A Reading Comprehension and Writing Exam Booklet

1

Universidad Nacional de Misiones

Facultad de Ingeniería

A Reading Comprehension

and Writing Exam Booklet Taller de Inglés 1

Gladys Graciela González Carreras, Graciela Noemí Fritz &

Karina Alicia Cabrera

2013

2

Content

Biodiesel in Argentina: Blessing or Long-Term Hazard? ................................................................................................... 3

Greener Hybrid Power Plants Proposed ......................................................................................................................... 10

Second Earth Summit Shifts from Climate Change ......................................................................................................... 17

Sustainable Ecotourism ................................................................................................................................................... 24

The growth of bio-energy into a mega industry ............................................................................................................. 31

Rio+20 Earth Summit: Commitment that failed to come ............................................................................................... 38

Argentina could become a green energy powerhouse ................................................................................................... 45

Opposing Hydroelectric Projects in South America ........................................................................................................ 52

Looking to Cities in Search of Global Warming’s Agricultural Benefits .......................................................................... 59

Answer keys are provided after each Exam

3

Biodiesel in Argentina: Blessing or Long-Term Hazard?

Circle the correct option to complete each exercise in sections 1 – 5

1. 1. Predicting (5)

What do you think the text will be about?

a. Argentina will spur global biofuel trade b. Argentina’s sugar industry supports the production of bioethanol

c. The use of crops for food or fuel is a huge dilemma in Argentina

d. Argentina shows strong potential to benefit from current biofuels industry trends

Transportation of biodiesel

02 November 2011

Biofuel supporters say the industry helps the environment, creates jobs, and boosts economic growth. Nonetheless,

biodiesel fuel remains a polemic issue. Despite the supposed economic and environmental benefits of increased

biodiesel production, the industry has its critics, largely due to its potential impact on food supply.

Carlos St James, businessman and president of the Argentine Renewable Energy Chamber, believes the government is

starting to pay more attention to cleaner forms of energy with the development of wind and solar panels and of course, 5 the biofuel industry. In the country, the biodiesel industry has grown by 2,250% since 2006 and has become the

world’s fourth largest producer. Figures show the country can produce 2, 5 million tons by the end of this year, which

will bring US$3bn to the economy. Growth is expected to be propelled further by a law approved last year stating that

all petroleum derived fuel in Argentina should include 7% of biodiesel. Investors, drawn to Argentina’s large

agricultural sector, relatively cheap land and inexpensive labor, are plowing millions into biodiesel production. 10 According to Roberto Urquía, a former senator and one of the biggest producers of biodiesel in the country, by 2015

biodiesel production in Argentina will reach 7million tons, almost triple the current output.

Conversely, detractors claim that biofuel production poses a major threat to global food systems and the natural

environment. 99% of the biodiesel produced in Argentina is the first generation type, which means it is made out of

food-producing plants like soybeans, canola and palm trees. The national production focuses mainly on the oil derived 15 from soybeans. The use of first generation biodiesel divides opinion since the biodiesel and food industries will be

competing with each other to get the material for their final products. If more crops are processed as biodiesel, fewer

are harvested for food, causing prices of basic foods to rise.

“In a world with hunger it is unjust to use food to produce fuel”, states St James. On the other hand, he says that “the

food vs. fuel debate doesn’t apply to the soybean biofuel,” which is the one mainly produced in Argentina. The reason 20 is that the sectors require different parts of the soybean plant: 85% is protein and used to produce food, whereas soy

oil used for the production of biodiesel is the rest. “Argentina is producing more and more soy, which complements

food production. This means the more soy you have, the more food you get.”

Even so, there are two potential soy crops per year and the ideal to have a healthy soil is to alternate crops, since the

soybean plantation takes a lot of nutrients out of the soil. In spite of this, the farmers in Argentina are planting soybean 25 crops over and over again, which might lead to infertile lands and scarcity of agricultural products for both food and

biodiesel in the future. Furthermore, Argentina only consumes a small fraction of its national soy crop (most is

exported to China), so increased soy production at the expense of other crops such as wheat and corn can affect

national food supply.

( Adapted from:http://www.argentinaindependent.com/currentaffairs/newsfromargentina/) 30

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2. Skimming (30)

The main idea in paragraph 1 is

a. The biofuel industry may threaten national food supply

b. The biofuel industry helps the environment and boosts economic growth

c. There is a balance between both food and fuel industries in the country

d. There are people for and against the biodiesel industry in the country


a. The biofuel industry is flourishing in the country

b. The biodiesel industry has grown exponentially since 2006

c. Argentina is expected to triple its biodiesel production by 2015

d. The government is starting to pay attention to cleaner forms of energy


a. The biodiesel industry will make food prices rise

b. The biodiesel produced in Argentina is the first generation type

c. Biofuel production can result in food shortage and disruption of the environment

d. The biodiesel and food industries will be competing with each other to get their raw material


a. The food vs. fuel dispute is not valid for the biofuels produced in Argentina

b. Biodiesel produced in the country is mainly made out of soybeans

c. Food and fuel sectors requires different parts of soybeans

d. It is unfair to use food for fuel in poor countries


a. Current agricultural practices can lead to food and biofuel shortage in Argentina

b. Wheat and corn are mass consumption products in Argentina

c. There are two potential soy crops per year in Argentina

d. Argentine farmers are not currently rotating crops

3. Scanning (10)

1. How many cleaner forms of energy are mentioned in paragraph 2?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

2. When was “a law on biodiesel addition to all petroleum derived fuel” passed?

a. 2008

b. 2009

c. 2010

d. 2011

3. How much biodiesel can be produced in Argentina by the end of 2011?

a. 2,5 million tons

b. 5 million tons

c. 7 million tons

d. It is not stated

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4. When is the biodiesel industry expected to triple its current production?

a. 2012

b. 2013

c. 2014

d. 2015

5. How much of the biodiesel produced in Argentina is made out of crops

a. The whole amount

b. Almost the whole amount

c. Half of the amount

d. A little

6. Biodiesel in Argentina is mostly made out of:

a. jatropha

b. soybean

c. sugarcane

d. corn

7. What does “first generation biodiesel” in line 16mean?

a. High quality biodiesel

b. Cost-effective biodiesel

c. Biodiesel made out of young plants

d. Biodiesel made out of food-producing plants

8. How much of soybean is used for fuel?

a. 85%

b. 50%

c. 15%

d. 10%

9. How often is soybean harvested?

a. Once a year

b. Twice a year

c. Once every two years

d. Once in its lifespan

10. The text does NOT mention:

a. The raw material biodiesel is made from

b. Growth figures of the biodiesel industry in Argentina

c. The pros and cons of the biodiesel industry in Argentina

d. Land dispossession because of Argentina’s biodiesel boom

4. Inferencing (25)

1. What are the main types of biofuel?

a. Hydro and wind power

b. Solar and nuclear power

c. Ethanol and biodiesel

d. Coal and gas

2. What environmental benefits can the production of biodiesel bring about?

a. We can protect our natural resources

b. Livestock is moved to remote places

c. There are more jobs available

d. More forests are cleared

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3. What is biodiesel made of?

a. electricity

b. coal

c. sunlight

d. vegetable oils

4. Why is the biodiesel industry thriving in the country?

a. The government has established a number of specific incentives

b. It is fashionable to plant soybean in Argentina

c. There is a surplus of soybean in the country

d. Soybean is drought-resistant

5. Why would it be better to use other oilseeds than soybeans to produce biodiesel?

a. Soybean plantation takes more nutrients out of the soil than other oil plants

b. Soybean oil is more polluting than other vegetable oils

c. Other vegetable oils are better paid in the world market

d. Soybean is fit for human consumption

6. What is second generation biodiesel?

a. Low quality fuel

b. Highly polluting fuel

c. Fuel made from agricultural residues

d. Fuel made from sugar and vegetable oils found in crops

7. Which of the following is NOT a crop residue?

a. stalks and stubble

b. manure

c. leaves

d. husks

8. Why may biodiesel from soybean not be entirely green energy?

a. Biodiesel from soybean has a brownish color

b. Biodiesel is fuel produced from edible plants

c. Fossil fuels are still used in the manufacturing of biodiesel

d. The oil can be combusted as fuel without being refined

9. What does green energy mean?

a. Energy produced from renewable resources

b. Energy produced from plants and vegetables

c. Energy produced from nuclear energy

d. Energy produced from fossil fuels

10. What is the message of the text?

a. The more soy you have, the more food you get

b. In a world of hunger it is unjust to use food to produce fuel

c. Argentina is producing more soy, which complements food production

d. Better practices are necessary to achieve sustainable agriculture and biofuels

5. Vocabulary (10)

1. The noun “supporters” in line 1 can be understood as:

a. bearers

b. enemies

c. workers

d. advocates

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2. The noun “critics” in line 3 can be changed by:

a. artists

b. referees

c. detractors

d. reviewers

3. The noun “figures” in line 7 is a synonym for:

a. charts

b. tables

c. numbers

d. drawings

4. The verb “drawn to” in line 9 can be defined as:

a. called off

b. tempted by

c. given up

d. contributed to

5. The phrase “inexpensive labor” in line 10 implies:

a. skilled workers

b. financial security

c. safe job conditions

d. low salary

6. The verb “plowing in line 10 means:

a. working

b. investing

c. selling

d. buying

7. The noun “threat” in line 13 can be explained as:

a. benefit

b. solution

c. hazard

d. burden

8. The noun “crops” in line 17 can be understood as:

a. food-producing plants

b. fossil fuels

c. livestock

d. raw material

9. The noun “hunger” in line 19 implies:

a. wealth

b. starvation

c. injustice

d. love

10. The verb “alternate” in line 24 can be understood as:

a. raise

b. harvest

c. rotate

d. look after

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6. Reference (20)

Write the referent word(s) at the end of each sentence.

1. What does the noun phrase “the industry” in line 1 refer to?

2. What does the noun phrase “In the country” in line 6 stand for?

3. Argentina has become “the world’s fourth largest producer” of what in lines 6-7?

4. What does the noun “output” in line 12 point to?

5. What does the pronoun “each other” in line 17 refer to?

6. What does pronoun “he” in line 19 stand for?

7. What “does the relative pronoun “which” in line 20 denote?

8. What does the indefinite pronoun “one” in line 20 refer to?

9. What does the conjunction “both” in line 26 point to?

10. What “other crops” in line 28 are referred to?

Writing (100)

Choose one of the following topics (circle the letter corresponding to the chosen topic):

a. “… the government is starting to pay more attention to cleaner forms of energy…” Write a paragraph using

the Cause-Effect organization pattern studied (100-150 words).

b. “In a world with hunger it is unjust to use food to produce fuel…” Write a paragraph using the For-Against

organization pattern studied (100-150 words).

c. The ideal to have a healthy soil is to alternate crops. Monocropping threatens global food supply. Write a

paragraph using the Problem-Solution organization pattern studied (100-150 words).

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Biodiesel in Argentina: Blessing or Long-Term Hazard? – Answers

Predicting 1. C Skimming

1. D 2. A 3. C 4. A 5. A

Scanning

1. C 2. C 3. A 4. D 5. B 6. B 7. D 8. C 9. B 10. D

Inferencing

1. C 2. A 3. D 4. A 5. D 6. C 7. B 8. B 9. A 10. D

Vocabulary 1. D 2. C 3. C 4. B 5. D 6. B 7. C 8. A 9. B 10. C

Reference

1. the biodiesel industry

2. In Argentina

3. biodiesel

4. biodiesel production

5. the biodiesel & food industries

6. Carlos St James

7. Soybean biofuel

8. biofuel

9. food & biodiesel

10. wheat & corn

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Greener Hybrid Power Plants Proposed

Circle the correct option to complete each exercise in sections 1 - 5

1. Predicting (5)


a. Fuel-based power stations will be banned

b. There is a proposal to paint all power plants in green

c. Many environmentally friendly power plants run on solar energy

d. Power plants could be powered by a mixture of fuel and solar energy

04 Nov 2011

First, there were hybrid cars; now green hybrid power plants are on the way, say university researchers. Hybrid cars,

powered by a mixture of gasoline and electricity, have become a practical way to "go green" on the roads. Now

researchers at Tel Aviv University are applying the term "hybrid" to power plants as well. Hybrid power plant is a

potentially cost-effective and realistic way to integrate solar technology into existing power plants.

