Listen once more and choose the right word.

1. The thermal efficiency of a power plant is a measure / benefit that reaches right into your pocketbook.

2. Thermal efficiency is the amount / fraction of chemical energy in the fuel that reaches the electric generator.

3. The steam kept providing the high / low power needed for fast-moving warships and liners.

4. Diesel engines began by displacing steam on smaller steamships / locomotives.

5. When internal combustion appeared over a century ago, it shaped a new metaphor of efficiency / lightness and speed.

6. It made powered flight feasible and gave birth / fuel to automobiles and motorcycles.

7. Internal combustion parted ways with the big steam power plants that began electrifying / developing cities in the 1880s.

8. A big coal-fired steam power plant does well to reach forty / one hundred percent efficiency.

9. Diesels came into being as early variants on the lightweight external / internal combustion engine.

10. The automobile / textile industry has also used Diesel engines now and then.

11. Diesel himself built his first engines at Germany's / American’s plant.

12. Diesel engines played the large, slow-moving, high-efficiency role of the stationary power / car plant.

 

13. Comment on the following points:

– Diesel engine efficiency;

– Diesel engine application;

– Diesel engine power value;

– Diesel engine role in industry and transportation;

– Diesel engine advantages.

 

SPEAKING

Work in pairs A and B. Look at the pictures of engine parts. You have to describe one of the parts to your partner. Tell about the material, function and position in the engine. Your partner has to guess what part it is.

Student A - Appendix A (p. 92)

Student B - Appendix A (p. 93)

Use the following phrases.

- It consists of …

- It is located in …

- It is made of …

- Its function is to …

- It is of circular / square shape …

- It drives …

- It transmits …

- It provides the engine with …

- It prevents / allows to …

- By means of this part …

 

Work in groups A, B, C, and D. You are going to discuss the impact of internal combustion engine on our life. Group A will represent historians, group B will represent economists, group C will represent reporters and group D – scientists. Present your ideas, support them and share with your group mates. Information in Appendix A (p. 92) may help you.

Historians:

As the historian, your role is to explore the historical impact that internal combustion engine invention has had on our society. What was the historical importance of the invention? What was the need for the invention and how has the invention changed the way we live?

Economists:

As an economist, your role is to explore the economic impact that internal combustion engine invention has had on our society. How did this invention save time or make life easier, which translates into saved money, for people?

Reporters:

As a reporter, your role is to explore the positive impact that internal combustion engine invention has had on our society. How did the invention improve society at the time they were invented?

Scientists:

As a scientist, your role is to explore the scientific impact that internal combustion engine invention has had on our society. How did the invention expand American's knowledge at the time they were invented?

Use the following phrases.

- It proved to be an extreme improvement …

- It gave the opportunity …

- It simplified …

- By means of this device …

- The application varies …

- The operation and maintenance of the engine is …

- Despite all failures …

- The invention made possible to …

- While the people were working under conditions …

- Instead of using …

 

Work in a group. Discuss the negative effect of the engine on the environment. Read the possible solution and share your opinion about their effectiveness, also you can suggest your solutions to the problem. The chart in Appendix A (p. 94) will help you. Use the following phrases.

- If you want my honest opinion …

- The way I see it …

- As far as I'm concerned …

- I agree with you 100 percent.

- I couldn't agree with you more.

- I have to side with Dad on this one.

- No doubt about it.

- I don't think so.

- That's not always true.

- That's not always the case.

- No, I'm not so sure about that.

- I'm afraid I disagree.

From http://www.tangiblegreen.net/blog.html

WRITING

17. Use a dictionary that includes the origins of words and look up the origins of automobile, gasoline and piston. Write a review (200-250 words) listing the origins and explaining how the words accurately describe the things named.

18. Webquest. Research how early IC engines had started before electric starters were invented. Write a review (200-250 words) about it and compare your ideas with your group mates. The following information should be included:

– time and name of inventor;

– operation of early IC engines;

– material used for production;

– efficiency of the engine;

– profit and expenditures;

– environmental impact.

Use the following phrases.

- On the whole …

- Therefore …

- In addition …

- Consequently …

- To sum up …

- According to demands …

- Our research shows that …

- As the result …

- This feature provides …

- It makes possible / impossible …