NC BOOK 4 - UNIT 12

New Connection—Book 4

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UNIT 12

Alternative Energy
Starting Off:
It’s not news that at some point in the future we will run
out of fossil fuels. Although there is no way to know
exactly when it will happen, experts estimate that our
known oil deposits will run out by 2052 based on current
levels of consumption. But that doesn’t take into account
that international energy groups expect our global
energy demand to rise almost 50% by 2035! If these
facts are true, why do you think it is taking the world so
long to embrace alternative energy sources? The United
Nations believes that 80% of the world’s energy needs
could be met by alternative sources by 2050 with the
proper support. What can be done to ensure that
happens?
2


GETTING READY
Task I
Complete the brochure with words from the audio. Use the hints to
help you.

Help Us Make Cooking Safer!

About Us
Our organization is currently looking for people who
energy poor
want to help the  ____________________
(people
with little to no electricity) living in various countries in
deficient
Africa. Most rural villages there are  ______________
(lacking) in electricity, and people must rely on heavilypolluting energy sources for cooking. Unfortunately, the
charcoal
fuels they use, like  ______________
(soft, black
substance), cause their homes to fill with harmful
fumes
smoke. These 
______________ (unpleasant smoke
or gas) are responsible for over two million deaths a
year, and we want to stop them!
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GETTING READY

How You Can Help
As one of our volunteers, you will travel among villages and help with the
installation
 ______________
(setting up equipment) of smoke hoods above indoor fires
and stoves. These will decrease the air pollution the residents breathe daily by
ventilating

 ______________
(helping fresh air circulate) their homes better. Additionally,
you will teach women how to create more efficient stoves that need less fuel to
equate
operate. Your efforts will  ______________
(equal) to vast improvements in
health and quality of life. Thanks to you, women will spend less time
 ______________
foraging
(looking for supplies) for wood and leaves to burn, so they’ll
be able to do more to earn money for their families!
Contact Us
Please visit our Web site if you would
like more information.

4


GETTING READY
Audio Transcripts:

Energy poverty is a global issue that affects more than three billion people.
Half of these people have absolutely no access to electricity, and the other half
have so little that they can’t rely on it for their daily needs. Because of this,
families must burn biological fuel sources for cooking, namely charcoal1 and
wood. This impacts not only the environment, but their health as well. Each year,
two million people die from the harmful fumes2 created by their indoor cooking
fires, and the majority of those deaths are young children and women. Several
international volunteer organizations are currently working with the energy poor
to tackle3 this problem. One thing that these groups are working on is the

installation4 of smoke hoods5 over the fires and primitive6 stoves located in
electricity-deficient7 homes. This helps to properly ventilate8 them so the
occupants9 aren’t breathing in so many toxins10. This is usually paired with
teaching women how to build more efficient stoves that need less fuel,
minimizing11 the amount of smoke that’s produced. Combining those two things
can lead to a reduction of air pollution in homes by close to 80%.

5


GETTING READY
Audio Transcripts:

For further cutbacks12, some groups are also introducing women to fireless
cookers. In the morning, food is cooked over a fire for only a short amount of
time, and then it is transferred into a special insulated basket that stores the heat.
During the course of the day, the food continues to cook slowly without the need
of more fire. Using these can lower a family’s fuel consumption by close to 40%.
This equates13 to not only less pollution, but also more time that can be spent on
pursuits other than foraging14 for fuel supplies. While all these efforts are helpful,
big changes won’t really be seen until clean energy is made readily available to
everyone. This is a goal that the United Nations hopes the world will meet by
2030.

