиться.
Task 3. Prepare the summary of the text.
UNIT 3. Solar energy
COMPREHENSION READING
Task 1. Read the following words and word combinations paying attention to the correct pronunciation, write them down and learn by heart.
Dispose of – распоряжаться; избавляться
Emission – выброс, распространение, выделение
Invest – вкладывать, тратить, покупать
At least – по крайней мере
By factor of X – в Х раз
Compare – сравнивать
Photovoltaic cell – фотогальванический элемент
Arsenic – мышьяк
Cadmium – кадмий
Inert silicon – инертный кремний
Expose to – подвергать действию
Scarce – недостаточный, редкий
Additional – дополнительный
Task 2. Read and translate the text, define its main idea.
Since solar power systems generate no air pollution during operation, the primary environmental, health, and safety issues involve how they are manufactured, installed, and ultimately disposed of. Energy is required to manufacture and install solar components, and any fossil fuels used for this purpose will generate emissions. Thus, an important question is how much fossil energy input is required for solar systems. Although this varies, depending upon the technology and climate.
According to some studies, for example, solar water heaters increase the amount of hot water generated per unit of fossil energy invested by at least a factor of two compared to natural gas water heating and by at least a factor of eight compared to electric water heating. Materials used in some solar systems can create safety and health hazards for workers and anyone else coming into contact with them. In particular, the manufacturing of photovoltaic cells often requires hazardous materials such as arsenic and cadmium. Even relatively inert silicon, a major material used in solar cells, can be hazardous to workers if it is breathed in as dust. Workers involved in manufacturing of photovoltaic modules and components must be protected from exposure to these materials. Through effective regulation, the dangers can very likely be kept at a very low level.
The large amount of land required for solar power plants (approximately one square kilometer for every 20-60 megawatts (MW) generated) poses an additional problem, especially where wildlife protection is a concern. But this problem is not unique to solar power plants. Solar-thermal plants (like most conventional power plants) also require cooling water, which may be costly or scarce in desert areas. In solar building designs, the structure itself acts as the collector, so there is no need for any additional space at all.
Task 3. Give the full answers to the following questions according to the text.
1) Are solar power systems appropriate to our country and our climate? 2) Are there any hazards for wildlife or workers involved in manufacturing of solar systems?
Task 4. Decide whether the given statements are true or false. You may use any of the following phrases:
That is true/that’s not true
I agree with this statement/I can’t agree with it
The information is correct /the information is false
There is no mistake in this statement /there is a mistake in this statement
1) Solar power systems don’t pollute the atmosphere. 2) Fossil fuel is needed to manufacture solar components. 3) Materials used in solar systems are not hazardous for workers. 4) Solar power plants require cooling water and large amount of land. 5) Manufacturing of photovoltaic modules id not dangerous.
Task 5. Compose dialogues and share your ideas about the future application of solar power and its prospective role in our everyday life.
VOCABULARY EXERCISES
Task 1. Find in the text corresponding equivalents to the following words.
Первостепенные проблемы, в зависимости от климата, согласно некоторым исследованиям, на единицу энергии, в восемь раз, в особенности, относительно инертный кремний.
Task 2. Match each of the given words with its definition and translate.
Cadmium |
gas used for heating and lighting, taken from under the earth or under the sea. |
Emission |
not producing a chemical reaction when combined with other substances. |
Natural gas |
a piece of equipment that changes light into electricity. |
Silicon |
a soft poisonous metal that is used in batteries and in the protective shields in nuclear reactors. |
Photovoltaic cell |
a chemical substance that exists as a solid or as a powder and is used to make glass, bricks, and parts for computers. |
Inert |
a gas or other substance that is sent into the air. |
Task 3. Make pares of synonyms taking one word form A and another one from B.
A: primary, to involve, to vary, to increase, an amount, approximately, a location, current.
B: to change, about, basic, siting, to include, to enlarge, modern, number.
GRAMMAR EXERCISES
Task 1. A) In the text find the sentences with Participle I, define its function and translate the sentences. You may consult the Appendix.
B) In the text find the sentences with Modal verbs or their equivalents and translate them.
Task 2. Choose the right variant.
It ___ without saying that bad environment is the direct threat to human health.
A would go B goes C had been gone D being gone
The amount of ground water ___ high concentrations of toxins is constantly increasing.
A contained B containing C will contain D contains
The most endangered primates ___ the golden bamboo lemur in Madagascar.
A including B had been included C include D being included
In the North America bird observers ___ a steady decline in the number of many of the birds.
A having seen B have seen C being seen D seeing
A lot of energy ___ keeping water and rooms hotter than necessary.
A was wasted B have wasted C is wasted D will be wasted
Eight million tons of oil ___ into the Earth’s oceans every year because of oil tanker disasters.
A is spilled B will be spilled C being spilled D spilling
Task 3. Make four types of questions to each of the given sentences and ask your group mates to answer them.
1) Massive amounts of wastes are produced by modern industry. 2) When water is polluted it cannot be used for drinking. 3) In 61 A.D. the philosopher Seneca was complaining about the smoky air emitted from household chimneys in Rome.
Task 4. Translate the following nominative-attributive groups, try to explain their meaning in English: solar power system, air pollution, safety issues, fossil fuels, fossil energy input, solar water heaters, natural gas water heating, solar power plants, wildlife protection, solar building designs.
TASKS FOR INDIVIDUAL WORK
Task 1. Make correct sentences and translate them.
1) Manufacturing, of, require, installation, and, solar, energy, components. 2) Solar, are, heaters, effective, more, water, than, ones, electric. 3) Arsenic, very, and, are, cadmium, hazardous, materials. 4) Relatively, is, major, inert, a, in, cells, silicon, material, solar, used. 5) Solar, plants, large, of, power, land, require, amount.
