UNIT 5.
GLOBAL WARMING
A. Pronunciation

• Sentence stress and rhythm
Underline the stressed words in the following sentences, and use the stroke mark to divide each
sentence into segments - each segment contains one stressed word. Then practise saying the
sentences with a natural rhythm.
Example: We talked about | the causes | of floods.
1. Trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
2. Methane emissions are produced through human activities.
3. Forests are cut down to make space for farm animals.
4. Some farmers were worried about the consequences of deforestation.
5. Farming provides us with the food that we eat every day.
6. Burning forests releases tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
7. Greenhouse gases act like the glass in a greenhouse.
8. National representatives agree on how to make global progress on climate change.

B. Vocabulary

• Words and phrases related to global warming
I. Complete the sentences with the words given.
global warming
greenhouse gas
fossil fuels
emissions
sea level
heat-trapping gases
human activity
deforestation
renewable
waste
1. Britain agreed to cut ________________ of nitrogen oxide from power stations.
2. Many islands are below ________________ and only the concrete walls can prevent them from
disappearance.
3. The destruction of the rainforests is contributing to ________________.
4. The city produces 20 million tons of household ________________ each year.
5. We need a global system for limiting ________________ emissions.
6. ________________ has been shown to cause floods and drought.
7. Global warming is driven by emissions of ________________, primarily from human activities.
8. Our research measures the impact of ________________ on this particular eco-system.
9. Carbon dioxide is produced in huge amounts when ________________ are burned.
10. The problem with fossil fuels is that they are not ________________.
II. Match the words (1-5) with the nouns (A-E) to make compound nouns. Write the answer in each
blank, and then till in the text with the correct compound nouns (6-10).
1. carbon
_______
A. wanning
2. fossil
_______
B. countries
3. global
_______
C. dioxide
4. greenhouse
_______
D. effect

5. industrialized
_______
E. fuels
The biggest threat to life on Earth comes from 6 ______________. Rich 7 ______________ in the West
have been burning 8 ______________ such as coal, oil and gas for about 150 years, throwing out large
quantities of the 9 ______________ into the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide traps the heat from the
sun and causes the Earth and the atmosphere to get warmer. This is called the 10 ______________.
The problem has been made worse by deforestation, the process of clearing forests in order to create
croplands or cattle ranches.
III. Fill in each blank with the correct word below. There are three extra words.
droughts
famine
sea life
weather
energy
flooding
extreme conditions
forest
The Expected Effects of Global Warming
 A rise in sea levels, causing 1 ______________ in coastal areas.
 Higher sea surface temperatures, endangering 2 ______________.
 The shrinking of glaciers, leading to a decrease in fresh water for rivers and less 3 ______________
production.
 A loss of tropical forests, an increase in arid lands, more 4 ______________ fires, and a loss of animal
and plant species.
 A decrease in agricultural yields, leading to 5 ______________.
IV. Fill in each blank in the passage with the correct word / phrase below.
energy use
endangered species
carbon footprint
climate change
sea levels
alternative sources
greenhouse gases
carbon emissions

Why is global warming a problem? High levels of 1 ______________ in the atmosphere lead to
2
______________. The oceans and seas are getting warmer and the polar ice caps are melting. This
causes the rise in 3 ______________, which threatens low coastal regions and islands. Furthermore,
the weather is becoming more unpredictable, with severe storms and floods, or unexpected droughts.
Another effect of global warming is a rise in the number of 4 ______________. Many animals and
plants could become extinct if their natural habitats are changed.
What can we do about it? Scientists now agree that there is an urgent need to cut down on
5
______________ across the world. Moreover, we need to develop 6 ______________ of energy, such
as wind, wave or solar power.