Many power plants use traditional fuel to make energy, says Tel Aviv University professor Avi Kribus, from the 5 School of Mechanical Engineering. Others that are more environmentally friendly run on solar thermal power. In a

solar thermal power plant, sunlight is harvested to create hot high-pressure steam, approximately 400 to 500 degrees

centigrade. This solar-produced steam is then used to rotate the turbines that generate electricity. However, solar

thermal power plants can be costly to construct and operate. The cost of the equipment that harnesses the energy is

expensive, as it is made from valuable metals. 10

As a hybrid alternative, Professor Kribus and his graduate student Maya Livshits, have developed a new technology

that combines the use of conventional fuel with the lower pressures and temperatures of steam produced by solar

thermal power allowing plants to be hybrid, replacing 25 to 50 percent of their fuel use with green energy. They have

devised a new steam-injection gas turbine method that employs both fuel and steam from solar power, so plants can

use green energy for up to half of their power needs. 15

Prof Kribus, says, "We combine a gas turbine, which works on hot air and not steam, and inject the solar-produced

steam into the process. We still need to burn fuel to heat the air, but we add steam from low-temperature solar energy,

approximately 200 degrees centigrade. This hybrid method is not only highly efficient in terms of energy production,

but the lowered pressure and heat requirements allow the solar part of the technology to use more cost-effective

materials, such as common metals and low-cost solar collectors”. 20

The hybrid fuel and solar power system may not be entirely green, but it does offer a more realistic option for the

short and medium term. Electricity from solar thermal power plants currently costs twice as much as electricity from

traditional power plants. If this does not change, the technology may never be widely adopted. The researchers hope

that a hybrid plant will have a comparable cost to a fuel-based power plant, making the option of replacing a large

fraction of fuel with solar energy competitive and viable. 25

The researchers have approached an Indian university to further develop the project and are interested in contacting

corporate partners who are willing to put hybrid technology into use. They think that it is a stepping-stone that will

help introduce solar energy into the industry in an accessible and affordable way.

http://www.earthtimes.org/energy/

30

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2. Skimming (30)


a. Hybrid power plants are coming into existence

b. Hybrid power plants integrate new technology.

c. Hybrid cars are powered by gasoline and electricity.

d. Hybrid cars have become green technology on roads.


a. Many power plants use traditional fuel to make energy.

b. The equipment used to harness solar energy is expensive.

c. Environmentally friendly power plants run on solar thermal power.

d. Sunlight is harvested to create steam of approximately 400 to 500°C.


a. Green energy in hybrid power plants can be used for up to half of its power needs.

b. Steam is produced by solar thermal power allowing traditional plants to be hybrid.

c. Hybrid power plants combine the use of conventional fuel and solar thermal power.

d. Fuel use in hybrid systems can be replaced with green energy in a considerable amount.


a. The steam-injection gas turbine method works on hot air and not steam.

b. The steam-injection gas turbine method is highly efficient and cost-effective.

c. The steam-injection gas turbine method still needs to burn fuel to heat the air.

d. The steam-injection gas turbine method uses common metals and low-cost solar collectors.


a. The hybrid fuel and solar power system is the best option, although it is not entirely green.

b. Researchers hope that hybrid power plants will have a comparable cost to fuel-based ones.

c. Electricity from solar thermal power plants currently costs more than from traditional power plants.

d. If electricity from thermal power plants does not cost less, the technology may never be implemented.


a. Researchers are working with an Indian university.

b. Research is being carried out to put hybrid technology into use.

c. Researchers are interested in contacting corporate partners.

d. Research shows that solar energy is accessible and affordable.

3. Scanning (10)

1. The proposed Hybrid Power Plants work on a combination of

a. Gasoline & electricity

b. Gasoline & biofuels

c. Gasoline & solar power

d. Gasoline & wind power

2. Where is the university which is researching into hybrid power plants located?

a. Tenerife

b. Tehran

c. Tel Aviv

d. Tenochtitlan

3. Solar thermal power plants harness

a. the wind

b. the sun

c. water

d. fossil fuels

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4. The generation of solar thermal power is

a. difficult

b. costly

c. cheap

d. none of the above

5. In a solar power plant, sunlight is harvested to create

a. water steam

b. water vapor

c. liquid water

d. frozen water

6. How many people are known to be working on the hybrid power plant project?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

7. How much conventional fuel is saved in a hybrid power plant?

a. less than one-forth

b. exactly one-fourth

c. between one-fourth and a half

d. about three-fourths

8. How many types of energy are combined in the hybrid method mentioned?

a. 4

b. 3

c. 2

d. 1

9. The cost of generating electricity in a hybrid power plant

a. will double the cost of a fuel-based power plant

b. will be as expensive as the cost of a fuel-based power plant

c. will be less than the cost of a fuel-based power plant

d. will be free


a. The place where the project on hybrid power plants is conducted

b. The economic and environmental benefits of hybrid power plants

c. When hybrid power plants will enter the market

d. How hybrid power plants will operate

4. Inferencing (25)

1. What does a power station do?

a. It broadcasts TV programs

b. It manufactures machinery

c. It spends electric energy on producing goods

d. It converts one form of energy, into electricity

2. What does the phrase “on the way” in line 1 mean?

a. Coming soon

b. Becoming less important

c. Travelling in the same direction

d. Preparing the conditions for something to happen

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3. How is sunlight harvested in a solar thermal power plant?

a. PV technology converts solar energy into electricity

b. Workers pick up the sun’s rays by hand

c. The sun is directed towards a turbine

d. Solar radiation is turned into heat

4. When are power plants called hybrid:

a. When they run on a combination of energy sources

b. When they run on a renewable energy source

c. When they run on nuclear power

d. When they run on fossil fuels

5. Where is Tel Aviv University?

a. Spain

b. Iran

c. Israel

d. Mexico

6. What is the difference between vapor and steam?

a. Vapor is hotter than steam

b. Steam is hotter than vapor

c. They are unrelated terms

d. They are both synonyms

7. Why may hybrid power plants not be entirely green?

a. They still use fossil fuels to operate

b. They are fuel-based power plants

c. They run on solar thermal power

d. They cause large environmental impact

8. Why would it be better to generate electricity in hybrid power plants than in fuel-based power plants?

a. Hybrid power stations are safer to operate

b. Hybrid power stations are cheaper to run

c. Hybrid power stations use green energy

d. Hybrid power stations use new technology

9. How many power plants which run on this hybrid method are there in Argentina?

a. Many

b. Several

c. A few

d. None


a. Hybrid power plants will introduce solar energy into the industry in a cost-effective way

b. Hybrid cars have become a practical way to go green on the roads

c. Solar thermal power plants can be costly to construct and operate

d. Hybrid power plants have replaced solar thermal power plants

5. Vocabulary (10)

1. The adjective “hybrid” in line 1 can be understood as:

a. modern

b. anomalous

c. traditional

d. combined

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2. The phrase “go green” in line 2 can be changed by:

a. become environmentally friendly

b. become unhealthy

c. drive safely

d. drive faster

3. The adjective “cost-effective” in line 4 means:

a. costing relatively cheap

b. costing rather expensive

c. being highly efficient

d. brining the best profits for the lowest costs

4. The verb “harvested” in line 7 can be defined as:

a. seen

b. collected

c. hidden

d. felt

5. The adjective “costly” in line 9 implies:

a. difficult

b. easy

c. cheap

d. expensive

6. The adjective “conventional” in line 12 means:

a. extraordinary

b. unusual

c. regular

d. renewable

7. The noun phrase “steam-injection” in line 14 can be explained as:

a. The insertion of greenhouse gases

b. The inoculation of a vaccine

c. the introduction o f hot vapor

d. the addition of hot water

8. The verb “add” in line 17 can be understood as:

a. include

b. improve

c. increase

d. get rid of

9. The phrase “… twice as much as…” in line 22 implies:

a. a lot

b. two times more

c. equal to

d. less than

10. The phrase “stepping-stone” in line 27can be understood as:

a. drawback

b. solution

c. advantage

d. advance

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6. Reference (20)


1. What does the pronoun “Others” in line 6 refer to?

2. What does the pronoun “it” in line 10 stand for?

3. What alternative is referred to by the phrase “a hybrid alternative” in line 11?

4. What does the relative pronoun “that” in line 14 point to?

5. What does the possessive adjective “their” in line 15 refer to?

6. What does the phrase “This hybrid method” in line 18 stand for?

7. What “more cost-effective materials” are mentioned in line 20?

8. What does the pronoun “it” in line 21 refer to?

9. What does the pronoun “this” in line 23 point to?

10. What does the phrase “the project” in line 26 allude to?

Writing (100)


a. There are different ways to harvest solar energy. How can sunlight be harvested to generate solar power?

Write a paragraph using the Process Description organization pattern studied (100-150 words).

b. We are running short of fossil fuels. What can be done to meet the increasing demand of energy? Write a

paragraph using the Problem-Solution organization pattern studied (100-150 words).

c. The world is relying progressively on renewable energy sources. Choose two renewable energy sources and

put them side by side. Write a paragraph using the Compare-Contrast organization pattern studied (100-150

words).

16

Greener Hybrid Power Plants Proposed – Answers

Prediciting 1. D Skimmimg

1. A 2. C 3. C 4. B 5. A 6. B

Scanning

1. C 2. C 3. B 4. B 5. A 6. B 7. C 8. C 9. B 10. C

Inferencing

1. D 2. A 3. D 4. A 5. C 6. B 7. A 8. C 9. D 10. A

Vocabulary 1. D 2. A 3. D 4. B 5. D 6. C 7. C 8. A 9. B 10. D

Reference

1. Power plants

2. The equipment

3. Solar thermal power plants

4. A new steam-injection gas turbine method

5. Plants

6. The fuel & solar power system

7. Common metals and low-cost solar collectors

8. The hybrid fuel & solar power system

9. The cost of electricity from solar thermal power

plants

10. The hybrid fuel & solar power system/ hybrid

power plants

17

Second Earth Summit Shifts from Climate Change


1. Predicting (5)


a. The Second Earth Summit will deal with Climate Change

b. The Second Earth Summit will modify Climate Change

c. The Second Earth Summit will contribute to Climate Change

d. The Second Earth Summit will address a topic other than Climate Change

Tue, Jan 24 2012

Representatives from around the world will gather in Rio de Janeiro next June to try to hammer out goals for

sustainable development at a U.N. conference, Rio+20. In an attempt to avoid too much confrontation, Rio+20 will

focus not on climate change but on sustainable development - making sure economies can grow now without

endangering resources and the environment for future generations. The conference’s objective is to secure renewed

commitment to sustainable development and to meet new and emerging challenges by focusing on the following 5 themes: the green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication; and the institutional

framework for sustainable development.

U.N. conferences over the two past decades have begun with high hopes for agreements to compel nations to cut

climate-warming emissions and help adapt to a hotter world, but they often ended with disappointingly modest results.

That first Earth Summit in 1992 ultimately led to the carbon-capping Kyoto Protocol and a treaty on biodiversity. As a 10 result, the focus of subsequent global meetings has been on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, especially

carbon dioxide. However, the world's biggest emitters, including China and the United States, have balked, arguing it

would cripple economic development. Sustainable development is an easier sell globally than climate change, even

though sustainable development is a way of tackling global warming and other environmental issues. Therefore, this

summit offers a chance to renew political will to make the world's economies greener. 15

Climate change is an issue that has very strong resistance from sectors that are going to be substantially altered, like

the oil industry. Sustainable development is something that is as simple as looking at how we would like to be in 10 or

20 years. The time seems ripe. Natural resources are at stake. The global human population tops 7 billion. Traditional

economies are failing. And the planet is warming. Leaders may accept the premise that it makes sense to ensure that

rich and emerging nations can grow without further damaging the environment. 20

A draft document was released on 10 January in New York as a starting point for the June conference, outlining

several issues. The ‘zero draft’, as it is called, identifies a number of key issues: food security, water, energy, cities,

green jobs-social inclusion, oceans, seas and small island developing states, natural disasters, climate change, forests

and biodiversity, land degradation and desertification, mountains, chemicals and waste, consumption and production,

education, and gender equality. 25

Brice Lalonde, the UN's executive coordinator of the conference said the Second Earth Summit in June "must be the

place where decisions on the future of the planet are made and not just another talking shop for world leaders". He

added "The draft is a good start. Most topics are on the table: from efficient international co-operation to sustainable

development goals, from a regular review of the state of the planet to an agency for the environment, from universal

access to energy to social safety floors. What is missing now is one verb: to decide. Because to stress, urge, call, 30 recognize, underscore, encourage, support or reaffirm is not enough. When heads of state meet, it should be to

decide".

