m0938
.pdfElectrification of remaining lines is also one of the many approaches that may be taken. Thus, rail transport presents challenges as society tries to ensure a more environmentally sustainable future.
Exercise 2. Explain the following statements.
1)Human society affects the environment both positively and negatively.
2)Current transport patterns are clearly environmentally unsustainable.
3)Rail transport presents challenges as society tries to ensure a more environmentally sustainable future.
Exercise 3. Choose the correct word to fill in the gap.
1)……………. is the world around us, which provides for our life support requirements.
a)The surroundings
b)The environment
c)The living conditions
d)The economy
2)The growth in ……………. of transport lead to substantial costs that are borne by people, business, and society.
a)air and noise pollution
b)life support requirements
c)rawmaterials
d)diesellocomotives
3)In the transport sector greenhouse gas emissions have consistently risen, and current transport patterns are clearly environmentally …………….
a)sustainable
b)green
c)unsustainable
d)yellow
4)The share of ……………. used in the transport sector varies widely from region to region and city to city.
a)airpollution
b)greenhouse effect
c)railway engineers
d)fossil fuel
5)Different modes of transport pollute the environment …………….
a)differently
b)the same
c)from time to time
d)occasionally
6)The analysis of air pollution by different transport services in Russia shows that diesel locomotives operations at the rail yard have been determined to be a significant source of emissions of ……………..
a)air pollution
b)diesel particulate matter
c)environmentally sustainable future
d)transmission systems
11
7)New combustion technologies will ensure that rail diesel traction will remain more
……………..
a)negative
b)dangerous
c)comfortable
d)environmentally friendly
8)Rail transport presents challenges as society tries to ensure a more environmentally
…………….. future.
a)comfortable
b)sustainable
c)green
d)positive
Exercise 4. Find synonyms to the following English words from the passage in Exercise 1.
1) humans |
6) dilemma |
2) impact |
7) pollutant |
3) global scale |
8) CO2 emissions |
4) greenhouse gas |
9) atmospheric pollution |
5) environmentally sustainable |
10) mode of transport |
Exercise 5. Find English equivalents to the following Russian phrases in the passage.
1)изменять структуру земной поверхности
2)в глобальном масштабе
3)парниковые газы
4)экологически рациональный
5)энергия, потребляемая в мире
6)выделение отработавших газов дизеля
7)щебеночные и шпалопропиточные заводы
8)анализ загрязнения атмосферы
9)речной путь
10)экологически рациональное будущее
Exercise 6. Translate the first and the third paragraphs of the passage from English into Russian. Use a dictionary.
Exercise 7. Make a summary of the third and the forth paragraphs of the passage in Russian (in 6 sentences). Work without a dictionary.
L i s t e n i n g
Exercise 1. Before you watch a video about how to make London more sustainable with Siemens try to predict the answers to these questions.
1)How does traffic influence the quality of life in London?
2)What does Siemens do to improve the situation?
Exercise 2. Watch the video. Identify how many times you hear the words below. environment, environmental, traffic, train, emission
12
Exercise 3. Watch again. In the script differentiate (|) logical parts and put punctuation marks.
Trafficaloneproduces10milliontonsofCO2ayearinLondonaccountingfor20%ofalltheCarboneDi oxideimmediatelyintheBritishcapitalLondoncityplannersarepartneringwithSiemenstorisetothec hallengeofmanagingmassivevolumesoftrafficandenhancingmobilitywhileminimizingenvironm entalimpactSiemens’answeriscompletemobilityandintegratedtransportationconceptthatprovide shighlyefficientmobilitysolutionsbyelevatingandintelligentrecombiningthespecificadvantageso frailbuscarandairtravel.
Exercise 4. Check what you remember. Put the statements below in the correct order.
1)Statistics confirms the success of Siemens’ complete mobility concept. Just a few months after the conjunction charge was launched, traffic in the city center had been reduced by 20 %.
2)Traffic alone produces 10 million tons of CO2 a year in London.
3)In the first step to implement incomplete mobility, London collaborates with Siemens to offer commuters and attractive alternative to driving.
4)London is also a transportation center: five airports, serving 210 million passengers each year, an underground network with lines extending of more that than 400 km, some 8,000 public buses, and thousands and thousands of cars and tracks.
5)Traffic is now flowing faster with average commuting time having been cut by 1/6.
6)A fleet of 1,200 new comfortable commuter trains from the UK-Roman family head their way for a network linking regional transportation and the mass transit system.
Exercise 5. Make a report about environmentally sustainable future of urban transport (speak for 2 minutes). Don’t forget to use visuals!
L a n gu a ge s p o t
C o m pa r a ti ve s a nd S upe r l a ti ve s r e vi e w
Exercise 1. Read the sentences. Chose the correct form of the word in bold. Explain your choice.
