INGLÉS NOVENO - Sitio Web del Coned€¦ · INGLÉS NOVENO CÓDIGO: 80013 ANTOLOGÍAS CONED 2011 ....

UNIVERSIDAD ESTATAL A DISTANCIA COLEGIO NACIONAL DE EDUCACIÓN A DISTANCIA

COORDINACIÓN ACADÉMICA

INGLÉS NOVENO

CÓDIGO: 80013

ANTOLOGÍAS CONED

2011

2

El CONED agradece a GUISELLA FILOMENA ARGUEDAS por la elección y

presentación de los temas de la presente antología, así como el aporte a la educación

secundaria a distancia.

Las denominaciones empleadas en esta publicación y la forma en que aparecen

presentados los datos, no implican de parte del CONED o la UNED juicio alguno sobre la

condición jurídica de personas, países, territorios, ciudades o de autoridades.

MATERIAL SIN FINES COMERCIALES PARA USO EXCLUSIVO DE

ESTUDIANTES DEL COLEGIO NACIONAL DE EDUCACIÓN A

DISTANCIA

CONED

Dirección General: Juan Martín Rojas Gómez

Coordinación Académica: Clara Vila Santo Domingo

Coordinación Administrativa: Jéssica Vega Barrientos

Asistente Coordinación Académica: Jéssica Ramírez Achoy

Coordinación Inglés: Olman Cantillo Badilla

Teléfonos 22-58-22-09 / 22-55-30-42 / 22-21-29-95

Página Web: http//www.coned.ac.cr

© 2011, CONED.

3

Table of Contents.

9º level.

Index.

Index …………...………………………………………………………………………...….3

Introduction ….………………………………………………………………………..……2

Unit 1. Sports and Leisure Activities …..………………………………………....……4

Unit 2. Life and Achievements of Famous Athletes and Musicians ………….…16

Unit 3. Operation of Electrical Equipment ……………………………………….......33

Unit 4. Computer and Technology in Our Lives …………………………………….42

Unit 5. Transportation, Quality, Rentability and Use ……………………………….62

Unit 6. Natural Resources and the Promotion of Conservation ……….…..……..76

Unit 7. Causes, Effects and Prevention of Environmental Pollution ………….....93

Vocabulary Workshop. Roots, Suffixes and Prefixes……………………………...112

Appendix on Writing ……………………………………………………….……………121

Appendix on Prepositions …………………………………………………………...…127

Appendix on Irregular Verbs ……………………………………………………...……129

Answer Key…………………………………………………………………………………134

Bibliography ……………………………………………………………………..….……..159

4

In this unit, you will know about the Olympic Games, soccer and other sports. You will practice how to ask others information on sports‘ preferences. Therefore, you will learn about different sports and the items to play them.

UNIT 1.SPORTS AND LEISURE

ACTIVITIES

5

Objectives

1. To use the context of the reading to deduce meaning of unfamiliar language.

2. To identify main points and details on stories and factual texts.

3. To classify the different sports presented using descriptive language.

4. To transfer the information read to written form of a paragraph referring to past,

present and future events.

5. To express ideas, interests, feelings and concerns related to the topics.

6. To use descriptive narrative language to make brief passages about the topics.

Content

A Sports Chart

Soccer reading

Costa Rican Basketball Season

The Olympic Games

Activities Long answers

Short answers

Free answers

Multiple choice

Completion

Asking questions

Writing paragraph

Writing a narrative paragraph

6

A Sports Chart

Adapted from http://esl.fis.edu/vocab/q12m/1esl15.htm

Try to guess the meaning of the items each sport makes use.

You will find some prepositions‘definitions in the Appendix on Writing.

Exercise 1.Completion. Complete the following statements with the corresponding sport.

1. You have to hit a ball into a net with a stick when playing _________________.

2. You have to kick a ball into a net when playing __________________.

3. You have to hit a ball over a net with your hands when playing__________________.

4. You have to throw a ball through a net when playing_____________________.

5. You have to hit a ball over a net on a table when playing_________________.

6. You have to hit a ball into a hole with a club when playing ___golf____________.

Vocabulary

Hit = To come into contact with forcefully

Throw = To discharge into the air

Net = the goal in soccer, hockey, etc.

Hole = An opening or perforation

Ball = A spherical object or entity

you have to kick a ball into a net soccer

you have to hit a ball over a net with your hands volleyball

you have to hit a ball over a net with a racquet tennis

you have to throw a ball through a net basketball

you have to hit a shuttlecock over a net with a racquet badminton

you have to hit a ball into a hole with a club golf

you have to hit a ball into a net with a stick hockey

you have to hit balls into holes on a table billiards

you have to hit a ball over a net on a table table tennis

you try to score a home run baseball

http://esl.fis.edu/vocab/q12m/1esl15.htm

7

Goal = The finish line of a race

Shuttlecock = equipment for playing the

game of badminton

Game = A competitive activity or sport

Team = A group on the same side

Soccer

Takenhttp://www.ego4u.com/en/read-on/animals/soccer

Introduction

Soccer is a ball game played by two teams. The ball is advanced with the feet, that‘s why

the sport is also called football. As not to confuse it with other variants of football, e.g.

American football, rugby, or Gaelic football, the official name of this sport is association

football (after the London Football Association). But English native speakers usually just

call it soccer, football, footie, footy or footer.

Basic rules

Object: The object is to score goals.

Players: Each team has 11 players:

a goalkeeper (also called goalie) who tries to block the shots by the opposing team

the fullbacks (defense) who try to prevent the opposing team from scoring goals

the halfbacks (or midfielders) who play both offense and defense

the forwards (or strikers) who try to score goals for their team

Duration: The game is played in two halves of 45 minutes each. At halftime the teams

change ends.

Playing: Except for the goalie and at throw-ins, players must not touch the ball with their

hands or arms. They can, however, use any other part of the body.

Scoring: A goal is scored when the ball has crossed the goal line between the posts and

under the crossbar.

http://www.ego4u.com/en/read-on/animals/soccer

8

Exercise 1. Long Answer. Answer the questions below briefly.

1. Why football is called that way? What other name it has? How do English call it

also?_____________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________.

2. How a score is made in football? ________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________.

3. How long is a complete football game without extra time? Give the length in

minutes?__________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________.

4. What is the basic rule regarding touching the ball? _________________________

_________________________________________________________________.

Exercise 2. Matching. Match the meanings of the participants of the football game to their

function.

1. The goal keeper (also called goalie) ( ) who play both offense and defense.

2. The forwards (or strikers) ( ) who try to score goals for their team.

3. The fullbacks (defense) ( ) who tries to block the shots by the

opposing team.

4. The halfbacks (or midfielders) ( ) who try to prevent the opposing

team from scoring goals.

9

Exercise 3. Free answer. Answer yes or no according to your interests. Explain yourself.

1. Do you like watching football games on TV? What would be the best football game?

__________________________________________________________________

Exercise 4. Creation. Use the format of the following questions to create your own

questions. You just have to change the sport or leisure activity you have studied so far.

1. Do you like playing chest? _____Do you like playing basketball?_________

2. Are you a good tennis player? _______________________________________

3. Are you good at basketball? _______________________________________

4. Do you know how to play golf? _______________________________________

5. Have you ever played tennis? _______________________________________

6. What do you think of boxing? ________________________________________

7. Which do you prefer, baseball or volleyball? __________________________________

Exercise 5. Short Answer. Answer the following questions according to your likes and

preferences.

What sport do you do? _______________________________________

What is your favorite soccer player? _____________________________________

Who is your favorite athlete/team? ______________________________________

Do you like to exercise? ________________________________________

Exercise 6. Writing. Write a paragraph narrating / explaining / describing how football is

played. Check the Appendix on Writing for further information on writing.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________.

10

Leisure Activities

Leisure activities are activities that are not mandatory; they are done for the pleasure

gotten when doing them during the free time. Some common leisure activities are

gardening, walking the dog, art-crafting, visiting friends and relatives and eating out.

Others activities are visiting touristic places such as national parks, reserves or any other

place where people can be surrounded by nature such as public parks, mountains and

vantage points. Also, people like attending to cultural events such as art festivals, concerts

and dance presentations during their free time. Besides, people pass their time attending

the theater, the cinema and art galleries when they want some visual entertainment.

Others like to remain at home, relaxing, cooking, watching TV and/or listening to music.

Vocabulary

Leisure = Freedom from time-consuming duties, responsibilities, or activities

Pleasure = A source of enjoyment or delight

Vantage point = a place from which something can be viewed, the city for example.

To attend = To be present at

Entertainment = Something that amuses, pleases, or diverts, especially a performance or

show

Exercise 1. Writing. Answer in a paragraph-like form the following question: What leisure

activities will you do during your next free time? Use your imagination, and the dictionary if

necessary. Start giving a general idea of the type of activities you like (main idea), then

mention the specific activities and then give examples of what you WILL do (supporting

sentences and details). Restate the reason for doing them as a conclusion. Use the

auxiliary for showing a future activity (verb) ―will‖, always before the verb.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________.

Costa Rica's Basketball Season Tips Off

Retrieved from http://www.ticotimes.net/dailyarchive/2010_03/0304103.cfm

http://www.ticotimes.net/dailyarchive/2010_03/0304103.cfm

11

Costa Rica's premier basketball league tipped off Tuesday night, as all eight

national teams were in action for the first round of the Torneo de Copa, the league's

annual tournament. The first national basketball league was created in 1975; the

Superior Basketball League (LBS), which began its fifth season Tuesday, was

created in 2005. Over the course of the next five weeks, the eight teams in the LBS

will compete to be the tournament's champion, to be crowned the first week of April.

The teams competing for the Cup are:

• The Ferretería Brenes Barva – The Heredia-based favorite to win the

tournament and league

• Kolbi Liceo of Costa Rica – Considered a top challenger for the title

• Escazú

• University of Costa Rica (UCR)

• Ferretería Boston – from the southern zone city of Pérez Zeledón

• San Luis Gonzaga – Cartago based squad

• USJ ARBA – Second year team based in San Ramón, Alajuela

• Cartago – first year in top division

In the first round of games Tuesday, Barva, the favorite to win the tournament,

trounced UCR 83-57 at the UCR gym in San Pedro. In other action, ARBA crushed

San Luis Gonzaga 94 to 52 and Cartago eked past Boston Pérez Zeledon 60-59.

Escazú and Kolbi Liceo will play their first round game on March 21.

The eight teams in the tournament are grouped into two divisions of four teams

each. In the first round, teams in each division play each other twice for a total of six

games. At the completion of the first round, the top two teams from each division

advanced to the semifinals, where they will play a best-of-three series. The winners

of the two semifinal series will play a best-of-three series in the finals of the

competition. The finals are scheduled to begin the week of April 5. The second

round of games is scheduled for Friday night.

Exercise 1. Short answer. Write a brief answer to the following questions on the previous

reading on Costa Rican basketball.

1. What is the name of the basketball league tournament? ____________________.

2. When the champion of the tournament will be crowned?____________________.

3. When was the first national league created? ________________________.

12

4. When was created the Superior Basketball League (LBS)? ____________.

5. How many basketball teams does the LBS have for this tournament?___________.

6. How many divisions are created? __________________.

7. How many times do the champion team play until the end? ______________.

8. Where is the San Luis Gonzaga High School located? __________________.

9. Who is the favorite to win the league from Heredia? ____________________.

10. Where is Ferretería Boston team from? ______________________________.

11. Who is considered most likely to win? _______________________________.

Exercise 2. Free Answer. Answer the following questions according to what you think

about sports.

1. Do you like practicing sports? Which ones?

__________________________________________________________________.

2. What do you know about the relationship between practicing sports and health?

__________________________________________________________________.

3. Do you think all athletes are supported? Are some athletes more supported than

others in Costa Rica?

__________________________________________________________________.

Olympic Games

Taken from http://www.ego4u.com/en/read-on/animals/olympic

The Olympic Games, the world‘s most important sporting competition, take place every

four years. The Olympic motto is ‗citius-altius-fortius‘ (faster-higher-stronger).

Ancient Olympic Games

13

There are many legends surrounding the origins of the Olympic Games; according to one

legend, the Games were founded by Heracles (= Hercules in Roman mythology).

Historically the first Ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC. Every fourth

year, they took place in Olympia in honor of the Olympian Gods. The prizes for the

champions were wreaths from a sacred olive tree that was said to have been planted by

Heracles.

When the Romans conquered Greece, the Games were also introduced in the Roman

Empire. In 393 AD, however, Emperor Theodosius thought that the ‗pagan cult‘ could

threaten the Christian religion and therefore banned the Games ending a thousand-year

period of Olympic Games.

Modern Olympic Games

The French Baron Pierre de Coubertin is the initiator of the modern Olympic Games. He

wanted to bring nations closer together and have them compete in sports rather than fight

in wars. Thanks to the efforts of Coubertin and his supporters, the first modern Games

took place in 1896 – in Athens, the actual birthplace of the Olympics.

Coubertin‘s idea of bringing the nations closer together is symbolized in the Olympic flag:

its rings represent the five continents of the world and the colors (blue, black, red, yellow,

green, white) were chosen such that they contained the flag colors of all countries

participating in the games at the time the Olympic flag was created.

Months before the Olympics actually take place, the Olympic Flame is lit in Olympia and

relayed to the host city where, at the opening ceremony, the last runner lights the Olympic

fire. Another highlight of the opening ceremony is the parade of the competitors.

There are Olympic Summer Games, Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Games. The

Winter Games take place two years after the Summer Games. The Paralympic Games are

an event for athletes with physical and mental disabilities – they are held shortly after the

Olympic Games, at the same venues.

At the first modern Olympic Games, 245 athletes from 13 nations competed in 10 different

sports. Now more than 10,000 athletes from about 200 nations compete in 28 summer

sports and 7 winter sports. The sports on the Olympic program might change, however.

Over the years, the IOC has added new sports (e.g. beach volleyball, snowboarding,

curling) and struck out others (e.g. golf, rugby, tug of war).

The Olympic Games did not take place in 1916 due to World War I and in 1940 and 1944

due to World War II.

14

Vocabulary

Motto = A brief statement used to express

a principle, goal, or ideal

B C = before the Christian era

A D = anno domini; (used in dates to

mean after the birth of Jesus Christ)

Wreath = A ring or circlet of flowers,

boughs, or leaves

To conquer = To defeat or subdue by

force, especially by force of arms

Thought = past tense of ―think‖

To threaten = o be a source of danger to;

menace

To ban = To prohibit, especially by official

decree

Ring = A small circular band, generally

made of precious metal

To relay = An act of passing something

along from one person, group, or station

to another.

Flag =

Country = A nation or state

Lit = past tense of light = To make

luminous

Parade = An organized public procession

on a festive or ceremonial occasion

Venues = The scene or setting in which

something takes place

Exercise 1. Unique Choice. Select the option that better completes the statement. 1. The Olympic Games are:

A) ―citius-altius-fortius‖

B) a sacred olive tree

C) the world‘s most important sporting competition

D) the Olympian Gods

2. Who did ban the games after one thousand years of Olympic Games?

A) The Romans

B) The Greeks

C) The Christian religión

D) Emperor Theodosius

3. When and where did the first modern games take place?

15

A) In 1999 in Costa Rica

B) In 1896 in Athens

C) In 1986 in Greece

D) In 776 B.C. in Olympia

4. What does the Olympic flag represent?

A) The five continents of the world

B) The colors blue, black, red, yellow, green and white

C) Coubertin‘s idea of bringing the nations closer together

D) All countries participating in the games

Exercise 2. Short answer. Answer the following games according to the reading ―The Olympic Games‖.

1. What does the Olympic motto ―citius-altius-fortius‖ mean?

______ faster-higher-stronger______________________.

2. What is the name of the Baron initiator of the modern Olympic Games?

________________________________. 3. Did the Roman conquerors introduce the Olympic Games into their Empire?

___________________________________. 4. Where the Olympic flame is lit?

___________________________________. 5. Who lights the Olympic fire?

___________________________________. 6. When do the Winter Olympic Games take place?

___________________________________. 7. What are the Paralympic Games?

___________________________________. 8. How many athletes were at the first Olympic Games?

___________________________________. 9. How many nations competed in the first Olympic Games?

___________________________________. 10. How many athletes compete nowadays in the Olympic Games?

___________________________________. 11. From about how many countries the athletes come to participate nowadays?

____________________________________.

16

UNIT 2. LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF FAMOUS ATHLETES AND MUSICIANS

http://www.josephcaceres.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/chistes-musica1.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6nMt-NEgsbU/SWPSWFCE-3I/AAAAAAAAAcs/wR5eSYU0lHU/s320/Track.Runner+Silhouette.jpg

In this unit you will learn about some famous athletes and musicians from Costa Rica. You will learn about them in order to understand the cultural richness in our country. Then, you will be able to identify, describe and contrast among them. Besides, achievements and

17

bibliographies of several musicians and athletes will help you answer questions related to the musicians‘ and athletes‘ lives.

Objectives

1. To summarize information recognizing the relevant points in a reading.

2. To identify points of view of the musicians and athletes.

3. To identify and describe musicians and athletes.

4. To be able to initiate conversations on sports by asking and giving information.

5. To deduce the meaning of unfamiliar language using the context and grammatical

understanding.

6. To transfer information read to written form.

7. To write paragraphs using simple descriptive language, and referring to past, present

and future actions and events.

8. Performing simple familiar tasks that require some elementary linking of sentences

and structuring of ideas.

9. To adapt the language to deal with specific situations.

Content

Texts on the Costa Rican athletes Nery Brenes and Claudia Poll

Description of Costa Rican music.

Interview with famous Costa Rican band: Evolución

Activities

Analysis of different aspects of cultures

Comparison of characteristics of musicians and athletes

Development of knowledge on the language

Different information eliciting exercises

18

Claudia Poll (Olympic Gold Medalist)

http://www.infocostarica.com/people/claudia.html

In Costa Rica, Claudia Poll Ahrens is not only a living legend, but also the sportswoman of

the century. This twenty-seven year-old who learned to swim twenty years ago, has

earned three world records as well as several medals in the Olympics. Her fame and

accomplishments aren‘t limited to the small country of Costa Rica or even to Central

America, since she appears in known sports magazines and programs as one of the

world‘s best swimmers.

Who is Claudia Poll Ahrens the person? She was born in Managua Nicaragua on

December 21, 1972, but she acquired her Costa Rican citizenship on september 23, 1993

because of her long residence in the country. Poll started her swimming lessons in Cariari

(Alajuela) at the age of seven, and since then there has been no stopping her. She trains

for hours each day, starting before dawn, and even after achieving world records and

medals, she strives to improve her technique. Her long time trainer, Francisco Rivas, has

been responsible in large part for her success. Rivas also trained Claudia‘s sister, Sylvia

Poll, who was an impressive swimmer that obtained Costa Rica‘s first medal in the

Olympics. Claudia Poll possesses an amazonic figure, being 1.91 meters tall (6.37 feet)

and weighing 71 kilos. Apart from being blessed with an impressive body, a perfect

technique and an unyielding discipline, Claudia obtained a degree in Business

Administration and is currently working in the Administrative Department of the Cariari

Swimming Association. Claudia Poll would like to keep combining her two careers-

Business Administration and Sports- in the future, and although she‘s received numerous

job offers, she‘s taking her time to consider them.

Claudia Poll‘s brilliant career began in 1989 when she entered the ranking because of her

seven records in the Central American and Caribbean Competition. After this year, she

earned medals and broke records in Venezuela, the United States Open, and in the Pan

Pacific Competition in Kobe, Japan. The climax of her efforts came in the Atlanta Games

of 1996, where she defeated the German world champion, Franziska van Almsick, thus

winning the first Olympic Gold Medal for Costa Rica. In total, Poll has broken and


19

established three world records, the first one in Brasil (1995), the second and third ones in

Sweeden in 1997. In total, this outstanding swimmer has participated in 837 swims, 169

competitions and has obtained 621 medals and forty five trophies. Furthermore, she‘s

established 139 records- 50 national, 19 Latin American, 63 international, 3 world records

and 4 in World Cups. The numbers speak for themselves about this young athlete‘s

success.

Despite her extensive and impressive career, Poll has plans for further competitions. Poll

and her trainer plan to participate in less meets until the Sydney Olympics in 2000. This

incredible swimmer has acquired more than medals and trophies during her two decades

of dedication to this sport, since she claims that swimming has taught her many other

things: ― To have discipline, patience and constancy are all important things that I have

learned. I also learned to win, but the most important thing is that I learned to not win. My

experiences gave me the opportunity to create bonds of friendship, to travel to different

countries and to discover other cultures‖. Poll possesses an outstanding list of swimming

successes, but she‘s also lucky to maintain a mental strength and determination that

promise to yield future victories.

Vocabulary

To swim = To move through water by means of the limbs, fins, or tail

Records = The known history of performance, activities, or achievement

Medals = A flat piece of metal stamped with a design or an inscription commemorating an

event or a person, often given as an award

To train = To prepare physically, as with a regimen

Dawn = The time each morning at which daylight first begins

To improve = To raise to a more desirable or more excellent quality or condition, to better

Achievement = Something accomplished successfully, especially by means of exertion,

skill, practice, or perseverance

Career = A chosen pursuit; a profession or occupation

Ranking = A listing of items in a group, such as schools or sports teams, according to a

system of rating or a record of performance

Trophy = A prize or memento, such as a cup or plaque, received as a symbol of victory,

especially in sports

Success = The achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted

20

To learn = To gain knowledge, comprehension, or mastery of through experience or study

To discover = To learn something about

Strength = The state, property, or quality of being strong

To yield = To give forth by or as if by a natural process, especially by cultivation

Exercise 1. Long Answer. Answer with a complete statement (subject + verb + Object) the

following questions on Claudia Poll.

1. Where is Claudia from?

___________________________________________________________________.

2. Where was Claudia born?

___________________________________________________________________.

3. Who is Claudia Poll?

___________________________________________________________________.

4. How long does she train?

___________________________________________________________________.

5. Where and at what age did Claudia start her swimming lessons?

___________________________________________________________________.

6. How tall is Claudia Poll?

___________________________________________________________________.

Exercise 2. Short Answer. Answer with the most appropriate words from the reading.