For individuals, being a vegetarian reduces your 7 ______________ (the amount of emissions caused
one person's lifestyle) because it can reduce 8 ______________.
V. Match the words 1-5 with a-e. Write the answers in the blanks.
1. global
______
a. species
2. endangered
______
b. energy
3. solar
______
c. footprint
4. wind
______
d. warming
5. carbon
______
e. farm
VI. Complete the sentences with the words in Exercise V
1. I don't want to live near a ________________. I think the turbines are ugly.
2. Our house gets electricity from ________________. The special panels are on the roof.
3. The world's climate is getting hotter because of ________________.
4. Your ________________ indicates how much CO2 your lifestyle creates.
5. The Bengal tiger is one of the animals on the list of ________________.
VII. Complete the text with the words given below.
freeze
fuels
gases
greenhouse
heat
trap
The Greenhouse Effect
1
What is like when you're in a ________________ on a sunny day? It's boiling hot. That's because the
sun's rays 2 ________________ the air there and the glass windows 3 ________________ the heat inside.
Outside, in the earth's atmosphere, greenhouse 4 ________________ such as carbon dioxide do the
same job as the glass in the greenhouse. They keep our planet warm. Without them, we'd 5
________________. However, too much of them and the opposite happens. Burning fossil 6
________________ such as oil and coal pollutes the earth's atmosphere and makes the greenhouse
effect worse.
• Prepositions
VIII. Complete each sentence with the correct preposition.
1. They will require car makers to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide ________________ 30%.
2. The project's impact ________________ the environment should be minimal.
3. You can only achieve success ________________ hard work.
4. We have added value ________________ the information by organizing it.
5. The rain didn't stop us ________________ enjoying the trip.
6. Recently there has been a rapid increase ________________ fish farming.
7. They must be prepared to accept the consequences ________________ their actions.
8. The use of CFCs was linked ________________ the depletion of the ozone layer.
9. Try to keep a balance ________________ your spending and your earnings.
10. The men came to remove the rubbish ________________ the backyard.
11. There is no easy solution ________________ this problem.
12. There has been no sign of progress ________________ this issue.

C. Grammar

• Present participle and past participle clauses

I. Complete the sentences with the present participle form of the verbs given.
fly
learn
drive
invent
work
leave
study
take
1. Before ________________ on his trip, Tom renewed his passport.
2. After ________________ the light bulb, Thomas Edison went on to create many other useful
inventions.
3. Before ________________ on a space mission, an astronaut will have undergone thousands of hours
of training.
4. After ________________ the stars, the ancient Mayans in Central America developed a very accurate
solar calendar.
5. ________________ that cigarettes cause cancer, many people have stopped smoking.
6. That medicine can be poisonous when ________________ in excessive amounts.
7. He took a wrong direction while ________________ to his uncle's house and ended up back where
he started.
8. ________________ with uranium, Marie Curie discovered two new elements, radium and polonium.
II. Reduce the adverb clause to a present participle or past participle clause.
1. Since he opened his new business, he has been working 16 hours a day.
___________________________________________________________________________________
2. I turned off the lights before I left the room.
___________________________________________________________________________________
3. While he was herding his goats in the mountains, an Ethiopian discovered the coffee plant more
than 1,200 years ago.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
4. Before they marched into battle, ancient Ethiopian soldiers ate a mixture of raw coffee beans and
fat for extra energy.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
5. After I met the film star in person, I understood why she was so popular.
___________________________________________________________________________________
6. I searched through all my pockets, so I found my keys.
___________________________________________________________________________________
7. When it was first brought to Europe, the tomato was thought to be poisonous.
___________________________________________________________________________________
8. Since it was first imported into Australia many years ago, the rabbit has become a serious pest
because it has no natural enemies there.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
III. Reduce the adverb clause to a present participle clause if possible.
1. After the musician stopped playing, the audience stood up and clapped enthusiastically.

___________________________________________________________________________________
2. Since David was driving to work in the rain, his car got a flat tyre.
___________________________________________________________________________________
3. While David was driving to work, he had a flat tyre.
___________________________________________________________________________________

4. Tom worked hard in the garden all afternoon, so he took a shower and then went to the cinema
with his friends.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
5. Before a friend tries to do something hard, an American may say 'Break a leg!' to wish him or her
good luck.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
6. Lan always straightens her desk before she leaves the office at the end of the day.
___________________________________________________________________________________
7. Before Bob left on his trip, his manager gave him a big raise.
___________________________________________________________________________________
8. Mai got all the ingredients, so she made a delicious chicken curry for her friends.
___________________________________________________________________________________
IV. Combine each pair of sentences using a present participle clause if possible.
1. Ann kept one hand on the steering wheel. She opened a can of soda with her free hand.
___________________________________________________________________________________
2. He misunderstood the direction to the restaurant. He arrived one hour late for the dinner party.
___________________________________________________________________________________
3. She lives a long distance from her office. She has to commute daily by train.
___________________________________________________________________________________
4. David lives a long distance from his office. His car is essential.
___________________________________________________________________________________
5. Ann remembered that she hadn't turned off the oven. She went directly home.
___________________________________________________________________________________
6. Phong tripped on the carpet. He spilt his coffee.
___________________________________________________________________________________
7. She was lying by the swimming pool. She realized she was getting sunburnt.
___________________________________________________________________________________
8. I met Mai after school. She suggested playing badminton.
___________________________________________________________________________________
V. Match the present participle or past participle clauses to the suitable main clauses.
1. Trying to understand the physics problem, ____________
2. Since injuring my arm, ____________
3. Wanting to ask a question, ____________