6


GETTING READY
Task II
Listen to the audio and use the suggested vocabulary to write a

summary of the inventions mentioned.
The Soccket ball is an energy generator that works by being
moved around. When people play with it, the ball converts
kinetic energy into electric energy that can be used to power
Soccket Ball lights. The creators of this portable device say that using it for
30 minutes will produce enough power to light a lamp for 3
hours.
(generator, kinetic energy, creator)

Solar Bottle
Bulbs

Solar Bottle Bulbs are the brainchild of an engineer in Brazil,
and now they are being installed in houses around the
Philippines. Amazingly, there is nothing more than water and
bleach in the bottles, but they are able to produce as much
light as a 50-watt light bulb. Another important feature of these
lights is that their replacement happens after 5 years of use,
which is great news for the poor people who need them.
(brainchild, bleach, watt, replacement)
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GETTING READY
Audio Transcripts:
With so many people in the world living without power, it’s no wonder that
inventors are trying to come up with alternative ways to brighten their lives. The
Soccket Ball is one such device. Shaped like a regular soccer ball, this portable
power generator15 converts kinetic16 energy into electric energy when it’s kicked.
According to its creators, a 30-minute session of play time will make enough

energy to power a lamp for three hours. For those with no time to play, used soda
bottles may hold the key to adequate lighting. The brainchild17 of a Brazilian
engineer, these amazing Solar Bottle Bulbs are made from discarded plastic
bottles filled with water and bleach18. They are placed into holes cut in a roof, and
when sunlight hits them, they glow just like a regular 50-watt light bulb. Even
better, no bulb replacements19 are needed for at least five years! Currently, a
foundation is working to install them in homes across the Philippines, where over
three million people live without electricity.

8


WORD POWER
A. Listen Up
Indicate which type of power is being described and fill in the blanks
with words from the audio. There are three extra choices. Change the
word forms if necessary.

Solar Power

Biofuel

Wind Power
immense

contention
replenishes

turbines

biomass
degrade
offshore

sustainable

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WORD POWER
Audio Transcripts:
Haley: Jackson, have you chosen a topic for your paper on
renewable1 energy sources yet?
Jackson: I’m doing mine on hydroelectricity2. It is a renewable and
sustainable3 source of energy generated by the moving of water
through dams. I’ve always been fascinated by immense4 man-made
structures, so learning more about dams was right up my alley5.
Haley: So what’s the difference between renewable and sustainable
energy? I thought they were the same thing.
Jackson: In many cases, either of those terms can be used to describe the
same power source. For example, solar power6 is renewable because
sunlight is continually replenished7 and also sustainable because our
use of it now doesn’t diminish8 what can be used in the future.
However, not all sustainable sources of energy are renewable, like
nuclear power9.
Haley: I see. Because we have to create nuclear power; it’s not
naturally occurring.
10

WORD POWER
Audio Transcripts:
Jackson: Exactly!
Haley: What about biofuel10, then?
Jackson: That is actually a source of contention11 in the alternative energy12
field. While some types of biomass13, like trees and corn, are
renewable, their cultivation is not always sustainable, as replanting
them in certain areas can degrade14 the land.
Haley: Hmm. You’ve given me a lot to consider, but I think I’ll do my
paper on wind power. After all, it’s one of the cleanest energy sources
available. It would be neat to know more about the turbines15 used to
convert wind into usable energy.
Jackson: You should research offshore16 wind farms, too. They’re located in
large bodies of water, where the winds are more consistent.
Haley: That sounds like a perfect topic. Thanks for your help!
Jackson: You’re welcome. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.

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WORD POWER
B. Word Focus: Energy and Environment Compound Words
Combine the words in the box to create compounds that match the
definitions below.

1. _________
fossil
_________
fuel
= a substance used for energy derived from the

remains of ancient organisms
zero
emission = releases no pollution that affects the environment or
2. _________
_________
climate
3. _________
climate _________
change = the long-term transformation of the world’s weather
conditions
carbon _________
neutral
4. _________
= completely offsets the harmful emissions created
5. _________
energy _________
efficient = using as little power as possible to operate

12


WORD POWER
C. Speak Out Loud
Fill out the chart with your opinions of the energy sources below and
discuss them with a partner.
Solar Power
Pros

Nuclear Power

Cons

Pros

Biofuel from Corn

Cons

Pros

Cons

1.
No
polluting
gases

1.
Better for
places
with
steady
sunlight

1.
Emits no
air
pollution

1.

Waste is
hard to get
rid of

1.
Very
cheap

1.
Takes away
items that
could be
used for
food

2.

2.

2.

2.

2.

2.