1. What occupation does Claudia perform besides swimming?

___________________________________________________________________.

2. How many records did Claudia Poll have before entering the rankings?

___________________________________________________________________.

3. In which countries Claudia has earned medals and broke records?

___________________________________________________________________.

4. Where and when did she win the first Costa Rican gold medal?

___________________________________________________________________.

5. Where and when has she won other world‘s records?

___________________________________________________________________.

6. How many medals does she have obtained?

___________________________________________________________________.

21

7. How many trophies does she have been awarded?

___________________________________________________________________.

8. How many records and where does Claudia Poll have established?

___________________________________________________________________.

Exercise 3. Writing. Summarize Claudia Poll‘s bibliography in terms of achievements

(medals, trophies, awards, records, learned things, job offers). Remember to narrate

the dates and to use different verb tenses accordingly (past, present or future).

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________.

Exercise 4. Writing. Describe Claudia Poll physically, mentally and how she is

defined. Include also her place of birth, nationality, age and careers.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________.

Exercise 5. Writing. Explain what do you think of Claudia Poll?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________.

22

Compare and Contrats Transitions

http://www.eslweb.org/resources/index.php?topic=285.0

like, similar to, also, unlike, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in

contrast, in like manner, contrasted with, on the contrary, however, although, yet, even

though, still, but, nevertheless, conversely, at the same time, regardless, despite, while, on

the one hand … on the other hand.

Against the Odds: Nery Brenes

Free adaptation from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7493000.stm

Nery Brenes

Ranked between 12 and 15 in the world

Best time: 45.01 in 2007 (World record 43.18)

In action: 18th August, Olympic 400m Round 1

Nery struggled for years to get the funding to race professionally. Nery struggled for years to

get the funding to make the best of his talent. He almost gave up the sport so he could get a

job to support his family. But the government finally stepped in to give him a grant, and now

he has several private sponsors. "It's so hard here. To get money, you need to be a

superstar or something", he said. In spite of his situation, when Nery came fourth in the

World Indoor Championships in Valencia in March this year, he gave his $8,000 prize

money to deprived families from Limon. "Along with being world champion, and to help my

family, my dream is to build a school here for poor children", he said. When people got to

know where I practiced; where I'm from, they were like, 'He's got talent'. I was like the new

kid on the block. "Now, he's an idol for the kids here".

Run-down athletics track

Nery now trains full time in the Costa Rican capital, San Jose. He returns to visit the run-

down sports centre in Limon where he trained for 9 years. ―This is where I first started


23

practicing when I was 12-years-old. It was so hard. I had a lot of injuries. But then I went to

Osaka last year and I ran 45.01 and people were like, 'Who is this guy?‖ Extraordinary!

His coach, Walter Salazar, says that Nery is shorter and lighter than most 400m runners but

says he has "one of the fastest finishing kicks in the world". Since he spotted his talent five

years ago, Walter has taken charge of Nery's training program. In the run up to the

Olympics, he makes him practice two or three times a day, every day of the week. With his

Olympic test just around the corner, three of these sessions are a grueling series of 12 100

meter sprints, with a break of less than two minutes between each one.

Nery sears down his final 100 meter sprint in 10.4 seconds. His average time is about 11.4

seconds.

Vocabulary

To struggle = to be strenuously engaged with a problem, task, or undertaking

Funding = a sum of money or other resources set aside for a specific purpose

Give up = to desist from; stop

Support = to provide for or maintain, by supplying with money or necessities

Sponsor = one who assumes responsibility for another person or a group during a period

of instruction, apprenticeship, or probation

Deprived = marked by deprivation, especially of economic or social necessities

Coach = a person who trains or directs athletes or athletic teams

Fast = allowing rapid movement or action

Grueling = physically or mentally demanding to the point of exhaustion

Exercise 1. Matching. Match the sentences of the left with the words on the right.

1. Nery Brenes‘ place of birth ( ) 45.01 in 2007

2. Nery Brenes‘ coach‘s name ( ) $8,000

3. Nery Brenes‘ rank in the world ( ) Limon

4. Nery Brenes‘ sponsor ( ) between 12 and 15

5. Nery Brenes‘ prize in the World Indoor Championship ( ) 11.4 seconds

6. Nery Brenes‘ best time in a 400 meter race ( ) the government

7. His average time in a 100 meter race ( ) Walter Salazar

Exercise 2. Complete Answer. Answer the following questions from what you understood

from the reading. Paraphrase, do not transcribe.

1. Why Nery Brenes is considered the ―New kid on the block‖?

24

__________________________________________________________________.

2. Why does Nery Brenes think he was not sponsored before?

___________________________________________________________________.

3. What is the dream of Nery Brenes along with being a world champion?

___________________________________________________________________.

4. Why did he almost give up racing?

__________________________________________________________________.

5. For how long did Nery Brenes practice in Limon?

___________________________________________________________________.

6. At what age did he start practicing?

___________________________________________________________________.

7. What characteristics does Nery Brenes have in comparison to other 400 runners?

___________________________________________________________________.

Exercise 4. Writing. Write a comparison paragraph between Claudia Poll and Nery

Brenes. You can write about these and more themes: records, achievements, places

of living, efforts, time dedication, coaches‘ names, ages, experiences, rankings,

concerns. Check the Appendix to get some contrasting expressions.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________.

Exercise 5. Drawing. Draw the two athletes, Nery Brenes and Claudia Poll.

25

Nery Brenes Claudia Poll

Music of Costa Rica

Adapted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Costa_Rica

The music of Costa Rica is diverse. The National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica has

existed since the early 1900s. It offers worldwide performances as well as seasonal

concerts usually held in the National Theater, a replica of the Opera of Idaho. Often

performs giving concerts in the White House USA, to the Kings of Spain, have held

concerts with Luciano Pavarotti, the Royal family of Japan, etc. Proudly, also performs in

the regional areas and underdeveloped countries, teaching classical music. The National

Symphony Orchestra has various CD's.

Though its music has achieved little international credit, Costa Rican popular music genres

include: an indigenous calypso scene which is distinct from the more widely-known

Trinidadian calypso sound, as well as a thriving disco audience that supports nightclubs in

cities like San José. American and British rock and roll and pop are very popular and

common among the youth (especially urban youth), while dance-oriented genres like soca,

salsa, merengue, cumbia and Tex-Mex have an appeal among a somewhat older audience.

The Caribbean coast shows a strong African influence in the complex percussion rhythms

like sinkit. Like its northerly neighbors in Central America, the marimba is a very popular

instrument, and Costa Rican marimba music is very popular. In modern times, groups like

Cantares have helped to popularize Costa Rican folk music, and were a leading part of the

New Costa Rican Song movement.

Costa Rica's pre-Columbian population has contributed a large part of the country's folk

heritage; include rare musical scales, certain ceremonial songs and ocarinas. The

Guanacaste region, in the Peninsula of Nicoya, is home to the best-known folk traditions.

Along the Atlantic coast, the African musical heritage is more pronounced, and Afro-

Caribbean music like rumba, calypso and reggae are popular.

In most of Costa Rica, ancient instruments like ocarinas are being replaced by international

instruments like accordions and guitars. There are still folk styles, even outside of

Guanacaste, such as the Talamanca Canton's Danza de los Huelos and the Boruca's

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Costa_Rica

26

Danza de los Diablitos. Guanacaste is the major center for Costa Rican folk music,

especially pre-Columbian styles like the Danza del Sol and Danza de la Luna of the

Chorotega, who also popularized the ancient quijongo (a single-string bow and gourd

resonator) and native oboe, the chirimia.

In the late 1980s some local artists and bands became famous for having their own style

and original material, such as José Capmany, Café con Leche and Inconsciente Colectivo;

some of them had fans from outside of Costa Rica, like Editus, a Grammy winning

contemporary jazz ensemble. At around that time a popular Latin genre developed, chiqui-

chiqui (a mixture of merengue, cumbia and other latin rhythms along with afro-pop

influences) as it was known, led by bands such as Los Hicsos and La Banda. After losing

popularity around the 90's, chiqui chiqui has resurfaced and established itself as one of the

most popular and recognizable music among Costa Ricans, thanks in part to the release of

CD re-editions of many classic hits.

From the late 90's to present time, there has emerged a newer local rock style led by bands

such as Gandhi, Evolución, Tango India, Suite Doble, Alma Bohemia, and Kadeho, all of

which have been accepted positively by Costa Rican youths. There are Metal bands, like

Grecco, Arsenal, December's Cold Winter, Sight of Emptiness, Slavon, Eternal, Respirando

un Nuevo Día and PICHA , to name but a few. Also bands venturing into Reggae and Ska

are popular, one example is Mekatelyu and Michael Livingston.

Malpaís, a band emerging from the Guanacaste-area, is one of the central bands of the

Costa Rican rock and music scene of today, mixing traditional Costa Rican folk and Latin

music with jazz and rock and has met great success in Costa Rica and surrounding

countries.

For all the fanfare of rock, electronic or world music, Latin music is somehow the most

common music genre in some specific sectors, and visitors will find that most Costa Ricans

of certain generations favor Latin music (Cuban, Mexican and Colombian).

Vocabulary

Youth = Young people considered as a group

Ancient = Of great age; very old.

27

Folk = the traditional and typically anonymous music that is an expression of the life of

people in a community

Own = Of or belonging to oneself or itself

Exercise 1. Completion. Fill in the blanks with the words in the following chart.

Dance, Marimba, Rock and Roll and Pop, 90‘s, Pre-Columbian, African, National Symphony

Orquestra, calypso, Danza de los Diablitos, 1980‘s.

1. The original style and material of some bands started in the ___________.

2. The _______________________________ existed since 1900.

3. ______________________________ music are very popular among young people.

4. Genres such as salsa, soca, meringue and cumbia are ________ oriented.

5. The Caribbean costs show a strong ______________ influence in rhythms.

6. A very popular instrument in Costa Rica and Central America is the _____________.

7. ____________________music contributed to the folk music heritage.

8. The African heritage is pronounced in Afro-Caribbean music such as ____________.

9. The ______________________ is a good example of folk music.

10. Local rock style emerged from the ____________ to present time.

Exercise 2. Filling a Chart. Write some of the exponents (bands) of each kind of music

developed in Costa Rica.

Type of music Band or musicians

1. Classical music

2. Rock and Roll music

3. Chiqui- chiqui music

4. Reggae music

5. Jazz music

6. Metal music

7. Folk and latin music

Exercise 3. Free Answer. Answer according to tour opinion.

1. What can you do if the preferences in music are different between you and a friend?

28

__________________________________________________________________

2. You visit Boruca and the Danza de los Diablitos start. Do you participate in it?

___________________________________________________________________

3. You are in a party and only chiqui-chiqui music is played. What do you do?

___________________________________________________________________

Great exponents of national Rock and Roll music:

Evolución

Evolución

Origin San José, Costa Rica

Genres

Rock en Español

Alternative rock

Music of Costa Rica

Years active 1997 - Present

Members

Balerom (voice and guitar)

Moldo (bass)

Wash (drums)

Discography

Studio Albums

Year Album information

1997 Música Para Sentir (English: Music

to feel)

2001 Absorbiendo la Magia (English:

Absorbing the Magic)

2003 Mundo de Fantasia (English:

Fantasy World)

2004 Dígalo (English: Say It)

2005 Sentimiento Antisocial (1998 Demo

Soundalikes) (English: Anti-social feeling)

2007 Amor Artificial (English: Artificial

Love)

Evolución, (English: Evolution) a band that hails from San José, Costa Rica, started out in

1997. Their members originated in the underground alternative rock movement that struck

the country in the early 90's. They released "Musica para Sentir" (1997) their first album and

quickly caught on to the local rock festivals. An immediate fan-favorite band, they released

Absorbiendo la Magia (2001). Their break-through album "Mundo de Fantasia" (2003) was

one of the top selling albums in Costa Rica for that year. Their video for "Voy por Ella" had

huge success and great national exposure. "Digalo" (2004) helped consolidate the band's

29

fan base and exposure through several videos for this album. In 2005 released "Sentimiento

Antisocial" an album sound-alike of demos from 1995-1998. Two of the bands members,

Balerom and Moldo are now also solo artists.

Their latest album, "Amor Artificial" (2007) became the 3rd bestselling album in Costa Rica

in 2007, and it was released mid-year. This album shows a more mature band, with much

more musical diversity and great melodical tunes.

Exercise 1. Completion. Complete the following summary with words from the reading.

Evolución is a 1) _________________ band from 2)_________________ that started out in

3)_______. The members of the band are 4) ____________, 5) _____________ and 6)

_____________. Balerom is the 7) ____________ and plays the 8) _____________, while

9) ___________ plays the bass, and 10)_____________ is the drummer. The first CD is

named 11) ____________________________, it was released in 12) _________. With a

little more fame in their side, they released 13) __________________________ CD to the

public in 2001. The following album, 14) ___________________________, made them

advance in their careers. From this CD, they presented the video of the song 15)

_______________________ in 2003, making the band more exposed due to its great

success. In 2004, they made available 16) _________________________ from which they

presented some videos to the public. In 17) __________, Evolución 18) ______________

the CD called ―Sentimiento Antisocial‖ which is an album that sounds like the music they

made during the year 19) ______________. Their 20) __________ album was released in

the midst of 2007 and it was named 21) _________________________. They say this last

album is more 22) _____________ and has more 23) ______________ diversity.

Nowadays, 24) ____________ and 25) _________________ are solo artists.

Exercise 2. Free Answers. Answer the following questions according to what you know, your

likes and interests.

1. What is the best Rock and Roll band you have ever heard?

__________________________________________________________________.

2. What is your favorite type of music?

__________________________________________________________________.

3. What is the best national band you have listened to?

__________________________________________________________________.

4. What was the last concert you attended?

__________________________________________________________________.

30

5. Do you play any instrument? Which?

__________________________________________________________________.

6. Do you like to sing? Where?

___________________________________________________________________.

7. What is your favorite band?

___________________________________________________________________.

Virtual Interview to Evolución (Moldo, Wash and Balerom)

Made in the second week of March via e-mail to my persona for this anthology

1. What kind of music do you like to listen to the most? Why?

Balerom: - In life one goes through stages... a song may seem to be perfect at one moment

and out of place at another. But, I like to listen to the most music that makes me remember

my life as a child. I had very pleasing moments as a boy and of course in general, my life

has been rewarding in all its stages. I like to remember the good things life has given to me.

Moldo: - I enjoy the silence the most. This way I can listen clearly to what my head is telling

me, through music I hear in my head.

Wash: - I like to listen to all types of music; for example rock, blues, jazz, reggae, etc. In fact

I consider myself a music collector. At this moment I like listening to music from the 80's and

back. I think that most of the music that is being done today doesn't have that much feeling

as before.

2. What is it about this instrument that attracted you? Describe, please.

Balerom: -The electric guitar and the acoustic one are opposite Universes that meet, like

love and passion in a peaceful battle... pleasure is a consequence of two Universes in

harmony. Success is achieved when a feeling is released from a soul to be shared with

humanity. The guitar can express both day and night... it was something natural to me.

Moldo: - The fact that you can play rock and roll with my instrument is what attracted me. My

mother liked to listen to The Beatles, and me too.

Wash: - I am in charge of playing the drums. I chose this instrument because my brother

was a drummer too and I used to watch him play all the time. This made it a lot easier for

me. Playing drums is also a good way to leave any worries behind and definitely a good

exercise.

3. What type of music do you enjoy playing the most? Why?

31

Balerom: - I like to play original music... music with identity. Genre is not a big issue for me. I

like all genres... for me it´s more about the message, the lyrics and the reason why an artist

picks up a guitar or a microphone. Music is a media that can be used to make the world a

better place or to disguise reality.

Wash: - I enjoy playing all kinds of music because music liberates the soul.

Moldo: - Even though I like listening to all types of music I do not necessarily know how to

play all of them, for example Latin music. Rock (with all its branches) is what I usually play

and what I enjoy the most. Why? Because this is the music I grew up with.

4. Which athlete and which musician do you admire? Why?

Balerom: - I admire many athletes... each and every one of them. One athlete I admire a lot

is Laird Hamilton, one of the best surfers in the world... not only for all he has given to the

sport but also because he has always been an extreme surfer who surfs for the right

reason... pleasure! Same thing happens with music... one has to do it for the right reasons

and enjoy. More than musicians I admire brilliant minds and amazing talents. People who

have passed away and yet continue making a difference in this world.

Moldo: - I admire Tom Waits and Robi Draco Rosa, because they make the most beautiful

music. I admire Silvia and Claudia Poll because of their dedication and achievements.

Wash: - I am not that much into sports but any athlete that perseveres to reach a goal

deserves all my respect, for example Lance Armstrong.

5. Have you awarded any prize during your careers? Examples? Have you attained

other achievements? Which ones?

Balerom - The only prize that has had meaning to me in terms of my career is the one my

fans have given me... when they sing my songs, for example. More than a prize, it is a

blessing, a reward for my soul. That is what has kept me going.

Moldo: - I won the ACAM prize for best songwriter in rock, 2008, along with my band mate

Balerom, for the songs contained in the album "Amor Artificial".

Wash: - Maybe not an award but it was a big step for the band to be the opening act for the

Red Hot Chili Peppers here in Costa Rica. For me it was a literally a dream come true. That

show introduced us to a whole new audience that eventually became part of our fan base.

Vocabulary Underground = Hidden or concealed;

clandestine

32

To release = To make known or available

Break-through = To make a sudden,

quick advance

Exposure = Appearance in public or in the

mass media

Pleasure = Amusement, diversion, or

worldly enjoyment

Feeling = An affective state of

consciousness

Fact = A real occurrence; an event

To enjoy = To receive pleasure or

satisfaction from

To grow up = To become an adult

To pass away = To die

To sing = To vocalize songs or selections

Exercise 1. Completion. Complete the chart with the particularities of each member of Evolución

Favorite type of music to listen to, explain why

Why they liked their instruments

Favorite type of music to play, explain why

Athlete and musician they admire, mention why

Achievements, prizes and rewards

Balerom Music that

remembers him

as a child or the

good things in

life stages.

Because of the

pleasure gotten

from playing

instruments

that represent

2 different

things in

harmony.

Moldo

Wash

Exercise 2. Writing. Write in your own words the differences among the members of the band Evolución regarding to instruments, likes, points of view, rewards, etc. Check the Appendix on writing if necessary. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

33

UNIT 3. OPERATION OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

34

http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/sea0192l.jpg

In this unit you will learn to identify and describe different electrical appliances in English, to make suggestions, to give instructions and to ask for information about the usage of a specific appliance. http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/mba/lowres/mban2855l.jpg

Objectives 1. To initiate familiar

exchanges

2. To transfer the

information read into

written or visual form

3. To express decisions

4. To paraphrase from

readings

5. To perform tasks that

require some

elementary linking

sentences and

35

structure of ideas

6. To identify important themes, including ideas, emotions and opinions as

expressed

7. To identify main points and details in familiar contexts

8. To write paragraphs of about three/four creative sentences

Content

Common electrical appliances used in Costa Rica

How to use an iPod

Usage of electrical Appliances

Activities

Free answer

Free writing

Completion

Instruction paragraph

Connection

36

Look at the appliances in the box below. Think about which of them you have in your

house. They are electric appliances and their use is specific, but in general they make our

life easier and more comfortable. Some are household appliances, some are not.

Refrigerator, Telephone, Radio, Television, VCR (Video Cassette Recorder), Oven,

Microwave oven, Headphones, Walkman, Computer, mouse, keyboard, data traveler,

Mp3 player, CD Player, Rice cooker, Washing Machine, Laptop computer, Tape

recorder, Cassette tape recorder, HiFi/Stereo, VCD, Nintendo, Play Station, Wii, iPad,

mixer, blender, iron, flashlight, lamp, juicer, dicer, fan, stove, air conditioner, vacuum

cleaner, printer, scanner, toaster, headphones, loudspeakers, joystick, karaoke, etc.

Exercise 1. Vocabulary. Identify and write the appliances you see in the following picture.

Write the names right below each item.

http://www.fotolia.com/id/14169826

Vocabulary Mixer = batidora Blender = licuadora Iron = plancha

Vacuum cleaner = aspiradora Flashlight = foco Dicer = cortadora en cubos

Fan = ventilador Stove = cocina Speakers = parlantes Printer = impresora

Exercise 2. Vocabulary. What other appliances can you see here? Identify them and write

then name below its picture.

37

ttp://www.fotolia.com/id/14688859?by=serie

Exercise 3. Matching. Match the items of the left with the purposes of the right. So each

item goes with a purpose statement.

1. An iron ( ) warms the food by means of microwaves

2. A blender ( ) reproduces the sound loud enough

3. A stove ( ) reproduces sound, music

4. Headphones ( ) print information or pictures onto pages

5. Printer ( ) allows just you to listen to sounds from a reproducer

6. Microwave oven ( ) press wrinkles from fabrics/clothes

7. Loudspeaker ( ) mix ingredients until they are one liquidized mixture

8. Stereo ( ) provide heat (either electric or gas) to cook food

9. Telephone ( ) allows you to talk to others even when far away

How to Use an iPod?

http://hubpages.com/hub/ipod_instructions

Looking for iPod instructions? Easily learn how to use an iPod.


38

The iPod is the most popular mp3 player sold today. Yet despite what the ads would have

you think, it's not that easy to use. First of all, it does not come with a printed manual, so

the first thing a newbie would ask is "Where are the iPod instructions?"

If you're not a newbie and want to get started check out the following instructions:

Here's what you basically have to do to get your iPod working fast -

Step 1 - Download the latest iTunes version from the Apple's official site.

Step 2 - Install iTunes on your local computer.

Step 3 - Add you mp3 music library to iTunes main playlist.

If your iPod is empty and you only want to use it on one computer:

Step 4 - Connect your iPod to your computer and let it sync automatically to your new

music playlist.

If your iPod is not empty and you don't want to lose the songs you've already got installed,

look at these instructions for your iPod:

Step 4 (again) - Go to the iTunes options and change the settings for your iPod to manual.

Step 5 - In manual mode - every new song you want to from your computer to your iPod...

just drag the mp3 file from your music library onto your iPod icon and you're done!

Step 6 - don't forget to eject your iPod before disconnecting the device from your

computer.

There's so much more you can do with your new ipod. You can create playlists, add

photos and album covers, play games, rip your own CDs directly to your iTunes library...

