05 03 natural sciences u2a

Module

2A

Outer Space

1 Did you know that the computer you are using
is contributing to global warming? So are the
lights in the room and the hot water that you
used for your last shower. In fact, anything that
uses energy derived from fossil fuels increases
greenhouse gas emissions.
2 But what are fossil fuels? These fuels were
formed millions of years ago from plants and
animals that died and disintegrated under tons
of soil and rock. These remains, along with
hardened bone fragments from the prehistoric
animals, are called fossils.

4 Unfortunately, the reserves are not limitless.
Scientists predict that within the next two
centuries we will run out of those valuable
energy sources. This means that we need to
find renewable energy, i.e. energy that can
be used over and over again and causes less
pollution. Where can we get this energy? From
the sun, wind, water, and also from trees, plants
and even from rubbish.

3 After food, fossil fuel is humanity’s most
important source of energy. There are three

major fuels: coal, oil and natural gas. Coal
is used primarily to produce electricity. Oil
enables us to use means of transport. Natural
gas is mainly used to produce heat, for
industrial processes and, in some countries,
it is used as fuel as well. Together, fossil fuels
provide more than 85% of the energy used by
humankind today.

Activities
1Match these statements with the corresponding paragraphs in the text.
aFossil fuels exhaustion by the 22nd century
b The importance and use of fossil fuels
cHow we contribute to the greenhouse effect in our daily activities
dThe origin of fossil fuels

English Toolkit 1 - Natural Sciences

Photocopiable © Ediciones Santillana S.A. / Richmond 2011

Clean energy


Module

2A
2Answer these questions.
aWhat are fossil fuels? Which are the most important types?

bWhat are they used for?

3State if the following sentences are true (T) or false (F).
aMost of the energy the world uses comes from fossil fuels.
b Millions of years must go by to have fossil fuels.
cNon-renewable energy can be replaced as we use it.
dFossil fuel energy is renewable.

a Can you mention some elements that
are contributing to global warming?
b Do most cars emit greenhouse gases?
c What are fossil fuels?
d Which is the first source of energy for
human beings?
e How many major fossil fuels are there?
f What is natural gas mainly used for?

1
2
3
4

Yes, they do.
Food.
Heating and industrial processes.
These are fuels formed millions of years
ago from dead plants and animals.
5 Computers, lights in a room, hot water
and so on.
6 There are three: coal, oil and natural gas.

5Write a caption that illustrate the ideas in the activity
above for these pictures.

6Group work. Choose:
aFind out more information about the formation of fossil fuels and how
they are obtained and used. Write a report.
b Find out about the changes in the consumption of fossil fuels around
the world one hundred years ago and in the present. Illustrate the results
with a pie chart. Write a report. What conclusion can you reach?
cResearch into the reserves of fossil fuels in your country. Locate them on
a map.
English Toolkit 1 - Natural Sciences

Photocopiable © Ediciones Santillana S.A. / Richmond 2011

4Read the text again and match the questions and answers.