Task 2. Translate the following sentences into English.
1) В действительности ветряки занимают только малую площадь земли, а остальную можно использовать в других целях, например, для сельского хозяйства. 2) Солнечные батареи должны обогревать и освещать дома. 3) В будущем мы сможем использовать солнечную энергию более эффективно. 4) Они были заинтересованы во вложении крупной суммы денег в наш новый проект. 5) Путем охлаждения можно превращать вещества в твердые или жидкие. 6) Как люди распоряжаются отходами своего производства? 7) Рабочие, занятые производством фотогальванических элементов, подвергаются риску каждый день. 8) В засушливых регионах вода может быть слишком дорогостоящей или недостаточной, чтобы использовать ее на заводах для охлаждения. 9) При вдыхании относительно инертный кремний в виде пыли может создать угрозу вашему здоровью. 10) Люди, входящие в контакт с опасными материалами, подвергаются риску.
Task 3. Prepare the summary of the text.
UNIT 4. Geothermal energy
COMPREHENSION READING
Task 1. Read the following words and word combinations paying attention to the correct pronunciation, write them down and learn by heart.
To develop – разрабатывать, развивать, совершенствовать
Trapped – защемленный
Drilling – бурение, сверление
Brine – минеральный раствор, соляной раствор, минеральная вода
Siting – размещение
Land subsidence – оседание почвы
Affect – оказывать влияние, воздействовать
Closed-loop system – замкнутая система
Well – шахта, источник
To inject – инжектировать, впрыскивать, впускать
Scrubber – газоочиститель
Advantage – преимущество
To require – требовать
Supply – поставка, подача
To arouse intense opposition – встречать сильное сопротивление
To expand – расширять(ся), распространять(ся)
Reasonable – приемлемый, справедливый
To provide – обеспечивать
Scenic – живописный
Task 2. Read and translate the text, define its main idea.
Geothermal energy is heat contained below the earth's surface. The only type of geothermal energy that has been widely developed is hydrothermal energy, which consists of trapped hot water or steam. However, new technologies are being developed to exploit hot dry rock (accessed by drilling deep into rock), geopressured resources (pressurized brine mixed with methane), and magma. The various geothermal resource types differ in many respects, but they raise a common set of environmental issues. Air and water pollution are among the most urgent concerns, along with the safe disposal of hazardous waste, siting, and land subsidence. Since these resources would be exploited in a highly centralized fashion, reducing their environmental impacts to an acceptable level should be relatively easy. But it will always be difficult to site plants in scenic or otherwise environmentally sensitive areas.
The method used to convert geothermal steam or hot water to electricity directly affects the amount of waste generated. Closed-loop systems are almost totally benign, since gases or fluids removed from the well are not exposed to the atmosphere and are usually injected back into the ground after giving up their heat. Although this technology is more expensive than conventional open-loop systems, in some cases it may reduce scrubber and solid waste disposal costs enough to provide a significant economic advantage.
Most geothermal power plants will require a large amount of water for cooling or other purposes. In places where water is in short supply, this need could raise conflicts with other users for water resources. The development of hydrothermal energy faces a special problem. Many hydrothermal reservoirs are located in or near wilderness areas of great natural beauty such as Yellowstone National Park and the Cascade Mountains. Proposed developments in such areas have aroused intense opposition. If hydrothermal-electric development is to expand much further in the United States, reasonable compromises will have to be reached between environmental groups and industry.
Task 3. Give the full answers to the following questions according to the text.
1) What is geothermal energy and what are its sources? 2) What environmental issues are raised by geothermal energy development?
Task 4. Decide whether the given statements are true or false. You may use any of the following phrases:
That is true/that’s not true
I agree with this statement/I can’t agree with it
The information is correct /the information is false
There is no mistake in this statement /there is a mistake in this statement
1) Hydrothermal energy is the most developed type of geothermal energy. 2) With new technologies geothermal development produces no air or water pollution. 3) In closed-loop systems gases are injected back into the ground. 4) Conventional open-loop systems are less expensive than closed-loop systems. 5) Siting of hydrothermal power plants in wilderness areas arouses intense opposition.
Task 5. Compose an interview between a reporter and a director of geothermal power plant. Discuss the present situation in geothermal power industry and its possible further development.
VOCABULARY EXERCISES
Task 1. Find in the text corresponding equivalents to the following words.
Разомкнутая система, получать доступ, сухая порода, природный заповедник, столкнуться с проблемой, использовать/разрабатывать, предлагать, ресурсы, находящиеся под давлением земной коры.
Task 2. Match each of the given words with its definition and translate.
Drilling |
a deep hole dug in the ground where there is a supply of oil or gas. |
Geopressured resources |
the process by which an area of land sinks to a lower level than the land surrounding it. |
Well |
making a hole using a special tool or machine. |
Land subsidence |
a substance, as a liquid or gas, that is capable of flowing and that changes its shape at a steady rate when acted upon by a force tending to change its shape. |
Reservoir |
deep reservoirs of high-pressured hot water that contain dissolved methane. |
Fluid |
a lake, especially an artificial one, where water is stored before it is supplied to people's houses. |
Task 3. Make pares of synonyms taking one word form A and another one from B.
A: to consist, various, a pollution, a fashion, to reduce, to affect, costs, to face.
B: to decrease, a contamination, to encounter, a manner, to be made up of smth., different, to act on smth., expenses.
GRAMMAR EXERCISES
Task 1. A) In the text find the sentences in Passive voice and translate them. B) In the text find adjectives in comparative and superlative degree and translate them. Make degrees of comparison using the following adjectives and adverbs:
Hot, deep, widely, much, safe, frequently, easy, sensitive, late, well, difficult, (a) little, hazardous, benign, comfortably, correctly.