Vocabulary Mp3 player = reproductor de mp3 Despite = a pesar de Ads = A notice, such as a poster or a paid announcement in the print, broadcast, or electronic media, designed to attract public attention or patronage Easy = posing no difficulty Newbie = One that is new to something, especially a novice at using computer technology or the Internet Download = To transfer (data or programs) from a server or host computer to one's own computer or device The latest = Something that is the most recent or current of its kind Install = To connect or set in position and prepare for use Library = A collection of such materials, especially when systematically arranged

39

Playlist = A list of musical selections for broadcast or performance Connect = To plug in (an electrical cord or device) to an outlet Sync = make synchronous and adjust in time or manner Empty = Holding or containing nothing Lose = To be unsuccessful in retaining possession of Change = To cause to be different Settings = The position, direction, or way in which something, such as an automatic control, is set Drag = o move (a pointing device, such as a mouse) while pressing down on one of its buttons File = A container, such as a cabinet or folder, for keeping papers in order Forget = To be unable to remember (something) Eject = To throw out forcefully; expel Add = To join or unite so as to increase in size, quantity, quality, or scope Rip = To copy (audio or audio-visual material from a CD or DVD) Device = computer hardware that is designed for a specific function

Exercise 1. Picture Reaction. Answer the following questions in the form of a paragraph:

What does a dog do with an iPod? What is the dog listening to? What is the favorite music

of dogs? How is the dog? And any other question that comes to your mind.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________.

Exercise 2. Free Answer. Answer the following questions according to what you think and

feel.

1. Do you know how to use an iPod?

__________________________________________________________________.

2. Do you like how technology advances?

__________________________________________________________________.

3. Do you think Costa Ricans should get an iPod? Why?

__________________________________________________________________.

4. Do you know where the iPod was created?

__________________________________________________________________.

5. What do you think of a person that does not know to use an iPod?

__________________________________________________________________.

40

Exercise 3. Vocabulary. Use the vocabulary for the use of electrical devices.

1. You can use the mouse to _____________ items from one file to another.

2. In a computer you can download music from Internet or _______ from other CD.

3. If your unplugged computer is running out of battery, you better _____________ it,

so you don‘t lose any file.

4. After the playlist has sounded, don‘t forget to _____________ the CD and store it.

Dialogue

Read the following dialogue on using an iPod. Pay attention on how the questions and the

answers are given.

Josefina – Hi Marcelo!

Marcelo – Hi Josefina! How are you?

Josefina – I am good, thanks! And you?

Marcelo – I am great! What is going on? You got a new iPod?!

Josefina – Oh, yes! But I have a problem; the guy who sold it to me did not give me any

instructions. Do you know how to use it?

Marcelo – Yes, I had my own.

Josefina – What happen with yours?

Marcelo – Guess what? It was stolen.

Josefina – I am sorry, that happens. Anyway, can you help me out?

Marcelo – Sure! What do you want to do?

Josefina – I want to include new songs into the playlist.

Marcelo – It is pretty easy. Pay attention. First you have to download the latest iTunes

version from the Apple‘s site. Second, you have to install iTunes to your computer. Do you

have a computer?

Josefina – Yes, I do.

Marcelo – Perfect! Then, you have to add your mp3 library to the iTunes main playlist.

Josefina – And after that?

Marcelo – After that depends on if you have already music in the iPod that you don‘t want

to lose or not. Do you have music already in?

Josefina – Yes, it came with a beautiful song that I don‘t want to lose. I usually just connect

it to the computer and let it sync automatically.

Marcelo – Ok, that is all right if you only want to use it on the computer.

41

Josefina – Mmm, I think I am getting it. Would you tell me more? Please!

Marcelo – Yes. After you have added your mp3 library to the iTunes list, the next step is

going to the iTunes options and change settings.

Josefina – Is that difficult?

Marcelo – Not at all. It is pretty easy. You change settings for your iPod to manual option.

Josefina – Sounds good!

Marcelo – Now, in manual mode, just drag, with the mouse, each song you want from your

computer to the iPod, from your music library to the iPod icon. And finally, very important

not to forget, is ejecting the iPod before disconnecting the device from the computer.

Josefina – Thank you Marcelo!

Marcelo – Bye bye! newbie.

Exercise 4. Writing. Write a expository paragraph in which you connect the steps for

using an iPod without losing the songs already there. Go from step 1 to step 6. The

connectors are: first, second, third, then, after that, at that time, next, and finally.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Exercise 5. Matching. Match the questions of the left with the answers of the right.

1. How can I turn on the computer if there is no electricity? ( ) Yes, it works as any other.

2. Would you tell me how this video camera works? ( ) Sure! You just have to put a coin.

3. Do you know how to call from this payphone? ( ) Try to turn it on as usual, if it has

battery it will work.

Electricity: High Voltage in Germany and Europe

Adapted from http://www.german-way.com/electric.html

If you want to bring any electrical appliances or devices from America to German or

Europe, think twice. While rechargeable electronics (laptop computers, cameras, iPods,

etc.) usually present few problems, you need to know a lot more about large appliances,

TV sets, stereos and anything else that doesn‘t run on batteries.

42

First, the standard household electrical outlet in most of Europe—including Austria,

Germany, and Switzerland—packs a wallop of 220-240 volts, twice the standard

household voltage in North America. A normal 110/120-volt electrical appliance designed

for use in the US, Canada, or Mexico will provide a nice fireworks display, complete with

sparks and smoke, if plugged into a European outlet without a voltage converter.

Second, North American and European electrical plugs are like square pegs in round

holes—literally. A German plug has two round prongs, and a German electrical outlet has,

quite logically, two round holes for a receptacle.

If you absolutely must have those US appliances or devices, it can be done, but you need

to be aware of the problems involved, as well as the pros and cons of various solutions.

Vocabulary To bring = traer Rechargeable = recargable

Wallop = golpazo Voltage = voltaje Sparks = chispas Smoke = humo To plug = conectar

Without = sin Be aware of = estar al tanto

Exercise 1. Complete Answer. Answer in your own words what you understood from the reading.

1. What is the difference in the voltage among America and Europe?

________________________________________________________________. 2. What could happen if you plug an American device into a German receptacle?

_________________________________________________________________. 3. What should you beware of if you bring large electrical appliances to Europe?

________________________________________________________________.

43

UNIT 4. COMPUTER AND TECHNOLOGY IN OUR LIVES

In this unit, you will be able to get acquainted with the use of computers, Internet and many other forms of technology that are present in our lives. You will see that technology is everywhere and that has changed human life in Costa Rica and in English speaking countries. You will learn to compare the past, the present and the future in regards to technology. Your opinions on this issue will be very important.

http://www.webcode.ltd.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/computer_drawing_small.jpg


Objectives

1. To summarize information

2. To identify main points and details of

factual texts

3. To transfer information from written

and visual form into written

44

4. To express ideas, opinions, feelings and concerns

5. To draw conclusion from extended texts

6. To identify important themes

7. To write paragraphs using simple descriptive language and referring to past,

present and future events

8. To apply grammar structures correctly

Content

What is technology?

History of some technological devices

Internet

E-mail

Developing the automobile

Artificial trees

Activities

Different elicitation exercises from readings

Writing paragraphs

Free answers

45

What is Technology?

http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/technology

According to Britannica Concise Encyclopedia, technology is the ―Application of knowledge

to the practical aims of human life or to changing and manipulating the human

environment. Technology includes the use of materials, tools, techniques, and sources of

power to make life easier or more pleasant and work more productive. Whereas science is

concerned with how and why things happen, technology focuses on making things

happen. Technology began to influence human endeavour as soon as people began using

tools. It accelerated with the Industrial Revolution and the substitution of machines for

animal and human labour. Accelerated technological development has also had costs, in

terms of air and water pollution and other undesirable environmental effects‖.

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/04/techhistory.gif


46

Think

1. How much time do you spend at your computer? How about listening to CDs or the

radio? Watching TV? When was the last time you used a microwave oven?

2. Try to imagine going through a day without these items. They all make use of

technologies developed in the 20th century.

This activity lets you go back through the century to find out when everyday items such as these first appeared in homes.

Technology at Home Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/tech/indext.html

Telephone

1900: There are over one million telephones in the U.S. at the turn of the century --

still, this works out to fewer than two phones for every 100 people. To make a call, an

operator manually plugs wires into a switchboard to connect two phones

. 1905: Almon Brown Strowger, an undertaker, develops a switching system that is

controlled by a dial on the telephone. Users can now dial directly to another phone without

the assistance of an operator. Although Bell Telephone Laboratories installs Strowger's

new system in many locations, switchboard operators are still used well into the second

half of the century.

1937: Introduced in 1937, the "300" model telephone offered a built-in bell in its

base.

1967: Telephones with push buttons and touch-tone dialing appear in homes in

selected areas around 1967.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/tech/indext.html

47

Refrigerator

1900: An icebox is used in 1900 to keep food cool. Your friendly local

iceman delivers blocks of ice several times a week.

1913: The first electric refrigerators are sold to the home market in 1913,

although their sales won't climb until the 1920s. These fridges use a motor and a

compressor to remove heat from the cabinet's interior.

1931: Freon, a gas developed by Thomas Midgley, Jr. a year earlier, is

mass produced by the Kinetic Chemical Corporation starting in 1931. Although it will later

be identified as harmful to the Earth's ozone layer, its non-toxic, non-flammable properties

make it a safe alternative to the gases used in refrigerators.

48

1995: In addition to being energy efficient (a repercussion of the 1970s

enerGy crisis), new refrigerators no longer use ozone-harming CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons,

or freon).

Television

1946: Television quickly becomes a part of American life starting around

1946. One year before, there were fewer than 10,000 TV sets. By 1950, there are 6

million. By 1960, there will be almost 60 million.

1953: NBC transmits the New Year's Day Tournament of Roses Parade in

color in 1953, but it is not until 1966 that the three networks broadcast all their prime time

programs in color. In 1972, only half the households in the U.S. have a color television.

1975: Sony's Betamax, a VCR (video cassette recorder) selling for $1300,

is introduced to the home market in 1975. VHS decks, which make their debut in 1977,

49

eventually dominate the home VCR market.

Radio

1910: Crystal radio receivers are available to the public. Manufactured by the de

Forest Radio Telephone Company, these kits are geared for amateur radio enthusiasts.

1919: The superheterodyne radio, developed by Edwin Armstrong, is

sold to the general public. The radio uses vacuum tubes to amplify and tune in signals.

1950: In response to an increasing interest in high-fidelity sound, FM

(frequency modulation), gains popularity in the 1950s. FM was perfected in 1933 by Edwin

Armstrong. The first FM broadcasts aired in 1940; by 1960, FM stations will begin to

broadcast in stereo.

1955: The Regency is introduced in 1954. The first lightweight, portable radio, it

uses recently-developed transistors instead of tubes. In 1955, Sony's popular version of

the transistor radio is made available to the public.

1980s: The 1980s see miniature AM/FM radios that are incorporated into

lightweight headphones.

Tupperware

1945: Tupperware containers become available in retail stores in 1945, but

consumers have little confidence in the plastic containers. In 1951 Tupperware products

are removed from retail shelves and instead sold through "Tupperware parties." Sales take

50

off.

Microwave Oven

1965: Microwave ovens are sold to the general public, although they won't see

widespread use until the early 1980s. Microwave ovens designed for commercial use have

been around since 1947.

1980s: The sale of microwave ovens take off throughout the 1980s. These

ovens offer digital readouts, push button controls, and turntables to help cook food evenly.

Tape Recorder

1947: Tape recorders, like the Brush model, appear in homes in 1947. These

recorders use magnetic plastic tape, which was developed in Germany in 1930.

1955: Stereo tape recorders are sold to the home market in 1955.

1963: Tape recorders using compact cassettes are introduced. Compact cassettes

offer high-fidelity sound in a small, easy-to-use format.

1980: The Sony Walkman appears in homes and on hips across the country.

Computers

1975: The Altair 8800, a build-it-yourself computer kit, appears in U.S. homes

51

in 1975. Complete with an Intel 8080 processor and 256 bytes (not kilobytes) of memory, it

can run BASIC programming language.

1977: A revolution in computing begins in 1977 when the first fully

assembled personal computer, the Apple II, is made available to the public. Within twenty

years, two out of five households will have a computer.

1989: Making use of LCD (liquid crystal displays) and ever smaller

components, laptop computers see more and more use in the late 1980s.

1994: Spurred by the introduction of Mosaic, interest in the World Wide Web

rapidly takes off starting in 1994. Within four years, an estimated 30 million people

(including you) are browsing the Web.

Exercise 1. Drawing. Draw a computer as it looks in year 2010.

52

Exercise 2. Fill the Chart. Identify the main details and the dates for each technological

device.

Item Main details during development

Telephone

Refrigerator

Television

Radio

53

Microwave

Tape

Recorder

Tupperware

Computer

54

Internet History

Adapted from http://www.livinginternet./i/ii_summary.htm

The collection of people, hardware, and software ¬- the multiaccess computer together

with its local community of users -- will become a node in a geographically distributed

computer network. Let us assume for a moment that such a network has been formed.

- J.C.R. Licklider, Robert Taylor, The Computer as a Communication Device, 1968.

Internet History

The conceptual foundation for creation of the Internet was largely created by three

individuals and a research conference, each of which changed the way we thought about

technology by accurately predicting its future:

• Vannevar Bush wrote the first visionary description of the potential uses for

information technology with his description of the "memex" automated library system.

• Norbert Wiener invented the field of Cybernetics, inspiring future researchers to

focus on the use of technology to extend human capabilities.

• The 1956 Dartmouth Artificial Intelligence conference crystallized the concept that

technology was improving at an exponential rate, and provided the first serious

consideration of the consequences.

• Marshall McLuhan made the idea of a global village interconnected by an electronic

nervous system part of our popular culture.

In 1957, the Soviet Union launched the first satellite, Sputnik I, triggering US President

Dwight Eisenhower to create the ARPA agency to regain the technological lead in the

arms race. ARPA appointed J.C.R. Licklider to head the new IPTO organization with a

mandate to further the research of the SAGE program and help protect the US against a

space-based nuclear attack. Licklider evangelized within the IPTO about the potential

benefits of a country-wide communications network, influencing his successors to hire

Lawrence Roberts to implement his vision.

Roberts led development of the network, based on the new idea of packet switching

invented by Paul Baran at RAND, and a few years later by Donald Davies at the UK

National Physical Laboratory. A special computer called an Interface Message Processor

was developed to realize the design, and the ARPANET went live in early October, 1969.

The first communications were between Leonard Kleinrock's research center at the

http://www.livinginternet.com/i/ii_summary.htm

55

University of California at Los Angeles, and Douglas Engelbart's center at the Stanford

Research Institute.

The first networking protocol used on the ARPANET was the Network Control Program. In

1983, it was replaced with the TCP/IP protocol invented Wby Robert Kahn, Vinton Cerf,

and others, which quickly became the most widely used network protocol in the world.

In 1990, the ARPANET was retired and transferred to the NSFNET. The NSFNET was

soon connected to the CSNET, which linked Universities around North America, and then

to the EUnet, which connected research facilities in Europe. Thanks in part to the NSF's

enlightened management, and fueled by the popularity of the web, the use of the Internet

exploded after 1990, causing the US Government to transfer management to independent

organizations starting in 1995.

Exercise 1. Complete Answer. Answer the following questions based on the reading but in

your own words.

1. What is Internet?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. Who created the Internet? Mention their creators‘ mayor interests briefly.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. What was the main reason why Internet was created?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

4. What caused that Internet became public (independent organizations)?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

The Internet gives rise to the World Wide Web

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dt92ww.html

The 1957 launch of the satellite Sputnik revealed the technological capabilities of the

Soviet Union, and Cold War rivalry encouraged the United States to gear up. President


56

Eisenhower established the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), an organization

including many of the nation's leading scientists. They developed the first successful

American satellite in less than two years. In 1969 ARPA began to focus on

communications technology, including computer networks, especially those that could

suffer partial outages and still work -- in a military situation, for example. ARPA

researchers were located at universities and research organizations around the country,

and in the early 1970s, the network connecting researchers at these far-flung campuses

became the ARPAnet.

In the early 1980s, local area networks (LAN) were being used in business and industry,

and other large scale networks were built using the same protocols as ARPAnet. The

National Science Foundation established the most important of these in the U.S. In the late

1980s it developed five supercomputer centers that universities and researchers could

share time on. They created regional networks to make connections to the main computer

more efficient. This created a "chain" of computers that connected each one to the center

but also to every other "link" in the chain. That connection to others in the system became

as useful as access to the main computer.

Meanwhile in Europe, researchers at CERN (the European Laboratory for Particle

Physics) were struggling with their own computer networking problems. Throughout the

system people used different techniques, protocols, and equipment, making

communication between computers very complex. In 1980, Tim Berners-Lee, a consultant

at CERN, wrote a program called "Enquire-Within-Upon-Everything," enabling links to be

made between any point in the system. Nine years later Berners-Lee wrote "Information

Management: A Proposal:" Instead of standardizing the equipment or software, they

created standards for data, and a universal addressing system. That way any document

on the Internet could be retrieved and viewed. In 1990, CERN was the largest Internet site

in Europe. Over the next year or two, the proposal was circulated and revised, resulting in

an initial program being developed that was dubbed the World Wide Web. At least one

expert has called the Web a "side effect of CERN's scientific agenda." In 1992, the World

Wide Web was demonstrated and distributed, and browser software was released

throughout and beyond CERN. That November there were about 26 reliable Web servers.

All you needed to use the Web was a browser. The early browsers were functional but not

especially "user-friendly." A young programmer at the National Center for Supercomputing

Applications (NCSA) named Marc Andreesen created a new graphical Web browser. This

was pleasing to the eye and easy to use -- just point-and-click. Users didn't need to know

57

any programming or even any Internet addresses. It also made it fairly simple for users to

add their own material to the Web. Andreesen and his coworkers called this browser

Mosaic, and released free versions for Windows and Macintosh in August of 1993. Interest

in the Web -- especially commercial interest -- exploded with the arrival of Mosaic. By

October there were more than 200 Web servers, and at the end of 1993, Mosaic was

being downloaded from NCSA at a rate of 1,000 copies per day. By June 1994, there were

1,500 Web servers.

In July 1993, there were 1,776,000 hosts in 26,000 domains; by July 1996, there were

12,881,000 hosts in 488,000 domains. In July 1996, there were 3,054 Internet service

providers and projections of Web user sessions rising to 15.79 billion in the year 2000.

"The Web reminds me of early days of the PC industry. No one really knows anything. All

experts have been wrong."

(Steve Jobs in Wired, February 1996)

Exercise 1. Writing. Write a paragraph where you summarize the origin and development

of the World Wide Web. Make use of the past tense appropriately.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________.

DARPA / ARPA

http://www.livinginternet.com/i/ii_darpa.html

Defense / Advanced Research Project Agency

DARPA's ability to adapt rapidly to changing environments and to seek and embrace

opportunities in both technology and in processes, while maintaining the historically proven

principles of the Agency, makes DARPA the crown jewel in Defense R&D and a unique

R&D organization in the world. - DARPA Over the Years, August 1997.


58

In 1957, only twelve years after publication of Arthur C. Clarke's seminal paper describing

the idea of satellites, the Soviet Union launched the first satellite, Sputnik I, beating the

United States into space. This meant that the USSR could theoretically launch bombs into

space and then drop them down anywhere on earth. The American military became highly

alarmed.

In 1958, President Dwight Eisenhower appointed MIT President James Killian as

Presidential Assistant for Science and created the Advanced Research Projects Agency

(ARPA) to jump-start U.S. technology and find safeguards against a space-based missile

attack. The US military was particularly concerned about the effects of a nuclear attack on

their communications infrastructure, because if they couldn't communicate, they wouldn't

be able to regroup or respond, thereby making the threat of a first strike by the Soviet

Union more likely.

To meet this need, ARPA established the IPTO in 1962 with a mandate to build a

survivable computer network to interconnect the DoD's main computers at the Pentagon,

Cheyenne Mountain, and SAC HQ. As described in the following pages, this initiative led

to the development of the ARPANET seven years later, and then to the NSFNET and the

Internet we know today. ARPA also funded some of the early networking research done by

Lawrence Roberts, who later became the ARPANET Program Manager.

ARPA had unique authorization and direction to make quantum jumps in technology using

any means they believed appropriate. For example, they had the unusual mandate to use

research before it had been peer-reviewed, since the peer-review process prevented

mistakes but slowed down progress. It worked -- within 18 months of its creation ARPA

developed and deployed the first US satellite.

Exercise 1. Writing. Identify the main idea of the text. Then develop it with details and

finally comment on it. Grammar is taken into account. You can use simple pattern

Subject + Verb + Object for a good writing.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

59

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Vocabulary

Network = A system of computers interconnected by telephone wires or other means in

order to share information. Also called net

Browser = A program that accesses and displays files and other data available on the

Internet and other networks

Research = Close, careful study To switch = To exchange

Wide = Extending over a great distance from side to side

Outages = A temporary suspension of operation, especially of electric power

Business = Commercial, industrial, or professional dealings

Management = The person or persons who control or direct a business or other enterprise

Peer-review = is the process of subjecting an author's scholarly work, research or ideas to

the scrutiny of others who are experts in the same field

Sending Emails

http://www.livinginternet.com/e/eu_send.htm

Reread your email before sending, spell-check, and never send an email while angry.

You can send an email in five basic actions: (1) press <ctrl>-n to create a new email, (2)

type the message, (3) enter the subject, (4) enter the addressee's email address, (5) send.

However, first make sure that you have followed the three email sending commandments:

• Reread. Always reread your email and make sure it doesn't contain anything

inappropriate that you don't mind being recorded for all time and passed on to others Many

people have mistakenly assumed that their email will remain private, with rapid and

embarrassing results.

• Spell-check. You should set your program to automatically spell-check before

sending. It is easy to make spelling mistakes when typing fast that makes your email hard

to read and understand. An email with spelling errors gives the impression that you don't

care about the addressee enough to take the time to do an automatic spell-check. You can

also activate the spell-check manually at any time with most email client programs.


60

• Be calm. Never send an email message when you're angry -- you will always regret

it later. Before widespread use of email, a person had to stay mad long enough to get a

pad of paper and pen, write a letter full of ill-advised words, find the person's address,

address the envelope, and then walk or drive to the nearest post office box. However,

there is no equivalent time buffer with email which can be sent within minutes or even

seconds of becoming angry. Remember that an email can be saved, printed, and

forwarded to others across the Internet. Be careful about leaving permanent evidence of

your temper, or you will surely find an opportunity to regret it.

