Unit

10 Our precious world

● Topics  Climate change; What’s ecology?; Green energy and
Masdar City; Water is gold; Eco-friendly houses; Why recycle?
● Use of English wish and past perfect; defining relative pronouns; first
conditionals; modals in the past; second conditionals; present passive voice.

Lessons 1–2 Extreme weather

● What is the most extreme weather you have ever experienced?
● What did you do?

● How did it make you feel?

Vocabulary Listening 42

1 The following words are all connected to 2 You are going to listen to three speakers
extreme weather. Match each word below talking about extreme weather.
to the definitions. Listen and decide what extreme weather
condition each speaker is describing and
storm tsunami hurricane heat wave where it takes place.
global warming drought rainfall
thunder fog cloud
Situation 1
1 no rain for a long period. Weather condition:
2 the amount of rain. Place:
3 a very loud noise from the sky.
4 when very small drops of water come Situation 2
together making it difficult to see. Weather condition:
5 several days when the weather is much Place:
hotter than normal.
6 very strong wind and heavy rain. Situation 3
7 a very large wave caused by an earthquake Weather condition:
under the sea. Place:
8 very, very strong wind.
9 an increase in the earth’s temperature due
to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into
the atmosphere.
10 a grey or white shape in the sky made from
very small drops of water.

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 10 Our precious world

3 Listen again to each speaker and write notes on Listening strategy

what they say in your notebook. Answer these When you are taking notes, it is a
two questions in your notebook. good idea to have a clear purpose for
1 What happened? listening, that is, why are you listening
2 How does the speaker feel? to the speakers? As you listen, focus on
your purpose and do not write down
Use of English everything you hear.

4 Look at this sentence from the listening activity.

Language tip
I wish we had listened to the scientists. wish + past perfect is used to express a
Decide if the following questions are true or false: past situation we would like to change
a The speaker is talking about the past. but can’t. We can also use ‘if only’
b The speaker thinks we listened to the scientists. instead of ‘wish’.
c The speaker wants to change the situation. Example: If only we had listened to
scientists. (I wish we had listened to the
Speaking scientists).
If only we hadn’t cut down so many
5 Look at the following situations. What do you
trees. (I wish we hadn’t cut down so
think the speakers wishes are? Write notes,
many trees.)
then tell you partner. The first one has been
done for you.
1 I left my keys at home.
Speaking tip
I wish I had remembered my keys. Use falling intonation to say something
2 I had to buy my mum a new vase. definite or when you want to be very
clear about something. Your voice
3 I missed the football match. should go down on the final stressed
syllable of a phrase or group of words.
4 I left my books at school.

5 I spilt your tea.

Pronunciation
6 Look at the wishes you wrote
for the activity above. Try saying
them with falling intonation.
I wish I had remembered my keys.

164 Unit 10 Lessons 1–2

 10 Our precious world

Lessons 3–4 Expo 2020

● What happens at trade fairs?
● Would you like to visit one?

Reading
1 Read the text below and decide which of the
questions (A, B, C or D) it answers.
A What are some of the design features for Expo 2020?
B What will Expo 2020 be about?
C Who is attending Expo 2020?
D How can visitors hide from the sun?