Adapted from:

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/01/24/uk-rio-idUKTRE80N1XT20120124

ictsd.org/i/news/bridgesweekly/123057/ 35 http://www.international.to/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4469

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2. Skimming (30)


a. Rio+20 is a U.N. conference.

b. Rio+20 will be held in June 2012.

c. Rio+20 will deal with sustainable development.

d. Rio+20 will be represented by many countries around the world.


a. The First Summit was on greenhouse gas reduction while the second one will be on sustainable development.

b. It is argued that reducing climate-warming emissions could cripple the world´s economy.

c. The first Earth Summit was held in 1992 which led to the Kyoto-Protocol.

d. China and the United States are two of the biggest emitters of CO2.


a. Natural resources, such as water, are at stake.

b. At present, the global population tops 7 billion.

c. Traditional economies are failing and the planet is warming.

d. Climate change has strong resistance while sustainable development presents mild opposition.


a. A draft document was released on 10th January.

b. The draft document outlines key topics for the June conference.

c. The draft document is called the “zero draft”.

d. Climate change is a topic of the “zero draft”.


a. World leaders will discuss on universal access to energy.

b. Brice Lalonde is the UN's executive coordinator of the conference.

c. For Lalonde the draft is a good start because the topics are on the table.

d. The Summit is the right place where decisions for the Earth´s future should be taken.

3. Scanning (10)

1. What is Rio+20?

a. The name of the next carnival in Rio de Janeiro

b. The name of a famous sambodromo in Rio de Janeiro

c. A place where more than 20 rivers meet in Brazil

d. The name of the U.N. conference to be held in Rio de Janeiro

2. When will Rio+20 take place?

a. This year

b. Next year

c. In 2020

d. Many years ahead

3. What will the focus be on at Rio+20?

a. Climate change

b. Global warming

c. Sustainable development

d. Cutback of greenhouse emissions

19

4. What has the main objective of the Kyoto Protocol been?

a. To make Japan’s beauty known

b. To promote the Japanese industry

c. To design the draft for the Second Earth Summit

d. To oblige countries to diminish climate-warming emissions

5. How many countries refused to comply with the Kyoto Protocol?

a. One

b. Two

c. More than two

d. None

6. What was the main concern of the past U.N. conferences?

a. Developing greener economies

b. Curbing greenhouse gas emissions

c. Preventing nuclear wars

d. Feeding the poor

7. What does “sustainable development” mean?

a. Economic growth without jeopardizing resources and the environment for the future

b. Economic growth at the expense of resources and the environment for the future

c. Economic growth disregarding resources and the environment for the future

d. It is not stated

8. What is the “zero draft”?

a. A list of the countries which have failed to conform to the Kyoto Protocol

b. An agreement of good will to enforce the Kyoto Protocol

c. A report of the U.N. conferences over the two past decades

d. An outline of a number of key issues to tackle at the next Earth Summit

9. The U.N.’s executive coordinator of Rio+20 said that:

a. Rio+20 should be a talking shop for world leaders

b. Rio+20 should be a decision-making conference

c. Rio+20 would be another failure

d. Rio+20 would be a success


a. The conference’s objective

b. The key issues for the June conference

c. Whether political leaders agree with the agenda

d. The modest outcomes of the previous U.N. conferences

4. Inferencing (25)

1. Where is Rio de Janeiro?

a. Argentina

b. Uruguay

c. Brazil

d. Paraguay

2. What does the acronym U.N. stand for?

a. An interplanetary organization composed of most of the planets of the solar system

b. An international organization composed of most of the countries of the world

c. A North American organization with seat in New York

d. The European Union

20

3. What can an example of “other environmental issues” be in line 14?

a. Climate change

b. Global warming

c. Sustainable development

d. Science & technology

4. What is the concept of “green” in this context?

a. The development of new technology

b. The discovery of new physical laws

c. The health impact on living things

d. The implementation of existing regulations

5. What does “green jobs” consist in?

a. Jobs in the agribusiness

b. Jobs done by lumberjacks

c. Jobs carried out at sawmills

d. Environmentally friendly jobs

6. Why does the oil industry have strong resistance to the climate change issue?

a. People who work in the industry do not believe global warming is taking place

b. Its profits will be largely reduced if the world cuts climate-warming emissions

c. The industry is run by wicked people who will be happy if the planet gets hotter

d. The oil industry sells refrigerators, so its earnings will increase if temperatures rise

7. What does the phrase “The time seems ripe” in line 18 imply?

a. Time flies

b. Time is an illusion

c. All that really belongs to us is time

d. It is the most favorable time to do something

8. Why is the conference called Rio+20?

a. The conference will take place twenty years after the landmark 1992 Earth Summit in Rio

b. More than twenty key issues will be dealt with at the Second Earth Summit

c. The conference will be held in the twenty-first century

d. More than twenty countries will attend the conference

9. What is the mood of Brice Lalonde’s observation in the last paragraph?

a. One of hope

b. One of regret

c. One of warning

d. One of enthusiasm


a. It is expected that sustainable development may work better than climate change among U.N. members

b. Industrialized countries have failed to achieve commitment to cutting down greenhouse gas emissions

c. The Second Earth Summit will insist on the issue of climate change despite past failure

d. Rio+20 will penalize countries which have not adhered to the Kyoto Protocol yet

5. Vocabulary (10)

1. The verb “hammer out” in line 1 can be understood as:

a. decide

b. carry out

c. hit

d. improve

21

2. The verb “endangering” in line 4 can be changed by:

a. using

b. saving

c. putting at risk

d. caring for

3. The adjective “carbon capping” in line 10 can be explained as:

a. producing carbon emission

b. releasing carbon emission

c. limiting carbon emission

d. rising carbon emission levels

4. The verb “balked” in line 12 can be defined as:

a. supported

b. retreated

c. agreed

d. failed

5. The noun “sell” in line 13 implies:

a. proposal

b. export

c. supply

d. merchandize

6. The noun “will” in line 15 means:

a. love

b. determination

c. greed

d. laziness

7. The noun “issue” in line 16 can be changed by:

a. edition

b. magazine

c. topic

d. phenomenon

8. The prepositional phrase “at stake” in line 18 means:

a. at risk

b. at last

c. at ease

d. at large

9. The verb “outlining” in line 21 implies:

a. refusing

b. searching

c. expanding

d. sketching

10. The noun phrase “talking shop” in line 27 can be understood as:

a. a speech given by dishonest politicians

b. a TV show where common people speak idle talk

c. a place where you can buy devices for people unable to speak

d. an event where discussion is the main activity, with no decisions or actions

22

6. Reference (20)


1. Find a synonym for the verb “meet” in line 1?

2. What does the subject pronoun “they” in line 9 refer to?

3. In line 12, what are China and the United States two of “the world’s biggest emitters” of?

4. What does the subject pronoun “it” in line 12 point to?

5. What does the noun phrase “this summit” in lines 14-15 refer to?

6. What example of “sectors” affected by the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is given in line 17?

7. What does the noun phrase “starting point” in line 21 point to?

8. How is “the Earth” called in line 27?

9. What does the noun phrase “one verb” in line 30 anticipate to?

10. What phrase in line 31 can replace the words “political leaders”?

Writing (100)


a. Sustainable development is easier to tackle than climate change. Write a paragraph using the For-Against


b. “U.N. conferences over the last two decades have often ended with disappointingly modest results”. Write a

paragraph using the Cause-Effect organization pattern studied (100-150 words).

c. The Kyoto Protocol has failed to achieve its main objective. Write a paragraph using the Problem-Solution


23

Second Earth Summit Shifts from Climate Change – Answers

Predicting 1. D

Skimming

1. C 2. A 3. D 4. B 5. D

Scanning

1. D 2. A 3. C 4. D 5. C 6. B 7. A 8. D 9. B 10. C

Inferencing

1. C 2. B 3. A 4. C 5. D 6. B 7. D 8. A 9. C 10. A

Vocabulary 1. A 2. C 3. C 4. B 5. A 6. B 7. C 8. A 9. D 10. D

Reference

1. Gather

2. U.N. conferences

3. Greenhouse gas emissions/ CO2

4. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

5. Rio+20/Second Earth Summit/ U.N. Conference

in June

6. The oil industry

7. A draft document/the zero draft

8. The planet

9. To decide

10. Heads of state

24

Sustainable Ecotourism


2. 1. Predicting (5)


a. The responsible use of natural resources for recreation

b. A new trend in the smoke-stackless industry

c. The depletion of natural resources by reckless tourists

d. Laws to protect indigenous flora and fauna

Cross Theme Park – Santa Ana

Ecotourism is defined as leisure travel that provides tourists with an educational and adventurous experience by

visiting complex and fascinating ecosystems and their associated cultures and traditions. This includes activities such

as eco-friendly trekking, boating and whale and dolphin watching. The concept of ecotourism began in the late 1980's

and increased in popularity in 2002 during the United Nations "International Year of Ecotourism."

According to environmental organizations and others, ecotourism should have a minimal impact on both the 5 environment and the culture. Ecotourism should inform tourists about what is needed to sustain the environment they

are visiting, and should also help local populations understand the importance and value of their home. Ecotourism

can also help foster a sense of environmental awareness by encouraging travelers to be mindful of wasting resources

and polluting the environment. Ecotourism can also help local economies by generating revenue and jobs, which

further encourages the local population to preserve its environment. 10

A good ecotourism operation will strive to support the community and encourage travelers to be culturally sensitive

by training and employing local people and by purchasing local supplies and services to further stimulate the

economy. Tourist regions in many countries now rely on ecotourism as the primary source of revenue. Ecotourism

plays a particularly important role because it can create jobs in remote regions that historically have benefited less

from economic development programs than have more populous areas. Even a small number of jobs may be 15 significant in communities where populations are low and alternatives are few.

The education and good practices taught by ecotourism may also help foster sustainable development in a world

increasingly faced by destructive practices such as clear-cutting forests and poor land-use policies that destroy

habitats. Unless ecotourism actively incorporates local society into service planning and provision, and includes

programs to meet the fundamental needs for income and employment for all people in the region, the special qualities 20 of the site and its flora and fauna may be irreparably damaged.