Vocabulary

Spell = deletrear

Never = nunca

Angry = enojado(a)

Before = antes

Subject = tema

Commandments = mandamientos

Should (not) = (no) debería

Mistake = error

Careful = cuidadoso(a)

To forward = remitir

Exercise 1. Writing. Write in a paragraph-like form on the following themes

1. The 5 steps for sending an e-mail. Use the instruction transitions studied before

(after that, first, then, second, etc).

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

2. Explain the three commandments you should take into consideration when sending

an e-mail. Write why you should not do it and what you should do instead.

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

61

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Autonomous Cars Could Be Future of Auto Industry

Adapted from http://www.motherproof.com/lifestyle-trends/story/Autonomous-Cars-Could-Be-Future-of-Auto-Industry/

Nov 12 2008 by Sherrice Gilsbach

Technology is being developed to enable cars to drive themselves, but are we ready to

relinquish control? Ninety percent of car crashes are caused by driver error, Robert Lange,

GM‘s executive director of vehicle safety, said at a recent automotive technology

conference, Convergence 2008, in Detroit.

Autonomous cars are being developed. We already have technology that allows cars to

maneuver themselves on freeways, said Chris Urmson, assistant research professor in

robotics for Carnegie Mellon University. But the challenge is getting these cars to handle

more complex roadways and obstacles that occur in urban driving. Urmson said that even

though urban areas are more difficult to navigate, we should see cars that can drive

through these areas autonomously in the next 10 years.

But how will they do it? Basically, sensors will be placed in several areas of our cars; some

cars already use sensors for automatic cruise control, park assistance and back-up

warnings. The sensors will communicate the car‘s location and relation to other obstacles

(cars, curbs, pedestrians, etc.) to an on-board computer. This computer will be tied to the

vehicle‘s operating systems such as steering, braking and acceleration to control its

reaction to these surrounding objects. It sounds simple enough.

Would you feel more secure in a world of computer-aided driving? Do you know how many

autonomous technologies are already in your vehicle?

http://www.motherproof.com/lifestyle-trends/story/Autonomous-Cars-Could-Be-Future-of-Auto-Industry/

62

Vocabulary To enable = To supply with the means, knowledge, or opportunity To relinquish = To put aside or desist from A crash = A collision Autonomous = Not controlled by others or by outside forces; independent To cruise = To travel at a constant speed To assist = To give help or support to

Exercise 1. Short Answer. Answer the following questions.

1. How much percentage of the crashes are for human error?

_______________________________________________________________.

2. Is there already technology to allow cars to maneuver themselves? __________.

3. If so, what is the challenge of these cars?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

4. What will the new sensors do in autonomous cars?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

5. How will the inventors create the autonomous cars?

__________________________________________________________________

Exercise 2. Completion. Complete the following statements with information from the

reading.

1. Technology is being developed to ______________ cars to drive themselves.

2. _________________ cars are being developed.

3. According to Chris Urmson, we could expect to see the autonomous cars in about

_______________.

63

4. Some current cars already have sensors for _______________________________,

__________________________________ and ____________________________.

5. The autonomous car‘ s ____________________ will be tied to the operation

systems.

Exercise 3. Free Answer. Do you think drivers could relinquish control over their cars?

________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________.

UNIT 5. TRANSPORTATION, QUALITY, RENTABILITY AND USE

In this unit you will be able to predict the message of the readings, to identify

the main points of view from texts and to transfer information from them into the

written form.

64

http://www.somervillestep.org/files/cartoon_singerliterail_sm.gif

How do you think countries can reduce congestion on the roads?

Objectives

1. To predict the content of some texts

2. To identify points of view in a reading

3. To draw conclusion from the texts

4. To identify details from the text

5. To write short pieces of information to express information and opinion

Content

Introductory Questions

Means of transportation

Traveling to Montezuma

http://www.somervillestep.org/files/cartoon_singerliterail_sm.gif

65

Transportation in Costa Rica ...by Infocostarica Staff

Transit Law Stalled

Why Change from Gasoline Engines?

Activities

Comparison of the physical characteristics of means of transportation

Identifying, classifying, describing and comparing means of transportation

Discussion of possible solutions to current problems related to transportation

Introductory Questions

Adapted from http://iteslj.org/questions/transportation.html

* Are there speed limits in your country? If so, what is the average speed limit?

* At what age does the average person obtain a driver's license?

* Can you ride a motorcycle?

* Do you drive a car often?

* Do you have a bicycle?

o If so, when did you get it?

o How much did it cost?

o How often do you ride it?

o What color is it?

* Do you have a car? If not, does your family have a car?

* Do you have a driver's license? If so, when did you get it?

* Do you often ride public transportation during rush hour?

* Do you often use public transportation?

* Have you ever been in a traffic accident?

* Have you ever been stopped for speeding?

* Have you ever ridden a horse? How about a motorcycle?

* What is your favorite kind of car? Why?

* What kind of transportation do you use most often?

* What's your favorite form of transportation?

* When was the last time you rode a bus?

* Would you like to go on a cruise? Why or why not?

http://iteslj.org/questions/transportation.html

66

* Do you sometimes take a taxi (cab)?

Some useful information before reading

http://www.scribd.com/doc/18496446/means-of-transport

You can travel (to go from one place to another, as on a trip; journey)…

by bike by car by tram by train

by underground on foot by bus by coach

by scooter by motorcycle on skateboard on roller skates

by van by lorry by truck by plane

by balloon by zeppelin by helicopter

67

Traveling to Montezuma

Every time I go to Montezuma, Puntarenas, I have to use several means of transportation.

The first I use is the taxi cap service. I take a taxi for going from my house to the Coca

Cola bus stop. There, the bus to Montezuma leaves. For me, traveling by taxi is very

comfortable as the seats are usually soft and ample. But it may be expensive; I have to

pay 2000 colones from my house to the bus stop. However, it is fast traveling; I spend less

than 10 minutes getting to the Coca Cola. When I arrive to the bus stop, I have to buy the

tickets inside the Coca Cola market. They are cheap; it is such a long trip to the beach.

Then, in the bus, when I sit, I realize that my seat is not as comfortable as the taxi‘s one,

but it is not that bad. This is a new bus. It seems safer to me traveling by a new bus than

by an old one. After a short journey up to Puntarenas, I jump out of the bus to get into the

ferry. The travel on the ferry is very fresh but noisy. You can always hear the engines that

power the ferry. However, the ferry is the most reliable mean to get to the Gulf of Nicoya.

It is nice going on the ferry; it is usually clean. The restrooms, though moving, are clean

as well. After a while, at the gulf shore, all passengers must get in to the bus again in a

fast way, so the bus does not leave you there. Now, on the bus, it can get hotter than

before. The beach is near. Even when the roads may have some potholes, the view is

refreshing to the sight, especially when you get to Montezuma. It is simply marvelous!

There is no other place like Montezuma!

Exercise 1. Matching. Match the adjectives to their opposites.

1. Fast a. Uncomfortable

2. Comfortable b. Expensive

3. Safe c. Unreliable

4. Reliable d. Old

5. Cheap e. Dirty

6. Clean f. Slow

7. Quiet g. Dangerous

8. New h. Noisy

68

Exercise 2. Completion. Complete the following sentences with the adjectives that better

fit.

a. A bus is ______________, ______________, and usually ______________.

b. Traveling by taxi can be ________________ and _________________.

c. The ferry is usually ___________________ and ___________________.

d. The automobile is _______________, ________________ and _____________.

e. A trip by helicopter is ________________, _______________ and _____________.

f. The skateboard is a ________________ and ________________ mean.

g. Traveling by bicycle is _______________ and _______________.

h. Riding a motorcycle is ________________, ________________ and ___________.

i. Using roller skaters to transport can be _______________ and ______________.

j. The airplane is a ______________ and _____________ way to get to your destiny.

k. Traveling by a balloon surely is ________________ but _____________.

Exercise 3. Comparison. Use the comparative form (adjective “er than‖ … or ―more‖

adjective ―than‖) of adjectives studied. The rule is: when the adjectives are two syllable

or longer than two syllables, we use “more adjective than”, if it is one syllable, we

add “er than” to the adjective. The adjectives missing are fast, cheap, comfortable and

noisy. The first two are already made as examples.

1. Traveling by taxi is more expensive than traveling by bus.

2. Driving a car is safer than riding a motorcycle.

3. Using roller skaters is __________________________ walking on foot.

4. Taking a bus is _______________________________taking a plain.

5. Traveling by truck is ___________________________traveling by bicycle.

6. Traveling by car is _____________________________traveling by bus.

69

Transportation in Costa Rica ...

by Infocostarica Staff

http://www.infocostarica.com/general/transport.html

When I was living in the United States, during my college years, a fellow student asked me

if there were buses in Costa Rica. I felt a mixture of anger and downright disbelief, when I

thought of how much better the bus service was in Costa Rica than in the United States.

Better of course, doesn't mean that the buses are in better condition than in the U.S., but it

does mean that public bus transportation in Costa Rica is much more abundant, frequent

and cheaper. However, the bus isn't the only means of transportation that tourists can use

while they visit Costa Rica.

There are rent-a-cars in Costa Rica, in the airport, in the capital city of San Jose and other

cities and in some rural areas. Lots of these cars are four-wheel drives, but they're not

used only for rural roads, since potholes abound in main streets in major cities. Lately, the

roads have been well-marked and one can get maps and directions from the ICT (Tourism

Bureau) in downtown San Jose, under the Plaza de la Cultura. Some legal facts that a

driver and car renter should be aware of, are: driving age is eighteen and over but if you're

a foreigner, you must be 21 years old and always carry a passport; a tourist's driver's

license is valid only for three months after arrival, after which he/she has to apply for a

Costa Rican license. People who have never driven in Costa Rica before, must be

psychologically prepared to do so. Some drivers here are reckless and rude, especially in

a major city. Although the speed limit is usually 50 mph, Costa Rica holds the world's

highest auto fatality rate (18 deaths per 100,000 kms., as opposed to 2.7 deaths in the

U.S.) Driving outside of San Jose is not nearly as stressful, but one must beware of

potholes and of sharp curves, especially in mountainous regions.

Taxis, like buses, offer excellent service and they are much cheaper than in other

countries. All taxis in the cities have a meter, which you must make sure is turned on when

you enter the cab. Taxis charge more if they leave the city, so you must make sure to ask

about an approximate amount before being taken there. Buses are a good option if you

want to travel cheaply, and as I've mentioned before, they are abundant. They can get

pretty crowded sometimes, and people have to ride standing up and holding on to a rail,

but this doesn't really matter for short rides. The ICT (Tourism Bureau) will gladly give out

the information on bus schedules, fares and bus stops and major terminals. It's important

to keep in mind that buses are more crowded from Friday to Monday, since a lot of people


70

commute during the weekend. Also, luggage space is limited in most buses, and unless

they are a tourist bus, they don't have bathrooms, so don't drink a lot of liquid!

If land travelling gets a little boring, you might want to try out the aerial means. There are

some local airlines that offer flights to several locations, and they aren't that expensive.

Two local airlines are: SANSA (tel.233-53-80) and Travelair (tel.232-78-83), which is more

costly but it's more reliable when it comes to reservations. Aero Costa Sol (tel.441-14-44)

also offers trips inside Costa Rica, and sometimes to neighboring countries like Panama

and Nicaragua. If you're looking for a helicopter ride, you might want to call Helicopteros

de Costa Rica (231-65-64, 232-12-51). Remember that the country code for Costa Rica is

506, and that there's no area code, so that you just dial the country code and the rest of

the number. Going back to the planes and helicopters, most of them leave San Jose from

either the international airport, Juan Santamaria, or the local one in Pavas called the

Tobias Bolanos.

Trains are a great option for more romantic or adventuresome tourists, but unfortunately,

their service is extremely limited in Costa Rica. Since their future is uncertain, it's better to

check with two agencies that offers short tours on this means of transportation: Swiss

Travel Agency (tel.231-40-55) and TAM travel (tel.222-26-42). They usually run in the

Atlantic region of Costa Rica.

So as you can see, there are buses in Costa Rica, and plenty of them for that matter.

There are also other means of transportation like taxis, rent-a-cars, planes, helicopters and

some trains. Costa Rica might not be as advanced as other countries in many respects,

but it does offer many different and for the most part, cheap options for getting around the

country.

Vocabulary Disbelief = Refusal or reluctance to believe Adventuresome = Disposed to engage in risky activities or enterprises Unfortunately = Characterized by undeserved bad luck Boring = Uninteresting and tiresome Sometimes = At times; now and then Plenty = A large quantity or amount; an abundance

71

Exercise 1. Unique Selection. Choose the alternative that answers the question or better

complete the sentence.

1. What does the author think about the public transportation in Costa Rica?

A) That is worse than in the United States.

B) That is more abundant, cheaper and frequent

C) That buses are in better conditions than in the United States

D) That buses is the only means of transportation in Costa Rica

2. Why the majority of cars to rent are four-wheel drive?

A) Because of the potholes on the streets

B) To drive to a rural area only

C) Because the roads are not marked

D) Because there are no maps to get to a place

3. According to the author, why the foreign drivers must be psychologically prepare to

drive in Costa Rica?

A) Costa Rican drivers do not know how to drive

B) Costa Rican drivers usually do not have their licenses

C) Costa Rican drivers are rude and careless

D) Because there are many potholes and sharp curves

Exercise 2. Short Answer. Answer the following questions according to the text.

1. What other types of transportation can be found in Costa Rica, besides buses?

_________________________________________________________________

2. What three legal facts a foreign driver must take into account?

72

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

3. Which is the auto fatality rate in Costa Rica as opposed to the United States one?

Mention both.

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

4. What are the disadvantages of taking a bus?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Exercise 3. Completion. Complete the following sentences with the right word(s).

1. Taxis charge more if they leave the ____________.

2. When you get into a taxi cap, make sure the taxi driver turn on the ___________.

3. Buses are more crowded from ___________ to ______________.

4. The code area to call to Costa Rica from another country is __________.

5. If land traveling gets boring, you can try ___________ means.

Exercise 4. Free Answer. Answer the following questions according to your opinion.

* Do you have good public transportation where you live?

_____________________________________________________________________

* Is public transportation in your city expensive?

______________________________________________________________________

* If public transportation were free, would you use it more?

_______________________________________________________________________

73

* Do you think that your city government maintains the public transportation well? In other

words, are the buses and trains kept clean?

_______________________________________________________________________

* Do you feel safe when you use public

transportation? Why?

_________________________________________

______________________________

* What do you think is the most dangerous form of

transportation? Why?

_________________________________________

______________________________

* How much does gasoline cost is your country?

______________________________________

_________________________________

* Is there any environmentally-friendly

transportation in your area?

______________________________________

__________________________________

* Do you think that we ought to be obligated to

drive electrical- and solar-powered vehicles?

______________________________________

__________________________________

*What do you think about the fines for transit violations in Costa Rica?

________________________________________________________________________

Transit Law Stalled http://www.ticotimes.net/topstoryarchive/2010_02/022610.htm

By Chrissie Long Steep fines for traffic violations likely will go into effect on Monday without the reductions legislators had hoped to apply. Stiff Consequences: Motorists in Costa Rica do not want to be caught in violation of the law, especially when the new Transit Law goes into effect next week. Some call the fines exorbitant. The fines, which climb as high as $415 for attempting to bribe an officer and $300 for talking on a cell phone while driving, were first included in the law in November 2008 as a means to help deter reckless and drunk driving. But as September 2009 approached – when the fines were to go into effect – legislators began to question whether they were excessive. They agreed to delay the law's effective

74

date until March 2010 to allow themselves more time to review the sanctions and a handful of other inconsistencies in the law.

Vocabulary Steep = excessive Fine = A sum of money required to be paid as a penalty for an offense Caught = past tense of catch that means to capture Stiff = excessively high To climb = to grow in an upward direction on or over To drive = to convey or transport in a vehicle Reckless = Indifferent to or disregardful of consequences Drunk = Intoxicated with alcoholic liquor To attempt = to try to perform, make, or achieve To bribe = make illegal payments to in exchange for favors or influence To approach = to come near or nearer, as in space or time

Exercise 1. Completion. Complete the following statements with the appropriate words

from the text.

1. Some people call the fines ___________________.

2. A fine can get as high as _______________ for attempting to ___________ an

officer.

3. $300 is the fine for ______________________________________while driving.

4. Some of the high fines were included in the law as means to help detect

__________________________________________.

5. The fine for making an illegal U-turn is ________________.

6. Motorists in Costa Rica do not want to get caught in violation of any law due to the

____________ consequences.

Exercise 2. Free Answer. Answer the following questions according to your experience.

1. How can you get from your house to work?

_______________________________________________________________

2. Is there a bus that takes you to your house?

_______________________________________________________________

3. At what time does the bus to your house leave?

75

_______________________________________________________________

4. How are your co-workers transported to the workplace?

________________________________________________________________

5. What is the cheapest way to get to where your work?

________________________________________________________________

Why Change from Gasoline Engines?

Brewster,S., Davies, P. & Rogers, M. Skyline 4. Student‘s Book. MacMillan Unit 3.

Automobiles have come a long way since Carl Benz built the first practical gasoline-

powered motor vehicle in 1885.Over the first seven decades of the 20th century they

became increasingly fast, comfortable, safe and reliable. Most of them also became much

less expensive, so more and more people could afford one, new or secondhand.

By 1970 little technical improvement of automobiles seemed possible. However, by the

end of the century virtually any new car could cruise safely at 20 miles an hour faster,

using less gasoline and producing 80% less pollution than a new 1970 car. This was the

result of using new technology such as fuel injection, multi-valve cylinders, and above all,

microprocessors (or minicomputers).

But even today‘s cars produce about 50,000 kilograms of pollutants annually, mostly

carbon monoxide and ozone, and every day there are more motor vehicles. Most people

realize this is leading towards an ecological and human health disaster and some

governments have been pushing automobile manufacturers to produce clean alternatives

to the gas engine. In California, 10% of all new cars from 2003 have to be ZEVs (Zero

Emission Vehicles) and that quota will increase progressively.

The first electric ZEVs were slow, limited in range, and very expensive compared with

conventional cars, but that will soon change. The automobile industry is exploring different

technologies, and several breakthroughs are close. More new cars are sold in California

annually than in most countries, so this will have an impact everywhere. A change in the

global market will then lead to mass production and reduced cost. One day soon, your city

will be a quiet, pollution-free place and ZEVs will be better than gas-engine vehicles in

every way.

Exercise 1. Completion. Complete the following chart with the information from the reading

Gasoline Vehicles ZEVs

76

Source of energy

Level of pollution

Amount of noise

Cost

Speed

Exercise 2. Complete Answer. Answer (with appropriate grammar) the following questions.

1. What are the advantages of having an electric car?

The advantages of having an electric car are

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

2. What is the main disadvantage of buying an electric car this year?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

3. How are the cars on the 20th century compared to the one created in 1885?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

4. What was the result of using new technology in the 70‘s?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

5. What pollutants and in what quantity do today‘s cars produce?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

77

UNIT 6 NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE PROMOTION OF CONSERVATION

78

http://trendsupdates.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/water-conservation.jpg

In this unit you will be able to know about the great resources we hold in Costa Rica and

about how to preserve them. There are many problems that affect these sources of life,

but many things we can still do to save our planet.

Objectives

1. To summarize information

2. To transfer the information read to written material


79

3. To identify main points and details in readings

4. To draw conclusions from different texts

5. To produce short pieces of writing in which the convey information and opinion.

6. To initiate and develop conversations on the topic

Content

Conservation

Biodiversity in Costa Rica

President Arias Makes Peace with Nature

Environmental Issues

Activities

Reflection

Unique Selection

Completion

Short Answer

Complete Answer

Writing

80

http://www.jhecotouradventures.com/images/conservation-

money.jpg

Conservation

Taken from http://philip.greenspun.com/cr/moon/conservation

by Christopher Baker

In the time it takes you to read this page,

some 32 hectares of the world's tropical

rainforests will be destroyed. The

statistics defy comprehension. One

hundred years ago, rainforests covered

two billion hectares, 14% of the earth's

land surface. Now only half remains, and

the rate of destruction is increasing: an

area larger than the state of Florida is lost

every year. If the destruction continues

apace, the world's rainforests will vanish

within 40 years.

By anyone's standards, Costa Rica leads

the way in moving Central America away

from the soil-leaching deforestation that

plagues the isthmus. The country has one

of the world's best conservation records:

about one-quarter of the country is under

some form of official protection. In 1992,

Costa Rica received the Cantico a Todas

Las Criaturas--"Song to all Creatures"--

award given by the Franciscan Center for

Environmental Studies, based in Rome;

was one of three winners of the first

environmental award presented by the

American Society of Travel Agents; and

was named the most environmentally

conscious country in the world by the San

Francisco-based News Travel Network: in

April 1992, the National Biodiversity

Institute was also awarded the Peter

Scott Award by the International Union for

the Conservation of Nature.

Despite Costa Rica's achievements in

conservation, almost the entire country

has been deforested outside the national

parks and reserves, where deforestation

continues at an alarming rate.

Vocabulary

To defy = resist or confront with

resistance

To increase = To become greater or

larger

Apace = quickly; rapidly

To vanish = To pass out of existence

Leaching = To empty; drain

Almost = Slightly short of; not quite;

nearly

Conscious = Especially aware of or

preoccupied with

Exercise 1. Completion. Complete the following sentences with the appropriate words from

the text.

http://www.jhecotouradventures.com/images/conservation-money.jpg


81

1. Costa Rica leads the way from soil-leaching deforestation that plagues the

____________________.

2. In 1992, Costa Rica received the _____________________________ award.

3. During the time of reading Conservation, ____________________ of the world‘s

tropical rainforests is being destroyed.

4. 100 years ago, the earth had _________________of its land covered by rainforests.

5. If destruction continues apace, in 40 years all rainforests will be _______________.

6. Approximately _________________of Costa Rica‘s land is under official protection.

7. Costa Rica was given one of the three awards by the _______________________

_____________________________________.

8. And Costa Rica was called the _________________________________________

________________ by the San Francisco-based News Travel Network.

9. In 1992, it was also awarded the ____________________________________ by

the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

10. Despite Costa Rica‘s conservation inside the protected areas, ___________ the

rest of the country is being deforested.

Exercise 2. Free Answer. Answer what you think.

1. Are Costa Rican authorities really being conscious about the deforestation

increment in Costa Rica? Why?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________.

Biodiversity in Costa Rica

82

Taken from http://www.inbio.ac.cr/en/biod/bio_biodiver.htm

Biodiversity is a resource with enormous potential, both for intellectual and economic

purposes and as an instrument for a country‘s development.