Can be
used in
remote

locations

Expensive
to set up

Can create Accidents
a lot of
are huge
energy in
disasters
a small
area

Easy to
obtain

Replanting
could
damage
land

Of the three you discussed, which would work best in your city? ________________
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CONVERSATION ZONE

（對話影片檔）

14

CONVERSATION ZONE

It Makes Your Car Go
Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of the choices given. Listen to check
your answers.

Olivia is Olivia:
talking toRumor
her coworker,
Kenneth,
shedohas
has it you
plan toabout
buy asome
car. Ifgossip
so, what
youheard.
want to
get?
Kenneth: People sure love to dish the dirt here! You are correct, but I’m
uncertain about which to choose.
① _______________
Olivia: Provided it’s all right to put in my two cents, I’d like to
advocate1 for a car that runs on alternative fuel. Like electric vehicles.
mechanics 2 of how
Kenneth: I admit that I don’t fully understand the ② _______________
those work, but unless I’m mistaken, they have to be plugged in for a
long time every day. Without access to a special charging station that

could accelerate3 the process, owning one would be a huge hassle4.
Olivia: Say you had to charge it for hours at home, would it truly be
such anuisance
③ _______________ 5 considering all the good you’d be doing for the
planet?
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CONVERSATION ZONE

Kenneth: Whether I want to do my part to help the environment or not, such a
6
constraint
④ _______________
on my spare time would be unacceptable.
derived
Olivia: How about a car that runs on biofuel? That’s fuel
⑤
_______________ 7 from biological sources, like vegetable oil.
Kenneth: Won’t that make the car smell like a deep fryer8?
Olivia: Yeah, but you’ll get used to it.
Kenneth: What about the jeers from people on the street? Listen, Olivia. It’s
eco-friendly 9 power sources, but your
great you go to bat for ⑥ _______________
recommendations 10 won’t work for me. For now, I’ll stick with11 a
conventional car. Maybe when things are perfected12 in the future, I’ll
have a change of heart.
Olivia: Can I at least make a plea13 for considering hybrids14? They
merge
⑦ _______________

the convenience of gas-powered cars with some of
the positive aspects of electric ones. The general consensus15 is that
they’re really great.
Kenneth: I’ll think about it.
16


CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
A. Words with Different Meanings
Match the word in bold with its definition.
1. Owen wasn’t interested in the mechanics of the device; he just wanted it to
b
work when he turned it on. _____
Several mechanics were seen about the problem, but none could figure it out.
a
_____
Definition: a. n. a person who repairs vehicles and machines
b. n. how something functions
2. The organization made a public plea for more volunteers. _____
a
b
The defendant was asked to enter a plea at his last courtroom visit. _____
Definition: a. n. a request, especially for something one feels emotional about
b. n. an official statement given after being charged with a crime
3. The look on my mother’s face when I gave her that present has stuck with me
a
my whole life. _____
The coach decided to stick with the same players from last year’s team.
_____
b

Definition: a. phr. to stay in someone’s memory
b. phr. to continue to do or use the same thing
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CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
B. Word Groups
Select the choice that has a different meaning from the word in bold.

(a) 1. accelerate
a. restrain
b. hasten
c. spur
d. quicken

(b) 3. advocate
a. champion
b. discredit
c. endorse
d. promote

(c) 2. constraint
a. limitation
b. handicap
c. stimulus
d. restriction

(d) 4. nuisance
a. plague
b. annoyance

c. irritation
d. consolation

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(d) 5. perfect
a. improve
b. refine
c. enhance
d. worsen


CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
C. Multiple Choice
Choose the answers.

(c) 1. How does Olivia know Kenneth wants to get a car?
a. He talked to her about it before.
b. He asked for her opinion on what to buy.
c. She was told by someone else.
d. She overhead him telling someone.
(d) 2. What does Kenneth dislike about electric cars?
a. They cost a lot of money.
b. They are too complicated.
c. They damage the environment.
d. They take a long time to charge.

19

CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW

(c) 3. Why is Kenneth not interested in using biofuel?
a. He doesn’t think it’s available in his area.
b. He has heard it’s expensive.
c. He thinks the smell will bother people.
d. He doesn’t know what it is.
(a) 4. What does Kenneth promise Olivia?
a. He’ll consider a hybrid.
b. He’ll purchase an electric car.
c. He’ll get a car that runs on alternative fuel.
d. He’ll buy whichever car she recommends.