Although the overall concept and intent of sustainable tourism is positive, the industry is not without its critics, largely

due to companies which abuse the concept of ecotourism to take advantage of the wealth generated by the interest in

it. Some ecotourism operators have been accused of masking their environmentally destructive practices by marketing

their businesses as ecotourism with little or no recognition at all of its key ideals and principles. 25

Hopefully, with time, the standards for good ecotourism will be established and both travelers and the industry will be

aware of what constitutes an ecologically and culturally sensitive tourism. If approached correctly, ecotourism could

become an essential cog in the wheel of conservationism. In the past, man has largely served as a foe to the

environment. By fostering travel that reinforces good environmental practices and promotes economies, ecotourism

might cultivate a symbiotic relationship between humankind and the environment that will benefit all of us in the end. 30

Adapted from: http://marinebio.org/oceans/conservation/sustainable-tourism.asp Retrieved April 9th 2012

25

2. Skimming (30)


a. What ecotourism consists in

b. The types of activities carried out in ecotourism

c. Ecotourism means going to exotic places for holidays

d. 2002 was declared the International Year of Ecotourism by the United Nations


a. Tourists should help local people

b. Local population should preserve the environment

c. Tourists should be informed of the places they are visiting

d. Tourists should disturb the local environment and culture as little as possible


a. Developing countries rely on ecotourism as their primary source of income

b. Even a small number of jobs is significant in small towns

c. Ecotourism should promote local economies

d. Ecotourism can create jobs in remote areas


a. The world faces destructive practices such as deforestation

b. Ecotourism is closely related to sustainable development

c. Ecotourism should incorporate local society into its business

d. Ecotourism may damage the flora and fauna of regions


a. The concept and intent of ecotourism is positive

b. Ecotourism is not without its critics

c. Some unscrupulous companies mask their destructive practices as ecotourism

d. Some travel agencies do not sell package holidays with the key ideals and principles of ecotourism


a. In the past, tourists have depleted the environment

b. Good environmental practices are rare in tourism

c. The standards for ecotourism will be established by the Tourism Chamber

d. Sustainable tourism will benefit people and the environment if tackled appropriately

3. Scanning (10)

1. What is ecotourism?

a. Travel to space

b. Travel to Miami

c. Travel to enthralling ecological units

d. Travel to seaside resorts in the Mediterranean Sea

2. When did the concept of ecotourism begin?

a. Last year

b. Ten years ago

c. Twenty years ago

d. More than 20 years ago

26

3. What two important aspects should always be considered in an ecotourism operation?

a. Place of destination and means of transport

b. Travel and accommodation expenses

c. Local culture and environment

d. Entertainment and leisure time

4. How can ecotourism help foster local economies?

a. By generating revenues and jobs

b. By exhausting local natural resources

c. By hunting and selling local wild animals

d. By offering handicrafts by the side of the road

5. Ecotourism should

a. ignore local society

b. train and employ local people

c. offer destructive practices as eco-friendly

d. take advantages of the wealth generated by the interest in it

6. How many tourist regions around the world rely on ecotourism as their primary source of revenue?

a. A lot

b. Some

c. A few

d. None

7. Ecotourism promotes

a. clear-cutting forests

b. poor land-use polices

c. environmental pollution

d. education and good practices

8. Ecotourism is a pillar of

a. industrial cities

b. the Church

c. sustainable development

d. the family structure

9. Ecotourism

a. is a fad that will eventually come to an end

b. might help preserve cultures and traditions

c. is supported by governmental agencies

d. is a threat to the environment


a. The origin of the interest in ecotourism

b. The concept of ecotourism

c. The goals of ecotourism

d. The prospects of ecotourism

4. Inferencing (25)

1. What is the concept of sustainability?

a. Economic growth bearing in mind short term profits and disregarding long term losses

b. Economic growth without jeopardizing resources and the environment for the future

c. Economic growth at the expense of resources and the environment in the long run

d. Economic growth disregarding resources and the environment for tomorrow

27

2. What can a synonymous expression for ‘ecotourism’ be?

a. Nature-based tourism

b. Sustainable tourism

c. Eco-terrorism

d. Adventure travel

3. What can have originated the practice of eco-tourism?

a. A strategic view for an economical enterprise

b. The boredom of a group of rich holidaymakers

c. A widespread concern for conservationism

d. A love for nature

4. What is definitely NOT a good environmental practice?

a. Bird-watching

b. Trekking

c. Hunting

d. Mountaineering

5. What type of energy source would be appropriate for a green hotel?

a. oil

b. gas

c. coal

d. wind

6. What environmental impacts can ecotourism practices bring about?

a. Land clearing to build facilities for eco-tourists

b. Energy consumption to get to ecotourism destinations

c. Disruption of the natural cycle of life

d. All of the above

7. A principle of ecotourism is:

a. standardize tourism fees

b. restrict the number of tourists

c. control native population growth

d. produce the least impact on local cultures

8. What does the phrase “…become an essential cog in the wheel ….” in line 31 imply?

a. Play an important role

b. Happen to be a liability

c. Become irrelevant

d. None of the above

9. Misiones is a province where ecotourism can thrive because

a. people are friendly

b. there are many descendants of Europeans

c. it still keeps most of its natural beauty and resources unspoiled

d. Iguazú Falls has been declared one of the new wonders of the world

10. What is the purpose of the text?

a. To discourage tourism operators to mask their destructive practices as eco-friendly

b. To encourage holidaymakers to choose ecotourism over conventional travels

c. To gain a remarkable insight into ecotourism

d. To persuade businessmen to invest on ecotourism

28

5. Vocabulary (10)

1. The noun “leisure” in line 1 can be understood as:

a. relaxation

b. luxury

c. adventure

d. leasing

2. The adjective “eco-friendly ” in line 3 can be changed by:

a. fast

b. long

c. green

d. perilous

3. The noun “environment” in line 7can be explained as:

a. situation

b. economy

c. nature

d. family

4. The verb “strive” in line 12 can be defined as:

a. thrive

b. attempt

c. increase

d. fail

5. The adjective “sensitive” in line 13 implies:

a. aware

b. sensible

c. unconscious

d. absent-minded

6. The noun “revenue” in line 15 can be changed by:

a. amusement

b. income

c. pride

d. holiday

7. The adverb “unless” in line 21means:

a. nevertheless

b. in addition

c. therefore

d. if not

8. The verb “masking” in line 26 means:

a. preparing

b. disguising

c. accusing

d. fostering

9. The verb “marketing” in line 27 implies:

a. washing

b. concealing

c. threatening

d. promoting

29

10. The adjective “symbiotic” in line 33 can be understood as:

a. commercial

b. friendly

c. interdependent

d. everlasting

6. Reference (20)



2. What does the demonstrative pronoun “this” in line 2 point to?

3. What does the pronoun “others” in line 6 stand for?

4. What does the adverb “both” in line 6 denote?


6. What examples of “destructive practices” are given in line 20?

7. What does the noun phrase “the industry” in line 24 point to?

8. What does the possessive adjective “their” in line 26 indicate?

9. What noun phrase in line 30 can replace the word “ecotourism”?

10. What synonym for the noun “enemy” can be found in line 32?

Writing (100)


a. Misiones should be promoted as an ecotourism region. Write a paragraph using the Cause-Effect organization

pattern studied (100-150 words).

b. In what ways does ecotourism strive to protect the environment? Write a paragraph using the Problem-

Solution organization pattern studied (100-150words).

c. An adventure travel which disrupts the environment, such as a rally racing through the jungle is not eco-

tourism. Write a paragraph using the For-Against organization pattern studied (100-150 words).

30

Sustainable Ecotourism – Answers

Predicting 1. A Skimming

1. A 2. D 3. C 4. B 5. C 6. D

Scanning

1. C 2. D 3. C 4. A 5. B 6. A 7. D 8. C 9. B 10. A

Inferencing

1. B 2. B 3. C 4. C 5. D 6. D 7. D 8. A 9. C 10. C

Vocabulary 1. A 2. C 3. C 4. B 5. A 6. B 7. D 8. B 9. D 10. C

Reference

1. Complex & fascinating ecosystems

2. Ecotourism

3. Organizations

4. The environment and the culture

5. Local populations

6. Clear-cutting forests & poor land-use policies

7. Sustainable tourism

8. Some ecotourism operators

9. An ecologically and culturally sensitive tourism

10. foe

31

The growth of bio-energy into a mega industry


1. Predicting (5)


a. The current impact of bio-energy on the industry

b. The promising future of the bio-energy industry

c. The world’s forthcoming competition for bio-energy production

d. The impending depletion of natural resources by the bio-energy industry

April, 2012

Creating an analogy with the emergence of the oil industry over a century ago – we are about to

witness the growth of bio- energy into a mega industry. The crude oil of this future global-industry

will be biomass and supply will be the key driver for many years to come. Brazil is set to become

the Saudi Arabia of the business; and control over supply will be a critical success factor for those

destined to become the new energy players. The window of opportunity to start developing such a 5 business is now.

Biomass is the source of bio-energy derived from living or recently living organisms that can be

processed into electricity, liquid or solid biofuel and heat. Traditional biomass, which represents

about half of total biomass consumption today, is wood fuel, agricultural by-products and dung

burned for cooking and heating purposes in developing countries. This is still widely harvested and 10 used in an unsustainable and unsafe way. On the other hand, modern biomass is produced from

sustainable wood-based products, energy crops, forestry residues, residual agricultural products and

can be broadened to include municipal and industrial waste.

Modern biomass fuels are generally recognized as having far lower lifecycle carbon dioxide

emissions than fossil fuel equivalents and can play an important role in carbon capture and 15 sequestration (CCS). Despite this, significant concerns remain about sustainability in two key

areas: some first generation liquid biofuels, which compete with food production; and the forestry

management techniques used in production of woody biomass. However, second generation liquid

biofuels, based upon lingocellulosic feedstocks, hold the promise of sustainable production and

overcome most of the criticisms of first generation fuels. Likewise, production of biomass from 20 renewable energy crops can avoid many of the negative issues with woody biomass.

According to the World Bank Development Report, modern biomass has the highest mitigation

potential for GHG emissions of all renewable energy sources, but it is the area where technology is

least developed. Underlying global demand for energy by 2050 could triple from its 2000 level if

emerging economies follow historical patterns of development. Natural innovation and competition 25 could spur improvements in energy efficiency to moderate underlying demand by about 20% over

this time. Furthermore, unlike electric cars, or hydrogen fueled vehicles, biofuels derived from

biomass are already generated on an industrial scale and can be applied largely within the existing

infrastructure.

In future scenarios, biomass fuels represent around 15% of global primary energy by 2050. Liquid 30 biofuels become a significant part of this, in particular, helping to diversify the supply of transport

fuel. More optimistic projections estimate that by 2050 bio-energy could supply about 25% of the

world’s primary energy by 2050 - broadly equivalent to the total contribution of the oil & gas

industry by that time. Either case implies the creation of a massive global bio-energy industry over

the coming 20 to 30 years to achieve the target. 35

Adapted from:http://www.alternativelatininvestor.com/254/renewable-energy/a-bio-energy-perspective.html

32

2. Skimming (30)


a. The bio-energy industry and the oil industry are analogous

b. The development of bio-energy into a mega industry is imminent

c. Brazil will become the most important country in the bio-energy industry

d. Control over raw material to generate biomass will be a critical success factor


a. Bio-energy derives from living or recently living organisms

b. Traditional biomass and modern biomass have things in common, but also differences

c. Traditional biomass is still harvested and used in an unsustainable and unsafe way

d. Modern biomass is produced from sustainable forestry residues and renewable energy crops


a. Modern biomass fuels release less CO2 emissions than fossil fuel equivalents

b. There are major concerns about sustainability in the generation of biomass

c. Second generation biofuels hold the promise of sustainable production

d. Bio-energy from lingocellulosic feedstocks can avoid many of the negative issues of first generation biofuels


a. Modern biomass has the highest mitigation potential for GHG emissions of all renewable energy sources

b. Modern biomass can be the answer to the large increase in the global energy demand by 2050

c. Modern biomass is the area where technology is least developed

d. Biofuels derived from biomass are already generated on an industrial scale


a. Bio-energy could supply 15% of the global primary energy by 2050

b. Bio-energy could supply 25% of the global primary energy by 2050

c. Liquid biofuels will become a significant part of the global primary energy

d. The bio-energy industry aims at significant results by 2050

3. Scanning (10)

1. When did the bio-energy industry come into existence?

a. More than 50 years ago

b. More than 100 years ago

c. More than 200 years ago

d. It is not stated

2. What is biomass?

a. The supply of fossil fuels

b. The supply of bio-energy

c. The supply of wind energy

d. The supply of solar energy

3. What kinds of energy can be produced from biomass?

a. Electricity

b. Liquid or solid biofuels

c. Heat

d. All of the above

33

4. What is the key concept in biomass production?

a. Sustainability

b. Costs

c. Purpose

d. Pollution

5. What are the two areas of concern about sustainability in the production of first generation biofuels?

a. Carbon capture and sequestration

b. Food production and forestry management techniques

c. Land use changes and glacier melting

d. Global warming and climate change

6. How can bio-energy overcome sustainability concern?

a. Penalizing the use of woody biomass

b. Putting higher taxes on food crops for the production of biofuels

c. Producing second generation biofuels and raising renewable energy crops

d. There is no foreseeable solution

7. How much is the demand for energy likely to increase by 2050?

a. Twice

b. Three times

c. Four times

d. It is not known

8. What can lead to a decrease by about 20% of the demand for energy by 2050?

a. Governmental policies

b. Reduction in energy consumption by the industry

c. Improvement in energy efficiency


9. How much bio-energy will be generated in the world by 2050?

a. 10% -20% of the global primary energy

b. 15% -25% of the global primary energy

c. 50% -75% of the global primary energy

d. 100% of the global primary energy


a. The concept of bio-energy

b. The shaping of bio-energy into a mega industry

c. The current situation of the bio-energy industry

d. The concern about sustainability in the generation of bio-energy

4. Inferencing (25)

1. What is the concept of sustainability?

a. Economic growth bearing in mind short term profits and disregarding long term losses