The tropical zones of the American continent (Neotropics), where Costa Rica is located,

contain a greater diversity of species and ecosystems, as well as a broader range of

interactions, compared with other tropical regions of the world. Obviously, this diversity is

also much greater than that of temperate and cold regions.

With a land area of only 51.100 km2 (0.03% of the planet‘s surface) and 589.000 km2 of

territorial waters, Costa Rica is considered to be one of the 20 countries with greatest

biodiversity in the world. Its geographic position, its two coasts and its mountainous

system, which provides numerous and varied microclimates, are some of the reasons that

explain this natural wealth, both in terms of species and ecosystems. The more than

500,000 species that are found in this small country represent nearly 4% of the total

species estimated worldwide. Of these 500,000 species, just over 300,000 are insects.

The institution charged with the task of administering Costa Rica‘s biodiversity is the

Ministry of the Environment and Energy (MINAE), and more specifically to the National

System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), which is responsible for the conservation and

sustainable use of the country‘s biodiversity. SINAC has 11 Conservation Areas distributed

throughout the country and is headed by a Directorate that provides technical support.

The 11 Conservation Areas are the different regions established by MINAE to undertake a

decentralized management of biodiversity, with the active participation of the communities

surrounding the protected wildland areas. This participation is of vital importance for the

conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity at the local, national and global level.

INBio has worked very closely with SINAC since its foundation, and especially from 1998

onwards, through the INBio-SINAC Joint Program.

A little over 25% of the country‘s territory is under some category of protection, and this

percentage is increasing thanks to the support of the private sector, which has created

many private reserves dedicated mainly to ecotourism and research. This is a

conservation effort that few countries in the world have undertaken and in which Costa

Rica has invested substantial resources for the well-being of present and future

generations.

The knowledge obtained through inventories and scientific studies and their appreciation

by society, plays an essential role in ensuring the long-term conservation of the country‘s

protected areas and natural resources. Studies have been conducted to provide both basic

83

and applied information on the country‘s biological riches (what exists, where, what it can

be used for, conservation status, etc.), prepared by numerous public and private

institutions, as well as by NGOs.

During the past 5 years in particular, greater emphasis has been placed on implementing

studies that include methodologies for the evaluation of benefits provided by the protected

areas and the resources they protect; ecological tourism (ecotourism), fishing, medicinal

plants, bioprospecting and environmental service payments (ESPs) are just some

examples of the issues that have been analyzed in these terms (link to uses of biodiversity

and ―Documents of interest‖). Parallel to the economic appraisal of biodiversity that is

being carried out in Costa Rica and elsewhere in the world, public and private institutions

and organizations are supporting environmental education and public awareness

programs to contribute to a change of attitude towards Nature in society.

Costa Rica has a very comprehensive legal framework for the conservation and

sustainable use of biodiversity. This has been strengthened with the enactment of the

Biodiversity Law, approved in 1998, and the formulation of the National Strategy for the

Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity, using a highly participatory process at

the local and national levels. The National Strategy was completed and officially adopted

in 1999. The Biodiversity Law establishes that the National Commission for Biodiversity

Management (CONAGEBIO), together with SINAC, is responsible for the administration of

the country‘s natural resources.

To complement national efforts to create a legal framework for biodiversity conservation,

Costa Rica has also signed and ratified various international and regional agreements,

including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the CITES agreement that

regulates the trade in endangered species, and the Wetlands or RAMSAR Convention,

among many others.

Vocabulary

Resource = Something that can be used for support or help

Development = ct of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining

Broad (er) = Large in expanse; spacious

Range = Extent of perception, knowledge, experience, or ability

Wealth = All goods and resources having value in terms of exchange or use

Worldwide = Involving or extending throughout the entire world; universa

Throughout = n or through all parts; everywhere

84

To head = To aim, point, or turn in a certain direction

To undertake = to contract to or commit oneself to (something) or (to do something)

Sustainable = Capable of being continued with minimal long-term effect on the

environment

Research= Close, careful study

To ensure = To make sure or certain; insure

Awareness = having knowledge of

Towards = as a contribution or help to

Framework = A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way

of viewing reality

Enactment = the passing of a law by a legislative body

To sign = To approve or ratify (a document) by affixing a signature, seal, or other mark

To ratify = To approve and give formal sanction to; confirm

Agreement = Harmony of opinion; accord

Trade = commerce

Exercise 1. Unique selection. Choose the most appropriate option.

1. Costa Rica‘s biodiversity is much __________ than in __________ regions.

a) Colder, hot

b) Greater, cold

c) Colder, great

d) Hotter, cold

2. Neotropics

a) Is Costa Rica

b) Contains territorial waters

c) Is 0.03% of the planet‘s surface

d) Contains greater biodiversity

85

3. Biodiversity is

a) A wild land area

b) Tropical regions of the world

c) An economic and intellectual resource

d) A geographic position

4. Costa Rica is

a) 51.100 km2

b) 589.000 km2

c) 500,000 species

d) 25% of the country

5. The institution charged with the task of administering Costa Rica‘s biodiversity is

a) MINAE

b) INBio-SINAC Joint Program

c) CONAGEBIO

d) RAMSAR

6. How much part of the country is under some category of protection?

a) 11 conservation areas

b) During 5 years

c) 25% of the territory

d) The wildland areas

7. What provides such a variety of microclimates in Costa Rica?

86

a) The Biodiversity Law

b) the National Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

c) the National Commission for Biodiversity Management

d) Its geographic position, its two coasts and its mountainous system

8. 500,000 species are found in this small country represents

a) nearly 4% of the total species estimated worldwide.

b) 300,000 insects

c) 0.03% of the planet‘s surface

d) the National System of Conservation Areas

9. The 11 Conservation Areas are

a) the communities surrounding the protected wildland areas

b) the different regions established by MINAE

c) the local, national and global level

d) the country‘s biodiversity

10. What does it play an essential role in ensuring the long-term conservation of the

country‘s protected areas and natural resources?

a) Studies that provide both basic and applied information on the country‘s

biological riches

b) numerous public and private institutions, as well as by NGOs.

c) The knowledge obtained through inventories and scientific studies and their

appreciation by society

d) The conservation status

87

11. Costa Rica has a very ___________________ legal framework for the conservation

and sustainable use of biodiversity

a) Agreement

b) Adopted

c) Responsible

d) Comprehensible

12. Biodiversity Law establishes that

a) the CONAGEBIO together with SINAC is responsible for the administration of

the country‘s natural resources

b) the formulation of the National Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable

Use of Biodiversity

c) the highly participatory process at the local and national levels

d) the legal framework for biodiversity conservation

13. Costa Rica has also signed and ratified

a) the National Commission for Biodiversity Management

b) various international and regional agreements

c) ecological tourism (ecotourism), fishing, medicinal plants, bioprospecting and

environmental service payments (ESPs)

d) numerous public and private institutions

88

14. During the past 5 years in particular greater emphasis has been placed on

a) Studies have been conducted to provide both basic and applied information

b) The knowledge through inventories and scientific studies

c) implementing studies that include methodologies for the evaluation of benefits

provided by the protected areas and the resources they protect

d) decentralized management of biodiversity

President Arias on Making Peace with Nature

Taken from http://www.nature.org/wherewework/centralamerica/costarica/misc/art27147.html

In 1987, Costa Rican President Oscar Arias helped protect the future of the people of

Costa Rica and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work bringing stability and peace to

once strife-torn Central America. Now, he has turned his attention to another threat to the

future of his people: the dangers of environmental degradation.

A note from President Oscar Arias on Making Peace with Nature:

"Without any doubt, we are a country blessed by nature. And without any doubt, we are a

country of peace. We abolished our army in 1948, declaring peace on the world. We built

on that wise decision by spending our money on books instead of weapons, teachers

instead of soldiers, national parks instead of army bases. In my country, peace is not just a

dream. It is a way of life.

But in today‘s world, peace among people is not enough. When I returned to the

Presidency in 2006, this was clearer than ever before. As a human race, we cannot keep

the peace if we are shooting missiles of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. We cannot

keep the peace if we are creating acid rain that falls like bombs upon the Earth.

We cannot keep the peace if we are knocking down forests with tractors the size of tanks,

promoting the extinction of many species before we even give them a name. Whether or

not we come from countries at war, all of us are waging a war against our planet.

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/centralamerica/costarica/misc/art27147.html

89

Costa Rica is a small country, but it can be a great leader. Nearly sixty years ago, we

became the first nation in the world to abolish our army. Today, we seek to make history

once again by becoming the first nation in the world to protect its national wonders, on

land and under the sea, in perpetuity.

This time, we will not be leading alone. We are joined by our comrades-in-peace, all over

the world. We are joined by those who understand that Costa Rica por Siempre is not just

an investment in Costa Rica: it‘s an investment in our common home, our planet Earth.

Your help will be rewarded by the grateful hearts of my people, but also by something

even more important: safe and healthy lives for all of our children and grandchildren. If we

succeed – and we will, for we must – we will take a powerful step towards giving them a

future that is green; a planet that is safe and strong; clean air to fill their lungs; and the first

global peace that can last forever." February, 2009

Vocabulary

Once = at one time in the past

Strife-torn = in pieces due to conflict

Danger = A source or an instance of risk or peril

Doubt = A lack of certainty that often leads to irresolution

Blessed = Bringing happiness, pleasure, or contentment

To abolish = To do away with; annul

Wise = having the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; sagacious

Enough = Sufficient to meet a need or satisfy a desire; adequate

To return = to go or come back, as to an earlier condition or place

Race = Humans considered as a group

To knock down = to strike to the ground with a blow, as in boxing

Forest = A dense growth of trees, plants, and underbrush covering a large area

To wage = to engage in

To seek = to go to or toward

Wonder = One that arouses awe, astonishment, surprise, or admiration; a marvel

Army = A large body of people organized and trained for land warfare

Joined = Together so as to make continuous or form a unit

Even = to a greater degree or extent

Forever = for everlasting time; eternally

90

Exercise 1. True or False. Determine if the following sentences are true or are false

according to the reading. Write a T if the sentence is true and an F if it is false in the

blank space next to the sentence.

1. In 1987Costa Rican President Oscar Arias won the Nobel Peace Prize _______

2. Arias came back and turned his attention to another threat to the future of his

people: the dangers of societal degradation _______

3. We abolished our army in 1948 _______

4. Without any doubt, we are a country blessed by God ______

5. Arias said once ―In my country, peace is not just a dream. It is a way of life‖ ______

6. Oscar Arias returned to the Presidency in 2006 ______

7. ―all of us are winning a war against our planet‖ ______

Exercise 2. Completion. Complete the following sentences with information from the text.

1. Costa Rica por Siempre is not just an investment in Costa Rica: it‘s an investment in

our common home, our _________________.

2. ―we will take a powerful step towards giving them a future that is _____________‖

3. We cannot keep the peace if we are knocking down _________________.

4. We built on that wise decision by spending our money on books instead of

______________, teachers instead of ______________, national parks instead of

___________________.

5. In ________, Costa Rican President Oscar Arias won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Reflection. Answer the following questions in your mind according to what you have

realized about the subject.

1. Is abolishing the Costa Rican army a declaration of peace on the world?

91

2. Is Arias government really taking care about the environment?

High Court Freezes Gold Mine Project over Trees

http://amcostarica.com/102108.htm

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The controversial open pit gold mine in northern Costa Rica has suffered a new setback

because the Sala IV constitutional court froze work there to determine if the firm would be

allowed to cut down trees.

The project is being operated by Industrias Infinito S.A., the local arm of a Canadian

mining firm. The Poder Judicial made the weekend decision public Monday.

The project has generated a host of enemies whose anger now includes President Óscar

Arias Sánchez because he supports the project.

An environmental group, Preserve the Planet, in a statement Monday branded Arias as an

eco-terrorist, bad intentioned and irresponsible for having declared the project to be in the

interest of Costa Rica.

Luis Diego Marín Schumacher of Preserve the Planet said that there were endangered

trees on the site where the firm wants to put the open pit mine. The Sala IV suspended

permission granted by the Ministerio de Ambiente, Energía y Telecomunicaciones and its

Secretaria Technica Nacional Ambiental permitting the trees to be cut.

Edgardo Vinicio Araya Sibaja of the group called Asociación Norte pro la Vida brought the

case to court. An order permitting the cutting of trees on about 260 hectares (about 650

acres) showed up in the La Gaceta Friday.

The court asked the ministry to present the paperwork involved with the approval and

ordered Infinito to become a party to the case.

Infinito reported last month that it was trying to arrange funding for the project startup.

Construction had been underway since June of this year and several buildings have been

completed on site along with access road improvements, bridge installation and site

preparation, the company said. Most of the large mill components have been delivered to

the site and the project is on schedule and on budget for completion in late 2009, it added.

Some organizations have opposed the project because cyanide would be used to leech

the gold from crushed rock, and the Río San Juan is nearby.

92

The company estimates that it may recover up to 700,000 ounces of gold over the life of

the project. It has promised employment and benefits to the residents of the area, but for

environmentalists, this is the national rallying point.

In one of his first official acts, President Abel Pacheco outlawed open pit mining but later

had to back down because Infinito and its Crucitas mine already had official approval. That

was in 2002.

Vocabulary

Open pit mine = mina a cielo abierto

Setback = contratiempo

To freeze = congelar

Cut down = reducir

To support = apoyar

Environmental =ambiental

To brand = tildar

Endangered = en peligro

To show up = aparecer

Approval = aprobación

Funding = fondos

Startup = comienzo

Improvements = mejoras

Schedule = horario

Budget = presupuesto

Leech = drenar

Nearby = cerca de ahí

Ounce =onza

Employment = trabajo

Rallying = llamamiento

Gold =oro

to outlaw = ilegalizar

back down = derrota

93

Exercise 1. Reflection.

1. What is more valuable for you? Gold or nature?

2. If you were president of Costa Rica, what decision would you make?

Would you legalize this open mine pit or would you outlaw it?

Exercise 2. Short answer. Answer the following questions according to the text.

1. Why the Sala IV decided to freeze the open pit work?

__________________________________________________________

2. Which company is operating the project?

__________________________________________________________

3. Who is one of the enemies of the setback given by the Sala IV? And

why?

__________________________________________________________

4. How was Arias branded by the environmental group Preserve the

Planet? Why?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

5. What did Luis Diego Marin say about the trees in the region?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

6. The Sala IV suspended the permission for cutting trees given by ?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

7. Who presented the case to court? Why?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

8. Why some organizations have opposed to the project?

__________________________________________________________

94

9. How much gold does the company says can be recovered in its lifetime?

__________________________________________________________

10. What did President Abel Pacheco try to do but he could not? And why?

__________________________________________________________

95

UNIT 7. CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND PREVENTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

http://www.sustainableways.org/Imager.aspx?File=11688.jpg

In this unit you will be able to identify and analyze environmental problems in a general way. You will have to express your opinions as well as to ask and give

information about the topic. You will be able to give advice on the actions to take to take care of our planet.

96

Objectives

1. To understand the readings

2. To transfer the information read into visual or written form

3. To draw conclusions from extended texts

4. To identify main points and details of factual texts

5. To identify important themes including ideas, opinion and emotions

6. To use context to deduce the unfamiliar language

7. To write paragraphs in simple descriptive manner referring to past,

present and future events

8. To write an essay about natural resources

Content

Pollution and Pollutants

Sources and Causes of Pollution

Effects of Pollution

Waste Hierarchy: The three R‘s

Artificial Trees

Activities

Short Answer

Long Answer

Writing

Completion

Drawing

Filling a Chart

97

Matching

Pollution

Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollution

Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into an environment that causes

instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the ecosystem, i.e. physical systems

or living organisms. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or

energy, such as noise, heat, or light. Pollutants, the elements of pollution, can

be foreign substances or energies, or naturally occurring; when naturally

occurring, they are considered contaminants when they exceed natural levels.

Pollution is often classed as point source or nonpoint source pollution. The

Blacksmith Institute issues annually a list of the world's worst polluted places. In

the 2007 issues the ten top nominees are located in Azerbaijan, China, India,

Peru, Russia, Ukraine and Zambia.

Forms of pollution

The major forms of pollution are listed below along with the particular pollutants

relevant to each of them:

* Air pollution, the release of chemicals and particulates into the atmosphere.

Common gaseous air pollutants include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide,

chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and nitrogen oxides produced by industry and

motor vehicles. Photochemical ozone and smog are created as nitrogen oxides

and hydrocarbons react to sunlight. Particulate matter or fine dust is

characterized by their micrometer size PM10 to PM2.5.

* Water pollution, by the release of waste products and contaminants into

surface runoff into river drainage systems, leaching into groundwater, liquid

spills, wastewater discharges, eutrophication and littering.

* Soil contamination occurs when chemicals are released by spill or

underground leakage. Among the most significant soil contaminants are

hydrocarbons, heavy metals, MTBE, herbicides, pesticides and chlorinated

hydrocarbons.

* Littering

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollution

98

* Radioactive contamination, resulting from 20th century activities in atomic

physics, such as nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons research,

manufacture and deployment.

* Noise pollution, which encompasses roadway noise, aircraft noise, industrial

noise as well as high-intensity sonar.

* Light pollution, includes light trespass, over-illumination and astronomical

interference.

* Visual pollution, which can refer to the presence of overhead power lines,

motorway billboards, scarred landforms (as from strip mining), open storage of

trash or municipal solid waste.

* Thermal pollution is a temperature change in natural water bodies caused by

human influence, such as use of water as coolant in a power plant.

Vocabulary

Pollution = Contaminación

Harm = daño

Source = fuente

Spill = derrame

Release = liberación

Leakage = filtración

To litter = tirar basura por la calle

Trespass = infiltración

Noise = bulla

Global Warming = Calentamiento Global

Greenhouse Effect = Efecto Invernadero

waste = desperdicio

hierarchy = jerarquía

discard = desecho

To dump = tirar

Exercise 1. Complete Answer. Answer the following questions translating the

information above into your own words.

1. What is pollution?

99

2. When pollutants are considered contaminants?

3. Mention all the forms of pollution you can find in the text.

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

4. Which are the major producers of air pollution?

__________________________________________________________

5. How water can get contaminated by soil surface pollutants?

__________________________________________________________

6. Mention two soil pollutants you recognize from the reading?

__________________________________________________________

7. What is littering?

__________________________________________________________

8. Nuclear weapons research and manufacture produce what kind of

contamination?

__________________________________________________________

9. Where can we be affected by noise pollution?

__________________________________________________________

10. When we see Rio Azul landfill or any other, what kind of contamination

are we being exposed to?

__________________________________________________________

100

Pollutants


A pollutant is a waste material that pollutes air, water or soil. Three factors

determine the severity of a pollutant: its chemical nature, the concentration and

the persistence.

Air pollution comes from both natural and manmade sources. Though globally

man made pollutants from combustion, construction, mining, agriculture and

warfare are increasingly significant in the air pollution equation.

Motor vehicle emissions are one of the leading causes of air pollution. China,

the United States, Russia, Mexico, and Japan are the world leaders in air

pollution emissions. Principal stationary pollution sources include chemical

plants, coal-fired power plants, oil refineries, petrochemical plants, nuclear

waste disposal activity, incinerators, large livestock farms (dairy cows, pigs,

poultry, etc.), PVC factories, metals production factories, plastics factories, and

other heavy industry. Agricultural air pollution comes from contemporary

practices which include clear felling and burning of natural vegetation as well as

spraying of pesticides and herbicides.

About 400 million metric tons of hazardous wastes are generated each year.

The United States alone produces about 250 million metric tons. Americans

constitute less than 5% of the world's population, but produce roughly 25% of

the world‘s CO2, and generate approximately 30% of world‘s waste. In 2007,

China has overtaken the United States as the world's biggest producer of CO2.

In February 2007, a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

(IPCC), representing the work of 2,500 scientists from more than 130 countries,

said that humans have been the primary cause of global warming since 1950.

Humans have ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions and avoid the

consequences of global warming, a major climate report concluded. But in order

to change the climate, the transition from fossil fuels like coal and oil needs to

occur within decades, according to the final report this year from the UN's

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Some of the more common soil contaminants are chlorinated hydrocarbons

(CFH), heavy metals (such as chromium, cadmium--found in rechargeable


101

batteries, and lead--found in lead paint, aviation fuel and still in some countries,

gasoline), MTBE, zinc, arsenic and benzene. In 2001 a series of press reports

culminating in a book called Fateful Harvest unveiled a widespread practice of

recycling industrial byproducts into fertilizer, resulting in the contamination of the

soil with various metals. Ordinary municipal landfills are the source of many

chemical substances entering the soil environment (and often groundwater),

emanating from the wide variety of refuse accepted, especially substances

illegally discarded there, or from pre-1970 landfills that may have been subject

to little control in the U.S. or EU. There have also been some unusual releases

of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, commonly called dioxins for simplicity, such

as TCDD.

Pollution can also be the consequence of a natural disaster. For example,

hurricanes often involve water contamination from sewage, and petrochemical

spills from ruptured boats or automobiles. Larger scale and environmental

damage is not uncommon when coastal oil rigs or refineries are involved. Some

sources of pollution, such as nuclear power plants or oil tankers, can produce

widespread and potentially hazardous releases when accidents occur.

In the case of noise pollution the dominant source class is the motor vehicle,

producing about ninety percent of all unwanted noise worldwide.

Exercise 1. Short Answers.

1. What is a pollutant?

2. What are the three factors that determine the severity of a pollutant?

3. Which are some sources of manmade air pollution?

4. Which is one of the leading causes of air pollution?

102

5. Which are some of the principal stationary pollution sources of air?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

6. What are the data from the United States in regards to pollution?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

7. In which products can we find some of the major soil contaminants?

__________________________________________________________

Effects of Pollution


Human health

Overview of main health effects on humans from some common types of

pollution.

Adverse air quality can kill many organisms including humans. Ozone pollution

can cause respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, throat inflammation,

chest pain, and congestion. Water pollution causes approximately 14,000

deaths per day, mostly due to contamination of drinking water by untreated

sewage in developing countries. An estimated 700 million Indians have no

access to a proper toilet, and 1,000 Indian children die of diarrheal sickness

every day. Nearly 500 million Chinese lack access to safe drinking water.

656,000 people die prematurely each year in China because of air pollution. In

India, air pollution is believed to cause 527,700 fatalities a year. Studies have

estimated that the number of people killed annually in the US could be over

50,000.