Task 2. Choose the right variant.
In Mumbai court ordered the release of five blind lions ___ for a circus.
A performed B performing C are being performed D will be performed
Both fossil and nuclear fuels produce a great amount of ___ substances.
A to pollute B pollute C polluted D polluting
We should inquire into the problems ___ with non-renewable energy sources.
A to associate B associate C associated D associating
Water may ___ costly or scarce in desert areas.
A to be B be C been D being
The world has ___ to renewable energy sources.
A to switch B switch C switched D switching
Today strict environmental standards ___ for evaluating renewable energy projects.
A to be used B are used C were used D have been used
Task 3. Make four types of questions to each of the given sentences and ask your group mates to answer them.
1) Pollution directly reduces our social welfare by denying us access to clean air and water. 2) Nowadays noise is becoming a major pollutant. 3) Some areas should be permanently removed from public or private use.
Task 4. Translate the following nominative-attributive groups, try to explain their meaning in English: geothermal energy, geothermal resource types, air and water pollution, solid waste disposal costs, geothermal power plants, water resources, wilderness areas.
TASKS FOR INDIVIDUAL WORK
Task 1. Make correct sentences and translate them.
1) Hydrothermal, consists, trapped, water, steam, energy, of, hot, or. 2) Geopressured, include, mixed, methane, resources, with, pressurized, brine. 3) We, their, should, impacts, reduce, an, to, level, environmental, acceptable. 4) Closed-loop, are, than, more, systems, ones, benign, open-loop. 5) The, for, water, need, conflicts, raise, cooling, can, serious.
Task 2. Translate the following sentences into English.
1) Существуют приборы для сокращения объема макрочастиц в воздухе, так что негативное воздействие на организм можно уменьшить. 2) Проблема в том, где можно разместить новую электростанцию, чтобы избежать критического уровня загрязнения местной природы. 3) Мы считаем, что затраты на утилизацию отходов можно снизить, используя более эффективную технологию. 4) Если развитие гидроэнергетики будет продолжаться, необходимо достичь компромисса между защитниками окружающей среды и промышленностью. 5) Хотя эта технология дороже, она дает значительное экономическое преимущество фермерам. 6) Так как многие гидротермальные источники находятся вблизи природных заповедников, это вызывает возмущение общественности. 7) Следует помнить, что большинство ГЭС нуждается в большом количестве воды для охлаждения и других целей. 8) Такая система полностью безопасна, т.к. газ и жидкость, извлеченные из шахты, впрыскиваются обратно после обработки. 9) Множество технологий было разработано с целью использования геотермальной энергии, т.е. тепла Земли. 10) Разнообразие геотермальных источников позволяет использовать их как в малых, так и в крупных масштабах.
Task 3. Prepare the summary of the text.
UNIT 5. Biomass
COMPREHENSION READING
Task 1. Read the following words and word combinations paying attention to the correct pronunciation, write them down and learn by heart.
To derive from – происходить от
Except – кроме
Biomass-based fuels – синтетическое топливо из биомассы
Conversion – переработка
Inevitably – неизбежно
Carbon – углерод
Nitrogen – азот
Particulates – (макро) частицы
Soot and ash – сажа и зола (пепел)
Stove – печь
Electrostatic precipitator – электростатический осадитель, электрофильтр
Regulation – предписание, распоряжение
To enforce – усиливать
Doubtful – сомнительный
To catch on – становиться популярным
Notable – заметный
Facilities – приспособление, оборудование
Sulfur – сера
Mercury – ртуть
Successive – следующий один за другим
Gasifier – газификатор, газогенератор
Task 2. Read and translate the text, define its main idea.
Biomass power, derived from burning of plant matter, raises more serious environmental issues than any other renewable resource except hydropower. Combustion of biomass and biomass-based fuels produces air pollution; beyond this, there are concerns about the impacts of using land to grow energy crops. How serious these impacts are will depend on how carefully the resource is managed. The picture is further complicated because there is no single biomass technology, but rather a wide variety of production and conversion methods, each with different environmental impacts.
Inevitably, the combustion of biomass produces air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulates such as soot and ash. The amount of pollution emitted per unit of energy generated varies widely by technology. Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces generally are considered to be the worst offenders. Modern, enclosed fireplaces and wood stoves pollute much less than traditional, open fireplaces for the simple reason that they are more efficient. Specialized pollution control devices such as electrostatic precipitators (to remove particulates) are available, but without specific regulation to enforce their use it is doubtful they will catch on. Emissions from conventional biomass-fueled power plants are generally similar to emissions from coal-fired power plants, with the notable difference that biomass facilities produce very little sulfur dioxide or toxic metals (cadmium, mercury, and others). The most serious problem is their particulate emissions, which must be controlled with special devices. More advanced technologies, such as the whole-tree burner (which has three successive combustion stages) and the gasifier/combustion turbine combination, should generate much lower emissions, perhaps comparable to those of power plants fueled by natural gas.
Task 3. Give the full answers to the following questions according to the text.
1) What is biomass power derived from? 2) Does burning of biomass produce pollution? If yes, what technologies help reduce it?
Task 4. Decide whether the given statements are true or false. You may use any of the following phrases:
That is true/that’s not true
I agree with this statement/I can’t agree with it
The information is correct /the information is false
There is no mistake in this statement /there is a mistake in this statement
1) There are several biomass technologies with different environmental impacts. 2) Biomass power is produced when plant matter is burnt. 3) Traditional fireplaces and wood stoves are more efficient. 4) Burning of biomass produces a great amount of sulphur dioxide and cadmium. 5) There is still no technology to control particulate emissions.
Task 5. Look at the picture. Compose your own dialogues and discuss the stages of biomass processing. Use these words: biomass gasification, wood, air, combustion, reduction, gas, steam, boiler, turbine, generator, transmission, distribution, customer.
