Reading Task 1. Read to the text. Are the sentences “True” or “False”? and write the “Explanation”.

Going green

In Britain today all political parties are trying to encourage more young people to get involved in politics. This means talking about the issues that are important to them.

The first political party to make the environment an important issue was The Green Party. The party has existed in the UK for about 30 years. (For the first ten years, it was called the Ecology Party.) The Greens do not have any seats in the House of Commons because in general elections most people vote for the three main parties: Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. However, they have several MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) and many local councilors across Britain. They campaign on many issues, including:

• animal rights: they want to ban scientific experiments on animals and improve conditions for animals on farms.

• transport: they want to reduce the amount of traffic and pollution by making buses and trains cheaper, and by encouraging people to walk and cycle more.

• green energy: they want to invest in clean, renewable sources of energy - wind farms, wave and solar power.

• food and farming: they are against GM (genetically modified) food and the use of chemicals in farming.

Twenty years ago, politicians who weren't in the Green Party hardly ever talked about 'green' issues like recycling, renewable energy and climate change. But today, all political parties have 'green' policies. People are realizing that the earth is in danger. If we don't change our way of life, the results will be disastrous for our planet.

Choose the “True” or “False”? and write the “Explanation”.

1. The Green Party in the UK used to have a different name.

2. The Green Party has been more successful in local and European elections than in general elections.

3. The Green Party is in favour of scientific experiments on animals if they are really necessary.

4. The Green Party is in favour of people using public transport instead of their cars.

5. The Green Party is the only party in Britain that talks about recycling and renewable energy.

[Total 10]

Writing

Task 2.

Task 2. (A.) Look at photographs Al and A2 showing environmental problems. Compare the photographs and discuss the following.

• How common are these problems where you live?

• Which of these problems do you think is more serious?

landfill site dispose of waste rubbish smog air pollution factories exhaust fumes health hazard growing problem

Task 2. (B.) Look at photographs Bl and B2 showing different ways of producing energy. Compare the photographs and discuss the following.

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of them?

• Which of them do you consider to be a better solution?

fossil fuels air pollution acid rain limited source (not) environmentally friendly wind power dependent on weather conditions noise pollution ruins horizon not practical

I think that... is... because...

...is much better/worse than... because...

I don't think that... is as serious a problem as... because...

...is definitely not the best solution because...