Download Environmental problems

Билет № 7
1. Speaking
Environmental problems
Environmental problems have become exceptionally acute in the modern world. one of the most
important environmental problems is the shortage of clean water. Industrial pollution has made many
sources of water undrinkable. Thousands of fish die every year as a result of the illegal dumping of waste
in rivers by factories and plants. Air pollution is another serious problem. In hundreds of cities the
concentration of harmful substances in the air is over 10 times the admissible level. Pollution from
factories and cars poisons the air we breathe and it is the main reason for the greenhouse effect and acid
rain.
One of the most alarming environmental problems is depletion of the ozone layer which protects
the Earth from the dangerous ultraviolet rays of the sun. Because of the ozone holes the dangerous rays get
through the atmosphere causing skin cancer and other serious diseases. Many scientists think that these
ozone holes are the result of air pollution.
In my opinion the most urgent ecological problem today is the environmental safety of nuclear
power stations. Nuclear pollution can’t be seen but its effects can be terrible. People all over the world
protect against nuclear tests and nuclear weapons.
If people want to survive they must do their best to solve these problems. We understand that our
environment is not just our home town but the whole Earth. The protection of the environment requires the
cooperation of all nations. There are a lot of environmental organizations whose main goal is to protect
nature. The most famous of them are “Greenpeace” and “The World Wildlife Fund”.
However there are a lot of simple things we should all do to stop the destruction of the
environment. We mustn't drop in public places. We must stop using aerosol spray because the stuff they
contain destroys the ozone layer. We should take care of birds and animals. But first of all we must change
people’s attitude towards the environment. If we take action now there might be some hope for the future.
If we do nothing we are heading for disaster.
exceptionally acute [iksepinəli əkju:t] – исключительно острый
shortage – нехватка
sources [so:siz] – источник
plant – завод
the concentration of harmful substances – концентрация вредных веществ
over 10 times – в 10 раз выше
admissible – допустимый
greenhouse effect – парниковый эффект
depletion [dipli:n] – истощение
ultraviolet – ультрафиолетовый
cause – являться причиной
cancer – рак
urgent – срочный
nuclear power stations – атомные электростанции
survive – выжить
do one's best – делать все возможное
require the cooperation [rikwaiə] – требовать сотрудничество
goal [goul] – цель
destruction – разрушение
aerosol spray – аэрозольные распылители
stuff – вещество
take action – предпринять шаги
head for – держать курс
consequences – последствия
reject – отвергать
Questions:
1. What ecological problems are urgent now?
2. What is the influence of pollution on people’s health?
3. What is happening to our forests?
4. What are there consequences of nuclear disasters?
5. Was life better a hundred years ago? Why do you think so?
6. What ecological problems exist in your home place?
7. How can people protect out planet?
8. What is the aim of ecological organizations?
9. What can you personally do to keep the world healthy?
10. Should we reject the technological progress?
Let’s think!
1. What has man’s interference in nature led to?
2. Why are acid rains so dangerous for people? What is the main cause of the greenhouse effect and acid
rains?
3. What do you know about the consequences of the Chernobyl tragedy?
4. The cars are now the world’s number one polluters. Do you think it’s possible to make it cleaner and
safer? Have ever heard about electric cars?
5. Is international cooperation necessary to create a system of ecological security? Why do you think so?
2. Writing
Написание коротких поздравлений
Dear Adam,
It was very thoughtful of you to send us Christmas greetings. I hope that you are well
and will have a good holiday at Christmas end I also wish you a good start on the New
Year.
Always yours,
Judy