VOCABULARY EXERCISES
Task 1. Find in the text corresponding equivalents to the following words.
Сжигание растительного материала, сгорание биомассы, помимо этого, широкое разнообразие, топливо на биомассе, удалять макро частицы, заметная разница, печь для сжигания цельного дерева.
Task 2. Match each of the given words with its definition and translate.
Biomass |
extremely small particles of a substance, especially those that cause air pollution. |
Fireplace |
chemical activity which uses oxygen to produce light and heat. |
Particulates |
an official rule that controls the way that things are done. |
Regulation |
a special place in the wall of a room, where you can make a fire. |
Mercury |
a heavy silver-white poisonous metal that is liquid at ordinary temperatures, and is used in thermometers. |
Combustion |
plant and animal matter used to provide power or energy. |
Task 3. Make pares of synonyms taking one word form A and another one from B.
A: to manage, complicated, a combustion, advanced, a problem, to continue, to seize, a lack.
B: up-to-date, to go on, to control, an issue, difficult, a shortage, a burning, to stop.
GRAMMAR EXERCISES
Task 1. A) In the text find the sentences with Gerund, define its function and translate the sentence. You may consult the Appendix. B) In the text find the sentences with Infinitive, define its function and translate the sentence. You may consult the Appendix.
Task 2. Choose the right variant.
One way of ___ hydrogen is to pass electric current through water.
A is obtaining B will have obtained C obtaining D obtains
___ a minimal quality of environment-friendly cleaning products protects your skin from harmful chemicals
A have been used B using C were used D being used
The construction of wind turbines is ideally suited to ___ areas.
A farm B farming C farmed D farmers
They must solve environmental problems together with ___ communities.
A affect B affecting C affection D affected
A great amount of polluting substances ___ when burning fossil fuel.
A is produced B are produced C was produced D were produced
More than 30 threatened species ___ during a three-year period.
A is injured B are injured C was injured D were injured
Task 3. Make four types of questions to each of the given sentences and ask your group mates to answer them.
1) The soil is polluted because of illegal dumping of solid wastes. 2) You should obtain general knowledge and skills in the field of new technologies. 3) One must learn a lot to become a professional ecologist.
Task 4. Translate the following nominative-attributive groups, try to explain their meaning in English: biomass power, plant matter, production and conversion methods, wood stoves, pollution control devices, biomass-fueled power plants, coal-fired power plants, particulate emissions, whole-tree burner, combustion stages, gasifier/combustion turbine combination.
TASKS FOR INDIVIDUAL WORK
Task 1. Make correct sentences and translate them.
1) People, manage, and, resources, should, land, carefully, water. 2) There, a, of, conversion, variety, is, methods, wide, and, production. 3) Air, carbon, and, pollutants, monoxide, particulates, include. 4) Nowadays, control, are, specialized, devices, available, pollution. 5) More, will, much, advanced, lower, generate, technologies, emissions.
Task 2. Translate the following sentences into English.
1) Чем больший объем биомассы сжигается, тем больше загрязняющих веществ выбрасывается в атмосферу, что может привести к образованию смога или истощению озонового слоя. 2) Сжигание биомассы высвобождает почти такое же количество углекислого газа, как и сжигание ископаемого топлива. 3) Лес до сих пор является крупнейшим источником энергии биомассы, но можно также использовать другие источники. 4) Традиционные технологии до сих пор используются в различных отраслях промышленности наряду с альтернативными технологиями. 5) Следует быть осторожным при работе с токсичными материалами. 6) Стеклянные бутылки можно перерабатывать, как и пластиковые. 7) Использование угля и нефти в качестве топлива сильно ухудшает качество воздуха. 8) Люди уничтожили значительную часть лесного массива, строя дороги и дома. 9) Материал, который должен использоваться в фотогальванических модулях, очень опасен. 10) По-видимому, солнечные электростанции не производят загрязнения воздуха.
Task 3. Prepare the summary of the text.
UNIT 6. Hydropower
COMPREHENSION READING
Task 1. Read the following words and word combinations paying attention to the correct pronunciation, write them down and learn by heart.
Dam – дамба
Virtually – практически
Suitable – подходящий
Slack – нехватка, дефицит
To take up – компенсировать
Revival – возобновление, восстановление
To meet expectations – оправдать ожидания
Peak output – максимальный объем производства
To save – спасать, сохранять
Endangered species – вымирающие виды
Salmon – лосось, семга
To decline – уменьшаться
Rapidly – быстро
Arduous trip downstream – трудное путешествие вниз по течению
Blade – лопасть
To pursue – совершать, выполнять
Frequently – часто
To inundate – затоплять
Wildlife habitats – среда обитания диких животных
Task 2. Read and translate the text, define its main idea.
The development of hydropower has become increasingly problematic in the United States. The construction of large dams has virtually ceased because most suitable undeveloped sites are under federal environmental protection. To some extent, the slack has been taken up by a revival of small-scale development. But small-scale hydro development has not met early expectations. For example, a series of large facilities on the Columbia River in Washington will probably be forced to reduce their peak output by 1,000 MW to save an endangered species of salmon. Salmon numbers have declined rapidly because the young are forced to make a long and arduous trip downstream through several power plants, risking death from turbine blades at each stage. The impact of very large dams is so great that there is almost no chance that any more will be built in the United States, although large projects continue to be pursued in Canada (the largest at James Bay in Quebec) and in many developing countries. The reservoirs created by such projects frequently inundate large areas of forest, farmland, wildlife habitats, scenic areas, and even towns. In addition, the dams can cause radical changes in river ecosystems both upstream and downstream.
Task 3. Give the full answers to the following questions according to the text.