4. Exhausted after washing the windows, ____________
5. Hearing the announcement that their plane was delayed, ____________
6. Attempting to enter the highway, ____________
7. Not wanting to disturb the manager, ____________
8. Stepping on the platform to receive their medals, ____________
9. Before turning in your exam paper, ____________
10. Talking with the employees after work, ____________
A. I collapsed in my chair for a rest.
B. the taxi driver caused a multiple-car accident.
C. you should carefully proofread all your answers.
D. the students repeated the experiment.
E. the little girl raised her hand.
F. the manager learned of their dissatisfaction with their jobs.
G. the athletes waved to the cheering crowd.
H. I haven't been able to play badminton.
I. the passengers walked back to the ticket counter.
J. the workers told the assistant manager about the problem.

D. Reading
I. Read the blog, and then do the tasks that follow.

Global Warming
Every day, light from the sun warms the earth, causing it to release heat. Gases in the earth's
atmosphere - mostly carbon dioxide (CO2) - stop some of the heat from escaping into space so that
the earth is kept warm. For the past 10,000 years, this heat was kept the earth at regular
temperatures. However, over the past 100 years, scientists have noticed higher levels of carbon
dioxide. More carbon dioxide means more heat, which means higher temperatures on Earth. We've
already seen some consequences of global warming. Nine of the ten warmest years in history have
occurred in the last fifteen years. Ground that has been frozen since the last Ice Age is melting. There
are more hurricanes and disastrous storms than ever before.
So, what do you think is causing global warming? What, if anything, should we do about it? Post your
comment.
Gloria: The earth is warmer by only 1 degree Fahrenheit. Talk to me when it's 7 degrees warmer.

Sam: Climate has changed many times in the history of our planet. It is only natural. Let's not lose
sleep over it, alright.
Kris: I totally disagree! Climate change is natural, but what is happening today is not! Global warming
is the fault of everyone who drives a car, flies on a plane, builds factories, and cuts trees. All of that
creates more CO2. We must stop damaging our planet for future generations. We must urge our
government leaders to control industries that harm the air.
Winston: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported after reviewing the
scientific research that it is more than 90% certain that humans are causing global warming. Gases
from cars and factories are causing temperatures to rise. We need to do something before it's too
late!
Linda: 90% certain leaves 10% uncertain. The IPCC has lots of errors and is exaggerated. It isn't only
the cars and factories that are causing global warming. What about the changes in the sun's
brightness during its 11-year solar cycle? It causes temperatures to increase. Erupting volcanoes can
produce lots of carbon dioxide, too.
Task 1. Answer the questions.
1. What is global warming?
___________________________________________________________________________________
2. What are the effects of global warming?
___________________________________________________________________________________
3. What did the IPCC's report say?
___________________________________________________________________________________
4. What are the two possible human causes of global warming?
___________________________________________________________________________________
5. What are the two possible natural causes of global warming?
___________________________________________________________________________________
Task 2. Read the comments. Would the bloggers agree or disagree with the statement. Circle the
correct answer.
1. Gloria would agree/ disagree with this statement: “Global warming is not a problem.”
2. Winston would agree/ disagree with this statement: “Global warming is a natural event.”
3. Sam would agree/ disagree with this statement: “Changes must be made to deal with global
warming.”
4. Kris would agree/ disagree with this statement: “Global warming is caused by people.”
5. Linda would agree/ disagree with this statement: “IPCC is a reliable source for information about
global warming.”
II. Read the passage, and then decide whether the statements are true (T) or false (F).
Consequences of Global Warming on Wildlife
Increasing global temperatures are expected to harm ecosystems, pushing extinction to those species
that cannot adapt. The first comprehensive assessment of the extinction risk from global warming
found that more than 1 million species could be extinct by 2050 if the current rate continues.
A recent study of nearly 2,000 species of plants and animals discovered movement toward the poles

at an average rate of 3.8 miles per decade.
The latest climate change report found that approximately 20 to 30 percent of plant and animal
species assessed so far are likely to be at increased risk of extinction if global average temperature
increases by more than 2.7 to 4.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some polar bears are drowning because they have to swim longer distances to reach ice floes. The
U.S. Geological Survey has predicted that two-thirds of the world's polar bear populations will be
extinct by the mid-century due to melting of the Arctic ice cap.
The ocean will continue to become more acidic due to carbon dioxide emissions. Because of this
acidification, species with hard calcium carbonate shells are vulnerable, as are coral reefs, which are
vital to ocean ecosystems. Scientists predict that a 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit increase in temperature
would wipe out 97 percent of the world's coral reefs.
1. A large number of species are at risk of extinction due to global warming.
_____
2. The latest climate change report found that 2,000 species of plants and animals are likely to be at
increased risk of extinction if global average temperature increases by more than 2.7 to 4.5 degrees
Fahrenheit.
_____
3. Some polar bears are drowning because they have to travel farther to come to their natural
habitat.
_____
4. The acidification of the oceans makes coral reefs vital to ocean ecosystems.
_____
5. A 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit increase in temperature is predicted to wipe out possibly 97 percent of
the world's coral reefs.
_____
III. Read the passage, and then decide whether the statements are true (T) or false (F).

