Enumerate renewable energy sources. Dwell upon the ones which, in your opinion, are the most perspective in our country. Prove your ideas.

Unit 5

Read and summarise the text using the tips given below.

History

Since the early days of Industrial Age, industries and utility companies have relied on a variety of different sources of power. The Danes were pioneers in wind-generated electricity, building over 100 systems (called "wind mills") in 1890 to capture the North Sea winds. Coal was the fuel of choice for steam-powered engines, which were widely used in manufacturing and transportation. In fact, in the 1890s, more electric- and steam powered cars were sold than those using gasoline.

The world's first geothermal electric plant was built in Italy in 1904. Surprisingly, photovoltaic (solar) cells were built as early as the 1880s, but it wasn't until Bell Labs developed silicon cells in 1954 that solar cells could be used efficiently. In 1958, the Vanguard satellite was equipped with solar photovoltaic cells.

The world's first power plant using the ocean's tides was built in France in 1966.

The global energy situation began to change significantly in the second half of the century. For example, in the U.S. from 1950 to 1995, coal virtually disappeared as a heating source for homes. By 1995, natural gas was used for heat in over 50 % of U.S. homes, and electricity was used in 27% of them. In about the same time frame, per capita electricity consumption rose by over 1,000%. Widespread ownership of energy-hungry appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and clothes dryers contributed to this huge growth in energy consumption, while individual automobile ownership created a heavy demand for new petroleum supplies. By 1958, the U.S. had begun to consume more fuel of various kinds than it produced. Oil prices per barrel rose from about $5 in the 1960s to over $17 in October 1973, and further production limitations caused the price to rise to about $34 in 1981.

By the mid-1980s, geologists and other scientists began to make predictions about how long the world's petroleum supplies would last. By estimating future rates of oil consumption, then taking into account the amount of petroleum reserves, they calculated that supplies could last between 50 and 100 years longer.

Nuclear power, which had once been the energy hope of the future, no longer seemed so attractive after accidents at Three Mile Island in the U.S. in 1979 and Chernobyl in the former Soviet Union in 1986 changed the public's perception of its safety. France has continued to operate nuclear plants for 75% of its electricity, with a good safety record, however, other countries have scaled back plans for building nuclear generating facilities, and the disposal of spent radioactive fuel remains a problem.

 

HOW TO WRITE A SUMMARY

1. Read the passage for overall content.
2. Reread carefully, highlighting the main idea and any key supporting ideas.
3. Group the reading into sections according to the author’s topic divisions and label them.
4. Write a one-sentence summary of each section, focusing on the main point. Do not include examples or minor details.
5. Write one sentence (the thesis) that summarizes the whole article.
6. Write the first draft: In the first sentence include the title and the author of the text.
7. Then use your one sentence summaries to complete the summary. Do not include your own opinion, but be sure to use your own words.
8. In your final draft, insert transitional words and phrases where necessary. Avoid short, choppy sentences. Combine sentences for a smooth, logical flow of ideas.

Other useful information:

· Use 3rd person and present tense.

· Be concise and brief.

· Periodically indicate that the summary is still the material of the

author.

· Quote the author sparingly, if at all.

· Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes.

 

Transitional words for summary

 

A. Introductory remarks.

It is generally agreed today that...In approaching this issue, one should...Nowadays, it is scarcely possible to...The business world offers us numerous examples of...

B. Ordering elements

Firstly,.../ Secondly,.../ Finally,... (note the comma after all these introductory words.)

If on the one hand it can be said that... the same is not true for...The first argument suggests that... whilst the second suggests that...

C. Adding elements

Furthermore, one should not forget that...In addition to...Moreover...