1) Why has the development of hydropower become problematic in the USA? 2) What is the impact of dams on the river ecosystems and surrounding areas?
Task 4. Decide whether the given statements are true or false. You may use any of the following phrases:
That is true/that’s not true
I agree with this statement/I can’t agree with it
The information is correct /the information is false
There is no mistake in this statement /there is a mistake in this statement
1) Hydropower plants are rarely built in the USA. 2) Small scale hydro development has met early expectations. 3) Salmon numbers have been reduced because of collision with turbine blades. 4) Large dams are likely to be built all over the USA. 5) Dams have no impact on wildlife habitats or river ecosystems.
Task 5. Watch the video http://www.skypeenglishclasses.com/skype-english-blog/english-conversation-classes-talking-about-renewable-energy-sources-in-english/ and try to answer the following questions:
1) What two factors make it necessary for us to adapt (change) our methods of energy production and consumption without delay? 2) What can make a great contribution to the cause with little or no CO2 emissions? 3) In terms of energy consumption what is the percentage that the EU hopes to reach by 2020? 4) How much wind electricity does the EU now produce? 5) What is geothermal energy? 6) How are solar panels useful for household needs? 7) How many meters of solar panels were installed in Europe in 2006? 8) How is biomass defined in this report? 9) Why is biomass called ‘the sleeping giant.’ 10) How much is the renewable energy sector worth for the European Union annually? 11) How do governments play a crucial role in the development of the renewable energy sector?
VOCABULARY EXERCISES
Task 1. Find in the text corresponding equivalents to the following words.
Компенсировать недостаток, в некоторой степени, не оправдать ожидания, быть вынужденным, трудное путешествие, среда обитания диких животных, живописные районы, как вверх, так и вниз по течению.
Task 2. Match each of the given words with its definition and translate.
Dam |
a type of animal or plant that may soon become extinct (=disappear from the world). |
Endangered species |
the type of place that a particular animal usually lives in or a particular plant usually grows in, for example a desert, forest, or lake. |
Inundate |
all the animals and plants in a particular area, and the way in which they are related to each other and to their environment. |
Habitat |
land specifically used for agricultural purposes in the raising of crops or livestock. |
Ecosystem |
a wall built across a river to stop the water from flowing, especially in order to create a lake or to help to produce electric power. |
Farmland |
to cover an area with a large amount of water. |
Task 3. Make pares of synonyms taking one word form A and another one from B.
A: a protection, to take up a slack, a revival, to decline, rapidly, to be forced to do smth., arduous, an inundation.
B: fast, a flood, to decrease, a defense, to compensate a drawback, a renewal, to be made to do smth., difficult.
GRAMMAR EXERCISES
Task 1. A) In the text find the sentences with Infinitive, define its function and translate the sentences. B) In the text find the sentences with Participle II, define its function and translate the sentences.
Task 2. Choose the right variant.
There are now urgent calls for the basking sharks ___ international protection.
A has been given B will be given C to be given D gives
Energy ___ to manufacture and install solar components.
A is required B are required C required D require
In some countries people seize ___ their cars for the lack of petrol.
A use B using C used D usage
People cannot protect ___ animals from accidental death.
A threated B threating C threatened D threatening
The purpose of this device is ___ pressure.
A measure B measured C measuring D to measure
They want wildlife ___ in this area.
A to be protected B to protect C protected D protecting
Task 3. Make four types of questions to each of the given sentences and ask your group mates to answer them.
1) Eight million tons of oil is spilled into the Earth’s oceans every year because of oil tanker disasters. 2) The amount of ground water containing high concentrations of toxins is constantly increasing. 3) One should have a scientific understanding of connection between nature and society.
Task 4. Translate the following nominative-attributive groups, try to explain their meaning in English: small-scale development, salmon numbers, power plant, turbine blades, wildlife habitat, river ecosystem.
TASKS FOR INDIVIDUAL WORK
Task 1. Make correct sentences and translate them.
1) Systems and fossil current upon fuels energy depend nuclear. 2) Area wind occupy turbines a small only. 3) Most cooling plants power require water. 4) Is below geothermal heat the earth’s energy contained surface. 5) Of air biomass combustion pollution produces.
Task 2. Translate the following sentences into English.
1) По некоторым оценкам ученых, в течение следующих двухсот лет люди прекратят пользоваться автомобилями из-за недостатка топлива, если только не найдут ему замену. 2) Некоторые предприятия в Вашингтоне вынуждены сократить свой максимальный объем производства, чтобы сохранить вымирающих лососей. 3) Ожидается, что в последующие двадцать лет потребление энергии значительно возрастет во всем мире, а особенно в Азии. 4) Впервые контроль автомобильных выхлопов был введен в 1966 году, чтобы сократить выбросы углеводорода и угарного газа. 5) Прежде чем работать с опасными веществами, нужно надеть защитные очки и перчатки. 6) Наша цель – защитить рабочих от воздействия токсичных веществ. 7) Несомненно относительно инертный кремний является основным материалом, используемым в солнечных элементах. 8) Они хотят, чтобы живая природа в этом регионе была под защитой. 9) Ученые обнаружили, что это напрямую зависит от климата. 10) Анализы показали, что эти вирусы опасны, но не смертельны.
Task 3. Prepare the summary of the text.
UNIT 7. Energy technologies and their impact on the environment
COMPREHENSION READING
Task 1. Read the following words and word combinations paying attention to the correct pronunciation, write them down and learn by heart.
Diverse – различный, многообразный
To deplete – уменьшать, истощать, исчерпывать
To impose – сообщать
Mankind’s survival – выживание человечества
Sound – здоровый, надежный, правильный, безупречный
Environmentally friendly – экологически безвредный
A drawback – недостаток
A trend – тенденция
To oversee – следить, наблюдать
To prevent – предотвратить
To tune – настроить, подстроить, приспособить
An existence – существование
Task 2. Read and translate the text, define its main idea.
