Владимир Аракин - Практический курс английского языка 3 курс [calibre 2.43.0]

it abroad.

13. Read the following text. Find in it arguments for protecting natural resources of your country. Think of the arguments that can be put

forward in favour of the opposite viewpoint than that reflected in the text. Copy the arguments out into two columns (I — "for", II — "against"):The True Story of Lake Baikal

It should be pointed out that the outcry about the threat of pollution faced by Baikal came from every section of society^ How to

protect Baikal was the subject for widespread debate. There was some difference of opinion between those who one-sidedly empha-

sized industrial production and those who insisted that the basic balanced approach had to be adhered to.

Baikal first faced such problems almost 200 years ago when its shores were settled and crop farming and cattle breeding devel -

oped, and timber was felled. The floating of loose timber, particularly, polluted its waters. The pollution problem grew, especially after

the war because of the accelerated development of industry and the rise of cities in Siberia.

Did the answer be in shutting down all existing enterprises and all production in Baikal's vicinity? Was it necessary that Baikal's

vast treasures of forest, its power resources, mineral deposits and fertile soil lie untapped to protect its purity? Scientists reject the

approach of the conservationist purists who contend that only by leaving nature untouched can environment be protected and pollution

controlled. After considerable scientific study and debate the conclusion was Baikal's beauty and purity could be maintained at the

same time that its rich resources were tapped. Baikal can provide both material wealth and beauty to the country.

The answer lies in the rational use of Baikal resources, in guaranteeing its protection from pollution and despoliation.

14. Answer the following questions:

1. Why do you think the subject of Lake Baikal was very much in the news? 2. What posed a danger to the lake and its riches? 3.

Do you agree with the conservationist purists that nature should be left untouched "in its virgin loveliness"? 4. What is meant by the

rational use of natural resources in general and in reference to Lake Baikal in particular?

15. Discuss the text and the problem under study in pairs. One of the students takes a basically balanced viewpoint that Lake Baikal should be

used rationally for industrial and recreational needs, the other student defends a purists' idea that to preserve natural wealth we should leave it

untapped. Be sure to provide sound arguments for whatever you say. Work out arguments "for" and "against".

16. Role-Playing.

What Must We Care About to Prevent Disaster?

S i t u a t i o n : A group of tourists is on a river voyage down the Volga. They enjoy excursions to numerous natural attractions and

places of interest. Now they are on their way to a new automobile plant that comprises the manufacture of commercial vehicles, and

parts and components. Once a beautiful countryside, now it's a developed industrial area. The conversation centres around the future

of the district. Then it takes a more general turn. The subject under discussion is environmental protection. There is some difference of

opinion between those who one-sidedly emphasize industrial production and those who insist that a rational balanced approach

should be adhered to.

C h a r a c t e r s :

1. Professor Pyotr Pavlov, aged 53, a specialist on afforestation, believes that by A.D. 2000 we will have destroyed natural

environment because of the sprawl of large cities, reduction of open spaces, extermination of wildlife. Thinks that unrestricted

urbanization will let the man down posing a danger to his health, choking him with pollutants. The very existence of human race as a

biological species is threatened. Urgent steps should be taken by mankind to rescue the Earth and its inhabitants from a foresee able

disaster.

2. Doctor Oleg Firsov, aged 44, a professional naturalist and a science-fiction writer. Tries to warn people against the threat pre-

sented to natural environment by the by-products of industrial development. Says that science and technology progress has reached

such a level of development that it endangers all living matter: plants, animals, people. A comprehensive survival programme should

be worked out by specialists engaged in various spheres of science and economy.

3. Helen Strogova, aged 32, a science-popular films producer. Likes animals, keeps pets at home. She blames people for ruining

animal habitats, inflicting pain and suffering on animals in scientific and medical experiments. In her TV series on animal life raises the

problems confronting animals resulting from the nature destruction. Reminds people that lots of species are known to us only by

hearsay, others are gradually vanishing. Believes that by the application of a rational conservation programme many problems can be

solved.

4. Anton Kravtsov, aged 45, a leading specialist in the field of aircraft engineering industry, thinks that people benefit from the

advanced technology: new materials have been invented, new industrial technologies have been introduced, and these are helping to

improve our daily lives. Seldom goes to the country for a breath of fresh air, doesn't see beauty in a landscape. Believes that the 2 1 s t

century belongs to absolute reason. People should take all the ill-effects of industrialization for granted.

5. Olga Smirnova, aged 28, a postgraduate, a devoted student of medicine. Though a lover of nature doesn't see any harm in

medical experiments in which there's a great amount of animal lives waste. She is convinced that animal experiments serve a direct

scientific purpose and are justified in terms of the gain to human life. She says that people campaigning against vivisection do not

seem to realize that the good state of health and freedom of disease is largely due to animal experiments.

6. Igor Timoshin, aged 37, a promising specialist in the field of oil refinery processes, an enthusiastic director of a giant industrial

enterprise. Believes that oil exploration should be encouraged with the objective of maximizing economic production for the future.

Says that though the natural mineral resources are not likely to enlarge a man should do his best to take the lion's share of what the

land possesses. His primary goal is oil production, and environmental protection comes secondary.

7. Marina Larionova, aged 60, a famous seascape painter, participates in the campaign against the unrestricted sea exploration.

Reminds of the very beginning of life on the Earth. Says that man owes much to the Ocean and should preserve its reserves. She

doesn't think that man-made substitutes benefit humanity very much. Besides economic gains there should be moral obligations that

any environment-conscious person should observe. It's very important to make people environment-educated at an early age to

reduce the damage inflicted to the environment.

Note: The group of students is divided into two teams, each of which performs the same role-playing game. While discussing the problems pertaining to

environmental protection they show different approaches to the issues under discussion, speak about things of mutual interest, disagree with some of the

participants or share the others' point of view. Comments from the class on each team's performance and the estimate of the different arguments are invited.