A celebration of ecology
The design for the main building have the opportunity to listen and As Expo 2020 will take place
of the Dubai 2020 Expo has been take part in discussions focusing during a time when the sun could
revealed during Sustainability on global challenges and solutions. affect those from cooler climates,
Week in Abu Dhabi. During As almost 200 countries are there will be places where visitors
the week long event, delegates hoping to take part in the event, can hide from the sun and move
were able to look at details and visitors will be given the chance to around Expo 2020 without getting
images for the main pavilion. The meet, discuss and exchange ideas burnt. These shaded enclaves and
pavilion, a large and impressive with people from almost every walkways are based on local wadi
building that will form the corner of the world. The centre riverbeds and will attract visitors
centrepiece of the forthcoming part of the pavilion will also house by creating natural sights and
trade fair, is said to represent some a courtyard and a reservoir. To smells within the fair.
of the most innovate designs and ensure every aspect of the pavilion
To ensure that visitors cannot miss
technologies. promotes sustainability, the roof
the pavilion, it will be located right
will not only protect visitors from
The main function of the building at the centre of the Expo’s 2km²
the sun, but will also collect solar
is to demonstrate how new site. Other countries attending
energy to power the venue.
science and design can work the event will contribute smaller
together to help us to protect our A few other smaller buildings, pavilions demonstrating that Expo
planet. The building will include named ‘energy trees’, will be built 2020 is clearly a global event.
exhibitions and performances around the central building.
A delegate who was attending
showing how effective alternative These trees have a dual purpose:
Sustainability Week claimed that
energy sources are. These energy they will be able to take energy
the designs were really impressive,
sources include solar energy, the from the sun to add power to
saying ‘I think the pavilion’s
use of water power and materials the pavilion and they will also
very low carbon footprint will
from natural resources. take water from the atmosphere
send a clear message about the
for use during the event. The
The centre of the building is 8000 importance of the natural world,
design of the pavilion originated
sq metres and will also have an ecology and the use of sustainable
from ideas present in the natural
auditorium where visitors will technology’.
sciences.

Unit 10 Lessons 3–4 165

 10 Our precious world

2 Read the text again and complete the following Reading strategy
sentences with words from the text. Remember to
Before reading a text to look for
write the answers in your notebook.
key information, carefully read
1 Delegates at Sustainability Week were shown the questions and consider what
2 The pavillion will show information you are looking for.
3 The auditorium will give visitors the chance to The words and phrases in the
4 The pavilion’s roof will be used to questions may be phrased slightly
5 The design of the pavilion originated from differently to those in the text.
6 Visitors will find the pavillion easily because

Speaking
3 Answer these questions with a partner.
1 Would you like to attend Expo 2020? Why/why not?
2 What do you think of the design for the pavilion?

Use of English
Use of English
4 Read the text again and find examples of relative
We use relative pronouns to
clauses which use that, who, where and when. Look at
specify or define the nouns that
the sentences that use the words above and answer
come before them. They can be
the questions below.
used to join two clauses.
1 What is the purpose of each relative clause (essential
information or a definition)? For example:
2 When do we use Jan is my friend. She lives in England.
a that b who c where d when Jan is my friend who lives in England.
3 What kind of words follow… In this example, who lives in
i which/that who? England is the relative clause.
a verb  b noun/prounn
Note that ‘which’ can replace ‘that’.
ii where/when?
a verb  b noun/pronoun A defining relative clause gives us a
definition.

Writing Samia is the person who always

helps me.
5 You are going to write a short essay about
sustainability. Before you do, discuss ideas with a
partner. Now write a short essay.

How can sustainable designs help to protect the environment from human impact?

166 Unit 10 Lessons 3–4

 10 Our precious world

Lessons 5–6 Green energy and Masdar City

● What is green energy?
● Why do you think it is important worldwide?

● Is green energy common in the UAE?

Listening 43

1 You are going to listen to an interview with

an architect who has worked in Masdar City.
As you listen, decide which of the following
problems the speaker mentions.
1 Rapid urbanisation.
2 Keeping people warm in winter.
3 Keeping people cool in summer.
4 Reducing the amount of wind.
5 Burning fossil fuels.
6 Having no cooperation between companies.
7 Creating a modern ‘green’ city.
8 Working with companies throughout the world.
9 Having too many citizens.
10 Having something to pass on to future generations.

2 Listen again. The speaker outlines several

environmental problems that Masdar City is
attempting to solve. As you listen, write notes
below what the solution to each problem is. The
first has been done for you.

