Text 15 MAKE YOUR HOME GREENER
I. 1. Read the article and say in 2-3 sentences what it is about.
Residential buildings are responsible for consuming 27% of the total amount of energy consumed within Europe and are the biggest source of global warming in the world. This is a fact that has, until recently, been overlooked by lawmakers trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, who have concentrated their efforts on industry and transport. The EU has now passed a new law which intends to cut considerably carbon dioxide emissions* from buildings. This means that each of us can now save the planet from the comfort of our own homes.
The first things we can do are simple and easy. We can block up draughts*, switch off unnecessary lights and make sure cold and hot water taps are not left running. The next step requires more planning and some expense, but as well as saving energy, we will also save on bills. Many homes have window and roof insulation* but it is rarely enough. Full insulation can have a dramatic effect on energy consumption. We should use energy efficient light bulbs. These are usually expensive to buy but consume less than half the energy of standard bulbs. These bulbs last much longer than conventional light bulbs reducing the consumption of resources. Also, thermal solar panels are very efficient. They are capable of providing all the hot water you need.
We can install a ‘grey’ water recycling system. At present water used to flush the toilets is of the same drinkable quality that comes out of the taps. This is an unnecessary waste of energy used in water purification. A grey water recycling system cleans water that has been used for washing and sends it through the toilet system reducing the use of clean drinking water.
New buildings have more energy saving features in their design. They can have a wooden structure, extensive insulation, electronic environmental controls, triple glazing*, a nonpolluting heating system and a turf* roof. However, it is how we deal with our present homes that will determine housing’s contribution to global warming. It’s down to each of us, so get insulating!
_________________________________________________________
1. *carbon dioxide emissions [ˈkɑːbən daɪˈɒkˈsaɪd ɪˈmɪʃnz] выбросы углекислого газа
2.draught [drɑːft] сквозняк
3. insulation [ ˌɪnsjʊˈleɪʃn] изоляция, утепление
4. glazing [ˈɡleɪzɪŋ] остекление
5. turf [təːf] торф
2. What energy saving features in the design of the building are used nowadays? Read aloud the extract which says about it.
3. What can we do to cut carbon dioxide emissions from buildings?
4. What is considered to be an unnecessary waste of energy used in water purification?
Residential buildings are responsible for consuming 27% of the total amount of energy consumed within Europe and are the biggest source of global warming in the world. This is a fact that has, until recently, been overlooked by lawmakers trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, who have concentrated their efforts on industry and transport. The EU has now passed a new law which intends to cut considerably carbon dioxide emissions* from buildings. This means that each of us can now save the planet from the comfort of our own homes.
The first things we can do are simple and easy. We can block up draughts*, switch off unnecessary lights and make sure cold and hot water taps are not left running. The next step requires more planning and some expense, but as well as saving energy, we will also save on bills. Many homes have window and roof insulation* but it is rarely enough. Full insulation can have a dramatic effect on energy consumption. We should use energy efficient light bulbs. These are usually expensive to buy but consume less than half the energy of standard bulbs. These bulbs last much longer than conventional light bulbs reducing the consumption of resources. Also, thermal solar panels are very efficient. They are capable of providing all the hot water you need.
We can install a ‘grey’ water recycling system. At present water used to flush the toilets is of the same drinkable quality that comes out of the taps. This is an unnecessary waste of energy used in water purification. A grey water recycling system cleans water that has been used for washing and sends it through the toilet system reducing the use of clean drinking water.
New buildings have more energy saving features in their design. They can have a wooden structure, extensive insulation, electronic environmental controls, triple glazing*, a nonpolluting heating system and a turf* roof. However, it is how we deal with our present homes that will determine housing’s contribution to global warming. It’s down to each of us, so get insulating!
_________________________________________________________
1. *carbon dioxide emissions [ˈkɑːbən daɪˈɒkˈsaɪd ɪˈmɪʃnz] выбросы углекислого газа
2.draught [drɑːft] сквозняк
3. insulation [ ˌɪnsjʊˈleɪʃn] изоляция, утепление
4. glazing [ˈɡleɪzɪŋ] остекление
5. turf [təːf] торф
2. What energy saving features in the design of the building are used nowadays? Read aloud the extract which says about it.
3. What can we do to cut carbon dioxide emissions from buildings?
4. What is considered to be an unnecessary waste of energy used in water purification?
II. Listen to the tour guide and answer the questions below. (40)
1. What sort of tour is it?
2. What will the tourists see on the tour?
3. Why does the tourist ask to return the money?
1. What sort of tour is it?
2. What will the tourists see on the tour?
3. Why does the tourist ask to return the money?
Script
Tour guide: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to this fantastic tour of London by bus. As you can see, we’re on an open-top bus, so you can see all the attractions from your seat and you don’t need to walk anywhere.
Tourist: I have a question.
Tour guide: Yes?
Tourist: Do you have extra umbrellas? I mean, if it rains a lot.
