JAF04 Unit 2 Alternative Energy Task 1 Read the sentences below. What is the one word missing in all of them? 1. You can judge how healthy you are by the amount of …………. you have. 2. The kids were running around like crazy, working off their surplus ………. . 3. An object can store ………….. as a result of its position. 4. We don´t want to waste our ……….. trying to persuade people who are just not interested. 5. Sport gives them an outlet for their ………….. . 6. I ´m trying to channel his ………… into something useful. Task 2 Pronunciation Write the words in the correct part of the table according to the stress pattern. [DEL: population :DEL] geology major discussion decommission information economy economical economics physics authority improvement electricity vibration geyser consumption operation foundations geological potential turbine capacity ecological perception generation facility 1. Oo 2. oOo 3. oOoo 4. ooOo population 5. ooOoo Task 3 Discussion Brainstorm all the energy sources that you can think of. Which of them are renewable? Task 4 Exercise Complete the gaps with verbs in suitable forms. There is one verb you do not need to use. take aid heat transport convert derive 1. Geothermal energy is produced by harnessing the Earth's natural geological heat source and _________ it into a source that can ________ a domestic property. The Earth is normally around 55°F (12.8°C) and this heat can be utilised by the use of ground source heat pumps. Certain geological characteristics __________ the production of geothermal power such as geysers or hot underground magma deposits. Iceland __________advantage of the country's unique geological make up to use geothermal power to great effect. Currently 17% of Iceland's total electricity production is __________ from geothermal energy. (source of the text: http://www.cus.net/renewableenergy/subcats/geothermal/geothermal.html) Task 5 PROS AND CONS OF WIND FARMS The use of wind turbines for the generation of green electricity is often an emotive subject and there are persuasive arguments for and against this form of renewable energy generation. FOR 1. Land-based wind energy has the potential of covering six times the world´s electricity consumption, or the world´s total energy consumption. The energy consumption for production, installation, operation and decommission of a wind turbine is usually earned back within three months of operation. 2. More recent wind farms have their turbines spaced further apart, due to the higher capacity of the individual wind turbines. They no longer have the cluttered look of the early wind farms. 3. It is possible to hold a conversation directly underneath a modern wind turbine without any difficulty whatever and without raising one´s voice. The modern turbine is quieter than its predecessors owing to improvements in the blade design. 4. Studies show that the number of birds and bats killed by wind turbines is negligible when compared with other human activities such as traffic, hunting and high-rise buildings. AGAINST 1. There is a perception that wind farms are noisy and are eyesores. 2. The construction of a large wind energy facility requires straight flat roads, a large hole filled with tons of steel and concrete to secure each giant assembly, clearing of trees in wooded areas and a transformer and power lines for each turbine. 3. Siting wind farms offshore raises other issues, such as dangers to navigation. 4. Another important complaint is that wind turbines kill many birds and bats. Siting generally takes into account bird flight patterns, but most paths of migration, particularly for birds that fly by night, are unknown. Task 6 Agreeing and Disagreeing Make collocations by matching words from the box on the left with words on the right. be agree sb´s point into an argument tend to see enter agree a compromise sb´s opinion reach share in complete agreement up to a point Task 7 Discussion The government plans to build a wind farm near the coast and you are in a town meeting to discuss the issue. Each person should take one of the roles below and think about their position. Which arguments will you use to support your point and convince the others you are right? a) You are a wind farm owner who wants to build a new wind farm here. b) You are a government official whose task is to find ways to reduce oil consumption. c) You are an environmentalist who wants the government to act decisively to reduce pollution. d) You are a resident in the area where the government is proposing to build a wind farm. You love the peaceful atmosphere of the area and are worried about the decline of seabirds in your country. (Task 5 and 7 adapted from Lane, S. Instant Academic Skills. CUP, 2011) Expressions for Agreeing and Disagreeing Stating an opinion * In my opinion... * The way I see it... * If you want my honest opinion.... * According to X... * As far as I'm concerned... * If you ask me... Asking for an opinion * How do you feel about that? * Do you have anything to say about this? * What do you think? * Do you agree? Expressing agreement * I couldn't agree with you more. * (slang) Tell me about it! * You're absolutely right. * Absolutely. * Exactly. * I have to side with X on this one. * No doubt about it. * (weak) I suppose so./I guess so. * You have a point there. * I was just going to say that. Expressing disagreement * I don't think so. * (strong) No way. * I'm afraid I disagree. * (strong) I totally disagree. * (strong) I'd say the exact opposite. * Not necessarily. * That's not always true. * That's not always the case. * No, I'm not so sure about that. Interruptions * Can I add something here? * Is it okay if I jump in for a second? * If I might add something... * Sorry to interrupt, but... * (after accidentally interrupting someone) Sorry, go ahead. OR Sorry, you were saying... * (after being interrupted) You didn't let me finish. Settling an argument * Let's just move on, shall we? * Let's drop it. * I think we're going to have to agree to disagree. * (sarcastic) Whatever you say./If you say so. (http://www.englishclub.com/speaking/agreeing-disagreeing-expressions.htm)