Rapid urbanisation ➞ Investing smartly to reduce energy, water and waste

Unit 10 Lessons 5–6 167

 10 Our precious world

Use of English Use of English

3 These extracts from the listening The first conditional is usually introduced with ‘if’,
activity use the first conditional. but other conjunctions can be used instead.
We use the first conditional to • unless = if not
present possible solutions to
Unless we use solar power, we won’t be able to
problems. What do you notice
generate clean and fuel-efficient energy.
about the position of the comma?
• as long as = suggests that both actions take place
If we use solar power, we will be able at the same time
to generate clean and fuel-efficient
energy. As long as we use solar power, we will be able to
generate clean and fuel-efficient energy.
Or
• provided (that) or providing (that) = only if
As long as we create the newest Provided that we use solar power, we will be able to
solutions in terms of energy and generate clean and fuel-efficient energy.
sustainability, we will share these ideas
with companies throughout the city.
4 Match clauses 1–3 to clauses a–c and use a suitable conjunction (unless, as long as,
provided that) to link them. More than one answer may be correct.
1 We will solve all the world’s energy problems … a … we use solar panels.
2 We can use the power of the sun as energy … b … you stop wasting so much energy.
3 Your fuel bill will be very expensive … c … we all work together.

Speaking
5 Consider the following problems facing the Earth. Think about what we could do to
deal with each problem. Try to use a mixture of conjunctions to present your ideas.
Tell your partner.
For example: Natural resources
Unless we change our habits now, the earth will run out of natural resources.
Provided we start using green energy, we will keep our natural resources.

Overpopulation

Global warming Use of fossil fuels

Problems

Nuclear power Desertification

168 Unit 10 Lessons 5–6

 10 Our precious world

Lessons 7–8 Practise and prepare

● Look at the pictures. What do they show?
1 2

3 4

Speaking
1 Which of the things below do you think are the main causes of global warming?
Compare your ideas with a partner.

industry power stations agriculture homes 
cutting down forests  transport  producing oil

2 Do you do any of these things to help the environment?

● Use energy-saving lightbulbs ● Use renewable energy
● Use public transport ● Buy local products

Listening 44

3 Listen to Samya talking about an environmental problem.

a What two environmental problems does she talk about?
b What things from Activity 2 does Samya do to help reduce the effect of these problems?
Unit 10 Lessons 7–8 169
 10 Our precious world

4 Listen again and complete each answer with no more than three words.

Environmental problem 1. The amount of .

Reasons 2. Burning fossils fuels such as .
3. from vehicles.
Effects 4. People breathe in chemicals which causes
.
5.  , which is a major threat
to our planet.
How we can help to solve the problem 6. Use more .
7. Try to energy.
What Samya does 8. Travels by .
9. Uses .

Speaking
5 In pairs, think of an environmental issue facing the UAE and make some notes about it.
Discuss the following:
● What it is.
● The reason(s) for it.
● The effects of it.
● What we can do to help.
● How you try to protect the environment.
6 Work in pairs. Take it in turns to talk about the topic below.
Use the notes you made in Activity 5 to help you.

Describe how you try to help the environment.

You should mention:

• what you think the biggest environmental problem is
• what the reasons are for it
• what the effects of it are
• how we can help to solve the problem

170 Unit 10 Lessons 7–8

 10 Our precious world

Lessons 9–10 Water is gold

● Are you generally careful with the amount of water you use?
● How can we save water in the home?

Listening 45

1 Listen to Abdullah, John and Camilla discussing the

use of water. Which person:
a tries to save water?
b thinks they use too much water?
c is concerned about how water is being preserved in their
country?
2 Listen again and decide if the following statements are
true (T), false (F) or not given (NG).
Abdullah thinks that
1 desalination has helped his country to develop.
2 desalination is the best solution to water shortages.
John thinks that
3 it’s not important to save water.
4 using less water would have a positive impact on the
amount of money he spends.
Camilla thinks that
5 she uses water differently to most people in her country.
6 government water transportation projects are a good thing.
Are any of the speaker’s attitudes towards water similar to your own?

