TEXT DISCUSSION

  TEXT DISCUSSION

The controversy of harnessing solar energy

              We often hear about solar cars, solar heating and solar batteries. But will solar energy ever be the major source of energy for society ?

              Solar energy is cheaper than other fossil fuels because we can get an abundant source from the sun.

              In sunny desert areas, 50% of the sun’s radiation that reaches the ground could be used to produce electricity for business and industry, to provide heat, light, and hot water for homes. Experimental solar ponds can also produce hot water  to drive generators.

              Unfortunately, we can’t yet power our homes entirely on sunlight.

              Solar energy can only be used effectively in bright light. Its greatest potential therefore is in hot countries that have clear skies for most of the year. But, unfortunately most houses are not always in the sunniest part of the world. Moreover, in order to harness solar power , solar cells are needed to convert sunlight directly into electricity. Solar cells are very cheap to run, but relatively expensive to buy and many people can’t afford them.

              Needless to say, solar energy is useful and non pollution source of energy. However, solar cells the main device to harness the sun’s energy are still very expensive.

Discussion Text

·         Purpose                      :         to present information and opinions about more than one side

                                               of an issue ( for pins and against points )

·         Text organization :

§  Opening statement presenting the issue

§  Argumentts for different points of view ( pros and cons )

§  Conclusion

·         Language Features :

§  The use of general nouns

Example : alcohol, abortion, smoking, drugs etc

§  The use of thinking verbs

Example : think, feel, hope, believe etc

§   The use of additive connective

Example : in addition, furthermore, besides etc

§  The use o contrastive connectives

Example : although, nevertheless even if etc.

Answer the questions below !

1.   Find the synonim of the words below on the text above :

Listen    :..................     main  :............................  sun      : ........................

     obtain   : ...................   plentiful      : ..................... unluckily   : ...................

     merely     : ....................change    : ....................... purchase :

     equipment : .......................

2 . Find the antonym of the words below on the text above

     expensive        >< ...............  unable   >< ................. cold   >< .....................

     dark >< ....................   .indirectly >< ..................never >< .................

3.  Identify  which one is

The title                         : ...........................................................................................................

The issue                    :............................................................................................................

Argument for              : .........................................................................................................

Argument against      : ...............................................................................................

Conclusion                 : .........................................................................................................

4. What is the purpose of the text ?

5. What do you call this kind of text ?

6. What do you think of the speakers attitude ? partial or impartial ? How do you know ?