b. Economic growth without jeopardizing resources and the environment for the future

c. Economic growth at the expense of resources and the environment in the long run

d. Economic growth disregarding resources and the environment for tomorrow

2. What does ‘crude oil’ in line 2 imply in this context?

a. Hydrocarbons

b. The natural resource

c. Unrefined petroleum

d. Fuels in general

34

3. Which of the following is a biofuel?

a. Gasoline

b. Coal

c. Biodiesel

d. Natural gas

4. What is bio-ethanol made of?

a. Charcoal

b. Hydrogen

c. Vegetable oils

d. Sugars found in grains

5. Why is traditional biomass “burned for cooking and heating purposes in developing countries”?

a. Traditional biomass is sustainable

b. People love making fire for cooking and heating

c. Biomass is the only energy source available for the poor in many regions

d. Governments encourage the use of traditional biomass in developing countries

6. What does the concept “carbon capture and sequestration” in lines 15-16 mean?

a. Capturing, kidnapping CO2 and asking for ransom

b. Capturing, transporting and storing CO2 underground

c. Capturing, transporting and releasing CO2 on the Moon


7. What environmental impact can the growth of the bio-energy industry bring about?

a. Land use changes

b. Ocean acidification

c. Sea level rise

d. Acid rain

8. Why is it better to use second generation biofuels than first generation biofuels?

a. First generation biofuels are more expensive

b. First generation biofuels are made of food crops

c. First generation biofuels are more polluting

d. First generation biofuels are rare

9. Misiones is a province where bio-energy can thrive because

a. people are hard-working

b. people are environmentally friendly

c. it is an strategic place in the Mercosur/sul region

d. it has proper weather to raise renewable energy crops

10. What is the mood of the text?

a. Optimistic

b. Cheerful

c. Defiant

d. Skeptical

5. Vocabulary (10)

1. The noun “analogy” in line 1 can be changed by:

a. comparison

b. dichotomy

c. parable

d. fable

35

2. The noun phrase “the key driver” in line 3 can be explained as:

a. the easiest process

b. the safest procedure

c. the most important factor

d. the most beautiful aspect

3. The verb “source” in line 7 means:

a. cause

b. resource

c. reason

d. foundation

4. The adjective “living” in line 7 makes reference to:

a. an entity with life

b. a room in a house

c. a set of armchairs

d. a place to live in

5. The adjective “residual” in line 12 can be defined as: residue

a. fresh

b. toxic

c. remaining

d. nourishing

6. The noun “feedstocks” in line 19 can be defined as:

a. food crops

b. raw material

c. fossil fuels

d. carbon dioxide

7. The noun phrase “renewable energy crops” in line 21means:

a. plants raised for the purpose of human food production

b. plants raised for the purpose of bio-energy generation

c. plants raised for the purpose of livestock food

d. plants raised for the purpose of ornamentation

8. The noun “potential” in line 23 means:

a. power

b. energy

c. electricity

d. capability

9. The adverb “least” in line 24 implies:

a. less than anything else

b. equal to something else

c. more than anything else

d. a little

10. The verb “supply” in line 32 can be understood as:

a. increase

b. represent

c. provide

d. use

36

6. Reference (20)


1. What does the phrase “this future global industry” in line 2 refer to?

2. What does the noun phrase “the business” in line 4 point to?

3. What does the pronoun “those” in line 4 stand for?

4. What does the pronoun “This” in line 10 denote?

5. Find a synonymous expression for the linking word “Nevertheless” in line 18

6. What does the pronoun “it” in line 23 refer to?

7. What does the possessive adjective “its” in line 24 point to?

8. What does the prepositional phrase “over this time” in lines 26-27 indicate?

9. What does the pronoun “this” in line 31 stand for?

10. Find a synonymous expression for the noun “objective” in line 35

Writing (100)


a. Modern biomass generation should be promoted in Misiones. Write a paragraph using the Cause-Effect


b. In what ways could bio-energy generation help protect the environment? Write a paragraph using the

Problem-Solution organization pattern studied (100-150words).

c. Should we encourage the use of bio-energy or the use of fossil fuels? Write a paragraph using the For-Against


37

The growth of bio-energy into a mega industry – Answers

Predicting 1. B

Skimming

1. B 2. B 3. B 4. B 5. D

Scanning

1. D 2. B 3. D 4. A 5. B 6. C 7. B 8. C 9. B 10. C

Inferencing

1. B 2. B 3. C 4. D 5. C 6. B 7. A 8. B 9. D 10. A

Vocabulary 1. A 2. C 3. B 4. A 5. C 6. B 7. B 8. D 9. A 10. C

Reference

1. The bio-energy industry

2. Bio-energy

3. Countries/agents

4. Traditional biomass

5. However

6. Modern biomass

7. Underlying global demand for energy

8. By 2050

9. Global primary energy

10. Target

38

Rio+20 Earth Summit: Commitment that failed to come


1. Predicting (5)


a. Rio+20 final document has not been made public yet

b. Rio+20 outcome fell short of the world’s expectations

c. Rio+20 Earth Summit has been put off until further notice

d. Rio+20 Earth Summit has come to an end before the scheduled date

Monday, July 2, 2012

The U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development, or Rio+20, was held in Rio de Janeiro on June 20-22 as a

follow up to the 1992 U.N. Conference on Environment and Development also held in the Brazilian city. Some

40,000 people – including Heads of State and government, representatives from non-governmental

organizations and the private sector – have been in Rio de Janeiro for three days, attending the Earth Summit,

and seeking to help shape new policies to promote global prosperity, reduce poverty and advance social equity 5 and environmental protection.

Unfortunately, the statement adopted by Rio+20, titled "The Future We Want," failed to get individual

governments to express their clear political determination to resolve problems and to incorporate concrete

programs. The document contains few proposals for concrete action and few promises to achieve the goals.

"The Future We Want" referred to the importance of promoting the green economy. However, pursuit of the 10 green economy was left to the discretionary decisions of individual governments.

Economic development in the 20th century was achieved at the cost of environmental destruction. To prevent a

global catastrophe, it is imperative to fundamentally change the shape of economic activities and to promote the

"green economy". These objectives can be achieved by making serious efforts to reduce greenhouse gas

emissions and to economize on the use of natural resources. 15

The number of wildlife species facing extinction is rising. Every three years, forestland as large in area as the

Japanese archipelago is lost. Fishery resources such as tuna and cod are rapidly declining. At the same time,

global economic disparity is widening. While developed countries are squandering large amounts of energy,

some 2.3 billion people in developing countries do not have access to modern energy sources. Yearly, some 9

million children die before reaching the age of 5, mainly due to poverty. 20

Developing countries feel that the green economy may hamper their economic development. They also believe

that efforts by developed countries to protect the environment are inadequate. Developed countries must heed

these countries' voices, which are warning that they cannot pursue the green economy without support and

assistance from developed countries. Regrettably, leaders of developed countries such as U.S. President Barack

Obama, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and German Chancellor Angele Merkel did not attend 25 Rio+20.

Still suffering from the Fukushima nuclear power crisis, Japan should be the first to realize that nuclear power is

hazardous to the environment and strive to build a model economy based on renewable energy sources, such as

solar and wind power. Unfortunately, this does not appear to be happening. Quite the opposite, this weekend,

Japan re-entered the nuclear age. A reactor at the Ohi nuclear power plant was reactivated last Sunday, the first 30 power plant to go back online since the nation closed all its reactors in the wake of the Fukushima crisis over a

year ago.

Adapted From: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/ed20120702a1.html#.T_Ljs5FKy1x

39

2. Skimming (30)


a. Rio+20 was a follow up to the 1992 U.N. Conference on Environment and Development

b. The U.N. Conference Rio+20 dealt with sustainable Development

c. Rio-20 was held in Rio de Janeiro for three days in June

d. About 40,000 people attended Rio+20


a. The statement adopted by Rio+20 was titled “The Future We Want”

b. “The Future We Want” referred to the importance of promoting the green economy

c. Pursuit of the green economy was left to the discretionary decisions of individual governments

d. Rio+20’s final document contains few proposal for concrete actions and few promises to achieve the goals


a. Economic development in the last century was accomplished at the expense of environmental devastation

b. It is vital to change the way of carrying out economic activities and to encourage the green economy

c. It is essential to diminish greenhouse gas emissions and to use natural resources thoughtfully

d. It is fundamental to prevent a global catastrophe by implementing environmentally friendly policies


a. Child death rate in developing countries

b. Increasing extinction of wildlife species and huge areas of forestland loss

c. Man’s obliteration of natural resources and the inequity of the world’s wealth distribution

d. Wastage of large amount of energy in developed countries and its scarcity in developing countries


a. Efforts by developed countries to protect the environment are unsatisfactory

b. Developing countries feel that they lack the means to pursue the green economy

c. Developed countries must listen to the complaints from developing countries

d. Three important leaders from developed countries did not attend Rio+20


a. Japan should consider an economy based on renewable energy sources instead of persisting in nuclear power

b. Japan is still suffering from the Fukushima nuclear power catastrophe

c. A reactor at the Ohi nuclear power plant in Japan was reactivated last Sunday

d. Last weekend, Japan re-entered the nuclear age

3. Scanning (10)

1. When was the Conference on Environment and Development previously held in Rio de Janeiro?

a. 5 years ago

b. 10 years ago

c. 15 years ago

d. 20 years ago

2. Who attended Rio+20?

a. Heads of States

b. Representatives from NGOs

c. The private sector

d. All of the above

3. Rio+20 final document was titled:

a. The Future We Dream Of

b. The Future We Are Afraid Of

c. The Future We Want


40

4. Rio+20 final document…

a. provides governments with the means to resolve problems and incorporate concrete programs

b. underlines the importance of giving support to the green economy

c. enforces a law to protect endangered species

d. promotes the generation of nuclear power

5. The 20th century attained economic growth at the expense of:

a. environmental destruction

b. developing countries

c. developed countries

d. the world’s peace

6. How can a global environmental catastrophe be prevented?

a. By saving domestic energy

b. By obeying the World Bank’s policies

c. By cutting down the budget for public policies

d. By practicing a green economy

7. What is the main cause of children’s death before reaching the age of 5 in developing countries?

a. Wars

b. Poverty

c. Car crashes

d. Domestic accidents

8. What countries did not send their political leaders toRio+20?

e. Germany, U.S.A. and India

f. Germany, U.S.A. and Italy

g. Germany, U.SA. and Japan

h. Germany, U.S.A. and Brazil

9. What types of renewable energy is mentioned in the last paragraph?

a. Solar and wind power

b. Biodiesel and bio-ethanol

c. Coal and gas

d. Hydro and nuclear power


a. The location of the Conference

b. The name of Rio+20 final document

c. The outcome of Rio+20

d. The date for the next Earth Summit

4. Inferencing (25)

1. Why has the Conference on Sustainable Development been called Rio+20?

a. The conference has taken twenty years after the landmark 1992 Earth Summit in Rio

b. More than twenty key issues have been dealt with at Rio+20

c. Rio+20 has been held in the twenty-first century

d. More than twenty countries have been invited to the conference

2. What does “sustainable development” mean?

a. Economic growth disregarding resources and the environment for tomorrow

b. Economic growth at the expense of resources and the environment in the long run

c. Economic growth without jeopardizing resources and the environment for the future

d. Economic growth bearing in mind short term profits and disregarding long term losses