So, no single solution can meet our society's future energy needs. The solution instead will come from the family of diverse energy technologies that do not deplete our natural resources or destroy our environment. That’s the final decision that the nature imposes. Today mankind’s survival directly depends upon how quickly we can renew the polluting fuel and energy complex we have now with sound and environmentally friendly technologies.
Certainly, alternative sources of energy have their own drawbacks, just like everything in the world, but, in fact, they seem minor in comparison with the hazards posed by conventional sources. Moreover, if talking about the dangers posed by new energy technologies, there is a trend of localization. Really, these have almost no negative global effect, such as air pollution.
Moreover, even the minor effects posed by geothermal plants or solar cells can be overseen and prevented if the appropriate measures are taken. So, when using alternatives, we operate a universal tool that can be tuned to suit every purpose. They reduce the terrible impact the human being has had on the environment for the years of his existence, thus drawing nature and technology closer than ever before for the last 2 centuries.
Task 3. Give the full answers to the following questions according to the text.
1) What solution can meet our future energy needs? 2) Compare conventional and alternative energy sources. What are their advantages and disadvantages?
Task 4. Decide whether the given statements are true or false. You may use any of the following phrases:
That is true/that’s not true
I agree with this statement/I can’t agree with it
The information is correct /the information is false
There is no mistake in this statement /there is a mistake in this statement
1) The mankind’s survival depends on how soon we switch to environmentally friendly technologies. 2) Conventional sources of energy are better than alternative ones. 3) Modern energy technologies have almost no negative global effect. 4) Appropriate measures can help prevent minor problems caused by geothermal plants or solar cells. 5) Non-renewable energy sources reduce the terrible impact on the environment.
Task 5. Discuss the topic “Ecofriendly technologies around us”. Do you use “green” products? Suggest your ideas concerning the ways to make our life “greener”.
VOCABULARY EXERCISES
Task 1. Find in the text corresponding equivalents to the following words.
Конечное решение, надежная технология, по сравнению с чем-л., экологически безвредный, малозначительное воздействие, существование человека, соответствующие меры, напрямую зависеть.
Task 2. Match each of the given words with its definition and translate.
Natural resources |
a large area of land that has never been developed or farmed. |
Environment |
valuable substances such as wood and oil that exist in a country's land and sea. |
Air pollution |
designed not to harm the natural environment. |
Environmentally friendly |
Toxic solid carbon produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. |
Soot |
the introduction into the atmosphere of chemicals, particulates, or biological materials that cause discomfort, disease, or death to humans, damage other living organisms such as food crops, or damage the natural environment. |
Wilderness area |
the natural world, including the land, water, air, plants, and animals, especially considered as something that is affected by human activity. |
Task 3. Make pares of synonyms taking one word form A and another one from B.
A: diverse, to deplete, a mankind, environmentally friendly, a drawback, hazard, to tune, a concern.
B: an anxiety, various, a danger, benign, to reduce, a humanity, a disadvantage, to adjust.
GRAMMAR EXERCISES
Task 1. In the text find Complex sentences, define the type of subordinate clauses and translate them.
Task 2. Choose the right variant.
Sustainable future must ___ for the next generations.
A to be provided B provided C be provided D have provided
Wastes ___ into the atmosphere, water and soil.
A to be released B released C is released D are released
What would happen if we continue ___ fossil fuels at present rate?
A to be consumed B consuming C consume D to be consuming
Relatively inert silicon is sure ___ a major material used in solar cells.
A to be B be C to have been D ---
Scientists looked for the optimal way of ___ energy.
A obtaining B obtain C obtained D to obtain
The ___ pressure can cause serious fault of the engine.
A increase B increases C increasing D to increase
Task 3. Make four types of questions to each of the given sentences and ask your group mates to answer them.
1) A lot of money is granted as a support for the countries concerned to cope with the arising difficulties. 2) The level of pollution of farmland often exceeds acceptable standards. 3) Estimates should be made to know exactly how many plant species are in danger of extinction.
Task 4. Translate the following nominative-attributive groups, try to explain their meaning in English: future energy needs, diverse energy technologies, fuel and energy complex, air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, thermal pollution, land pollution.
TASKS FOR INDIVIDUAL WORK
Task 1. Make correct sentences and translate them.
1) These, neither, nor, natural, technologies, our, destroy, deplete, our, resources, environment. 2) Negative, of, can, effects, be, and, geothermal, plants, overseen, power, prevented. 3) Using, than, alternatives, ever, draw, before, and, nature, closer, technologies. 4) Environmentally, are, for, friendly, survival, technologies, very, the, important, mankind’s. 5) Everything, the, has, drawbacks, in, both, world, and, advantages.
Task 2. Translate the following sentences into English.
1) Решить некоторые экологические проблемы помогут технологии, которые не истощают природные ресурсы и не разрушают окружающую среду. 2) Незначительный ущерб, наносимый геотермальными и солнечными электростанциями, можно предвидеть и предотвратить, приняв соответствующие меры. 3) Выживание человечества во многом зависит от того, как скоро мы начнем использовать более рациональные и экологически безвредные технологии. 4) Альтернативные источники энергии снижают негативное воздействие, которое оказывало человечество на окружающую среду в течение двух последних столетий. 5) Для постройки электростанций около Нортфилда (США) были вырыты три мили туннелей. 6) Почти 90% электроэнергии, генерируемой в настоящее время, является переменным током. 7) Считается, что ГЭС создают серьезные проблемы окружающей среды. 8) Оказывается, стоячая вода за дамбой создает благоприятные условия для насекомых, переносящих болезни. 9) Крупнейший потенциальный источник ядерной энергии – это термоядерный синтез, при котором ядра маленьких атомов соединяются и формируют более крупные ядра.10) Прогнозируя истощение запасов ископаемого топлива, эксперты основывались на статистике.
