Week Ten

1. Information

You often have to offer the best solution when presenting facts and figures. Moreover, you might often be in a situation where you have to choose the most suitable equipment or a design for a machine. Knowing the correct expressions for expressing contrast is very useful in these situations.

2. Tasks and Dates

This unit consists of three activities. In the first activity, you will read an article and identify different expressions for expressing contrast. Then you will complete some gap-filling exercises and practice. Finally, you will compare two cars and try to find the best solution. 

2.1. Activity One

Your first task is to read the text below and decide if the
statements are (T) true or (F) false. Please check your reading comprehension answers in QUIZ 10.1. Have you identified the same expression of contrast as listed in the following activity?

Sun or Wind

One of the biggest advantages of solar and wind energy is the fact that the energy is free of cost. This production of energy also does not cause any pollution. However, pollution is produced when windmills, solar collectors or other associated equipment are manufactured. Wind and solar power plants are suitable for remote areas where it ́s too expensive to extend the electricity power grid.

As for the area needed to build the power plants, solar power plants need very large areas and storage space for large batteries. A wind turbine, despite its height, takes up only a small plot of land, which can then still be used for agriculture. Even though the size of the land taken seems to be an advantage, very large wind farms are needed to provide communities with electricity.

Before making decisions, the costs have to be considered as well. Although solar collectors, panels, and cells are expensive to manufacture, solar and power are said to be infinite. However, it is not suitable for countries with unstable climates. People living near wind farms often complain about the noise generated by wind turbines. Each turbine can generate the same level of noise as a family car travelling at 70 mph.
Adapted from: Ryan, 2009

Decide if the statements are (T) true or (F) false.
1) Solar energy is more expensive than wind power. T x F
2) Windmills produce a lot of pollution. T x F
3) Solar power plants take up only a small piece of land. T x F
4) Batteries used in solar power plants do not have to be stored. T x F
5) Wind turbines generate more noise than a car travelling at 70 mph. T x F

2.2. Activity Two

Now, look at the list of expressions below. Have you found the same ones in the article from activity one?  Use the words from the list to complete the missing sentences. Then look at the second exercise and choose the best expression for each sentence. When you finish, check your answers in QUIZ 10.2. Before you start, please note:

ALTHOUGH, EVEN THOUGH, THOUGH means: despite the fact that, but
IN SPITE OF, DESPITE is used before one fact, which makes another fact surprising
HOWEVER means: despite whatever amount or degree

1. Complete the missing words. Use the words from the list.

although, even though, though, in spite of, however, despite

Windmills are effective ____________________________ they are very noisy.
Windmills are effective _____________________________ they are very noisy.
__________________________the windmills are very noisy, they are effective.
Windmills are effective ________________________________ the noise.
_________________________________ the noise, windmills are effective.
Windmills are noisy. _________________________________, they are effective.


2. Now, choose the best expression for each sentence.

1) Despite/Although the materials used, the construction was very weak.
2) A wind turbine does not take up much space, however/in spite of its height.
3) Even though /Despite the flying car is very attractive, it is very expensive.
4) In spite of/However the safety regulations, the employees get injured seriously from time to time.
5) Solar power plants can be seen in many places; however/though, their production is not very environmentally friendly.
6) Land covered with wind turbines can still be used for agriculture despite/though the
turbines are very high.

2.3. Activity Three

Imagine that the government decided to support environmentally friendly cars. Your employer needs to determine whether it is better to manufacture flying or hydrogen cars. You were asked to research the car specifications, compare and contrast the two vehicles, and report to your employer. Look at the specifications below. Write a paragraph comparing and CONTRASTING both types of cars. Use the language from Activity Two. Post your finished paragraph in FORUM 10.3. You will find the car specifications below.

BMW Hydrogen 7 Specifications

Propulsion system: 260 hp, 6-liter V-12 duel-fuel Internal combustion engine
Top Speed: 143 mph
Zero-to-60: 9 seconds
MPG: NA (the vehicle has a 30 gallon tank for the hydrogen and a 19.5 gallon gas tank)
Vehicle range: 400 miles (125 on hydrogen, 310 on gas)
Fuel(s): ): Gasoline & liquid hydrogen Tailpipe emissions: None

Skycar 200 LS Specifications

Dimensions (L x W x H): 14' x 8.5' x 6' – 119 ft2
Gross Weight: 1,320 lbs
Net Payload: 400 lbs
Continuous Engine Power: 170hp
Electrical Motor Power: 85 hp per motor
Emergency Electrical Motor Power (30 seconds): 145 hp per motor
Time – Parachute Safe (50 mph @ 200 ft: 11.3 seconds
Rate of climb: 1860 fpm
Roadability: ~ 30 mph
Range with 2 passengers @ 122 mph (42 mpg): 434 miles
Fuel Consumption: 7.4 gallons per hour
(Moller International, 2012)