Oil spills can cause skin irritations and rashes. Noise pollution induces hearing

loss, high blood pressure, stress, and sleep disturbance. Mercury has been


103

linked to developmental deficits in children and neurologic symptoms. Older

people are majorly exposed to diseases induced by air pollution. Those with

heart or lung disorders are under additional risk. Children and infants are also at

serious risk. Lead and other heavy metals have been shown to cause

neurological problems. Chemical and radioactive substances can cause cancer

and as well as birth defects.

Environment

Pollution has been found to be present widely in the environment. There are a

number of effects of this:

* Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can cause acid rain which lowers the pH

value of soil.

* Nitrogen oxides are removed from the air by rain and fertilize land which can

change the species composition of ecosystems.

* Soil can become infertile and unsuitable for plants. This will affect other

organisms in the food web.

* Smog and haze can reduce the amount of sunlight received by plants to carry

out photosynthesis and leads to the production of tropospheric ozone which

damages plants.

* Invasive species can out compete native species and reduce biodiversity.

Invasive plants can contribute debris and biomolecules (allelopathy) that can

alter soil and chemical compositions of an environment, often reducing native

species competitiveness.

* Biomagnification describes situations where toxins (such as heavy metals)

may pass through trophic levels, becoming exponentially more concentrated in

the process.

* Carbon dioxide emissions cause ocean acidification, the ongoing decrease in

the pH of the Earth's oceans as CO2 becomes dissolved.

* The emission of greenhouse gases leads to global warming which affects

ecosystems in many ways.

104

A Greenhouse

Exercise 1. Completion. Complete the following statements with information

from the reading.

1. Adverse air quality can kill many organisms including _____________.

2. _____________________can cause respiratory disease, cardiovascular

disease, throat inflammation, chest pain, and congestion.

3. Water pollution causes approximately _________deaths per day, mostly

due to contamination of drinking water by untreated sewage in

developing countries.

4. An estimated ______________Indians have no access to a proper toilet,

and _________Indian children die of diarrheal sickness every day.

5. Nearly ________________lack access to safe drinking water.

__________________die prematurely each year in China because of air

pollution.

6. ____________, air pollution is believed to cause 527,700 fatalities a

year.

7. ____________can cause skin irritations and rashes.

8. __________pollution induces hearing loss, high blood pressure, stress,

and sleep disturbance.

105

9. _____________has been linked to developmental deficits in children and

neurologic symptoms.

10. Chemical and radioactive substances can cause ________ and as well

as birth defects.

Exercise 2. Matching. Match the concepts of the left with the circumstances of

the right.

1. Pollution ( ) can cause acid rain which lowers the pH

value of soil.

2. Sulphur and nitrogen oxides ( ) can become infertile and unsuitable

for plants

3. Smog and haze ( ) reduce the amount of sunlight

received by plants

4. Invasive species ( ) is widely present in the environment.

5. Greenhouse gases‘ emission ( ) compete native species and reduce

biodiversity

6. Nitrogen oxides ( ) leads to global warming

7. Carbon dioxide emissions ( ) cause ocean acidification

8. Soil ( ) are removed from the air by rain and fertilize land

which can

change the species composition of

ecosystems.

Waste Hierarchy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waste_hierarchy

The waste hierarchy refers to the 3Rs of reduce, reuse and recycle, which

classify waste management strategies according to their desirability. The 3Rs

are meant to be a hierarchy, in order of importance.


106

The waste hierarchy has taken many forms over the past decade, but the basic

concept has remained the cornerstone of most waste minimization strategies.

The aim of the waste hierarchy is to extract the maximum practical benefits from

products and to generate the minimum amount of waste.

Some waste management experts have recently incorporated a 'fourth R': "Re-

think", with the implied meaning that the present system may have fundamental

flaws, and that a thoroughly effective system of waste management may need

an entirely new way of looking at waste. Source reduction involves efforts to

reduce hazardous waste and other materials by modifying industrial production.

Source reduction methods involve changes in manufacturing technology, raw

material inputs, and product formulation. At times, the term "pollution

prevention" may refer to source reduction.

Another method of source reduction is to increase incentives for recycling.

Many communities in the United States are implementing variable rate pricing

for waste disposal (also known as Pay As You Throw - PAYT) which has been

effective in reducing the size of the municipal waste stream.

Source reduction is typically measured by efficiencies and cutbacks in waste.

Toxics use reduction is a more controversial approach to source reduction that

targets and measures reductions in the upstream use of toxic materials. Toxics

use reduction emphasizes the more preventive aspects of source reduction but,

due to its emphasis on toxic chemical inputs, has been opposed more

vigorously by chemical manufacturers. Toxics use reduction programs have

been set up by legislation in some states, e.g., Massachusetts, New Jersey and

Oregon.

The 3Rs are categories at the top of our disposal options. They include a variety

of initiatives for disposing of discards. Generally, options lowest on the list are

least desirable.

Reduce - to buy less and use less. Incorporates common sense ideas like

turning off the lights, rain barrels, and taking shorter showers, but also plays a

part in Composting/Grasscycling (transportation energy is reduced), low-flow

toilets, and programmable thermostats.

Reuse - elements of the discarded item are used again. Initiatives include

Hand-Me-Downs, Garage Sales, Quilting, and Composting (nutrients).

107

Recycle - discards are separated into materials that may be incorporated into

new products. This is different from Reuse in that energy is used to change the

physical properties of the material. Initiatives include Composting, Beverage

Container Deposits and buying products with a high content of post-consumer

material.

Generate - capturing useful material for waste to energy programs.

Incinerate - high temperature destruction of material. Differs from Gasification in

that oxygen is used; differs from burning in that high temperatures consume

material efficiently and emissions are controlled.

Devastate - to discard into the natural environment, or to "trash" the planet.

Includes Litter, Burn Barrels, Unnecessary Vehicle Idling, and Dumping

discards onto land or into water.

Exercise 1. Complete Answer.

1. What does waste hierarchy means?

__________________________________________________________

2. What is the aim of waste hierarchy?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

3. What is one method of waste reduction?

__________________________________________________________

4. What does source reduction involve?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

5. Is it right to say that the term "pollution prevention" may refer to source

reduction?

108

6. The 3Rs are categories at the top of our disposal options. Is it right to say

that?

__________________________________________________________

Exercise 2. Fill in the Chart. Complete the chart with the missing information.

DISPOSAL OPTION DEFINITION EXAMPLES

turning off the lights,

taking shorter showers

Elements used again

discards are separated

into materials that may

be incorporated into new

products

Generate

Devastate Litter, Burn Barrels,

Dumping discards

Artificial trees: A green solution?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6374967.stm

In 2006, more than 29 billion tones of carbon dioxide was pumped into the

atmosphere. And 80% of the world's energy supply still relies on fossil fuels.

New York resident and geo-physicist Professor Klaus Lackner thinks he may

have found a way of tackling our current excessive use of fossil fuels. He has

designed a synthetic tree, a construction that mimics the function of natural

trees whereby leaves pull carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the air as it flows over


109

them. The CO2 removed from the atmosphere in this way, he believes, could be

stored deep underground both safely and permanently.

But even though Professor Lackner only advocates the use of these artificial

trees as a way of giving the world some time to come up with alternative,

"carbon-neutral" energy sources, how effective would they be in offsetting

greenhouse emissions?

Synthetic leaves

"Just like a real tree, an artificial tree would have a structure to hold it up - the

equivalent of a trunk, probably a pillar," explains the professor. "You would find

the equivalent of branches which hold up the leaves." Unlike in a real tree, he

explains, where the leaves are spread out because they have to see sunshine

for the purpose of photosynthesis, the leaves on an artificial tree could be

packed much more tightly.

Professor Klaus Lackner

Professor Lackner estimates that every tree would remove 90,000 tones of

carbon dioxide a year. "That is one of the reasons why an artificial tree can

collect much more CO2 than a natural tree," he argues. It was Professor

Lackner's teenage daughter Claire who gave him the inspiration to tackle CO2

in the atmosphere, when she was looking for a school science project.

Claire showed she could actually pull carbon dioxide out of the air by blowing it

through a solution of sodium hydroxide. Overnight, she had collected half of the

CO2 from the air blown through the solution. When CO2 comes into contact

with sodium hydroxide, it is absorbed, producing a liquid solution of sodium

carbonate. It is that liquid solution that the professor believes could be piped

away, and the time at which the CO2 could be recovered as a concentrated gas

in preparation for its final storage. Nature, of course, has its own way of storing

carbon. Once trees and other plants have absorbed CO2, the carbon is retained

in their tissues.

Todd Forrest, vice president for horticulture at the New York Botanical Gardens,

describes trees as "wonderful carbon sinks" and thinks Professor Lackner's

proposals are worth investigating, providing the technology is proven. His vision

is to have thousands of artificial trees and estimates that every single one would

110

remove 90,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year - the equivalent emissions of

20,000 cars.

But even if this is possible, could the CO2 collected be stored away forever?

Using existing oil drilling technology, channels thousands of metres deep would

be bored into the sea bed. A computer-generated image of channels drilled into

the sea bed. Carbon dioxide gas would be injected into the sea bed. The carbon

dioxide gas would be injected into it, permeating the surrounding porous rock.

At this depth and low temperature, the carbon dioxide is denser than water,

locking it in place. "It cannot rise from there to the ocean floor," says Professor

Lackner, "so it puts it away literally for millions of years." It is going to take a

great sea change in lifestyles to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to a

manageable level.

The growing number of scientists and engineers proposing large-scale geo-

engineering projects to combat these emissions say they are reluctant

advocates. Their hope is that humanity will look for and find other carbon-

neutral energy sources soon, so that we do not need to resort to such dramatic

and intrusive technological interventions.

Exercise1. Drawing. Draw 2 sceneries, one with natural trees and another with artificial trees.

Exercise 2. Complete Answer. Answer the following questions on Artificial

Trees‘ text.

1. What are the advantages of these artificial trees over the natural trees?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

________________________________

2. Is creating artificial trees the solution to Global Warming? According to

the experts‘ viewpoint? According to your point of view?

111

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

________________________________

3. What do you think is going to happen with trees in the future? Will there

be more artificial or more natural trees? Why?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

________________________________

4. Would people be happy to look at fields of artificial trees?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

________________________________

5. How do these artificial trees work? Explain in your own words.

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

________________________________________________

Exercise3. Writing. Write a short essay (1 page at least) about one of the

following questions. For more information on writing, you can always check the

Appendix.

Environmental Pollution Cause And Effect Essay Question #1

What are you doing in your life, right now, to cause environmental pollution in

your neighborhood?

112

How do you dispose of your garbage? Do you sort your recycling? How do you

get to work, to school, or into town to socialize with friends? Do you take a bus?

Do you drive a car? And what products do you use to clean your house? How

much of an impact–positive or negative–do you make on the world?


How can you reduce any negative impact you make on the world? If you throw

away your garbage indiscriminately, could you implement a recycling policy

instead? If you drive everywhere you go within your city, could you carpool or

take public transportation–or just walk or ride a bike? Could you get exercise

and help to save the planet, both? Could you join a local activist group? Could

you stop buying products from companies that pollute and choose green

alternative products instead?


What projects might your environmental action group get involved in? Who are

the major industrial leaders in your community? Who would you need to talk to

in order to get information to them or ask them for information? Is there an easy

way for you to talk to a community leader of some type, someone who has

some policy-making authority over your community‘s air and water standards?

What could you say to him that would make a difference in your community?

What could your group offer to him to help implement your environmental

solutions?


Based on these four questions: is there hope for the planet? Why or why not?

And if not–are you sure? Couldn‘t you change that answer if you wanted to?

Adapted from http://www.controllingpollution.com/environmental/environmental-pollution-cause-and-effect-essay/

113

________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

114

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

ROOTS, SUFFIXES, AFFIXES AND PREFIXES

Vocabulary Workshop

Adapted from http://www.southampton.liunet.edu/academic/pau/course/webesl.htm

Vocabulary: Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes

Most words used in the English language today were not originally English.

These words were borrowed (taken) from other languages. The majority of

English words have Latin or Greek origins. Therefore, it is helpful to know some

of these origins or "roots" of English vocabulary. It may be possible to guess the

meaning of an unknown word when one knows the meaning of its root. Knowing

prefixes and suffixes can also assist in the process.

An English word can consist of three parts: the root, a prefix and a suffix. The

root is the part of the word that contains the basic meaning (definition) of the

word. The root is the base element of the word. A prefix is a word element that

is placed in front of a root. A prefix changes the word's meaning or makes a

new word. A suffix is a word element that is placed after the root. The suffix

changes the word's meaning as well as its function (use). Prefixes and suffixes

are called affixes because they are attached to a root.

NOTE:

In the following pages you will see ALL roots, prefixes and suffixes. However,

you will only have to practice THE MOST COMMON ONES. Do NOT worry

learn them all. Just DO the practices.

http://www.southampton.liunet.edu/academic/pau/course/webesl.htm

115

Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes

http://www.betterendings.org/homeschool/Words/Root%20Words.htm

COMMON ROOT WORDS AND WORD ORIGINS

ROOTS MEANING WORD

alter other alternate, alter ego

ami, amic- love amiable, amicable

amphi both ends or all sides

amphibian

ann, enni year anniversary, annual, biennial, perennial

anthrop human, man anthropology, anthropomorphic, misanthrope

aqua, aque water aquatic, aquarium, aqueduct

arch chief, leader, ruler archangel, monarch, archaic, archenemy

arthro joint Arthritis

aud sound auditorium, audible, audiologist, audiotape

bell war belligerent, bellicose

biblio book bibliography, bibliophile

bio- life biography, autobiography, biology, antibiotic

brev short brief, abbreviate

cap take, seize capture, captivate, capacity

carn meat carnivorous, chili con carne

ced yield, go recede, secede, proceed, intercede, concession

chrom- color chromatic, monochrome, polychrome

chron- time chronicle, chronology, chronometer, synchronize

cogn know recognize, cognitive, incognito

cord/chord cord Harpsichord

corp body corpus, corpse, corporal

crac, crat rule, ruler autocrat, democracy, bureaucrat, democracy

cred believe credible, credulous, credibility, credit, credo

cruc cross crucifix, crucial

crusta shell Crustacean

crypt hidden cryptogram, cryptology, cryptic

culp guilt culpable, culprit

dei god deity, deify

demo- people demography, democracy, epidemic

dent tooth dentist, dentifrice, dentin

derm- skin dermatology, epidermis, hypodermic

dic speak, say dictate, predict, diction, indict

dox belief, opinion orthodoxy, paradox, heterodoxy

duc, duct lead induce, deduce, seduction, conduct, abduct

duo two Duo

dynam- power dynamo, hydrodynamics

ego self egotist, egomania

equ equal equal, equity, equanimity, equate, equidistant

116

fac make, do manufacture, factory, benefactor

fil threadlike filament

frater brother fraternal, fraternize

gam- marriage monogamy, polygamy, bigamy

geo- earth geopolitical, geology, geography, geothermal

glyph vertical groove Hieroglyphics—Egyptian ―sky writing‖

grad, gress step gradual, progression, transgression

graph- writing, printing graphology, biography, telegraph, geography

gym naked Gymnasium

gyn- woman gynecologist, androgynous

hemo, hema, hem blood hemophilia, hematology, hemoglobin

holo whole, entire Holograph

hydro, hydr water dehydrate, hydraulics, hydroelectric, hydroplane

iso equal, identical Isolate

ject throw inject, reject, subject, projection

jud judge judicial, judge, adjudícate

leg, lect read, choose legible, lectern, lecturer, election

liter letter literature, illiterate, literal

loc place local, location

log word monologue, epilogue

luc light lucid, elucídate

magn large magnify, magnate, magnificent

man hand manufacture, manual, manuscript

mar sea marine, mariner

mater mother maternal, maternity, matriarchy, matricide

mere part, segment Mere

meta, met behind, between metacognition—behind the thinking

metri, meter- measure geometric, thermometer, odometer

min small minority, minuscule, minute

mit, miss send permit, submission, mission, emit,

mob, mot, mov move mobile, automobile, motion, promote, movie

mon warn premonition, admonition

mor, mort death mortal, mortician, immortality

morph form, structure metamorphosis, amorphous, morphology

mut change mutant, mutability, mutate

neuro nerve neurology, neurosis, neurobiology

nomen /nomin name nominal, nominate, nomenclature

nov new novel, renovate, innovation, novella

nym, onym word, name synonym, acronym, anonymous, pseudonym

odonto tooth orthodontist—one who straightens teeth

ortho- straight, correct orthodox, orthodontist, orthopedic

pac peace pacify, Pacific Ocean, pacifist

pater father paternal, paternity, patricide, patrilineal, patriotic

path feeling, suffering sympathy, apathy, empathy, telepathy, pathology

ped, pod foot pedal, pedometer, centipede, gastropod

pel, puls push pulsate, repulsive, impulse, compel, propel

pend hang, weigh pendulum, pendant, suspend, pending

phon-, phono- sound, voice telephone, euphony, cacophony, phonograph

117

plan flat planar, plantation, plane

pneum lung Pneumatic

pod feet Podiatrist

port carry portable, transport, portage, report,

pot power potent, omnipotent, potentate

psych- soul, spirit, mind psychology, psychic, psychobiography

pugna fight pugnacious, pugilist

quer, quis ask query, inquisition,

scent, scend climb ascend, ascent

schizo, schiz division, split Schizophrenic

sci know Scientific

sciss cut Scissors

scrib, script write manuscript, scribe, proscribe, scripture

sec, sect cut dissect, section

sed, sess sit sedentary, sesión

sens, sent feel, be aware sensible, sentient

sequ, secu follow sequence, sequel, consecutive

serv serve, protect Service

simil same similar, assimilate, simile, facsimile (fax)

siphon tube Sipón

sol sun Solar

son sound sonar, resonate, unison

soph wisdom, knowledge philosophy, sophisticated, sophomore (wise fool)

spec, spic look, see spectacles, spectator, inauspicious, prospect

spir coil Spiral

spir breathe inspire, respiration, conspire, perspiration

spond, spons promise, answer for respond, responsable

spont by one's own force Spontaneous

stat stay, position Station

tang, tact touch tactile, tangible

temp time temporary, temporize

ten, tent hold tentative, tenable, tenuous

terr earth subterranean, terrain, terrestrial, disinter

theo god, deity theology, polytheism, atheist, monotheism

therm- heat thermal, thermos, thermometer

trophy nutrition, food atrophy—without nutrition

uro urine urologist

vac empty vacation, vacuum, vacuous, vacant

ven, vent come, go intervene, convene, contravene

ver truth veracity, verify, verity

vert turn introvert, irreversible, vértigo

vit life vital, revitalize, vitamin

voc call revoke, invocation, vocal, evocative, convocation

zoo animal zoo, zoology, zoolatry

118

PREFIXES

PREFIX MEANING EXAMPLES

a-, an- not, without amoral, anesthetic, apolitical, asocial

ab- away from abduction, abstain, abnormal

ad- to, toward adjoin, adjacent (lying near to)

ambi- both ambidextrous, ambivalent

ana- up, back, again analogy, anatomy, anagram

anti- against antipathy, antiwar, antisocial

apo- from, away from apology, apologize

auto- self autobiography, automobile, autocracy, automaton

bene- good benediction benevolent benefactor

cata-, cat- down, against catastrophe--a turning down

centro, centri- around, center concentric, centrifugal

circum- around circumlocution circumference, circumvent

com- with, together communal, community

con- with, together connect, confide conspire

contra- against contradict, contravene

de- down, away descend, deject (cast down)

dia-, di- through, across diameter, división

dis- apart, not disengage, discord, discomfort

dys- ill, difficult, bad dysfunctional, dysentery

e- out of, from elect (choose out of), eject (throw out)

ecto- on the outside ectoderm--outer skin

en-, em- in empathy--feeling in

endo- within, inside endoscope--instrument for observing inside

epi- upon epitaph epidermis, epicenter

eso- inward, within esoteric--more inward, esophagus

eu- well, good euthanasia--good death

ex- out of, from exhume, exhale, exodus

hetero- other, different heterosexual, heterodoxy, heterodox heterogeneous

homo- same homosexual, homogeneous, homogenized

hyper- over hypertension, hypersensitive, hyperactivity

hypo- under hypotension, hypodermic

il- not illegitimate, illicit, illegal, illegible

im- not imperfect, impolite, imposible

im- into imbibe (drink in, take in)

in- not indiscreet, invisible

in- into incorporate (take into the body)

inter- between intervene (come between), interstate

intra- within intrastate, intramural

ir- not irregular, irrational, irredeemable

macro- large macrocosm, macroeconomics

mal, male- bad, evil malediction malevolent, malnutrition

meta- beyond Metaphysical

micro- small microscope, microcosm, microeconomics

mono- one, single monologue, monotheism, monarchy, monogamy

neo- new, recent neologism, neo-liberal, neonatology. neolithic

119

ob- against object, obstruct (build against)

palin-, pali- back, again Palindrome

pan- all, every pantheism, Pan-Hellenic, panorama, pandemic

para- false paramilitary, paralegal, parachute

per- through percolate (flow through) perforate (punch through)

peri- around perimeter, periscope

phil-, philo- like, lover of philosophy, Francophile, bibliophile, philanthropy

poly- many, several polygon, polygamy, polytechnic, polytheism

post- after postgraduate, posthumous postpone

pre- before precede, predict (tell before)

pro- for, forward promote, project

pros- toward, in front prospect—view in front, something coming up

proto- first prototype, protoplasm, protobiology

pseudo false pseudonym, pseudoscience

re- again, back repeat, recede, regress (step back)

retro- back retrogression, retroactive

se- away from seduce (lead away), sucede

sub- under submarine, subject, subhuman subterranean

sur-, super- over, above superhuman, superego, superintend, surpass

syn-, sym-, syl-, sys-

with, together symphony, synonym, system, syllable

tele- distant, far off telephone, telepathy, television, telegram

trans- across transient, Transatlantic, transport (carry across)

SUFFIXES

SUFFIX DEFINITION EXAMPLE

-agog, -agogue

leader demagogue, pedagogue

-cide kill(ing) patricide, infanticide, herbicide. suicide

-ectomy cutting appendectomy, splenectomy

-ia, -y act, state amnesia, mania, democracy, anarchy

-ic, -tic, -ical, -ac

having to do with anthropomorphic, dramatic, biblical, cardiac

-ics things having to do with

optics, physics

-isk, -iscus small asterisk--a little star

-ism the belief in pacifism, terrorism, socialism, communism

-ist one who believes in pacifist, terrorist, socialist, communist

-ite one connected with meteorite, polite, cosmopolite

-logy study field of biology, geology, etymology, cardiology

-oid resembling, like-shaped

asteroid, spheroid

-or, -er one who takes part in doctor, actor, teacher, driver

-phobia exaggerated fear photophobia, claustrophobia,

120

agoraphobia

-sis act, state, condition of Analysis

Exercise 1. Matching. Match the words in B column with the words in A.