1)The transport sector is projected to remain the fastest / most fast growing sector when it comes to CO2 emissions.
2)This sector is the only / onesector in the EU in which greenhouse gas emissions have consistently risen since 1990.
3)Travelling by rail is on average 3-10 timeslittler / less CO2 intensive compared to roador air transport.
4)For passenger transport, going by rail is on average 4 times efficienter / moreefficient than taking the car and more than 3 times better / best than taking the plane.
5)Transport infrastructure occupies more/ manythan 98 % of the land used forrailways with a market share of 6-10 %.
6)Rail has the highest / higher capacitywhen comparing throughput per hour and infrastructure width.
7)Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulatematter (PM10) are more/ the highest critical for exposure and healthproblems among regulated emission types.
8)New combustion technologies, efficient transmission systemsand exhaust after-treatment will ensure that rail diesel traction willremain more environmentally friendly / environmentally friendlier in the future than road andinland waterways.
13
Exercise 2. Read the passage below. Find all the adjectives. Do they refer to small or large differences?
Since 1970, transport activity has more than doubled in the European Union: +185 % for the transport of goods and +145 % for the transport of people. Railways’ share of the transport energy consumption is less than 3 %, while its market share is between 6 % (passenger) and 10 % (freight). Comparing heavy or spacious cargo, short or long-haul, rail is the most energy efficient transport mode if used appropriately. Scientists have compared the total primary energy consumption from transporting 100 tons of average goods from Basel, Switzerland to the port of Rotterdam, Netherlands. The results show that rail is more energy efficient than inland waterways and over twice as efficient as lorries. Compared with air transport, rail would be around 20 times more energy efficient.
Exercise 3. Describe the diagram in writing (8-10 sentences). Use comparative and superlative forms of adjectives and adverbs.
W r i t i n g
Exercise 1. Read about the environmental impacts of transportation and write answers to the following questions to make a summary of the passage .
1)Why do the authors characterize the issue of transportation and the environment paradoxical?
2)What categories of transportation activities can you name? Explain each of them.
3)When do we have a risk that transports regulations will not be effective?
4)Why did transportation become an important dimension of the concept of sustainability?
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF TRANSPORTATION
The issue of transportation and the environment is paradoxical in nature. From one side, transportation activities support increasing mobility demands for passengers and freight, and this ranging from urban areas to international trade. On the other side, transport activities have resulted in growing levels of motorization and congestion. As a result, the transportation sector is becoming increasingly linked to environmental problems. With a technology, relying
14
heavily on the combustion of hydrocarbons, notably with the internal combustion engine, the impacts of transportation over environmental systems has increased with motorization. This has reached a point where transportation activities are a dominant factor behind the emission of most pollutants and thus their impacts on the environment. These impacts, like all environmental impacts, can fall within three categories:
I. Direct impacts. The immediate consequence of transport activities on the environment where the cause and effect relationship is generally clear and well understood.
II. Indirect impacts. The secondary (or tertiary) effects of transport activities on environmental systems. They are often of higher consequence than direct impacts, but the involved relationships are often misunderstood and difficult to establish.
III. Cumulative impacts. The additive, multiplicative or synergetic consequences of transport activities. They take into account of the varied effects of direct and indirect impacts on an ecosystem, which are often unpredicted.
The complexities of the problems have led to much controversy in environmental policy and in the role of transportation. The transportation sector is often subsidized by the public sector. If the owner and the regulator are the same (different branches of the government), then there is a risk that regulations will not be effectively complied to.
The relationships between transport and the environment are multidimensional. Some aspects are unknown and some new findings may lead to drastic changes in environmental policies. The 1990s were characterized by a realization of global environmental issues. Transportation also became an important dimension of the concept of sustainability. These impending developments require a deep understanding of the influence between the physical environment and transport infrastructures.
The main factors considered in the physical environment are geographical location, topography, geological structure, climate, hydrology, soil, natural vegetation and animal life.
Adapted from the authors’ materials by Sarah Lindeman, Novosibirsk State University
Exercise 2. Finish the statements according to the passage read.
1)Transportation activities are important for the development of urban areas to international trade and have resulted in growing levels of motorization and congestion. So…
a)they support increasing mobility demands for passengers and freight.
b)the issue of transportation and the environment is paradoxical.
c)the transportation sector is global.
d)the environmental impact of transportation is negative.
2)Transportation activities are a dominant factor behind the emission of most pollutants and thus their impacts on the environment…
a)is generally clear and well understood.
b)often misunderstood and difficult to establish.
c)can be direct, indirect and cumulative.
d)people take into account.