41

3. What does ‘a green economy’ consist of?

a. An economy based on sustainability, zero carbon emission and renewable resources

b. An economy based on the United States currency

c. An economy based on capitalism principles

d. An economy based on Agribusiness

4. How can social equity be advanced?

a. Diversify income sources

b. Reinforce social networks

c. Invest on the education system

d. All of the above

5. Which of the following is NOT an environmental protection measure?

a. Forest conservation

b. Development of wind resources

c. Opencast mining

d. Carbon capture and sequestration

6. Why do developing countries feel that the green economy may hamper their economic development?

a. They think that developed countries want to steal their natural resources

b. They lack the technology to build an economy based on a green model

c. They want to have, at least, as much as developed countries

d. They are very suspicious of developed countries

7. Why did some political leaders from important developed countries not attend Rio+20?

a. They were very busy

b. They reported ill

c. They looked down on Rio+20

d. They did not have enough money to travel to Rio de Janeiro

8. How can the outcome of Rio+20 be described?

a. An overwhelming success

b. An unexpected success

c. A landmark in the history of Earth Summits

d. Another talking shop for world leaders

9. Why does the last paragraph of the text refer to Japan’s energy policies?

a. The text was written by people in Japan

b. Fukushima nuclear catastrophe is a flagrant illustration of an environmental disaster

c. Japan leads the way in environmentally friendly policies

d. The next Earth Summit will be held in Japan


a. Cheerful

b. Low-spirited

c. Compliant

d. Hesitant

5. Vocabulary (10)

1. The verb phrase in the title of the text “failed to come” implies:

a. was made

b. did not happen

c. was not required

d. did not take into consideration

42

2. The verb phrase “was held” in line 1 means:

a. was postponed

b. arrived

c. finished

d. took place

3. The noun phrase “a follow up” in line 2 can be explained as:

a. a prelude

b. an interval

c. a sequel

d. a climax

4. The determiners “few” in line 9 suggest:

a. not many

b. endless

c. a large number of

d. none

5. The verb phrase “was achieved” in line 13 can be replaced by:

a. was encouraged

b. was accomplished

c. was held back

d. was bought

6. The verb “to promote” in line 15 can be defined as:

a. to oppose

b. to predict

c. to work

d. to encourage

7. The noun “forestland” in line 17 means:

a. grassland

b. swampland

c. woodland

d. island

8. The verb “squandering” in line 19 can be understood as:

a. generating

b. wasting

c. curbing

d. using

9. The verb “hamper” in line 23 implies:

a. obstruct

b. separate

c. encourage

d. advance

10. The adjective “hazardous” in line 30 denotes:

a. evil

b. dangerous

c. innocuous

d. beneficial

43

6. Reference (20)


1. What does the noun phrase “the Brazilian city” in lines 2-3 refer to?

2. What does the noun phrase “the Earth Summit” in line 5 point to?

3. What does the noun phrase “the document” in line 9 stand for?

4. What does the noun phrase “These objectives” in line 15 denote?

5. What are “tuna and cod” examples of in line 18?

6. Find an euphemism (1)

in line 23 for the noun phrase “underdeveloped countries”

7. What does the relative pronoun “which” in line 25 refer to?

8. What linking word in line 26 can replace the transitional device “Unfortunately?

9. What date was referred to by “last Sunday” in line 33?

10. Find a prepositional phrase in line 34 which means “after”

(1) A near synonym to conceal an unpleasant concept

Writing (100)


a. What are the causes and effects of environmental destruction? Write a paragraph using the Cause-Effect


b. “Economic development in the 20th century was achieved at the cost of environmental destruction.” Write a

paragraph using the Problem-Solution organization pattern studied (100-150words).

c. Politics and Sustainable Development are like water and oil. Write a paragraph using the For-Against


44

Rio+20 Earth Summit: Commitment that failed to come – Answers

Predicting 1. B Skimming

1. B 2. D 3. D 4. C 5. B 6. A

Scanning

1. D 2. D 3. C 4. B 5. A 6. D 7. B 8. C 9. A 10. D

Inferencing

1. A 2. C 3. A 4. D 5. C 6. B 7. C 8. D 9. A 10. B

Vocabulary 1. B 2. D 3. C 4. A 5. B 6. D 7. C 8. B 9. A 10. B

Reference

1. Rio de Janeiro

2. Rio+20

3. The Future We Want

4. To change the shape of economic activities & to

promote the green economy

5. Fish/fishery resources

6. Developing countries

7. These countries’ voices

8. Regrettably

9. July 1st, 2012

10. In the wake of

45

Argentina could become a green energy powerhouse


1. Predicting (5)


a. Argentina’s fossil fuels will eventually become depleted

b. Argentina will become an green energy importer

c. Argentina is earnestly investing on green energy

d. Argentina does not have the resources to develop green energy

The solar and wind energy business is booming in South America. With a unique combination of

favorable climactic and environmental conditions the countries in the Southern Cone of South

America offer much untapped potential in one of the world's fastest growing energy sectors. By 2015,

13 percent of Brazil's national energy grid will be produced from renewable sources. In addition,

Uruguay's wind farms will generate 1,500MW of alternative energy. Argentina is looking to power 5 ahead with its energy industry.

At present, Argentina relies mainly on thermal power and hydropower to meet its energy needs. It

currently produces about 29,000 megawatts of electricity per year, but demand has increased by about

4 percent each year over the past 40 years. If this trend continues, by 2025 the country will need to

double its energy production to meet the expected demand for 61,000 megawatts. Argentina - and 10 other countries in South America - have two options: boost renewable energy capacity or import

energy. Argentina is now encouraging foreign companies to invest in renewable energy in the country.

In the last few years, Argentina has undergone the highest level of growth with regards to renewable

energy installations, making the country one of the most interesting for projects dedicated to the green

economy. One of the other driving forces behind the development of green energy in the country is the 15 protection of its ever more coveted ecosystems. Irresponsible deforestation, open-air mining and

drilling increasingly face opposition from the public. Natural resources from Argentina's all-day

sunshine and wind-swept prairies are less contentious, and are increasingly being used by communities

in remote areas of Argentina.

At the beginning of this year the Argentine government started a fund to encourage innovative small 20 projects to use solar power to help tackle poverty and social development. The fund has access to

almost $8 million dollars to distribute to small-scale schemes that aim to improve welfare for the

poorest sector of society through health, housing or agriculture. The scheme is expected to be rolled

out across the country. In one such project, solar panels are regularly seen on houses in Buenos Aires

and beyond, which cuts reliance on bottled gas and electricity on the grid. In the remote Andean north 25 west of Argentina, tiny communities far from power lines are using high tech, low cost solar

technology to become self-sustainable energy autonomous towns.

Just like decades ago Argentina appeared to look forward to a prosperous future because of its

abundant grain crops and meat production, feeding a large chunk of the world, currently there is

another possibility, that of providing energy for the planet. Experts say that Argentina has great 30 potential because of the different kinds of territories and geographical conditions that could lend

themselves to develop solar energy, wind energy, geothermic energy and tidal energy. “Argentina is

potentially a great clean energy exporter, which is exactly what the world wants in the 21st century,”

specialists agree.

Adapted from: http://www.nileinternational.net/save.php?ID=52477 35 http://www.greenexpo-argentina.com/en_gea/index_gea.asp

http://www.chinapost.com.tw/art/lifestyle/2010/07/29/266593/Argentina-could.htm

July 7th, 2012

http://www.nileinternational.net/save.php?ID=52477

http://www.greenexpo-argentina.com/en_gea/index_gea.asp

46

2. Skimming (30)


a. South America benefits from good weather conditions

b. By 2015 13% of Brazil’s national energy grid will be green

c. The solar and wind energy business is thriving in South America

d. Many countries worldwide offer untapped potential in the green energy sector


a. Some countries in South America should either boost renewable energy capacity or import energy

b. Argentina is now encouraging foreign companies to invest in renewable energy in the country

c. Argentina currently produces 29,000 megawatts of electricity per year

d. By 2025, Argentina will need to double its energy production to meet the expected demand


a. Argentina has become one of the most interesting countries for projects dedicated to the green economy

b. Irresponsible deforestation, open-air mining and drilling increasingly face opposition from the public.

c. Argentina aims at protecting its ever more coveted ecosystems

d. Solar and wind energy is increasingly being used by communities in remote areas of Argentina


a. Solar panels are regularly seen on houses in Buenos Aires and beyond

b. Small communities in the north west of the country are using high, low cost solar technology

c. Solar panel projects are expected to spread across the country

d. The Argentine government has started a fund to encourage small-scale solar power projects


a. In the past, Argentina supplied food to a large part of the world

b. Argentina has different kinds of territories and geographical conditions

c. Argentina is said to have a great potential to become a great clean energy exporter

d. Argentina could generate wind energy, geothermic energy and tidal energy

3. Scanning (10)

1. How many South American countries are mentioned in the first paragraph?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

2. What does Argentina want to do with its energy industry?

a. Argentina wants to get rid of its energy industry

b. Argentina wants to boost its energy industry

c. Argentina wants to squander its energy industry

d. Argentina does not want to innovate the energy industry

3. What are currently the two most important sources of energy in Argentina

a. Fossil fuels and water

b. Fossil fuels and nuclear power

c. Water and biomass

d. The sun and the wind

47

4. How much has energy demand increased in Argentina over the past 40 years?

a. 4 %

b. 40%

c. 100%

d. 160%

5. How many years ahead will it be necessary to double our energy production?

a. 5 years

b. 10 years

c. More than ten years

d. It is not mentioned

6. Which is “One of the other driving forces behind the development of green energy in the country”?

a. A national concern for sustainable conservationism

b. The imminent end of non-renewable sources

c. The soaring prices of fossil fuels

d. All of the above

7. What destructive practices are mentioned in the 3rd paragraph?

a. Deforestation, mining & drilling

b. Ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, recycling

c. Energy saving, alternative energy generation


8. What is the aim of the fund started by the Argentine government in 2012 in this context?

a. To enhance research on nuclear energy

b. To invest more money on massive soy production

c. To encourage small-scale projects on solar power

d. To boost large-scale hydropower schemes across the country

9. The widespread use of solar energy will decrease dependence on

a. Bio-ethanol

b. Biodiesel

c. Wind energy

d. Fossil Fuels


a. The favorable climatic and environmental condition to develop solar and wind energy in Argentina

b. The policies the Argentine government has framed to promote renewable energy in the country

c. Biomass as a plausible green energy source

d. Argentina’s potentialities as great clean energy exporter

4. Inferencing (25)

1. Which country that is part of the Southern Cone of South America is not mentioned in the 1st paragraph?

a. Argentina

b. Uruguay

c. Brazil

d. Chile

2. What does “one of the world’s fastest growing energy sectors” in line 3 imply?

a. Clean energy

b. Nuclear energy

c. Energy generated from fossil fuels


48

3. What is clean energy?

a. Energy from sources that damage our environment

b. Energy from sources that have been previously treated

c. Energy from sources that are not hazardous for the environment

d. Energy from sources that are connected with harmful greenhouse gas emissions

4. What can an example of clean energy be?

a. Solar energy

b. Wind energy

c. Geothermic energy

d. All of the above

5. What is solar power?

a. The conversion of moving water into electricity

b. The conversion of sunlight into heat or electricity

c. The conversion of wind energy into electricity

d. The conversion of vegetable oil into fuel

6. What is wind power?

a. The conversion of moving water into electricity

b. The conversion of solar power into heat or electricity

c. The conversion of wind energy into electricity

d. The conversion of vegetable oil into fuel

7. What undesirable consequences can the harnessing of wind power bring about?

a. Noise and visual pollution

b. Water shortages

c. Release of many harmful gases

d. Flooding of coastal areas

8. What is the weather usually like in Argentina?

a. Bitter

b. Temperate

c. Inhospitable

d. Freezing

9. What does the clause “…which is exactly what the world wants in the 21st century…” entail?

a. The world wants peace in the 21st century

b. The world wants a larger population in the 21st century

c. The world wants more food in the 21st century

d. The world wants clean energy in the 21st century


a. Argentina will continue to rely mainly on thermal and hydropower to meet its energy demands

b. Environmental and political conditions render Argentina the opportunity to provide energy for the planet

c. Argentina looks forwards to a prosperous future because of its abundant grain crops and meat production

d. Argentine economic situation do not favor the development of new technologies in the field of green energy