A = General Meaning B = Words

_____ again or back 1) unpopular, unkind, unhappy, unlucky

_____ before 2) biweekly, bimonthly, biannual

_____ badly or wrong 3) delete, deforestation, decentralize, decongest

_____ Remove or take away 4) preview, predict, prehistoric, prefix, preparation

_____ Not (opposite of something) 5) reply, repeat, resend, restart, reboot, remember

_____ far 6) television, telephone, telescope, telecommunication

_____ twice 7) octopus, octave, octogenarian, October

_____ One, whole, same 8) uniform, unify,

_____ eight 9) subway, submarine, subtract, subdue, subordinates

_____ Under or low 10) mistake, misunderstand, misbehave, misread,

_____ Many or more than two 11) multiple, multiply, multicolored, multilingual

http://www.esl-galaxy.com/prefix/prefixwordmeaning.pdf

Exercise 2. Matching. Match prefixes on the left to their meanings on the right.

121

.

_____ Re- 1) wrong, bad

(renew)

_____ Pre- 2) before

(preview)

_____ Mis- 3) again, back

(misbehave)

_____ De- 4) eight

(deforestation)

_____ Tele- 5) one, same, whole

(television)

_____ Un- 6) remove or reduce

(unhappy)

_____ Bi- 7) twice, (two times)

(biweekly)

_____ Uni- 8) far, distant

(uniform)

_____ Octo- 9) many, (usually more than two)

(octopus)

_____ Sub- 10) under or low

(subway)

_____ Multi- 11) no

(multiple)

http://www.esl-galaxy.com/prefix/Common%20prefix%20match.pdf

Exercise 3. Matching. Make the opposites of the words on the right by matching

them with their correct prefix on the left.

122

_____ un 1) happy, stoppable, tidy, lucky, important, unable

_____ im 2) possible, pregnable,

_____ dis 3) responsible, regular, reparable,

_____ ir 4) organized, appear, honest, agree

_____ in 5)logical , legal

_____ il 6) decisive, correct, capable

____ mis 7) understand , inform, calculate

http://www.esl-galaxy.com/prefix/Negativeprefixes.pdf

Exercise 4. Matching. Match the suffixes on the left to the explanation or function on the right _____ -able (unable) 1)

adverb making

_____ -er , -or ( teacher, doctor) 2)

verb making

_____ -ful (useful) 3) can or able to do

something

_____ -ment, - ness, - ion (movement, togetherness, information) 4)

see or range

_____ -ively (actively) 5) noun or name of

something

_____ -ive (active)

6) job, doer _____ -ate (communicate)

7) sound or audio

_____ -phone (telephone) 8) adjective or description

word building

_____ -scope (telescope)

9) full of

http://www.esl-galaxy.com/prefix/Common%20suffixes.pdf

http://www.esl-galaxy.com/prefix/Negativeprefixes.pdf

123

Appendix on Writing

Sentence and Paragraph Writing Tips http://www.word-mart.com/html/sentence_and_paragraph_writing.html

Sentence formation

Keep your sentences as clear and simple as possible. Vary them in length and

structure to keep the interest of your readers alive.

Sentence fragments

Do not write sentence fragments (incomplete sentences), unless they are part

of a dialogue. For example: I need a new book. Because the old one is torn.

(fragments) Revised: I need a new book because the old one is torn.

Parallel structure

Use the same pattern of words (parallel structure) to show two or more ideas in

a sentence.

For example: I like reading, writing, and to paint. (Incorrect)

I like reading, writing, and painting. (Correct)

Main point of sentence

When writing a sentence, the main point you are trying to put across should

preferably be in the beginning. The rest should come later. This makes your

readers understand your sentence better.

For example: It was a beautiful garden with well-kept flower beds, immaculately

trimmed hedges, and plenty of trees.

―It was a beautiful garden‖ is the main idea of your sentence, the rest is extra

information. Immediately upon reading the sentence, the reader knows what

you are saying.

Write concise sentences

Write concise sentences. A sentence should not contain unnecessary words.

For example: ―He wrote the biography of his life‖ should be written as ―He wrote

his biography‖. ―Of his life‖ are unnecessary words and can easily be removed.

124

Vary sentence openings

Vary your sentence openings. Too many similar openings in your prose make

reading tedious. Besides freshness, variety brings emphasis to the sentence.

Compound or complex sentence

Do not confuse a compound sentence with a complex sentence. A compound

sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by a coordinator. This

coordinator may either be a coordinating conjunction (e.g. and, but, or, for, yet,

so), a conjunctive adverb (e.g. therefore, however, moreover, furthermore,

nevertheless), or a semicolon. For example:

I like reading books, but my friend likes painting.

I like reading books; however, my friend likes painting.

I like reading books; my friend likes painting.

A complex sentence consists of an independent clause joined by one or more

dependent clauses. The dependent clause is always headed by a subordinating

conjunction (e.g. because, although, since, if, though) or a relative pronoun (e.g.

who, which, that). For example:

Although I like reading books, my friend likes painting.

It is my friend who likes painting.

Omit unnecessary phrases

Avoid writing phrases that add nothing to the meaning of a sentence. Either

reduce them to single words, or omit them altogether. For example:

He has no sense of responsibility.

may be written as

He is irresponsible.

Or

If you ask me, there is no need for any further discussion on the topic.

may be written as

Further discussion on the topic is not needed.

Topic sentence

125

The first sentence of a paragraph should be a topic sentence, introducing the

main idea of the paragraph.

Supporting sentences

The supporting sentences of a paragraph (the second sentence onwards)

should explain or ―support‖ the idea expressed in the topic sentence (first

sentence).

Support your paragraph

Add details and explanations of supporting ideas in your paragraph. With no

support or examples, your ideas have no strength. To help you remember to

add details, remember ‗RENNS‘ – which stands for Reasons, Examples,

Names, Numbers, Senses … all types of support:

Reason: Say why your idea is good or bad

Examples: Give proof of your ideas

Names: Use specific names, titles, etc.

Numbers: Give provable numbers

Senses: Give details that refer to our senses (sight, touch, smell, sound, taste)

Movement of supporting sentences

The supporting sentences of a paragraph should gradually move from the

general to specific qualification of the idea.

Digressions and deviations

Keep the sentences of a paragraph focused and unified in the discussion of the

topic. Avoid digressions (irrelevant details) and deviations (shifts in focus).

Paragraph length

Try to keep your paragraphs about no more than 10 sentences, or 14 lines.

Long paragraphs tend to decrease comprehension.

126

Transitional paragraphs

Write transitional paragraphs when switching between two closely related

topics, beginning with the old topic and ending with the new.

Closing sentence

The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph. It should restate the

main idea of the paragraph. But remember – do not repeat the topic sentence; if

the idea is the same, then rephrase it. Try and make your closing sentence a

‗clincher‘, leaving your reader thinking about it.

Keep to one idea

A good paragraph is one that keeps to one idea. Discuss only one idea or topic

of the subject in a paragraph. When moving on to a new idea, start a new

paragraph.

Coherent paragraph

Bring coherence to your paragraph in order to make it easily understandable to

the reader. Do this by:

1. Arranging sentences in a logical order.

2. Relating all sentences to each other.

3. Forming parallel grammatical structure.

Types of Paragraph

http://www.lessontutor.com/eescw4.html

127

There are three basic types of paragraphs in writing: narrative, descriptive, and

expository.

NARRATIVE: The narrative paragraph tells a story, just like a narrator in a play.

DESCRIPTIVE: The descriptive paragraph paints a picture. It describes a person, place, thing, or idea.

EXPOSITORY: The expository paragraph "exposes" things about a subject. It is also

sometimes called an information paragraph because it gives information about a

person, place, thing, or idea.

Learning about Writing

Kadesh, M.C., Kolba, E.D., & Crowell, S.C. (1991). Unit three Summarizing and reacting to what you have read from

Insights into academic writing: Strategies for advance students. New York: Addison-Wesley.

Before you discuss somebody‘s ideas, you must tell your reader (the professor

in this case) what those ideas are. It is important to state which particular ideas

you are discussing. One way is to quote the writer‘s exact words. Another is to

paraphrase or summarize these ideas.

Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing restates something using new words. When you paraphrase, you

include all the information in the original statement; however, you do not use the

author‘s words. A paraphrase may be a bit longer than the original because a

new term may need to be explained.

Plagiarism is copying exactly or paraphrasing someone else‘s writing without

citing (or naming) the original writer. You may use expressions such as:

―according to the author, …‖, ―Meng-tzu believed that…‖, ―Mill said that…‖,

among others.

Summarizing

When you summarize, you condense a longer piece of writing into something

much shorter. You include the author‘s purpose and the most important ideas,

but you leave out most of the supporting details unless they are necessary for

clarifying the author‘s purpose.

Supporting your Opinion

128

A good opinion statement tells your reader the conclusions you have come

about a particular subject. An opinion alone, however, is usually not enough to

convince your reader that your conclusions are accurate or that they make

sense. You must choose specific ad concrete examples to help make your point

clear and to help your reader to understand.

How to write an essay Taken from http: http://esl.about.com/cs/writing/ht/ht_essay.htm

1. Select the topic of your essay. 2. Choose the central idea, or thesis, of your essay. For example: Information technology has revolutionized the way we work. 3. Outline your essay into introductory, body and summary paragraphs. 4. The introductory paragraph begins with an interesting sentence. For example: Home workers have grown from 150,000 to over 12 million in the past 5 years thanks to the wonders of the computer. 5. After this first sentence, add your thesis statement from above. 6. Use one sentence to introduce every body paragraph to follow. For example: The Internet has made this possible by extending the office into the home. 7. Finish the introductory paragraph with a short summary or goal statement. For example: Technological innovation has thus made the traditional workplace obsolete. 8. In each of the body paragraphs (usually two or three) the ideas first presented in the introductory paragraph are developed. 9. Develop your body paragraphs by giving detailed information and examples. For example: When the Internet was first introduced it was used primarily by scientists, now it is common in every classroom. 10. Body paragraphs should develop the central idea and finish with a summary of that idea. There should be at least two examples or facts in each body paragraph to support the central idea. 11. The summary paragraph summarizes your essay and is often a reverse of the introductory paragrah. 12. Begin the summary paragrah by quickly restating the principal ideas of your body paragraphs. For example: The Internet in the home, benefits and ease of use of modern computer systems... 13. The penultimate sentence should restate your basic thesis of the essay. For example: We have now passed from the industrial revolution to the information revolution. 14. Your final statement can be a future prediction based on what you have shown in the essay. For example: The next step: The complete disappearance of the workplace.

http://esl.about.com/cs/writing/ht/ht_essay.htm

129

Appendix on Prepositions

Prepositions of place and direction

Preposition Use Examples

above higher than sth. The picture hangs above my bed.

across from one side to the other side

You mustn't go across this road here. There isn't a bridge across the river.

after one follows the other The cat ran after the dog. After you.

against directed towards sth. The bird flew against the window.

along in a line; from one point to another

They're walking along the beach.

among in a group I like being among people.

around in a circular way We're sitting around the campfire.

behind at the back of Our house is behind the supermarket.

below lower than sth. Death Valley is 86 metres below sea level.

beside next to Our house is beside the supermarket.

between sth./sb. is on each side

Our house is between the supermarket and the school.

by near He lives in the house by the river.

close to near Our house is close to the supermarket.

down from high to low He came down the hill.

from the place where it starts

Do you come from Tokyo?

in front of the part that is in the direction it faces

Our house is in front of the supermarket.

inside opposite of outside You shouldn't stay inside the castle.

into entering sth. You shouldn't go into the castle.

near close to Our house is near the supermarket.

next to beside Our house is next to the supermarket.

off away from sth. The cat jumped off the roof.

onto moving to a place The cat jumped onto the roof.

opposite on the other side Our house is opposite the supermarket.

out of leaving sth. The cat jumped out of the window.

outside opposite of inside Can you wait outside?

over above sth./sb. The cat jumped over the wall.

past going near sth./sb. Go past the post office.

round in a circle We're sitting round the campfire.

130

through going from one point to the other point

You shouldn't walk through the forest.

to towards sth./sb.

I like going to Australia. Can you come to me? I've never been to Africa.

towards in the direction of sth. We ran towards the castle.

under below sth. The cat is under the table.

up from low to high He went up the hill. http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/grammar/prepositions_place.htm

http://i.ehow.com/images/a04/eg/6m/identify-prepositions-800X800.jpg

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/grammar/prepositions_place.htm


131

Appendix on Verbs

Irregular Verbs http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwesl/egw/verbs.htm

Base Form Simple Past Tense Past Participle

awake awoke awoken

be was, were been

bear bore born

beat beat beat

become became become

begin began begun

bend bent bent

beset beset beset

bet bet bet

bid bid/bade bid/bidden

bind bound bound

bite bit bitten

bleed bled bled

blow blew blown

break broke broken

breed bred bred

bring brought brought

broadcast broadcast broadcast

build built built

burn burned/burnt burned/burnt

burst burst burst

buy bought bought

cast cast cast

catch caught caught

choose chose chosen

cling clung clung

come came come

cost cost cost

creep crept crept

cut cut cut

deal dealt dealt

dig dug dug

dive dived/dove dived

do did done

http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwesl/egw/verbs.htm

132

draw drew drawn

dream dreamed/dreamt dreamed/dreamt

drive drove driven

drink drank drunk

eat ate eaten

fall fell fallen

feed fed fed

feel felt felt

fight fought fought

find found found

fit fit fit

flee fled fled

fling flung flung

fly flew flown

forbid forbade forbidden

forget forgot forgotten

forego (forgo) forewent foregone

forgive forgave forgiven

forsake forsook forsaken

freeze froze frozen

get got gotten

give gave given

go went gone

grind ground ground

grow grew grown

hang hung hung

hear heard heard

hide hid hidden

hit hit hit

hold held held

hurt hurt hurt

keep kept kept

kneel knelt knelt

knit knit knit

know knew know

lay laid laid

lead led led

leap leaped/leapt leaped/leapt

learn learned/learnt learned/learnt

leave left left

133

lend lent lent

let let let

lie lay lain

light lighted/lit lighted

lose lost lost

make made made

mean meant meant

meet met met

misspell misspelled/misspelt misspelled/misspelt

mistake mistook mistaken

mow mowed mowed/mown

overcome overcame overcome

overdo overdid overdone

overtake overtook overtaken

overthrow overthrew overthrown

pay paid paid

plead pled pled

prove proved proved/proven

put put put

quit quit quit

read read read

rid rid rid

ride rode ridden

ring rang rung

rise rose risen

run ran run

saw sawed sawed/sawn

say said said

see saw seen

seek sought sought

sell sold sold

send sent sent

set set set

sew sewed sewed/sewn

shake shook shaken

shave shaved shaved/shaven

shear shore shorn

shed shed shed

shine shone shone

shoe shoed shoed/shod

134

shoot shot shot

show showed showed/shown

shrink shrank shrunk

shut shut shut

sing sang sung

sink sank sunk

sit sat sat

sleep slept slept

slay slew slain

slide slid slid

sling slung slung

slit slit slit

smite smote smitten

sow sowed sowed/sown

speak spoke spoken

speed sped sped

spend spent spent

spill spilled/spilt spilled/spilt

spin spun spun

spit spit/spat spit

split split split

spread spread spread

spring sprang/sprung sprung

stand stood stood

steal stole stolen

stick stuck stuck

sting stung stung

stink stank stunk

stride strod stridden

strike struck struck

string strung strung

strive strove striven

swear swore sworn

sweep swept swept

swell swelled swelled/swollen

swim swam swum

swing swung swung

take took taken

teach taught taught

tear tore torn

135

NOTES: For the REGULAR verbs in the SIMPLE PAST, you just have to add the __ED at the end of the verb. For making the SIMPLE FUTURE, just add the modal WILL before the simple form of the verb. For the SIMPLE PRESENT, just remember to add an S at the end of the verb if the verb

is carried out by SHE, HE or IT.

tell told told

think thought thought

thrive thrived/throve thrived

throw threw thrown

thrust thrust thrust

tread trod trodden

understand understood understood

uphold upheld upheld

upset upset upset

wake woke woken

wear wore worn

weave weaved/wove weaved/woven

wed wed wed

weep wept wept

wind wound Wound

win won Won

withhold withheld Withheld

withstand withstood Withstood

wring wrung Wrung

write wrote written

136

Answer Key

UNIT 1.SPORTS AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES

―Different Sports‘ Chart‖

Exercise 1. Completion

1. Hockey

2. Soccer

3. Volleyball

4. Basketball

5. Table tennis

6. Golf

― Soccer‖

Exercise 1. Long Answer.

1. Because the ball is advanced with the feet (plural of foot). Football is the

other name. English call it footy, footie, footer.

2. Hitting the ball only with the feet for this to cross the goal line between

the posts and the crossbar.

3. The game lasts 90 minutes the total.

4. Except for the goalie and at throw-ins, players cannot touch the ball with

their arms or hands.

Exercise 2. Matching.

4,

2,

1,

3.

Exercise 3. Free Answer.

1. Yes or no. Mentioning a specific match up.

Exercise 4. Creation. ―any sport” stands for any sport.

1. Do you like playing any sport?

2. Are you a good any sport player?

137

3. Are you good at any sport?

4. Do you know how to play any sport?

5. Have you ever played any sport?

6. What do you think of any sport?

7. Which do you prefer, any sport or any sport?

Exercise 5. Short Answer

1. Any sport

2. Any soccer player

3. The name of any athlete

4. Yes or no.

Exercise 6. Writing.

Any kind of paragraph that tells about the name, the origin, the players, the goal

or objective, the rules and the time on playing soccer would be ok.

―Leisure Activities‖

Exercise 1. Free Writing.

The student is expected to write a general idea of their likes as the main

sentence. Then move to the specific activities, providing examples of what they

will do and then state the reason of doing them as a conclusion. The correct use

of the auxiliary WILL to show the future is a plus.

―Costa Rica's Basketball Season Tips Off‖

Exercise1. Short Answer.

1. Torneo de Copa

2. The first week of April

3. In 1975

4. In 2005

5. 8 teams

6. Two

7. 8 times

8. In Cartago

9. The Ferretería Brenes Barva

10. Pérez Zeledón

11. Kolbi Liceo of Costa Rica

138


1. Yes or no. Mention some sports if the answer is affirmative.

2. Mention any data if they know it. In general practicing sports is good for

your health (heart blood pressure, circulation, endorphins, physical

condition, well-being, stress, etc)

3. Yes or no. Yes or no.

―Olympic Games‖

Exercise 1. Unique Choice.

1. C

2. D

3. B

4. A

Exercise 2. Short Answer.

1. Faster, higher, stronger

2. Pierre de Coubertin

3. Yes, they did.

4. In Olympia

5. The last runner

6. two years after the Summer Games

7. an event for athletes with physical and mental disabilities

8. 245 athletes

9. 13 nations

10. more than 10,000 athletes

11. 200 nations

UNIT 2. LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF FAMOUS ATHLETES

AND MUSICIANS

“Claudia Poll (Olympic Gold Medalist)”


139

1. Claudia Poll is from Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

2. She was born in Nicaragua.

3. She is not only a living legend, but also the sportswoman of the century.

4. She trains for hours, starting before dawn.

5. She started at the age of seven.

6. She is 1.91 meters tall (6.37 feet).


1. Business Administration

2. Seven records

3. In Venezuela, the United States Open, and in the Pan Pacific

Competition in Kobe, Japan

4. In the Atlanta Games of 1996.

5. In Brazil and Sweden.

6. 621 medals.

7. 45 trophies.

8. 139 records -- 50 national, 19 Latin American, 63 international, 3 world

records and 4 in World Cups.


Summary of Claudia Poll‘s bibliography in terms of achievements (medals,

trophies, awards, records, learned things, job offers). Students have to write

the dates and to use different verb tenses accordingly (past, present or

future).

Exercise 4. Descriptive Writing.

Description of Claudia Poll physically, mentally and how she is defined,

including her place of birth, nationality, age and careers.


Whatever the student thinks of Claudia Poll is ok.

140


Students should compare Claudia Poll to any other athlete in terms of achievements.

―Against the Odds: Nery Brenes‖


6, 5, 1, 3, 7, 4, 2.


1. Because of the place he practiced in Limón

2. Because he was not a superstar.

3. To build a school for poor children

4. Because he had to get a job to support his family

5. During 9 years.

6. At 12 years old

7. He has "one of the fastest finishing kicks in the world".


Correct if the student use the information and the comparison and contrast

expressions.

Exercise 5. Drawing.

Drawings that represent the two athletes are fine.

―Music of Costa Rica‖


1. 1980‘s

2. National Symphony Orquestra

3. Rock and Roll and Pop

4. Dance

5. African

6. Marimba

7. Pre-Columbian

8. Calypso

9. Danza de los Diablitos

10. 90‘s

141

Exercise 2. Filling a Chart

1. The National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica

2. Gandhi, Evolución, Tango India, Suite Doble, Alma Bohemia, and Kadeho

3. Los Hicsos and La Banda

4. Mekatelyu and Michael Livingston

5. Editus

6. Grecco, Arsenal, December's Cold Winter, Sight of Emptiness, Slavon,

Eternal, Respirando un Nuevo Día and PICHA

7. Cantares


All three answers should portrait personal opinions.

―Great exponents of national Rock and Roll music: Evolución‖

Exercise 1. Completion.

1) Rock and roll

2) San José

3) 1997

4) Balerom

5) Moldo

6) Wash

7) Singer or Voice

8) Guitar

9) Moldo

10) Wash

11) Música Para Sentir

12) 1997

13) Absorbiendo la Magia

14) Mundo de Fantasia

15) Voy por Ella

16) Dígalo

17) 2005

142

18) Releases

19) 1998

20) Last

21) Amor Artificial

22) Musically Diverse

23) Melodical

24) Balerom

25) Moldo


1. Any Rock and Roll band

2. Any type of music

3. Any national band

4. Any band

5. Yes or no, if yes, any instrument

6. Yes or no, a place

7. Any band or musician

―Virtual Interview to Evolución (Moldo, Wash and Balerom)‖


Favorite

type of

music to

listen to,

explain

why

Why they

liked their

instruments

Favorite

type of

music

to play,

explain

why

Athlete and

musician

they admire,

mention why

Achievements,

prizes and

rewards

Balerom Music

that

remembers

him as a

child or

the good

Because of

the pleasure

gotten from

playing

instruments

that represent

Original

music,

music

with

identity.