Unit 10 Lessons 9–10 171

 10 Our precious world

Use of English Speaking

3 Read the following statements taken 4 Look at the audioscript of the listening
from the recordings. activity. Write down all the expressions
i Without it, this country wouldn’t have that the speakers use to give opinions.
developed the way it has.
ii I know I should really have turned it off. 5 You are going to have a debate on the
iii … this situation might have been avoided. following statement:
1 Are the speakers talking about the past, Governments should restrict the use of
present or future? water.
2 Which statement …
Group A: you agree with the statement.
a talks about an impossible past situation?
b talks about past possibility? Group B: you disagree with the statement.
c talks about a past regret?
3 Find the modal verbs in the examples above. Come up with some arguments in your
What word are they followed by? group to support the stance you have
been assigned. Remember to provide
evidence or examples to support your
arguments when possible.

Speaking tip

Before having a debate on a topic, try
to predict what counter-arguments
the other group might present and
how you could respond to them.
During the debate, remember to
listen to the points the other person
makes and be prepared to respond.

With a partner from the other group,

have the debate. You must defend your
position and try to persuade your
partner that your point of view is correct.
When presenting your arguments, try to
use some of the expressions for giving
opinions that you heard in the recording.

172 Unit 10 Lessons 9–10

 10 Our precious world

Lessons 11–12 Green cars

● Do you think the way we use cars can affect the environment? Why/Why not?
● What do you know about ‘green cars’?

Reading
1 Read the text about electric cars and decide whether the statements are true (T),
false (F) or not given (NG).
1 The only benefit of EVs is that they don’t emit toxic gases.
2 Not everyone thinks EVs are a good thing.
3 EVs are more expensive to buy than traditional cars.
4 EV owners can charge their cars for free anywhere in Dubai.

Electric cars are not new on the roads and we’ve all heard about the benefits
of ‘green cars’, such as cutting greenhouse gases. In fact, electric vehicles,
or EVs, are 100 per cent eco-friendly as they run on electrically powered
engines. They don’t emit toxic gases or smoke, so they have a low impact on
5
the environment because they run on clean sustainable energy. They’re even
better than hybrid cars, which typically consume petrol or diesel fuel and
therefore produce harmful emissions. Also, because EVs are much quieter
than regular cars, they greatly reduce noise pollution.
Despite these advantages, some people still have reservations about EVs.
10
For example, they may argue that there aren’t enough electric fuelling
stations, so there’s a real risk of running out of charge if you’re on a long trip.
Other arguments against the use of EVs are the high cost of electricity and
their long recharge time. If electricity was cheaper and fuelling stations easier
to find, more people would consider buying EVs. Also, since most of the
15
electric cars on today’s market are small and only seat two people, families
may not find them suitable for their needs.
But now local authorities in Dubai are offering interesting incentives to EV owners in an effort to make our roads
greener. This is part of a larger plan, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to make Dubai the place
with the lowest carbon footprint in the world by 2050.
20
The good news for Dubai EV owners is that:
• they can charge their vehicle for free at Dewa-approved stations until 2019
• they have access to free designated green parking in Dubai
• they get free electric vehicle registration and renewal fees
• they receive a free Salik tag for their car and a licence plate sticker identifying it as an electric vehicle.
25
As one government official said, ‘If we all drove electric cars, we’d live in clean, quiet cities.’ So are you ready to buy
an EV and join the ‘green movement’?
Source : http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/transport/electric-cars-in-dubai-come-with-these-four-free-perks-1.2095098

Unit 10 Lessons 11–12 173

 10 Our precious world

2 Look at the text again. What do the pronouns refer to? Reading strategy
1 they (line 4) Pronouns (for example, it, this,
2 they (line 10) these) are used to avoid repetition
3 their (line 13) and to link ideas to make a text
4 this (line 18) cohesive. Identifying what these
5 it (line 24) pronouns refer to helps you to
understand a text.
Use of English
3 Look at this sentence from the text and answer the Use of English
questions below. One government official said We use the second conditional
‘If we all drove electric cars, we’d live in clean, quiet cities.’ to talk about imaginary or
hypothetical present or future
a Do we all drive electric cars? situations. We form the second
b Is it likely that we will all drive electric cars in the future? conditional like this:
c How do we pronounce the sentence?
if + past simple + would + base
d How can we make the sentence negative?
form.
e How can we turn the sentence into a question?
For example:
Speaking If electricity was cheaper and
fuelling stations easier to find
4 Imagine you could design a new EV. What features available, more people would
would it have? Think of at least three sentences and consider buying EVs.
then tell your partner.
Writing tip
Writing Remember to use forwards and
5 Imagine you are going to write an essay discussing backwards referencing to avoid
the advantages and disadvantages of electric cars. repetition and make your writing
Write an introduction to the essay. cohesive.

