Module E Practice

Explore wind energy's pros and cons! Practice reading skills with this ELA worksheet on renewable power.

The Power of Wind LINES 1-3The fastest growing source of energy in the world today isn't oil, coal, or some hi-tech invention. Instead, it's the wind — the same force that has served people for thousands of years. Wind seems to be the perfect solution to our energy problems: it’s non-polluting, it’s all around us, and there's no way we can use it all up.LINES 4-6In the last few years, more and more countries have become interested in using wind to produce energy. One such country is Britain, which is developing a huge "wind farm" near its west coast. When completed, the giant wind turbines are expected to produce enough electricity for five million homes.LINES 7-9Wind power is not likely to replace traditional fuels in the near future. However, it could provide much of a country's energy needs, and at much lower cost. According to the US Energy Department, the wind farms now being constructed in the USA will eventually supply almost half the country's electricity.LINES 10-15Unfortunately, the huge turbines are not exactly beautiful; they are also noisy and often break down. Moreover, birds tend to collide with them. This has happened so frequently that even some environmental groups that used to demand the development of wind energy now oppose it. But the biggest drawback is the simple fact that the wind doesn't blow whenever and wherever you want it. You just can't count on it always being there when you need it most — like on hot summer days, when electricity consumption is especially high.LINES 16-18All these problems will have to be solved before we can expect the wind to become our main source of energy. But apparently the people of Holland, who are famous for their windmills, are right: the wind can be an excellent source of energy if you know how to use its potential.(Adapted from "Wind is Fastest Growing Energy Resource," ABC News, June 14, 2005) 1. CHOOSE TWO CORRECT ANSWERS. What aspects of wind as a source of energy are mentioned in lines 1-6? Its cost. Some ways of studying it. How long it has been used. Where it was first developed. When it cannot be used. Its popularity today. 2. Give TWO advantages of wind energy. Take each answer from a different paragraph. ADVANTAGE 1: It’s non-polluting. is no way we can use it all up. / it’s all around us.ADVANTAGE 2: It could provide much of a country’s energy needs. / It has a much lower cost. doesn’t cost much. is cheaper. 3. COMPLETE THE SENTENCE ACCORDING TO LINES 4-9. Britain and the USA are given as examples of countries in which wind farms are being constructed / developed. / countries which are developing. wind farms./ countries which are interested. / have become interested in using wind to produce energy. 4. What is the subject of the fourth paragraph (lines 10-15)? ANSWER: The problems/ disadvantages / drawbacks of wind energy. 5. According to lines 10-12, what has caused some environmental groups to change their mind about wind power? ANSWER: (The fact that) birds tend to collide with the huge turbines. 6. What is the author's conclusion regarding wind as a source of energy? It is too early to tell if it has potential. Despite the problems, it is very promising. There are better sources of energy It is impossible to solve all the problems. Vocabulary 1) Match each word to its definition. originally in the beginning made up of formed from particular materials employ give work to conduct carry out attract cause to come to a place or participate in a venture by offering something of interest adjust suit, fix, arrange 2) Match each word to its definition. affect influence naturally certainly, of course, typically unfortunately unluckily inevitably necessarily, as is certain to happen whereas however, although readily eagerly, gladly 3) Match each word to its definition. occasionally from time to time system method, order survey research based on asking questions requirement demand recommendation advice measurement evaluation 4) Match each word to its definition. confirmation agreement, acceptance, approval, validation regarding as far as it concerns, as for…, about nevertheless anyway, but, however, still, yet in contrast to unlike otherwise or it would appear that give the impression of being 5) Match each word to its definition. currently nowadays, today in practice in real life instruction command, direction, order protest disapprove, complain, object movement shift, stir promise assure, guarantee