Genre is

Every one of

them. For

example

Laird

Hamilton who

surfs for

The one that

has meaning

for him is the

one fans give

them every

time they sing

143

things in

life stages.

2 different

things in

harmony.

not a big

issue.

pleasure. And

any musician

that makes a

difference in

this world

with a brilliant

mind.

their songs.

Moldo He enjoys

the

silence

the most,

so this

way he

can hear

his head.

The fact that

rock and roll

music can

be played

with his bass

is what

attracted

him.

All kinds

of

music. It

liberates

his soul.

Tom Waits

and Robi

Draco Rosa,

because they

make the

most

beautiful

music. And

he admires

Silvia and

Claudia Poll

because of

their

dedication

and

achievements

He won the

ACAM prize for

best songwriter

in rock, 2008,

along with

Balerom, for

the songs

contained in the

album "Amor

Artificial".

Wash All types

of music.

He is a

music

collector.

Right

now, he is

listening

to the

80‘s and

Playing

drums is a

good way to

leave the

worries

behind and

because it is

a good

exercise.

He likes

all kinds

of music

but

rather

play

rock and

roll

because

that is

Any athlete

that

perseveres to

reach a goal

deserves all

his respect,

for example

Lance

Armstrong.

Maybe not an

award but a big

step for the

band. The

opening act for

the Red Hot

Chili Peppers

here in Costa

Rica, a dream

come true and

144

back. the

music

he grew

up with.

an introduction

to a new

audience.


Any comparative written production in their own words that remarks the

differences among the members of the band Evolución regarding to instruments,

likes, points of view, rewards, etc.

UNIT 3. OPERATION OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Exercise 1. Vocabulary.

Line 1 = a washing machine, a coffee jug, a stove and a television.

Line 2 = a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a vacuum cleaner and a fan.

Line 3 = a percolator, a toaster, an iron and a blender.


Line 1= a satellite, headphones, a computer and a Nintendo.

Line 2 = a joystick, loudspeakers, a telephone and a button.

Line 3 = a data traveler and a mouse, a wii wheel, a karaoke set and a scanner.


6,

7,

8,

5,

4,

1,

2,

3,

9.

―How to Use an iPod?‖

145

Exercise 1. Picture Reaction.

Any type of answer would be correct if expressed students‘ thoughts and if is

grammatically correct.


The first four answers can be a yes or a no; the fifth requires a little bit of

expression of thinking.


1. Drag

2. Rip

3. connect

4. eject


For using an iPod you have to first, download the latest iTunes version from the

Apple's official site. Second, install iTunes on your local computer and third, add

you mp3 music library to iTunes main playlist. If your iPod is empty and you

only want to use it on one computer, then connect your iPod to your computer

and let it sync automatically to your new music playlist. But if your iPod is not

empty and you don't want to lose the songs you've already got installed, then

you have to go to the iTunes options and change the settings for your iPod to

manual. After that, in manual mode - every new song you want to from your

computer to your iPod. At that time, just drag the mp3 file from your music

library onto your iPod icon and you're done. Finally, don't forget to eject your

iPod before disconnecting the device from your computer.


3,

2,

1.

146

―Electricity: High Voltage in Germany and Europe‖


1. In Europe the voltage is 220-240, in America is 110-120

2. It will create a nice fireworks display, sparks and smoke

3. Of the problems involved, as well as the pros and cons of various

solutions.

UNIT 4. COMPUTER AND TECHNOLOGY IN OUR LIVES

Exercise 1. Drawing. A 2010 computer should look like this.

Exercise 2. Fill the Chart.

Item Main details during development

Telephone 1900: over 1 million telephones, 2 for each 100 US citizens. An

operator is needed to connect two telephones in a call.

1905: Brown develops a switching system that connects the

two phones in a dial. 1937: ―300‖ model telephones goes out.

1967: telephones with push buttons and touch-tone dialing.

Refrigerator 1900: An ice box is used, the iceman delivers blocks of ice.

1913: the first electric refrigerator appears. These use a motor

and a compressor to remove heat from the inside.

1931: Freon is mass produced. Harmful to the ozone layer.

1995: energy efficient no longer damages the ozone.

Television 1946: quickly becomes part of the American way of life.

1950: 6 million televisions already.

1960: 60 million televisions sold.

147

1966: three networks broadcast all their prime time programs in

color.

1972: only half of houses hold a Color TV.

1975: a video cassette recording (VCR) costs $1300

1977: The VHS dominate VCR‘s market.

Radio 1910: Crystal radio receivers are available to the amateur radio

enthusiasts.

1919: the superheterodyne radio is sold to the general public.

1950: FM (frequency modulation) gains popularity due to the

interest in high fidelity sound.

1955: the first lightweight, portable radio uses transistors.

Sony‘s popular version of the transistor radio is available.

1980: a miniature AM/FM radios are incorporated into

lightweight headphones.

Microwave 1965:microvawes are designed for commercial use since 1947.

1980: microwave ovens take off. They offer digital readouts,

push button controls and turntables to cook food evenly.

Tape

Recorder

1947: Like the Brush model, they use magnetic plastic tape.

1955: Stereo tape recorders are sold to the home market.

1963: tape recorders use high-fidelity compact cassettes.

1980: Sony walkman appears and spreads across the country.

Tupperware 1945: appear in retail stores but not that consumed.

1951: removed from retail stores and sold through ―Tupperware

parties‖. Sales take off.

Computer 1975: a built-it-yourself computers appears in US homes. It has

256 bytes of memory and can run basic programming language

1977: Apple II revolutions the market with the first assembled

personal computer.

1989: laptop computers see more and more use making use of

smaller components and LCD (liquid crystal displays).

1994: for the introduction of mosaic and the interest in the

World Wide Web computers sells take off.

1997: two out of five households have a computer in the U S.

148

1998: 30 million people are browsing the Web.

―Internet History‖


1. It is a network of people, hardware and software. Or a multi-access

computer together with its local community of users in a geographically

distributed computer network.

2. Three people and a research conference created the internet. Vannevar

Bush who depicted the potential uses of the ―memex‖ automated library

system, Norbert Wiener whose interest relied on the field of cybernetics,

the Darthmouth Artificial Intelligence Conference in 1956 which

crystallized the concept of technology and Marshall McLuhan who had

the idea of an interconnected global village.

3. To help protect the US against a possible space-based nuclear attack.

4. The NSF's enlightened management and the popularity of the web, that

make the use of the Internet to explode after 1990.

―The Internet gives rise to the World Wide Web‖

Exercise 1. Writing. Students‘ could be shorter, but must be chronological.

The World Wide Web was developed since 1957 when the first Russian satellite

Sputnik was launched. Then, the US president, Eisenhower, established the

Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), an organization that included

many of the nation's leading scientists. In 1980‘s, five supercomputer centers

were developed so universities and researchers could share creating a chain of

computers. In the 90‘s the CERN (the European Laboratory for Particle Physics)

by struggling with their own computer problems, they created standards for

data, and a universal addressing system. That way any document on the

Internet could be retrieved and viewed. In 1990, CERN was the largest Internet

site in Europe. Over the next year or two, the proposal was circulated and

revised, resulting in an initial program being developed that was dubbed the

World Wide Web. But users didn't need to know any programming or even any

149

Internet addresses, then Andreesen and his coworkers created an easy

browser called Mosaic and released free versions for Windows and Macintosh

in August of 1993. Then, the interest in the Web -- especially commercial

interest -- explode with the arrival of Mosaic.

―DARPA / ARPA‖


DARPA is the Defense / Advanced Research Project Agency in the US. It was

created to develop the US first satellite as the first Russian satellite was already

created. They create the ARPA to find safeguards against a possible space-

based missile attack. The US military was particularly concerned about the

effects of a nuclear attack on their communications infrastructure, because if

they couldn't communicate, they wouldn't be able to regroup or respond,

thereby making the threat of a first strike by the Soviet Union more likely.

Therefore, to meet this need, ARPA established the IPTO in 1962 with a

mandate to build a survivable computer network and they did. Also they build

the first US satellite in only 18 months. It seems fear and war impeled the

creation of Internet, nothing else.

―Sending E-mails‖


1. First press [crtl] n to create a new mail. Second, type the message. After

that enter the subject. Next, enter the addressee's email address and

finally press the send button.

2. You should reread the message to make sure it does not contain any

inappropriate. You should not assume that the e-mail will remain private.

You should spell-check. You should set your program to automatically

spell-check before sending. You should not send the e-mail with any

spelling errors for it gives the impression that you don't care about the

addressee enough.

You should be calm when writing any e-mail. You should never send an

email message when you're angry -- you will always regret it later.

150

―Autonomous Cars Could Be Future of Auto Industry‖


1. 90%

2. Yes

3. getting these cars to handle more complex roadways and obstacles

4. will communicate the car‘s location and relation to other obstacles (cars,

curbs, pedestrians, etc.) to an on-board computer.

5. Placing sensors in several areas of the cars.


1. Allow

2. Autonomous

3. 10 years

4. for automatic cruise control, park assistance and back-up warnings.

5. Computer

Exercise 3. Free answer.

Whatever the opinion of the student is is valid.

UNIT 5. TRANSPORTATION, QUALITY, RENTABILITY AND USE

―Traveling to Montezuma‖


1. F

2. A

3. G

4. C

5. B

6. E

7. H

8. D

151


a. Cheap, uncomfortable, slow, noisy or any opposite if considered so

b. Expensive, safe, comfortable

c. Clean and slow

d. Fast, comfortable and reliable.

e. Dangerous, expensive and noisy.

f. Slow, dangerous, noisy, refreshing and uncomfortable.

g. Dangerous, refreshing, quiet, cheap.

h. Dangerous, cheap and noisy

i. Dangerous, noisy, cheap, uncomfortable.

j. Fast, reliable, noisy, comfortable.

k. Slow, quiet, dangerous, expensive.

Exercise 3. Comparison.

1. More expensive than

2. Safer than

3. Faster than

4. Cheaper than

5. More noisy than

6. More comfortable

―Transportation in Costa Rica‖

Exercise 1. Unique Selection

1. B

2. A

3. C

Exercise 2. Short answer.

1. Taxis, rent-a-cars, planes, helicopters and trains

152

2. He or she must be older than 21 years old, must always carry the passport

and to know that the tourist license is valid only for three months.

3. 18 deaths for each 100 000 km as opposed to US which is 2.7 deaths.

4. They can get pretty crowded sometimes and people have to ride standing

up and holding onto a rail. Besides, luggage space is limited in most buses

and unless it is a tourist bus, it does not have a bathroom.


1. City

2. Meter

3. Monday to Friday

4. 506

5. Aerial

―Transit Law Stalled‖


1. Exorbitant

2. $415, bribe

3. Taking on the cell phone

4. reckless and drunk driving

5. $399

6. Stiff

Exercise 2.

In all answers should be a mean of transportation

―Why Change from Gasoline Engines?‖


Gasoline Vehicles ZEVs

153

Source of energy Gasoline Electricity

Level of pollution High Low

Amount of noise Noisy Quiet

Cost Cheap Expensive

Speed fast Slow


1. The advantages of having an electric car are less pollution into the

atmosphere, quiet traveling and it does not consume gasoline.

2. At the moment it is expensive due to they are not produced in a massive

way.

3. They are faster, more comfortable, safer and more reliable. Most of them

also became much less expensive.

4. The cars can cruise safely at 20 miles an hour faster, use less gasoline

and produce 80% less pollution.

5. Today‘s cars produce about 50,000 kilograms of pollutants annually,

mostly carbon monoxide and ozone.

UNIT 6 NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE PROMOTION OF

CONSERVATION

―Conservation‖

Exercise1. Completion.

1. Isthmus

2. Cantico a Todas Las Criaturas

3. 32 hectares

4. 14%

5. Vanished

6. A quarter, 25%

7. American Society of Travel Agents

8. most environmentally conscious country in the world

9. Peter Scott Award

10. Almost

154


Any opinion is valid. Criticism is valuable though.

―Biodiversity in Costa Rica‖

Exercise 1. Unique Choice.

1. B

2. D

3. C

4. A

5. A

6. C

7. D

8. A

9. B

10. C

11. D

12. A

13. B

14. C

―President Arias on Making Peace with Nature‖

Exercise 1. True or False

1. True

2. False

3. True

4. False

5. True

6. True

7. False

155


1. Planet earth

2. Green

3. Forests

4. Weapons, Soldiers, Army bases

5. 1987

―Environmental Issues on the Crucitas Mine‖

Exercise 1. Reflection

Exercise 2. Short Answer

1. to determine if the firm would be allowed to cut down trees

2. Industrias Infinito S.A., the local arm of a Canadian mining firm

3. President Óscar Arias Sánchez because he supports the project

4. eco-terrorist, bad intentioned and irresponsible for having declared the

project to be in the interest of Costa Rica

5. that there were endangered trees on the site where the firm wants to put

the open pit mine

6. Ministerio de Ambiente, Energía y Telecomunicaciones and its Secretaria

Técnica Nacional Ambiental

7. Edgardo Vinicio Araya Sibaja of the group called Asociación Norte pro la

Vida because the order permitting the cutting of trees on about 260

hectares (about 650 acres) showed up in the La Gaceta

8. because cyanide would be used to leech the gold from crushed rock, and

the Río San Juan is nearby

9. 700,000 ounces

10. To outlaw open pit mining, but the project had an official approval.

156

UNIT 7. CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND PREVENTION OF

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

―Pollution‖


1. Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into an environment that

causes instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the ecosystem

2. Pollutants are considered contaminants when they exceed natural levels

3. Air pollution, Water pollution, Soil contamination, Littering, Radioactive

contamination, Noise pollution, Light pollution, Visual pollution and

Thermal pollution.

4. The major air contaminants are the industry and the motor vehicles

5. Water can get contaminated if the pollutant runoff to the river drainage

systems and or is leached into groundwater.

6. Pesticides and herbicides

7. Littering is throwing trash in the streets

8. Nuclear weapons research and manufacture produce radioactive

contamination

9. We can be affected by noise pollution in the roadway or nearby.

10. We would be exposed to visual pollution

―Pollutants‖


1. A pollutant is a waste material that pollutes air, water or soil

2. Its chemical nature, the concentration and the persistence

3. combustion, construction, mining, agriculture and warfare

4. Motor vehicle emissions

5. chemical plants, coal-fired power plants, oil refineries, petrochemical

plants, nuclear waste disposal activity, incinerators, large livestock farms

(dairy cows, pigs, poultry, etc.), PVC factories, metals production

factories, plastics factories, and other heavy industry

157

6. Americans constitute less than 5% of the world's population, but produce

roughly 25% of the world‘s CO2, and generate approximately 30% of

world‘s waste.

7. batteries, paint and aviation fuel

―Effects‖


1. Humans

2. Ozone pollution

3. 14,000

4. 700 million, 1,000

5. 500 million Chinese, 656,000 people

6. In India

7. Oil spills

8. Noise

9. Mercury

10. Cancer


2,

8,

3,

1,

4,

5,

7,

6.

―Waste Hierarchy‖


1. The waste hierarchy refers to the 3Rs of reduce, reuse and recycle.

2. The aim of the waste hierarchy is to extract the maximum practical

benefits from products and to generate the minimum amount of waste.

158

3. One method of source reduction is to increase incentives for recycling.

4. Source reduction involves efforts to reduce hazardous waste and other

materials by modifying industrial production.

5. At times.

6. Yes

Exercise 2. Fill in the Chart.

DISPOSAL OPTION DEFINITION EXAMPLES

Reduce to buy less and use less turning off the lights,

taking shorter showers

Reuse Elements used again Garage Sales, Quilting

Recycle discards are separated

into materials that may

be incorporated into new

products

Composting, Beverage

Container Deposits

Generate capturing useful material

for waste to energy

programs

Incinerate high temperature

destruction of material

Devastate to discard into the natural

environment

Litter, Burn Barrels,

Dumping discards

―Artificial trees: A green solution?‖


1. The advantages of the Artificial Trees are: Its leaves are tight, not spread

as in natural trees for the photosynthesis, so it occupies less space. Its

leaves would remove 90,000 tones of carbon dioxide a year, much more

than a natural tree. And as oppose to natural trees which retain the CO2

159

in their tissues, the artificial trees would store it into the sea bed, in the

rocks on the ocean floor.

2. For most scientists and engineers artificial trees is not the solution; they

hope to find other carbon-neutral energy sources soon, so that we do not

need to resort to such dramatic and intrusive technological interventions.

3. Students‘ wondering.

4. Students‘ thinking.

5. Students‘ own words.


Students should guide themselves with the Appendix on Writing.

ROOTS, SUFFIXES, AFFIXES AND PREFIXES

Exercise 1. Matching

5 - again or back

4 - before

10 - badly or wrong

3 – remove or take away

1 - not

6 - far

2 - twice

8 – one, whole, same

7 – eight

9 – under, low

11 - many.


3 - re

2 - pre

1 - mis

6 - de

8 - tele

11 - un

160

7 - bi

5 - uni

4 - octo

10 - sub

9 - multi

Exercise 3.

1 - un

2 - im

4 - dis

3 - ir

6 - in

5 - il

7-mis

Exercise 4. Matching

3 - able

6 - er

9 - ful

5 - ment ness ion

1 - ively

8 - ive

2 - ate

7 – phone

4 - scope

161

Bibliografía

Unit 1. Images Unit 1, retrieved from Windows Vista, procesador de palabras Word, imágenes prediseñadas. Shoebottom, Paul. http://esl.fis.edu/vocab/q12m/1esl15.htm Soccer, retrieved on March 3

rd 2010 from http://www.ego4u.com/en/read-on/animals/soccer,.

Williams, A. Retrieved on March 4th, 2010 from http://www.ticotimes.net/dailyarchive/2010_03/0304103.cfm

http://www.ego4u.com/en/read-on/animals/olympic

Unit 2. http://www.josephcaceres.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/chistes-musica1.jpg http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6nMt-NEgsbU/SWPSWFCE-3I/AAAAAAAAAcs/wR5eSYU0lHU/s320/Track.Runner+Silhouette.jpg http://www.infocostarica.com/people/claudia.html http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7493000.stm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Costa_Rica

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evoluci%C3%B3n

Unit 3. http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/mba/lowres/mban2855l.jpg http://www.vra.com/Publications/PublicAdvice/electconsv_files/image3191.jpg http://www.fotolia.com/id/14169826 http://www.fotolia.com/id/14688859?by=serie http://hubpages.com/hub/ipod_instructions http://www.german-way.com/electric.html

Unit 4. http://www.webcode.ltd.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/computer_drawing_small.jpg http://www.webcode.ltd.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/computer_drawing_small.jpg http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/technology http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/04/techhistory.gif http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/tech/indext.html http://www.livinginternet.com/i/ii_summary.htm http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dt92ww.html http://www.livinginternet.com/i/ii_darpa.html http://www.livinginternet.com/e/eu_send.htm http://www.motherproof.com/lifestyle-trends/story/Autonomous-Cars-Could-Be-Future-of-Auto-Industry/

Unit 5. http://iteslj.org/questions/transportation.html

http://www.scribd.com/doc/18496446/means-of-transport

http://www.infocostarica.com/general/transport.html http://www.ticotimes.net/topstoryarchive/2010_02/022610.htm Brewster,S., Davies, P. & Rogers, M. Skyline 4. Student‘s Book. MacMillan Unit 3.

Unit 6. http://trendsupdates.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/water-conservation.jpg


http://philip.greenspun.com/cr/moon/conservation

http://www.inbio.ac.cr/en/biod/bio_biodiver.htm

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/centralamerica/costarica/misc/art27147.html http://amcostarica.com/102108.htm

Unit 7.




http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6374967.stm http://www.controllingpollution.com/environmental/environmental-pollution-cause-and-effect-essay/

Vocabulary Workshop




http://esl.fis.edu/vocab/q12m/1esl15.htm

http://www.ego4u.com/en/read-on/animals/soccer

http://www.ticotimes.net/dailyarchive/2010_03/0304103.cfm

http://www.ego4u.com/en/read-on/animals/olympic

http://www.josephcaceres.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/chistes-musica1.jpg




http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7493000.stm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Costa_Rica

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evoluci%C3%B3n

http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/mba/lowres/mban2855l.jpg

http://www.vra.com/Publications/PublicAdvice/electconsv_files/image3191.jpg

http://www.fotolia.com/id/14169826

http://www.fotolia.com/id/14688859?by=serie


http://www.german-way.com/electric.html




http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/04/techhistory.gif

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/tech/indext.html

http://www.livinginternet.com/i/ii_summary.htm




http://www.motherproof.com/lifestyle-trends/story/Autonomous-Cars-Could-Be-Future-of-Auto-Industry/

http://iteslj.org/questions/transportation.html


http://www.ticotimes.net/topstoryarchive/2010_02/022610.htm



http://philip.greenspun.com/cr/moon/conservation

http://www.inbio.ac.cr/en/biod/bio_biodiver.htm

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/centralamerica/costarica/misc/art27147.html

http://amcostarica.com/102108.htm





http://www.controllingpollution.com/environmental/environmental-pollution-cause-and-effect-essay/




162

Appendix on Writing

http://www.word-mart.com/html/sentence_and_paragraph_writing.html http://www.lessontutor.com/eescw4.html

Kadesh, M.C., Kolba, E.D., & Crowell, S.C. (1991). Unit three Summarizing and reacting to what you have read from

Insights into academic writing: Strategies for advance students. New York: Addison-Wesley.

http://esl.about.com/cs/writing/ht/ht_essay.htm http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwesl/egw/verbs.htm


Appendix on Prepositions



http://esl.about.com/cs/writing/ht/ht_essay.htm

http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwesl/egw/verbs.htm



INGLÉS NOVENO - Sitio Web del Coned€¦ · INGLÉS NOVENO CÓDIGO: 80013 ANTOLOGÍAS CONED 2011 ....

Documents

Transcript of INGLÉS NOVENO - Sitio Web del Coned€¦ · INGLÉS NOVENO CÓDIGO: 80013 ANTOLOGÍAS CONED 2011 ....