Tour guide: Err, no, we don’t have any extra umbrellas, but don’t worry, I’m sure it won’t rain. Right, OK, so where are we going on our wonderful tour? Well, the tour takes two hours and we are going to visit all the famous sites. First we’ll see Madame Tussauds*, the museum with wax models of famous people and celebrities, then we’ll drive along the most famous shopping street in the world, Oxford Street. After that we’ll see Westminster Abbey* and The Houses of Parliament. As we drive along the river you’ll see the popular attraction, the London Eye, from which you can see the whole city on a sunny day. Then we’ll see Tower Bridge and the famous Tower of London before arriving at Buckingham Palace*, just in time for a cup of tea with the Queen.
Tourist: I have another question.
Tour guide: Yes?
Tourist: Can we have our money back? It’s going to rain heavily.
Tourist: I have a question.
Tour guide: Yes?
Tourist: Do you have extra umbrellas? I mean, if it rains a lot.
Tour guide: Err, no, we don’t have any extra umbrellas, but don’t worry, I’m sure it won’t rain. Right, OK, so where are we going on our wonderful tour? Well, the tour takes two hours and we are going to visit all the famous sites. First we’ll see Madame Tussauds*, the museum with wax models of famous people and celebrities, then we’ll drive along the most famous shopping street in the world, Oxford Street. After that we’ll see Westminster Abbey* and The Houses of Parliament. As we drive along the river you’ll see the popular attraction, the London Eye, from which you can see the whole city on a sunny day. Then we’ll see Tower Bridge and the famous Tower of London before arriving at Buckingham Palace*, just in time for a cup of tea with the Queen.
Tourist: I have another question.
Tour guide: Yes?
Tourist: Can we have our money back? It’s going to rain heavily.
III. Let’s talk about outstanding people
1. What famous people made our lives different.
2. Do you know anyone who is Nobel prize winner?
3. If you have a chance to interview a celebrity, whom will you choose and what questions will you ask?
4. My son wants to be a successful businessman in the future. What advice will you give him?
5. Woody Allan said: "The only thing standing between me and greatness is ME." What do you think about it?
2. Do you know anyone who is Nobel prize winner?
3. If you have a chance to interview a celebrity, whom will you choose and what questions will you ask?
4. My son wants to be a successful businessman in the future. What advice will you give him?
5. Woody Allan said: "The only thing standing between me and greatness is ME." What do you think about it?
possible response
1. I think, every person naturally has some talent, but not everybody can become outstanding. Outstanding person is that who made something superior or excellent. I can’t imagine my life without my PC or mobile. I’m sure they are the greatest inventions of all times because they changed people’s lives forever. So when I hear “outstanding person”, the Steve Jobs portray, the American creator of the first personal computer, arises in my imagination. He proved on his example in order to be prominent one should be not only smart and talented but have to be enterprising, to work hard, and even to risk. His life is a perfect guide how to become successful. He began his business in the parental garage together with the friends. But in the course of time their small gamble turned into a large business, their invention became highly popular and demanded. The whole life he worked hard, put his back in different projects but not always everything was magnificent and great. There were some big failures in his life and even close one betrayal but he didn’t give up. When a person loses everything and starts from the very beginning, continues to fight for his favorite work, he deserves respect. Nowadays many people know the name of famous Steve Jobs, the man who presented to the world personal computer, IPhone, and studio of animation Pixar. The image of person in shabby jeans and black sweater is known in many countries. Sometimes he is called “father of digital evolution”, his presentations were like a show. Generally he left a mark in the human history.
2. Yes, I do. In 2015 Svetlana Alexievich, the Belarusian journalist and writer, got the Nobel Prize in Literature. Russian academic with Belarusian roots, Zhores Ivanovich Alfyorov, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2000.
3. Johny Depp is the actor I admire. So I’d like to ask him some questions.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
What is your favourite movie?
What is your biggest fear?
Who is your inspiration?
What sports do you enjoy doing?
Is it easy to be famous?
4. Successful people are goal driven. So I’d recommend him to be hard-working and persistent in achieving his goals. Consistent hard work leads to success.
5. Everybody wants to be successful and famous but only some of them achieve their goals. Success comes to those who are sincere, hard-working, dedicated and committed to their goals. Sometimes people are too lazy to become great - they are passive enough and don’t use the opportunities the life gives them. Successful people are always looking for ways to improve themselves. So, our future is in our own hands.
2. Yes, I do. In 2015 Svetlana Alexievich, the Belarusian journalist and writer, got the Nobel Prize in Literature. Russian academic with Belarusian roots, Zhores Ivanovich Alfyorov, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2000.
3. Johny Depp is the actor I admire. So I’d like to ask him some questions.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
What is your favourite movie?
What is your biggest fear?
Who is your inspiration?
What sports do you enjoy doing?
Is it easy to be famous?
4. Successful people are goal driven. So I’d recommend him to be hard-working and persistent in achieving his goals. Consistent hard work leads to success.
5. Everybody wants to be successful and famous but only some of them achieve their goals. Success comes to those who are sincere, hard-working, dedicated and committed to their goals. Sometimes people are too lazy to become great - they are passive enough and don’t use the opportunities the life gives them. Successful people are always looking for ways to improve themselves. So, our future is in our own hands.