Global warming is primarily a problem of too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which acts as a
blanket, trapping heat and warming the planet. Globally, the average surface temperature has
increased more than one degree Fahrenheit since the late 1800s. Most of that increase has occurred
over just the past three decades.
We are overloading our atmosphere with carbon dioxide, which traps heat and steadily drives up the
planet's temperature. Carbon dioxide comes from the fossil fuels we burn for energy, such as coal,
natural gas, and oil, and the loss of forests due to deforestation, especially in the tropics.
Within the scientific community, there is no debate. Most scientists agree that global warming is

happening and that human activity is the primary cause.
Global warming is already having significant and costly effects - and these consequences will only
intensify as the planet's temperature continues to rise. Global warming is accelerating the rate of sea
level rise and dramatically increasing coastal flooding risks. Climate change has significant effects for
our health, including increased air pollution and a longer and more intense allergy season.
We must significantly reduce the heat-trapping emissions we are putting into the atmosphere. As
individuals, we can help by taking action to reduce our carbon footprint. Tropical deforestation
accounts for about 10 percent of the world's heat-trapping emissions. Reducing tropical deforestation
can significantly lower global warming emissions and plays an integral role in a long-term solution to
global warming.
Sometimes it is difficult to achieve meaningful solutions to global warming because misinformation
about the truth of global warming misleads and confuses the public and makes it more difficult to
carry out effective solutions.
1. Too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to the rise in the Earth's surface temperatures.
_____
2. The Earth's surface temperature has increased one degree Fahrenheit in the past three decades.
_____
3. There is no debate about human activity in the scientific community.
_____
4. The more powerful global warming is, the higher Earth's temperature will rise.
_____
5. Global warming results in the sea level rise and coastal flooding risks.
_____
6. Climate change contributes to illnesses and death, related to allergy.
_____
7. Tropical deforestation is the main cause of greenhouse gas emissions.
_____
8. There are some doubts about the truth of global warming, which makes it difficult to fight against
global warming.
_____
IV. Read the text, and then do the tasks that follow.

Choose Clean Energy and Help Curb Global Warming
Fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas provide energy for our cars and homes, but increase the
amount of carbon dioxide in the air, contributing to global warming. However, there are choices we
can make that can lessen their negative impact on the environment.

Get moving - Take good care of your car and keep your tires properly inflated with air. You will use
less gasoline and save money. Better yet, skip the drive and walk, take public transportation, or ride a
bicycle when you can.
Upgrade - Replace your old refrigerator or air-conditioner with a new energy-efficient model. Not only
will you save money on your electric bill, but you'll contribute to cutting back on the pollution that
causes global warming.
See the light - Use new energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs. They produce the same
amount of light as older incandescent bulbs, but they use 25% less electricity and last much longer.
Cut back - Try to reduce the amount of water you use for showers, laundry, and washing dishes. And
turn the temperature on your hot water heater down.
Recycle - Use products that are recycled from old paper, glass, and metal to reduce energy waste and
pollution by 70% to 90%. And before you toss things in the garbage, think about what you can reuse.
Think local - Shipping foods over long distances is a waste of energy and adds to pollution. In addition,
the pesticides and chemicals used to grow them are bad for the environment. So, buy locally grown
fruits and vegetables instead.
Speak out - Talk to your classmates about your interest in curbing global warming. Support the
attempts of some organizations to fund renewable and clean energy solutions, such as wind and solar
power, and to protect forests.
Task 1. Read the text, and identify whether the statements are true (T), false (F), or not given (NG).
1. Oil, coal, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels that increase global warming.
_____
2. Taking care of your car tires can help the environment and your budget.
_____
3. Incandescent light bulbs use less electricity than fluorescent bulbs.
_____
4. Foods with pesticides are bad for your health.
_____
5. Wind and solar power are renewable energy alternatives to fossil fuels.
_____
Task 2. According to the information in the text, match the beginning of each sentence on the left
with the best ending on the right, writing the answer in each blank.
1. An increase in carbon dioxide ...
_____ A. reduces pollution by 70% to 90%.
2. Energy-efficient appliances ...
_____ B. contributes to global warming.
3. Compact fluorescent bulbs ...
_____ C. take steps to curb global warming.
4. Recycling ...
_____ D. save electricity.
5. People can ...
_____ E. cut down electricity use by 25%.
Task 3. Match the underlined words in the text with the definition.
1. curb (v)
_____
A. make something smaller
2. lessen (v)
_____
B. give your opinion about something in public
3. skip (v)
_____
C. throw something carelessly
4. toss (v)
_____
D. control or limit something
5. speak out (v)
_____
E. not to do something that you usually do
V. Read the text and do the tasks that follow.
Six Surprising Results of Climate Change
Most people have a general idea about what global warming involves. After all, the data that shows

