INTRODUCE
In recent years, Japan has tried to increase its use of renewable energy, but critics claim there are a number of issues that need to be resolved first before renewable energy can become a reliable power source.
PRESENT
STEP A EXPRESSIONS
Go over the first two expressions with your tutor and answer the questions. Then, guess the meaning of the third expression based on the clues provided.
1. Fossil fuels are natural fuels such as gas, coal, and oil that are formed from the remains of plants and animals.
There are rich deposits of fossil fuels in China, the US, and Russia.
Q: Is Japan rich in fossil fuels?
2. To dwindle is to gradually become smaller or fewer in number until nothing is left.
When the forests were cleared to make way for houses, the bear population began to dwindle.
Q: When you feel that your motivation is beginning to dwindle, what do you do?
3. .
The solar panels harness the sun’s power to provide electricity to hundreds of homes.
Q: What do you think harness something means?
STEP B SPEAK YOUR MIND
Sometimes you want to compare something to other things so that it can be judged fairly and accurately.
The list of the most polluted cities is out. Unfortunately, we’re #7.
Well, to put it in perspective, this is the first time that we aren’t #1! That’s actually great news – we’re going in the right direction.
UNDERSTAND
READING
This is an article from a municipal newsletter.
New Windmills Unveiled
Oga City recently unveiled newly-erected windmills along the northwest coastline of the peninsula.
Residents had mixed reactions upon seeing the windmills. Some were supportive, citing that renewable energy is cleaner and more sustainable than fossil fuels. Others were upset, claiming that the windmills cause noise pollution and destroy the scenic view for both locals and tourists.
To address residents’ concerns, here are some answers given by the local government to some frequently asked questions:
1. Why were the windmills built?
- They were built to harness the power of the wind. The strong local sea breezes are a good source of renewable energy.
2. Why do we need to produce more renewable energy?
- Japan imports a lot of fossil fuels to meet our energy demands. This costs a lot of money.
- Reducing the use of fossil fuels will help make Japan less dependent on other countries. To put it in perspective, we currently import more than 80% of the fossil fuels we use. Using renewable energy would help us become more self-sufficient.
- In addition to the fact that worldwide supplies are dwindling, the use of fossil fuels is not good for the environment. Countries such as Denmark and Sweden have committed to becoming 100% fossil fuel-free in the next 20 to 30 years. For the sake of the earth, we should aim to do the same.
Other questions and concerns can be directed to the local government by emailing windmills@ogacity.go.jp.
TRIVIA
Sweden is one of the world’s leaders in renewable energy generation and consumption. In 2015, 57% of the country’s power came from renewable sources such as hydropower and wind. By 2040, the country aims to rely completely on renewable energy and be 100% free of fossil fuels.
PRACTICE
Complete the dialogues using the instructions in parentheses and the expressions in the box. Some expressions may be used more than once, and the form of some expressions may need to be changed.
1.
Tutor: Why did the store close down?
Student: (Say that its sales were decreasing.)
2.
Tutor: What are those weird looking things?
Student: They’re windmills. (Say that they use the wind to make energy.)
3.
Tutor: What is causing climate change?
Student: (Say that one leading cause of climate change is the use of natural gas, oil, and coal.)
4.
Tutor: How can we improve our staff’s performance?
Student: That’s a good question… (Say that you should figure out how to use their natural creativity.)
5.
Tutor: Whoa, this town is like a ghost town!
Student: Yeah, I know. (Say that the population has been going down for years.)
CHALLENGE
Challenge 1
You and your coworker are doing research for your company’s eco-friendly initiative. Read a blog post about renewable energy. Then, talk to your coworker about it.
Today's Expressions
- fossil fuels
- dwindle
- harness something
Speak Your Mind
- To put it in perspective, …
IN MY HUMBLE OPINION
This week I’m focusing on renewable energy.
Currently, Japan imports huge amounts of fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas to meet its energy requirements. Nuclear energy used to be considered the way to go, but now many people feel it’s too dangerous to rely on as a major source of energy.
So, where do we turn? Many people feel that renewable energy is the answer, but I’m not so sure.
Take solar power, for example. At first, it sounds like a really good thing! It’s abundant, it’s clean, and it doesn’t have to be imported. However, to harness enough sunlight to produce electricity, a large number of solar panels need to be placed in wide open spaces. Japan is a relatively small country with lots of mountains, and what little flat space we have is mostly used for farming or housing. If we were to turn to solar power as a major source of energy, we would likely have to cut down whole forests and flatten mountains. Does it really make sense to destroy the environment in order to be more eco-friendly? I say no!
In my humble opinion, I don’t think renewable energy is the way to go for Japan.
Challenge 2
What do you think? What does your tutor think? Discuss.
If TimeAllows
1 BECOMING ECO-FRIENDLY |
2 RENEWABLE ENERGY |
|---|---|
|
1 BECOMING ECO-FRIENDLY
|
2RENEWABLE ENERGY
|
FEEDBACK
I can read and understand a text about renewable energy.
LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT
-
4
Very GoodCould complete the task with ease
-
3
GoodCould complete the task with some clarifications
-
2
FairCould complete the task with additional instructions
-
1
PoorCould somehow complete the task with difficulty
PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK
- RANGE
the ability to use a wide variety of vocabulary - ACCURACY
the ability to speak correctly - FLUENCY
the ability to speak smoothly without pauses or fillers - INTERACTION
the ability to manage a conversation