5. Vocabulary (10)

1. The noun “powerhouse” in the title of the text can be understood as:

a. castle

b. governmental building

c. power station

d. country

49

2. The verb “booming” in line 1 can be changed by:

a. roaring

b. flourishing

c. offering

d. collapsing

3. The adjective “untapped” in line 3 can be explained as:

a. unexploited

b. considerable

c. commercial

d. unfulfilled

4. The verb phrase “power ahead” in lines 5-6 can be defined as:

a. ignite

b. strike

c. extinguish

d. advance

5. The verb “relies” in line 7 implies:

a. lies

b. depends

c. supplies

d. takes

6. The adjective “foreign” in line 12 means:

a. unfamiliar

b. exotic

c. from abroad

d. national

7. The adjective “highest” in line 13 can be explained as:

a. most significant

b. excessive

c. adequate

d. lowest

8. The adjective “contentious” in line 18 can be changed by:

a. dangerous

b. easy

c. beautiful

d. controversial

9. The verb “tackle” in line 21 implies:

a. manage

b. obstruct

c. improve

d. observe

10. The adverb “currently” in line 29 can be understood as:

a. in the past

b. now

c. in the near future

d. in many years to come

50

6. Reference (20)


1. Find a transitional device in line 4 which can be interchangeable with “besides”?

2. What does the possessive adjective “its” in line 6 refer to?

3. What does the noun phrase “this trend” in line 9 stand for?

4. What does the noun phrase “the country” in line 12 point to?

5. Find a synonymous expression in line 14 for the word “equipment”

6. What year is referred to by the noun phrase “this year” in line 20?

7. What word in line 22 means “programs”?

8. What words replace the noun phrase “the grid” in line 26?

9. What does the noun phrase “another possibility” in 30 indicate?

10. What does the relative pronoun “that” in line 31 refer to?

Writing (100)


a. Solar and wind power offers the possibility of a clean energy future. Write a paragraph using the For-Against


b. “In the last few years, Argentina has undergone the highest level of growth with regards to renewable energy

installations…”. Write a paragraph using the Cause-Effect organization pattern studied (100-150 words).

c. The use of non-renewable energy sources brings about many problems. Write a paragraph using the Problem-

Solution organization pattern studied (100-150 words).

51

Argentina could become a green energy powerhouse – Answers

Predicting 1. C Skimming

1. C 2. B 3. A 4. D 5. C

Scanning

1. C 2. B 3. A 4. D 5. C 6. A 7. A 8. C 9. D 10. C

Inferencing

1. D 2. A 3. C 4. D 5. B 6. C 7. A 8. B 9. D 10. B

Vocabulary 1. C 2. B 3. A 4. D 5. B 6. C 7. A 8. D 9. A 10. B

Reference

1. In addition

2. Argentina

3. Increasing energy demand

4. Argentina

5. Installation

6. 2012

7. Schemes

8. Power lines

9. Providing energy for the planet

10. The different kinds of territories and

geographical conditions

52

Opposing Hydroelectric Projects in South America


Protests against hydroelectric plants in South America may not have attracted as much attention as

those against opencast mining, but names such as Brazil’s Belo Monte have made headlines beyond

the region. One thing is certain: South America is going after hydroelectricity in a big way. Many of

the projects are in the large to “mega” categories, and these are most likely to be the main target of

protest actions in coming years. 5

In Peru, where two-thirds of the existing plants have less than 15MW, two-thirds of the 79 planned

new ones are either large or “mega.” While Peru’s largest existing plant has 798MW, 11 of the

planned new ones are bigger than that. Ecuador has 16 hydroelectric plants, of which only 4 have

more than 100MW, one of them exceeding 1,000MW. Of the 18 planned new ones, 5 are in the

“mega” category. In Bolivia only one of the existing plants has more than 100MW, while 8 of the 10 10 planned new ones are in the large or “mega” brackets.

Reaching further downstream in the Amazon basin is the hydroelectric complex of the Madeira River,

which has been billed as the main scheme by the Initiative for the Integration of the Regional

Infrastructure of South America (IIRSA) and the biggest anywhere in the basin, with 4 interconnected

plants — 2 in Brazil, one in Bolivia and one on the river that serves as the boundary between Bolivia 15 and Brazil.

South of the Amazon basin and east of the Andes, major hydroelectric expansion is planned in Brazil,

partly on its own, partly with Argentina, the latter also planning expansion jointly with Paraguay. Over

the coming 10 years, in order to meet the projected increase in demand for electricity, Brazil will need

to install new generating capacity equal to 3 times that of the Brazilian-Paraguayan Itaipú. 20

In the Uruguay River basin there are already 5 hydroelectric plants with a joint installed capacity of

5,181MW. Apart from the planned 2,700MW Garabí-Panambí complex there are 2 other projects

which will jointly add 1,469MW. On the Paraná River, which already has 2 mega-hydros (the

14,000MW Itaipú and the 4,050MW Yaciretá), a 3rd project, the 4,608MW Corpus, is likely to be

reactivated fairly soon. 25

Protests against hydroelectric projects have become widespread enough to prompt the creation of a

network of “movements against dams” because of their perceived — and sometimes evident — social

and environmental impacts. Many factors are at play, and both sides have valid arguments.

Governments and private companies involved do invoke economic imperatives and tend to play down

potential environmental and social impacts. Protesters tend to portray all hydroelectric projects as 30 “mega-dams” In common with anti-mining campaigners and other movements, they accuse

governments of seeking to “criminalize social protest,” even when their actions are clear and

substantial breaches of the law.

Adapted from http://www.alternativelatininvestor.com/315/renewable-energy/

1. Predicting (5)


a. South America is going after hydroelectricity on a large scale

b. Protests against hydroelectric schemes have spread in South America

c. There are many large hydroelectric plants in South America

d. Hydroelectric plants can be divided into different categories

October 2012

53

2. Skimming (30)


a. Belo Monte in Brazil is a hydroelectric plant which has had a lot of protesters

b. Opencast mining have attracted a lot of attention in the media beyond the region

c. Many of the hydroelectric projects in South America are in the large or mega categories

d. Large or mega hydroelectric projects seem to be the main target of protest actions in coming years


a. Some countries are planning to build larger hydroelectric plants than the ones they have

b. In Peru, two thirds of the existing hydroelectric plants have less than 15MW

c. In Ecuador, four of the sixteen existing hydroelectric plants have more than 100 MW

d. In Bolivia only one of the existing hydroelectric plants has more than 100MW


a. The hydroelectric complex of the Madeira River is located in the Amazon Basin

b. The hydroelectric complex of the Madeira River has four interconnected plants

c. The hydroelectric complex of the Madeira River is the largest of IIRSA

d. The Madeira River is already under threat


a. South America will need to meet the increase in demand for electricity over the next years

b. Brazil has planned the largest hydroelectric expansion in the south region of the continent

c. Brazil and Paraguay already share the large Itaipú hydroelectric scheme

d. Argentina and Brazil have common hydroelectric projects for the near future


a. There is an increasing number of large hydroelectric plants on the Uruguay and Paraná rivers

b. There are already five hydroelectric plants in the Uruguay river basin

c. The Garabí-Panambí complex will impact on large areas on both sides of the Uruguay River

d. Corpus will also impact on large areas on both sides of the Paraná River


a. Hydroelectric projects produce enormous social and environmental impacts

b. Many factors should be considered in the construction of large hydroelectric schemes

c. A network of “movement against dams” has been created to protest against mega-hydros

d. The protesters and the governments have valid arguments for and against hydroelectric plants

3. Scanning (10)

1. How many South American countries are mentioned in the first paragraph?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

2. What types of hydroelectric projects will be the main target of protest actions in coming years?

a. Pico hydros

b. Micro hydros

c. Small hydros

d. Large hydros

3. What is the percentage of the 15 MW existing plants in Peru?

a. 50%

b. 66%

c. 75%

d. 100%

http://www.internationalrivers.org/node/2347

54

4. How many hydropower plants are there in Ecuador at the moment?

a. 16

b. 4

c. 18

d. 5

5. Madeira River is the largest and most important tributary of:

a. The Nile Basin

b. The La Plata Basin

c. The Orinoco Basin

d. The Amazon Basin

6. What does the acronym IIRSA stand for?

a. Infinitely Iterated Rippled Noise

b. International Interactive Rugby League

c. Initiative for Infrastructure Integration of South America

d. Institute of Information Risk Management

7. Brazil has large hydroelectric plants in common with:

a. Argentina and Paraguay

b. Ecuador

c. Bolivia and Peru

d. Chile

8. The Garabí-Panambí hydroelectric complex will be built on:

a. The Paraná River

b. The Uruguay River

c. The Iguazú River


9. What types of negative impacts do large hydroelectric facilities bring about?

a. Economic and financial

b. Technical and scientific

c. Social and environmental

d. All of the above


a. Future projects for large hydroelectric facilities in South America

b. How many MW are necessary for a hydro power plant to be a large one

c. Brazil’s major hydroelectric expansion project

d. A network of movements against dams

4. Inferencing (25)

1. Hydro power comes from:

a. The sun

b. The wind

c. Biomass

d. Water

2. What is clean energy?

a. Energy from sources that damage our environment

b. Energy from sources that have been previously treated

c. Energy from sources that are not hazardous for the environment

d. Energy from sources that are connected with harmful greenhouse gas emissions

55

3. Why does Brazil have the major hydroelectric expansion project in South America?

a. Brazil wants to become the economic giant in South America

b. Brazil does not have any hydroelectric facilities built yet

c. Brazil needs electricity to light the favelas around big cities

d. All of the above

4. Why are governments usually in favor of hydroelectric power?

a. Politicians do not care for the effects of hydropower plants on the environment

b. Hydroelectric plants guarantee energy generation on a large scale

c. Governments think people like large hydroelectric schemes

d. People in power like building big facilities

5. What will happen to the people in coastal areas if the Garabí-Panambí complex is built?

a. People will have electricity for free

b. People will harvest abundant crops

c. People will have to leave their homes

d. People will drown

6. What are the benefits of hydroelectric power?

a. Electricity produced by dam systems does not release greenhouse gases

b. Building large dams can cause serious geological damage

c. The natural environment is destroyed

d. Dams are extremely expensive to build

7. What happens to a river when a dam is built on it?

a. Threatens the river’s unique biodiversity

b. Floods coastal areas

c. Blocks the transport of sediment

d. All of the above

8. What does the phrase “…a network of movements against dams…” in lines 26- 27 entail?

a. A worldwide association of people who protect animals

b. An international association of people who interact on social networking sites

c. A global association of people who are in favor of hydro power

d. An association of people who want to stop the construction of hydroelectric facilities


a. Biased

b. Sad

c. Neutral

d. Cheerful


a. Protests against large hydroelectric plants in South America have not attracted public attention

b. South America is going after hydroelectricity on a large scale and that makes many residents angry

c. Protesters tend to portray all hydroelectric projects as mega-dams without distinction

d. The governments and private companies tend to play down potential and environmental social impacts

5. Vocabulary (10)

1. The preposition “beyond” in line 2 can be understood as:

a. greater than a particular amount

b. later than a particular time

c. outside the limits of

d. except

56

2. The prepositional phrase “in a big way” in line 3 can be changed by:

a. on a long road

b. on a large scale

c. in a short time

d. in the long run

3. The adjective “existing” in line 6 can be explained as:

a. current

b. former

c. previous

d. ancient

4. The abbreviation “MW” in line 6 stands for:

a. most wanted

b. microwave

c. molecular weight

d. megawatt

5. The verb “has been billed” in line 13 implies:

a. has been measured

b. has been promoted

c. has been damaged

d. has been opposed

6. The noun “basin” in line 14 can be understood as:

a. a round container attached to a wall in a bathroom

b. a hollow vessel to hold water for several uses

c. the catchment area of a river

d. a country

7. The adverb “jointly” in line 18 means:

a. together

b. separately

c. by its own

d. commonly

8. The noun “complex” in line 22 can be explained as:

a. a tourist resort

b. a sports field

c. a compound of houses

d. a set of hydroelectric power plants

9. The phrase “fairly soon” in line 25 implies:

a. in a short time

b. next year

c. in the long run

d. in many years to come

10. The sentence “many factors are at play” in line 28 can be understood as:

a. many things are unimportant

b. many features are improved

c. many issues need consideration

d. many aspects are overlooked

57

6. Reference (20)


1. What does the phrase “many of the projects” in lines 3-4 refer to?

2. What does the demonstrative pronoun “these” in line 4 point to?

3. What does the indefinite pronoun “ones” in line 7 imply?

4. What does the relative pronoun “which” in line 13 denote?

5. What does the noun phrase “the basin” in line 14 refer to?

6. What does the noun phrase “the latter” in line 18 stand for?

7. Find a synonymous expression for “large hydroelectric plants” in line 23.


9. What does the noun phrase “both sides” in line 28 indicate?

10. Find a word in line 33 which means “actions which break the law”.

Writing (100)


a. Hydropower is considered clean energy. Write a paragraph using the For-Against organization pattern studied

(100-150 words).

b. “South America is going after hydroelectricity in a big way”. Write a paragraph using the Cause-Effect


c. Large hydroelectric facilities bring about many social and environmental impacts. Write a paragraph using the

Problem-Solution organization pattern studied (100-150 words).