3)Concept of sustainability requires a deep understanding of the influence between the physical environment and transport infrastructures. Thus…
a)the transportation sector is often subsidized by the public sector.
b)the main factors considered in the physical environment are geographical location, topography, geological structure, climate.
c)there is a risk that regulations will not be effectively complied to.
d)the relationships between transport and the environment are multidimensional.
15
W e b P r o j e c t
The sulphur content in rail diesel fuels is currently being reduced towards the level of road vehicles as railways continuously seek to improve their performance technical, operational, commercial and procurement measures. Work in groups. Research this topic and report your findings to the rest of the class.
The following free sites may help:
Green Project http://green.uic.asso.fr
Rail Diesel Study www.uic.asso.fr/environment Railways and biofuel www.uic.asso.fr/environment
UNIT 3. GLOBALISATION
R e a di n g a n d tr a ns l a t i o n
Exercise 1. Read the passage and answer the questions:
1)What are the reasons for different points of view on globalisation?
2)What are the opportunities of globalisation for developing and advanced countries?
3)What is the history of the term “globalisation”?
4)What are the meanings of this term?
5)What are major characteristic features of globalisation?
MEANINGS OF GLOBALISATION
§1. Globalisation is а term used to describe changes in societies and the world economy that are the result of dramatically increased trade and cultural exchange. Some view it as а process that is beneficial, а key to future world economic development. Others regard it with hostility, believing that it increases inequality between nations, threatens employment and living standards. Globalisation offers extensive opportunities for worldwide development but it is not progressing evenly. Some countries integrate into global economy more quickly than others. They are seeing faster growth and reduced poverty.
§2. By contrast, in the 1970s and 1980s when many countries in Latin America and Africa pursued inward-oriented policies, their economies stagnated or declined and poverty increased. It is evident that the opportunities of globalisation do not come without risks, but this is not а reason to reverse direction. For all concerned – both in developing countries and in the advanced countries –it is necessary to embrace policy changes in order to build strong economies and financial systems that will produce more rapid growth and ensure that poverty is reduced.
§3. What is globalisation? There is nothing mysterious about globalisation. The term has come into common usage since 1980s. It reflects technological advances that have made it easier and quicker to complete international transactions – both trade and financial flows. It means that the same market forces that have operated for centuries at all levels of human economic activity extended beyond national borders. Major characteristic features of globalisation are capitalism expansions, global labour division, migration of financial, human and production resources within the planet, standardisation of legislation, economic and technological processes, as well as removing the borders between cultures of various countries.
16
Markets promote efficiency through competition and the division of labour and allow people and economies to focus on what they do best. Global markets offer greater opportunity for people to tap into larger markets around the world. It means that they can have access to more capital flows, technology, cheaper imports, and larger export markets.
§ 4. At its most basic, scientists speak about several meanings of globalisation. It can mean:
1.The formation of global village – closer contacts between different parts of the world; increasing possibilities of personal exchange, mutual understanding and friendship between world citizens, and creation of а global civilization.
2.The spread of capitalism from developed of developing nations.
3.Economic globalisation – the tendency for the world economy to work as one unit, led by large international companies doing business all over the world.
New World Encyclopedia
Exercise 2. Choose the correct word to fill in the gaps.
1)Globalisation means changes in societies and the world economies that are the result of dramatically increased …………… exchange.
a)financial
b)human
c)trade and cultural
d)intellectual
2)Some people think that globalisation is а process that is …………….
a)beneficial
b)fantastic
c)good
d)efficient
3)Others believe that globalisation increases …………… between nations, threatens employment and living standards.
a)misunderstanding
b)poverty
c)prosperity
d)inequality
4)Some countries integrate into global economy and hope for …………….
a)happy future
b)faster growth
c)having a good time
d)problems in economy
5)In 1990s economies of some countries …………….
a)stagnated
b)increased
c)developed
d)went bad
6)It is evident that the opportunities of globalisation do not come without risks, but this is not
а reason to …………….
a)go ahead
b)stop
c)jump
d)reverse direction
17
7)Globalisation reflects ……………. that have made it easier and quicker to complete international transactions.
a)great economic results
b)technological advances
c)financial investments
d)computer technologies
8)Economic globalisation is the tendency for the ……………. to work as one unit.
a)world economy
b)nations
c)international companies
d)scientists
Exercise 3. Give Russian equivalents to the following economic terms from the passage:
1)living standards
2)international transactions
3)trade and financial flows
4)division of labor
5)global community
6)developing country
7)advanced country
8)market forces
Exercise 4. In the passage find English equivalents to the following Russian phrases.
1)проводить политику, ориентированную на внутренние нужды
2)всем, кого это касается
3)понимать изменения в политике
4)войти в повседневный обиход
5)выйти на более крупный (масштабный) рынок
6)торговый и культурный обмен
7)враждебность
8)сниженный уровень бедности
9)быть в состоянии застоя
10)менять направление
Exercise 5. Translate the first and the forth paragraphs of the passage from English into Russian. Use a dictionary.