Task 3. Prepare the summary of the text.
UNIT 8. Climate change and energy
COMPREHENSION READING
Task 1. Read the following words and word combinations paying attention to the correct pronunciation, write them down and learn by heart.
Sustainable – рациональный
To strive – стараться, прилагать усилия, бороться
To compromise – подрывать, подвергать риску
A threat – угроза
A climate modeler – специалист по моделированию климата
Unpredictable – непредсказуемый
To strike (struck, struck) – наносить удар
A drought – засуха
A flooding – наводнение
To blame – винить
Culprit – виновник, преступник
Legally binding – юридически обязательный
Current – современный
To stress – подчеркивать, делать акцент
Tough – трудный, сложный для выполнения
To implement – применять
Challenging – трудный
Task 2. Read and translate the text, define its main idea.
Energy and climate change are both global issues. Both are often discussed in the context of sustainable development: development which balances economic, environmental and social considerations and strives to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Climate change is one of the most serious threats facing the world’s environment, economy and society. Global temperatures rose by 0.6°C during the last century and climate modelers forecast a rise of about 3°C during this century. The rate at which the climate is changing will affect the world in extreme and unpredictable ways. Some areas will be struck by drought while others will be threatened by rising seas and flooding. Greenhouse gas emissions created by humans are blamed for these changes. The major culprit is carbon dioxide, which is released when fossil fuels are burned.
As a result of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, developed countries have agreed that they will cut their overall emissions by 5.2 per cent below 1990 levels by the period 2008-12. This target is legally binding. The UK’s target is to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 per cent below 1990 levels by 2010 and has set its own target to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent in the same period. Current projections show that the UK is expected to cut emissions by 15 per cent by 2010. In June 2000, the Royal Commission on Environmental Protection published its report “Energy – the changing climate” which stressed that much tougher targets would be needed: a 60 per cent reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 is needed to be in line with globally agreed targets. Implementing renewable energy technologies, along with energy efficiency programs, will help meet these challenging targets.
Task 3. Give the full answers to the following questions according to the text.
1) What is the reason of global temperature rising? 2) What projects are targeted on reducing of greenhouse gas emissions?
Task 4. Decide whether the given statements are true or false. You may use any of the following phrases:
That is true/that’s not true
I agree with this statement/I can’t agree with it
The information is correct /the information is false
There is no mistake in this statement /there is a mistake in this statement
1) Sustainable development is the one which balances social, economic and environmental considerations. 2) We may face the global temperature rise of about 0,6 ͦ C in the nearest future. 3) Quick climate change may cause drought in some areas and flooding in the others. 4) The change of climate is caused by greenhouse gases. 5) The Kyoto Protocol obliges developing countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Task 5. Imagine that you are a Prime Minister. What would you do to improve ecological situation in our region? Try to say at least 10 sentences and let your group mates ask you some questions.
VOCABULARY EXERCISES
Task 1. Find in the text corresponding equivalents to the following words.
Предсказывать рост, крайне непредсказуемо, главный виновник, сократить выбросы, юридически обязательный, текущие прогнозы, подъем уровня моря, Королевская комиссия по защите окружающей среды.
Task 2. Match each of the given words with its definition and translate.
Climate |
a long period of dry weather when there is not enough water for plants and animals to live. |
Affect |
to make something happen. |
Effect |
to cause physical damage to something. |
Projection |
a situation in which an area of land becomes covered with water, for example because of heavy rain. |
Drought |
the typical weather conditions in a particular area. |
Flooding |
a calculation of the way that something will change and develop in the future, especially of how fast it will grow or become smaller. |
Task 3. Make pares of synonyms taking one word form A and another one from B.
A: flooding, lack of rain, strive, call smb. a culprit, compromise, to build, to create, frequently.
B: blame, excess of water, to make, drought, often, take pains, expose to the risk, to construct.
GRAMMAR EXERCISES
Task 1. In the text find Complex sentences with attributive and objective subordinate clauses and translate them.
Task 2. Choose the right variant.
It’s the best way of ___ sustainable future for the next generations.
A to provide B provide C provided D providing
Workers ___ in manufacturing of photovoltaic modules must be protected.
A to involve B involve C involved D involving
No air or water pollution ___ by wind turbines.
A is produced B are produced C to be produced D produced
Provided there were specific regulations, new pollution control devices ___.
A will catch on B would catch on C will have caught on D would be caught on
If plant material is not eaten it is generally ___broken down by micro-organisms or burned
A either B or C neither D and
Spending on energy efficiency is economically efficient ___ socially beneficial.
A but B as well as C although D than
Task 3. Make four types of questions to each of the given sentences and ask your group mates to answer them.
1) Traces of pesticides have been detected also in breast milk. 2) The most likely source of these bacteria is sea water polluted with sewage. 3) In this zone experiments may be conducted on alternative systems of land use.
Task 4. Translate the following nominative-attributive groups, try to explain their meaning in English: climate change, climate modelers, greenhouse gas emissions, carbon dioxide, fossil fuel, renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency programs.
TASKS FOR INDIVIDUAL WORK
Task 1. Make correct sentences and translate them.
1) Sustainable, strives, meet, needs, to, development, present, the. 2) Today, is, change, our, climate, the, serious, society, facing, called, most, threat. 3) Some, suffer, or, flooding, areas, from, drought, will. 4) Burning, gases, releases, of, greenhouse, fuel, fossil. 5) Implementing, will, cut, emissions, help, carbon, renewables, dioxide.
Task 2. Translate the following sentences into English.