rising temperatures and 1 ________________ ice caps are there for all to see. Sea 2
________________ are rising at a rate of about four milimetres per year. That may not sound like
much, but the Earth's changing climate is already 3 ________________ problem.
Not 4 ________________ is global warming shrinking glaciers and creating more powerful hurricanes,
but it also seems to be causing more forest fires than ever before. Recent wildfires in the western USA
have both covered more ground and 5 ________________ for longer. Their increased size and
frequency mean that firefighters have a much harder time putting them 6 ________________. What is
more, there is a 7 ________________ relationship between the warmer temperatures and the early
arrival of spring. When the snow disappears, forest 8 ________________ become drier and stay dry
for longer, which increases the chance that they might catch fire.
All over the world, temples, ancient monuments and other statues stand as reminders of past
civilizations, which until now have survived the tests of time. However, the immediate effects of
global warming may finally destroy them. Rising sea and extreme weather have the potential to
damage these unique sites. Floods caused by global warming have already damaged Sukhothai - the
600-year-old site which was the ancient capital of a Thai kingdom.
The average climber probably wouldn't notice, but the Alps and other mountain ranges have
experienced gradual growth over the past century or so thanks to the melting of the glaciers on top of
them. For thousands of years, the weight of these glaciers has pushed the mountains down into the
Earth, squeezing them down like a cushion. As the glaciers melt, this weight is decreasing, and the
surface is slowly rising. Global warming speeds up the melting of these glaciers, so the mountains are
growing faster.
One hundred and twenty-five lakes in the Arctic have disappeared in the past few decades, giving
support to the idea that global warming is working extremely fast nearest the Earth's poles. Research
into the missing water points to the probability that frozen earth underneath lakes wanned up and
became soft - or thawed. As this normally-frozen ground thaws, the water in the lakes can escape
through the soil, draining the lakes. One researcher compared it to pulling the plug out of the bath.
While melting ice in the Arctic might cause problems for plants and animals further south, it's creating
a bright and sunny situation for Arctic vegetation. Arctic plants are usually trapped in ice for most of
the year. Now in spring, when the ice melts earlier, the plants start growing quickly. There has been
an explosion of plant growth in the Arctic in recent decades.
Have those itchy eyes and sneezing fits that bother you every spring got worse in recent years? Global
warming may be partly to blame for that, too. Over the past few decades, an increasing number of
people have started suffering from seasonal allergies and asthma. Just like in the Arctic, early springs
mean plants come into flower more quickly, so your allergy season can last longer. Better buy some
more tissues.
Task 1. Read the first two paragraphs and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.
1. A. melting
B. dropping
C. fading
D. dissolving
2. A. heights
B. measures
C. lengths
D. levels
3. A. causing
B. making
C. resulting
D. proving
4. A. just
B. only
C. really
D. alone

5. A. stayed
B. taken
C. lasted
D. rested
6. A. off
B. out
C. over
D. down
7. A. clear
B. straight
C. simple
D. clean
8. A. fields
B. parts
C. places
D. areas
Task 2. Answer the questions about the text.
1. Why do early springs make forest fires more likely?
__________________________________________________________________________________
2. What caused the damage to an ancient site in Thailand?
__________________________________________________________________________________
3. Why are mountains getting higher?
__________________________________________________________________________________
4. What is the cause of the 'explosion of plant growth' in the Arctic?
__________________________________________________________________________________
5. How does climate change affect people with allergies?
__________________________________________________________________________________
Task 3. Match the words in bold in the text to the definitions.
1. __________________ happening slowly over a period of time
2. __________________ having an uncomfortable feeling on the body which makes you want to
scratch
3. __________________ when something increases suddenly by a large amount
4. __________________ agreement with an idea, group or person
5. __________________ something that makes you remember something else
VI. Read the text and do the tasks that follow.
Island Story
'When I was a little boy, I loved to go fishing in the sea with my spear,' says John Green, sadly. '...