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EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT
A. Being Suitable
What One Has Heard

• rumor has it (that)
• hear (something) through the grapevine
• a little birdie told (someone) (that)
• get wind of (something)

Sharing Gossip

• dish the dirt
• chew the fat

Complete the dialogue with the expressions above. Do not use any expression twice.

get wind of
A: When I ____________________
a juicy rumor, I just have to tell everyone
I know.
chew the fat
B: I’m the same way! My friends and I ____________________
every day,
and I always share all the gossip I’ve heard.
a little birdie told you something that was supposed to stay a
A: If ____________________
secret, would you tell your friends?
B: Probably! How about you? Can you hold back information when
dishing the dirt
____________________
with someone?
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EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT
B. Talking About Opinions
Give One’s Opinion

Change One’s Opinion

• put in / give (one’s) two cents
• say (one’s) piece
• poke/stick (one’s) nose into (something)

• have a change of heart
• do a 180 / an about-face
• flip flop

Practice giving responses to the following statements with the expressions above.
1.

A: I don’t understand why Bert keeps trying to get involved in our
conversations. They’re really none of his business.
B:
He’s always sticking his nose into other people’s business, which is
why no one in the office talks to him.

2.

A: I know that I told you that I didn’t want to be involved in the project,
but now I realize that it’s a great opportunity.
B:
I’m really glad you had a change of heart because I’d love to work with
you on this.

22


EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT
C. Giving Assistance and Support
‧do (one’s) part (for someone/something)
‧go to bat for (someone/something)
‧throw (one’s) weight behind (someone/something)
‧look out for (someone/something)

‧stick up for (someone/something)
‧bail (someone/something) out
Rewrite the parts in bold using the expressions given.
A: I can’t believe those guys were picking on Joseph. I’m glad I was there to
show my support for him. → stick up for him
B: That was such a mean thing for them to do. It’s good that Joseph has
someone to aid him like you. → to go to bat for him
A: Yeah. It’s important to me that friends help each other.
→ throw their weight behind each other
B: I’m impressed that you’re so willing to give assistance to any friend
who needs it. → look out for your friends
23


EXPRESSION PRACTICE
A. Make Inferences
Listen to the audio. Check the appropriate inferences and include the
reasons. Use the expressions you’ve learned if possible.

Inference

Reason

■


1. Owen had been speaking to
someone about his class
schedule before meeting Leah.

■

2. Few students found the music
appreciation class appealing.

■

3. Owen’s friend Amy has
previously taken the economics
class she suggests he try.

■

4. In the past, Leah has asked for
people’s opinions about
classes that require little effort.

■

5. Leah and Owen are in their
final year of college.

Owen tells Leah that he had gotten
wind of some bad news about the
class they had signed up for.
Owen says a little birdie told him that
the class was being canceled due to
few students signing up for the class.
When Owen was chewing the fat with
Amy, she suggested he take the class

that she had signed up for, not one that
she had taken.
Leah was already aware of which
classes were rumored to be easy or
difficult.
The two classmates plan to dish the
dirt with older students, so they can’t
be in their final year yet.
24


EXPRESSION PRACTICE
Audio Transcripts:
Owen: Leah, I’ve gotten wind of something terrible!
Leah: Oh no, Owen. What is it?
Owen: The music appreciation class that we planned to take next semester is
getting canceled.
Leah: You have to be kidding! Why?
Owen: A little birdie told me that it didn’t meet the attendance threshold.
Leah: That’s too bad. What should we take instead?
Owen: Well, I was chewing the fat with Amy this morning, and she said that the
economics course she signed up for is supposed to be pretty easy.
Leah: Really? I’ve heard through the grapevine that economics is one of the
hardest subjects taught at our school.
Owen: Never mind then. I want to take something that’s not too challenging.
Leah: Rumor has it that the medieval literature class isn’t that tough.
Owen: Maybe not, but it sure sounds boring.
Leah: OK. How about we find some older students to dish the dirt on other
classes we can take? They’ll have a better idea than people in our year.
Owen: Great idea.

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