174 Unit 10 Lessons 11–12

 10 Our precious world

Lessons 13–14 Endangered animals of the UAE

● Do you know any endangered animals in the UAE?
● Why are these animals in danger?

Reading
1 You are going to read an article about endangered animals of the UAE. Skim read
the text and match one of the headings below with each paragraph.
A Why should we care?
B Too beautiful to live.
C How you can help.
D Overview of the problem and aim of the article.
E From life in the wild to domestic animal.

1
The UAE is home to a range of beautiful animals, but many of them are quickly disappearing
and are nearly the last of their kind in the world. In an effort to protect different endangered
species, the country has created a number of ways to raise people’s awareness to the
importance of conservation. In this article, our main objective is to consider some of these
vulnerable creatures and what you can do to stop them from becoming extinct.

2
Hawksbill turtles are found in over 60 countries including the UAE. The turtles lay their
nests on our beaches, and especially on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. In the past century,
the worldwide population has decreased by
around 80 per cent and unfortunately it is
believed that there are only approximately
8000 adult nesting females left in the world.
Sadly, one of the reasons why the Hawksbill
turtles are disappearing is that they are
hunted for their magnificent brown and
yellow shells to make decorative items, such
as jewellery and ornaments.

3
The smallest of all 15 existing species, in the past the Arabian leopards could be found all over
Arabian Peninsula. However, since the beginning of the 19th century, the leopards’ population
has decreased by around 90 per cent in Saudi Arabia and it is now believed that that there are
250 or fewer of these leopards in the wild, and they are disappearing fast. The biggest threat
to this animal is the loss of its natural habitat and prey, caused by unregulated hunting.
Some leopards are even captured live and sold at high prices as pets.

Unit 10 Lessons 13–14 175

 10 Our precious world

4
Unfortunately not everyone appreciates the cultural importance and touristic value of these
animals. For example, many people visit our beaches every year to study the Hawksbill
turtles, especially during nesting season. But in addition to attracting tourists, these animals
play an important role in preserving the coral reefs by eating sponges which would otherwise
prevent the corals from growing. In fact, research shows that one turtle can consume over
454 kilograms of sponges per year thereby significantly protecting the reefs. It must be
remembered that coral reefs are home to 25 per cent of all marine species, so if reefs should
disappear, so would many fish and underwater plants.

5
The good news is there are many great initiatives throughout the country to help preserve
these endangered species. However, even the best efforts will fail without people’s support.
For example, you can join the Marine Turtle Conservation Project, launched in 2010 by the
Emirates Wildlife Society in association with the World Wildlife Foundation (EWS-WWF),
and adopt a turtle. You can also donate small sums of money to shops, hotels and dive centres
who collect contributions for the turtle conservation campaign. Most of all you can learn more
about endangered species and what’s happening to and for them. For example, the Sharjah
Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW) has successfully bred 35 Arabian
leopards since 1998. The centre also offers workshops and activities to inform everyone of the
importance of protecting the leopard’s natural habitat and encourage people to take action.
The bottom line is, if we all stay informed and show we care, we can play the biggest role in
preserving and maintaining a vital part of our living natural history.
Source: http://gulfnews.com/your-say/your-reports/how-you-can-help-save-the-uae-s-endangered-species-1.1430372