58

Opposing Hydroelectric Projects in South America – Answers

Predicting 1. B Skimming

1. D 2. A 3. C 4. B 5. A 6. C

Scanning

1. A 2. D 3. B 4. A 5. D 6. C 7. A 8. B 9. C 10. B

Inferencing

1. D 2. C 3. A 4. B 5. C 6. A 7. D 8. D 9. C 10. B

Vocabulary 1. C 2. B 3. A 4. D 5. B 6. C 7. A 8. D 9. A 10. C

Reference

1. Hydroelectric plants/projects

2. Large or mega hydroelectric projects

3. Hydroelectric plants/projects

4. The hydroelectric complex of the Madeira River

5. The Amazon basin

6. Argentina

7. Mega-hydros

8. Hydroelectric projects/plants/ dams

9. Governments and private companies vs.

protesters

10. Breaches

59

Looking to Cities in Search of Global Warming’s Agricultural Benefits


Heat, carbon dioxide and air pollution are already having significant effects on trees, plants and crops.

A growing number of scientists are studying how plants react to elevated levels of greenhouse gases

and other pollutants. They are carrying out research in cities, where there are significant emissions of

atmospheric gases. They have started to explore how rising levels of heat and emissions might provide

at least some benefits for the planet. 5

There is a lot of emphasis on the mitigation of global warming. At the same time we need to think

about the tools we have at hand, and how we can use them to make climate change work for us.

Among the tools are cities, which have conditions that can mimic what life may be like in the

temperate zone of a heated planet. The effects of higher, mostly urban emissions are what prompted

scientists to reappraise global warming as a potential benefit to humanity. They have argued that an 10 expected increase in world population from 7 billion to 9 billion people by 2050 will require a green

revolution to enhance yields of basic grains. Carbon dioxide could be the answer.

In the last 50 years world atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations have risen to 392 parts per

million and could reach 1,000 ppm by the end of this century. While plants need carbon dioxide and

generally perform better with higher concentrations of it, not every species responds positively to it. 15 Breeders are not actively selecting for CO2 response. They are more interested in drought resistance

and pest control. In the wild, however, nature selects for what works better. The assumption is that

nature in the wild will select plants which thrive in CO2 rich air. Scientists should be able to find the

wild progenitors of crops. If they are successful, we will get a double value, i.e. what we want is to

absorb more CO2 and exploit the CO2 as a means to increase yield. That is the goal. 20

Cities produce high levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and ozone, all of which

influence plant performance. Nevertheless, it is clear that there are some emissions that are not helpful

to plants. For instance, while cottonwoods are sensitive to ozone, many plants are susceptible to its

effects. Ozone can severely damage plant pores, causing them to grow more slowly. In addition,

nitrogen oxide also hampers the growth of plants by triggering inhibition of photosynthesis and 25 nitrogen metabolism.

However, scientists caution that while the studies on the influence of greenhouse gases on plant

growth in the cities may be a way to preview what the temperate zone might be like in the future;

faster plant growth in the northern hemisphere could mean trouble in hotter latitudes. In short, whereas 30 greenhouse gases may help plants grow more vigorously; fast plant growth may also cause

environmental disruptions.

(Adapted from: http://www.nytimes.com)

1. Predicting (5)


a. Some cities are benefiting from global warming’s effects

b. Greenhouse gas emissions are contributing to global warming

c. Global warming is threatening people’s life quality in big cities

d. Rising levels of heat and emissions might provide some benefits for the planet

November 26, 2012

60

2. Skimming (30)


a. Trees, plants and crops are suffering from stress due to climate change

b. Scientists are studying how plants react to elevated levels of greenhouse gases

c. Heat and air pollution are having significant effects on plant growth

d. Scientists are exploring how to turn rising heat and emissions into our benefits


a. We need to think of tools to mitigate global warming

b. We need to think of ways to make climate change work for us

c. The world population will increase from 7 billion to 9 billion individuals by 2050

d. CO2 emissions could enhance yields of basic grains for an increasing world population


a. Not every plant species responds well to CO2 rich air

b. The goal is to absorb more CO2 and exploit CO2 as a means to increase yield

c. Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations have risen exponentially in the last 50 years

d. Plant breeders are more interested in drought resistance and pest control than in CO2 response


a. Although atmospheric gases influence plant performance, some gases are not beneficial to plants

b. While cottonwoods are sensitive to ozone, other plants are susceptible to it

c. Ozone can severely damage plant pores, causing plants to grow more slowly

d. High levels of nitrogen oxide triggers inhibition of photosynthesis in plants


a. Studies on the influence of greenhouse gases on plant growth in cities may be difficult

b. CO2 emissions may help plants grow more vigorously

c. Faster plant growth might cause environmental trouble in hotter places

d. Plants grow faster in hot weather than in cold weather

3. Scanning (10)

1. What environmental factors play an important role on plant growth?

a. Air pollution

b. Carbon dioxide

c. Heat

d. All of the above

2. How many scientists are studying how plants react to elevated levels of greenhouse gases?

a. A few

b. Some

c. Many

d. It is not stated

3. What tools do we have at hand to make climate change work for us?

a. Money

b. Cities

c. Heat

d. All of the above

4. What has led scientists to see global warming in a new light?

a. The effects of high urban emissions

b. The effects of overpopulation

c. The effects of deforestation

d. The effects of food scarcity

61

5. When will the world population rise to 9 billion people?

a. In 10 years from now

b. In 20 years from now

c. In 25 years from now

d. In 38 years from now

6. What does the acronym “ppm” stand for?

a. Pages per minute

b. Parts per million

c. Product portfolio management

d. Prime period of maintenance

7. What is the current level of C02 in the atmosphere?

a. 392 ppm

b. 500 ppm

c. 1,000 ppm

d. It is not stated

8. What are plant breeders more currently interested in?

a. CO2 response

b. Drought resistance and pest control

c. Stress-free conditions


9. What can CO2 be used for?

a. Embellish cities

b. Improve air quality

c. Increase crop yields

d. All of the above


a. Scientists are exploring how to make climate change work for us

b. Higher CO2 emissions may enhance food production

c. What the level of CO2 in the atmosphere was 50 years ago

d. Faster plant growth may cause trouble to the environment

4. Inferencing (25)

1. What is global warming?

a. A long-term shift in weather conditions

b. The increase of Earth's average surface temperature

c. The natural process by which the atmosphere traps some of the Sun's rays


2. What is the greenhouse effect?

a. A long-term alteration in the weather

b. The rise of Earth's average surface temperature

c. The natural process by which the atmosphere traps some of the Sun's energy

d. All of the above

3. Why is the greenhouse effect hazardous for the planet if it is a natural process?

a. All the greenhouse gases are toxic

b. Greenhouse gases will be depleted

c. Enhanced greenhouse gases make the earth hotter

d. The greenhouse effect is an agricultural revolution

62

4. What is CO2?

a. One of the three types of fossil fuels

b. A gas which forms clouds in the sky

c. A greenhouse gas released by rotting and waste material

d. The most important greenhouse gas released from fossil fuel burning

5. How does CO2 contribute to enhancing crop yields?

a. Plants have a mechanism for rejecting CO2 making them grow better

b. Plants have a mechanism for fixing CO2 making them grow better

c. Plants enjoy the smell of CO2 making them grow better

d. Plants enjoy the view of CO2 making them grow better

6. What is an example of basic grains?

a. Apple

b. Milk

c. Poultry

d. Wheat

7. What does “… increase in world population… will require a green revolution” in lines 11-12 imply?

a. A significant increase in agricultural production will be necessary to feed the world

b. A worldwide socio-political revolution will be necessary to distribute wealth fairly

c. A cultural revolution will be necessary to accept new techno-economic paradigms

d. Another industrial revolution will be necessary to change people’s way of life

8. Why could atmospheric CO2 concentrations reach 1,000 ppm by the end of the century?

a. The US currency will be devalued to the point of extinction

b. There will be extreme weather conditions

c. There will be more industrial activities

d. The Sun will get hotter

9. What types of trouble can faster plant growth bring about in hotter latitudes?

a. Many plants together can cool down average temperature

b. Vegetation can grow uncontrollably

c. Food price may be reduced

d. All of the above


a. Global warming can be thought of as a potential benefit to mankind

b. Faster plant growth may bring about problems in hot places

c. Population will increase from 7 to 9 billion people by 2050

d. Nitrogen oxide may hamper plant growth

5. Vocabulary (10)

1. The adjective “significant” in line 1 can be understood as:

a. dangerous

b. minor

c. important

d. convenient

2. The phrasal verb “carrying out” in line 3 can be changed by:

a. taking

b. conducting

c. impeding

d. visiting

63

3. The noun “mitigation” in line 6 can be explained as:

a. reduction

b. purchase

c. enhancement

d. oblivion

4. The verb “mimic” in line 8 stands for:

a. mock

b. prevent

c. stop

d. predict

5. The verb phrase “perform better” in line 15 implies:

a. play well

b. thrive

c. become weak

d. slow down

6. The prepositional phrase “In the wild…” in line 17 can be understood as:

a. in an experiment

b. in a controlled environment

c. in a natural state

d. in the Moon

7. The linking word “Nevertheless” in line 22 means:

a. However

b. Then

c. In addition

d. In short

8. The verb “damage” in line 24 can be explained as:

a. help

b. support

c. invite

d. harm

9. The noun “trouble” in line 30 implies:

a. problems

b. happiness

c. sadness

d. boredom

10. The noun “disruptions” in line 32 can be understood as:

a. interruptions

b. advantages

c. disturbances

d. solutions

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6. Reference (20)


1. What does the subject pronoun “they” in lines 3 point to?

2. What does the subject pronoun “we” in line 6 refer to?

3. What does the relative pronoun “which” in line 8 imply?

4. Find a synonym for the verb “reconsider” in line 10?

5. What does the sentence “CO2 could be the answer” in line 12 imply?

6. What do both object pronouns “it” in line 15 stand for?

7. What does the phrase “all of which” in line 21 indicate?

8. What does the possessive adjective “its” in line 23 refer to?

9. What does the object pronoun “them” in line 24 point to?

10. Find a word in line 30 which means “development”.

Writing (100)


a. “Carbon dioxide concentration could reach 1,000 ppm by the end of the century”. Write a paragraph using the

For-Against organization pattern studied (100-150 words).

b. “There is a lot of emphasis on the mitigation of global warming”. Write a paragraph using the Cause-Effect


c. “...increase in world population from 7 billion to 9 billion people by 2050 will require a green revolution”.

Write a paragraph using the Problem-Solution organization pattern studied (100-150 words).

65

Looking to Cities in Search of Global Warming’s Agricultural Benefits – Answers

Predicting 1. D Skimming

1. D 2. D 3. B 4. A 5. C

Scanning

1. D 2. D 3. B 4. A 5. D 6. B 7. A 8. B 9. C 10. C

Inferencing

1. B 2. C 3. C 4. D 5. B 6. D 7. A 8. C 9. B 10. A

Vocabulary 1. C 2. B 3. A 4. D 5. B 6. C 7. A 8. D 9. A 10. C

Reference

1. A growing number of scientists/scientists

2. people

3. Cities

4. Reappraise

5. A green revolution/to enhance yields of basic

grains

6. CO2

7. CO2, nitrogen oxide and ozone

8. Ozone’s

9. Plants

10. Growth

Documents

A Reading Comprehension and Writing Exam Booklet