“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Upper-Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 8: Technology and Innovation
Story 04: The Rise of Alternative Energy: Benefits and Challenges
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Alternative energy
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Renewable
- Sustainable
- Fossil fuels
- Solar power
- Wind power
- Hydro power
- Geothermal power
- Economies of scale
Read or Listen to the following passage:
As the world becomes increasingly concerned about climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, alternative energy sources have gained popularity as a viable solution. Alternative energy refers to energy sources that are not based on the use of fossil fuels, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power.
Here are five essential facts about alternative energy:
- Alternative energy sources are renewable and sustainable, meaning that they can be replenished naturally over time without being depleted.
- The use of alternative energy sources can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
- Alternative energy sources are often cheaper and more cost-effective than traditional fossil fuels, particularly as technology advances and economies of scale are achieved.
- The development and adoption of alternative energy sources face significant challenges, including political opposition, technological limitations, and funding constraints.
- Despite these challenges, the growth of alternative energy sources has been significant in recent years, and many countries have set ambitious targets for transitioning to renewable energy.
In conclusion, alternative energy sources offer a promising solution to the challenges of climate change and energy sustainability. While the transition to renewable energy faces significant challenges, the benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving energy independence make it a worthwhile endeavor.
Comprehension Questions:
- What are alternative energy sources, and how are they different from traditional fossil fuels?
- What are some of the benefits of using alternative energy sources, particularly in terms of climate change and energy sustainability?
- How have advancements in technology impacted the cost-effectiveness of alternative energy sources?
- What are some of the challenges associated with the development and adoption of alternative energy sources?
- What are some of the goals and targets set by countries around the world for transitioning to renewable energy?
Conversations Starters:
- What steps can we take to transition from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources like wind and solar power?
- How can we reduce our carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change?
- What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of using alternative energy sources like hydro and geothermal power?
- How can we make alternative energy sources more accessible and affordable for individuals and communities?
- In what ways do you think economies of scale can be used to accelerate the adoption of alternative energy sources?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the development and implementation of sustainable energy solutions?
- How can we incentivize businesses and governments to invest in renewable energy and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels?
- How have you personally experienced the effects of climate change and what steps are you taking to reduce your carbon footprint?
- What role do you think individuals and communities can play in promoting the adoption of alternative energy sources?
- What do you think the future of energy production will look like and what steps can we take now to shape that future?