1) Скорость, с которой происходит изменение климата, может повлиять на состояние нашей планеты непредсказуемым образом. 2) Главным виновником климатических изменений считается углекислый газ, образующийся при сжигании ископаемого топлива. 3) Из-за повышения уровня содержания парниковых газов некоторые области могут пострадать от засухи, а другим угрожает наводнение. 4) В результате принятия Киотского протокола в 1997 году развитые страны согласились сократить выброс парниковых газов на 5,2%. 5) Если биомасса сжигается, неизбежно образуются загрязняющие воздух вещества. 6) Если бы дровяные печи не были достаточно эффективны, мы бы не использовали их в настоящее время. 7) Гораздо меньше выбросов будет производиться, если будут использоваться более современные технологии. 8) Если бы земельные ресурсы расходовались нерационально, вскоре у фермеров было бы недостаточно плодородных полей для выращивания культур. 9) Вред, который радиация может нанести нашему здоровью, делает ее очень опасной. 10) Было почти невозможно предвидеть число жертв, оставленных ураганом.
Task 3. Prepare the summary of the text.
Task 4. Make a presentation on modern power plants that use wind, solar or geothermal energy, biomass or hydropower. Discover their advantages and disadvantages, consider their impact on the environment. Suggest some ideas about their future development and improvements.
Test exercises
1. Correct 18 grammar and spelling mistakes in the text.
Energy is defined in Webster's dictionary as "capacity for action or performing working." Any action that occurs in nature are accompanied by a reduction in the overall quality of energy while energy is neither destroyed not created, but transformed into state or form with an overall lower quality or potential. (Matter may be considered as a special forms of energy and should also to be included in the energy conservation principle stated above when involving nuclear energy.) Higher forms of energy are been harnessed by natural or humen processes and are downgraded to lower forms of energy and rendered often useless, thus a continuous depletion of usefull energy forms occur in nature. The various forms of energy including heat, light, microwaves, electricity, potential energy stored in a body held in a force field, say the gravitational field at an elevation, kinetik energy of a moving object, energy associated with the chemical bonds that hold atoms and molecules together and nuclear energy that created by transforming matter into energy. Primary sources of energy are being fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil, coal and to a lesser extent, nuclear by fission of radioactivity elements (in France however, majority of electricity is producing by nuclear), solar in direct heating, in photovolcanic cells, rivers that provide hydroelectricity which in certain regions such as the U. S. Pacific Northwest and in Norway and Sweden is vary significant (note that it is the solar energy that was actually "drives" the rivers), wind for turning turbines to generate electricity, geothermal, biomass and possibly oil shale in the future.
2. Find 11 words. They may be written vertically, horizontally or in broken lines.
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With this hint it will be a snap: прекращать, препятствие, мышьяк, шахта, приспособление, лосось, затоплять, существование, засуха, применять, непредсказуемый.
3. Complete the following analogies.
I level. 1) predict – unpredictable:: renew - ? 2) challenge – challenging:: compromise - ? 3) remove – removal:: survive - ? 4) electrocute - electrocution:: solve - ? 5) gas – gaseous:: disaster - ?
II level. 1) hawk - ?:: mouse – prey 2) oxygen - ?:: arsenic – hazardous 3) issue - ?:: introduce – input
III level. 1) insects – annihilate, kill:: ? – cultivate, grow 2) accumulate – sunlight:: consume - ? 3) cancer – disease:: ? – catastrophe
4. Match each word with its definition. Try to do it as quick as possible.
Wastes, electrocution, regulation, fossil, raptor, habitat, obstacle, deplete, disastrous, dam.
1) An animal or plant that lived many thousands of years ago and is preserved in rock or as a piece of rock. 2) Causing a lot of damage. 3) The useless materials, substances or parts that are left after you use something. 4) A difficulty or problem that prevents you from doing something. 5) A bird that kills other birds or animals for food. 6) Death from electricity. 7) An official rule that controls the way things are done. 8) The type of place that an animal lives in or a plant normally grows in. 9) To reduce the amount of something or the number of things. 10) A wall built across a river to stop the water from flowing, especially to help to produce electric power.
5. The following words can be classified into 5 groups. Make 5 columns.
Matter, fabricate, sludge, element, question, produce, topic, raptor, garbage, manufacture, matter, trash, predator, substance, create, issue, litter, make carnivore, material.
6. Choose the necessary meaning for each sentence.
Medium – средство, середина, обстановка (среда)
1) We observe the gradual adaptation of the race to its medium. 2) He was an old person of medium height. 3) Schemes, tables and diagrams are visual media of providing information.
Process – процесс, обрабатывать
1) Modern computers are able to process enormous amount of information. 2) We need to contribute some changes to the process to improve the productivity.
Strike – наносить удар, поражать (производить впечатление), бастовать
1) This invention gave us a striking opportunity of observing tiny organisms. 2) If they hadn’t take preventive measures, the whole city would have been struck by the disease. 3) The longer they delay wage payment, the longer the workers strike.
Power – сила, мощность (энергия), власть (полномочия), степень (математическая)
1) I will do all in my power to seize vandalizing the Earth. 2) The machine is on full power, but that is no enough. 3) He has no power over me for I’m not his subordinate. 4) The most known formula deduced by Einstein is E equals m multiplied by second power of c.
7. Connect the two parts of the sentences and translate them to confirm your deep knowledge.
Higher temperatures may release
The scientists of our laboratory have
Providing mercury did not expand when heated,
Every form of energy production is known
If somehow we could halt all greenhouse gas emissions tomorrow,
The more contaminated the air becomes,
it would not be used for taking temperatures.
to estimate how long the different raw materials will last.
more methane from the Arctic tundra.
the heating would continue for decades or centuries.
to cause some damage to the surroundings.
the less oxygen trees produce.