Task 1. Completer the sentences below according to the reading passage.
Biofuels and the environment
Leading investors have joined the growing chorus of concern about governments and companies rushing into producing biofuels as a solution for global warming, saying that many involved in the sector could be jeopardising future profits if they do not consider the long-term impact of what they are doing carefully.
It is essential to build sustainability criteria into the supply chain of any green fuel project in order to ensure that there is no adverse effect on the surrounding environment and social structures. The report produced by the investors expresses concern that many companies may not be fully aware of the potential pitfalls in the biofuel sector.
Production of corn and soya beans has increased dramatically in the last years as an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels but environmental and human rights campaigners are worried that this will lead to destruction of rain forests. Food prices could also go up as there is increased competition for crops as both foodstuffs and sources of fuel. Last week, the UN warned that biofuels could have dangerous side effects and said that steps need to be taken to make sure that land converted to grow biofuels does not damage the environment or cause civil unrest. There is already great concern about palm oil, which is used in many foods in addition to being an important biofuel, as rain forests are being cleared in some countries and people driven from their homes to create palm oil plantations.
An analyst and author of the investors' report says that biofuels are not a cure for climate change but they can play their part as long as governments and companies manage the social and environmental impacts thoroughly. There should also be greater measure taken to increase efficiency and to reduce demand.
1. Biofuel producers … know about the possible problems.
a) do not;
b) might not;
c) must not.
2. Environmentalists believe that increased production of corn and soya…
a) has destroyed rain forests;
b) may lead to the destruction of rain forests;
c) will lead to the destruction of rain forests.
3. Biofuels might…
a) drive food prices up;
b) drive food prices down;
c) have little or no impact on food prices.
4. The increased production of palm oil…
a) just affects the environment;
b) just affects people;
c) affects both people and the environment.
5. The author of the report says that biofuels…
a) have no role to play in fighting global warming;
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b) can be effective in fighting global warming on their own;
c) should be part of a group of measures to fight global warming.
Task 2. Choose the best variant to complete each sentence.
1. When poisonous chemicals are mixed with water in the clouds, it results in … rains that damage the environment.
a) freezing; b) heavy; c) drizzling; d) acid.
2. The problem of air pollution is connected with the fact that people won't be able … soon.
a) to move; b) to breathe; c) to smell; d) to marvel.
3. In order to obtain a high-yielding crop in the areas suffered from a lack of water, we should plant a … variety there.
a) light-demanding; b) drought-tolerant; c) salt-tolerant; d) shade-requiring.
4. The average content of chemical pollutants is … on the basis of biochemical oxygen demand.
a) clarified; b) disclosed; c) accomplished; d) determined.
5. Most toxic and … waste is produced by chemical enterprises which manufacture plastics, synthetic rubber, medicines, pesticides and other chemicals.
a) hazardous; b) harmless; c) adhesive; d) gaseous.
6. Solar energy as an alternative source of energy can replace … fuels and nuclear energy.
a) coal; b) fluid; c) fossil; d) solid.
7. Many countries … the problem of deforestation that is of crucial environmental importance because of the diversity of plants and animals that inhabit the forests.
a) contemplate; b) face; c) escape; d) assume.
8. The countryside changes have also contributed to the problem of …, as semi-natural and natural kinds of land have been taken over by agriculture and pesticides have destroyed a number of habitats.
a) reduction; b) identification; c) localization; d) extinction.
9. Noise pollution has a … effect on humans by causing stress, increasing risk of different diseases.
a) detrimental; b) favourable; c) irreducible; d) extraordinary.
Variant 2
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