Exercise 6. Make a summary of the second and third paragraphs of the passage in Russian (in 6 sentences). Work without a dictionary.
L i s t e n i n g
Exercise 1. Listen to the speech about globalisation by Barak Obama on CNN. What clichés that are typical for public speeches have you heard? Put them down in your copybook. Translate your list into Russian.
Exercise 2. Choose one of the topics given below and prepare your own speech (about 3 minutes). Use clichés from your copybook.
1) Global engineering workforce.
18
2)Russia in a global society: prospects of the development.
3)Developing countries: out of poverty.
L a n gu a ge s p o t .
I m pe r s ona l a nd I n de fi ni te pe r s o na l s e nte nc e s .
Exercise 1. Read the replies and match them with the following sentences (one reply for one sentence):
1)It’s impossible!
2)It’s a pity…
3)It’s amazing!
4)It’s very strange.
5)It’s real.
6)It’s interesting.
7)It’s not true.
8)It’s no importance.
a)Transportation is one of the critical components of the global economy by supporting a wide array of movements of passengers and freight between nations.
b)A DVD player manufactured in China embarks in a complex journey, involving a multitude of stages with transport modes such as trucks, containerships and trains, and with transport facilities such as ports, railyards and distribution centers, to insure that it reaches global markets.
c)In spite of its importance in the contemporary global economy, international transportation predates globalization.
d)One of the first major “international” trade route was the Silk Road.
e)Two transportation modes are specifically supporting globalization and international trade; maritime and air transportation. Roadandrailways are not very important.
f)China is importing growing quantities of raw materials and energy but it is not exporting manufactured goods.
g)Upper and lower case letters are named 'upper' and 'lower' because in the time when all original print had to be set in individual letters, the 'upper case' letters were stored in the case on top of the case that stored the smaller, 'lower case' letters.
h)Where locomotive wheels make contact with the rail the total area is not much larger than a silver dollar.
Exercise 2. Finish the impersonal sentences as shown.
Example: It is useless to: - It is useless to visit England without speaking English.
1)It’s difficult for engineers to…
2)It’s not interesting to…
3)It’s important to…
4)It’s not serious to…
5)It’s impossible to…
6)It’s exciting to…
7)It’s not easy for me to…
8)It was necessary that…
9)It will be simple to define…
10)It is said that …
19
11)It was known that …
12)It will be shown that …
13)It seems that …
14)It was decided…
15)It has been found…
16)It is to be noted…
Exercise 3. Read a sentence and choose the right answer.
1) |
They say we shall have a warm spring this year. |
a) |
A definite group of people |
|
|
|
|
|
|
b) |
An indefinite group of people |
|
|
|
|
2) |
One must do one’s duty. |
a) |
Any person |
|
|
|
|
|
|
b) |
A definite person |
|
|
|
|
3) |
You learn more quickly under the guidance of |
a) |
People in general |
|
experienced teachers |
|
|
|
b) |
The definite people |
|
|
|
|
|
4) |
Here one could wander unseen |
a) |
Any person |
|
|
|
|
|
|
b) |
A definite person |
|
|
|
|
5) |
As they say at the press center, innovative projects |
a) |
A definite group of people |
|
to launch and produce veterinary medicines… were |
|
|
|
presented at the regional exhibit within frameworks |
b) |
An indefinite group of people |
|
of the Russian National Exhibition. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6) |
You can practically kill yourself playing cards, you |
a) |
Any person |
|
wouldn’t believe it. |
|
|
|
b) |
A definite person |
|
|
|
|
|
7) |
You think maybe if you just work harder and faster, |
a) |
Any person |
|
you can hold off the chaos. |
|
|
|
b) |
A definite person |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
8) |
One may say "the eternal mystery of the world is its |
a) |
Any person |
|
comprehensibility." |
|
|
|
b) |
A definite person |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
Exercise 4. Read the passage. Find impersonal and indefinite personal sentences. Translate them into Russian.
One can say that globalisation has been supported and expended by the development of modern transport systems. It is known that from large containerships to small delivery trucks, the whole distribution system has become closely integrated linking manufacturing activities with global markets. However, it is interesting to remember that the beginning of the 21st century brings many challenges to the role of transportation in the global economy. The capacity of many segments of transport system has been stretched by additional demands tying up long distance transportation modes.
One may remind us about congestion in many international transport terminals such as ports often causes delays and unreliable deliveries and there is an acute need for improving inland transportation systems, notably those linked to the major gateways of the global economy. Last, but not least, the long trend of growing energy costs is likely to impose significant adjustments to international transport systems.
20