2 Scan the text quickly and find the numbers in Listening

the box. What do they refer to?
4 46 Listen to some people talking
60 80% 8000 90% 250 454 2010 1998 about ways to protect endangered
animals.
3 Complete the notes using no more than two a What do you think some solutions to
words from the text. preserving these animals could be?
1 The UAE tries to of the need to protect b Listen to some people talking about
our endangered animals. (2 words) ways to protect endangered animals.
2 The Hawksbill turtles are for their shells. Note down the suggestions.
(1 word) c Are any of these ideas the same as
3 The Arabian leopard cannot find prey because yours?
of . (2 words)
4 These animals are an important part of our
Speaking
culture but they are also a . (2 words) 5 Do you or anyone you know do any
5 It’s important to these species and of the things mentioned in the
stop them from becoming extinct. (1 word) recording? In pairs, think of four more
tips to protect endangered animals.
176 Unit 10 Lessons 13–14
 b Complete the gaps in the text with a
Lesson 15 Review suitable word from Activity 1.

Vocabulary Use of English

1 Put the vocabulary below from Unit 10 3 Correct the mistakes in the following
into the correct part of the table. Some
sentences. Say what the mistake is in
words may fall into more than one
each one.
category.
1 A scientist is someone which works in one
energy-efficient sustainable drought of the sciences.
natural sciences  hurricane  insulation 2 Provided we will invest in sustainable
waste  tap  conservation  fossil fuels technologies, we will reduce energy
basin  natural resources  tsunami consumption.
carbon dioxide  landfill  desalination 3 I wish eco-houses existed 50 years ago.
renewable  solar panel  global warming 4 If only firms and companies previously
invested in green technologies.
Weather Ecology Energy Water Recycling Eco-houses 5 I will restrict the use of water if I were Prime
Minister.
6 I should pay more attention to
environmental issues when I was younger.
Reading
2 You are going to read a text about Speaking
changes to the Earth. 4 Look at the topics and brainstorm some
a Read the text below quickly and decide what ideas to help prepare for a debate.
it is about. ● Every country should stop using oil.
There is now a lot of scientific evidence that the ● Global warming is not an important
earth is getting warmer and that (1)
is problem.
taking place. This represents a major threat to ● Extreme weather is exciting.
life on earth and is believed to be the biggest
● Governments should restrict the use of
issue facing our planet nowadays. However,
there are various measures that governments water.
and individuals could take to tackle climate ● Recycling is not necessary.
change. For example, governments could ● In 100 years’ time, everyone will live in an
introduce laws to limit the (2)
emissions
eco-house.
that lead to global warming. They could also
reduce our dependence on (3)
and invest
Speaking tip
in (4)
energy production from (5)
,
wind or water power. As individuals, we should Remember to use expressions for
also try to limit our contribution to climate giving your opinion and agreeing
change. For example, we can switch to energy and disagreeing.
companies that use renewable energy. We can
also become more (6)
by flying less and
travelling by bicycle and public transport.

Unit 10 Lesson 15 177

 8 Our precious world

Lessons 16–17 Project: Action Now!

● What ecological threats are currently facing the world?

Research and note-taking Project Planning

1 You are going to research a serious 3 You are going to prepare a campaign to
ecological threat facing the world. raise awareness of your chosen ecological
Example topics: threat.

The campaign should:

urbanisation – explain what the problem is
– suggest ways in which the problem can be
industrial development solved or avoided
tourism – persuade the class to adopt your
pollution solutions(s).
waste management
In your groups, draw a mind map to plan your
water shortages campaign and record your ideas. Remember to:
– state the problem clearly
● In your group, decide which ecological – explain why it is a problem
threat to focus on. – give any other relevant information
● Use the Internet or visit the school library, – suggest possible solutions (from your
and each find an article on your chosen research and your ideas)
topic. – suggest possible ways to avoid the situation
● Each member of the group should read their (from your research and your ideas).
article alone.
● As you read, make some notes. Try to
answer the following questions:
– What is the problem?
– Why is it a problem?
– What information is given about the
problem?
2 Re-form your groups and compare your
notes. Answer these questions:
● Do you have the same information?
● What do you think is the most important
information?
● Can you suggest any solutions to the
problem? Or how can we avoid the
problem?
178 Unit 10 Lessons 16–17
 8 Our precious world

Useful Language
4 Before you deliver your campaign, put the following expressions in the table below
(some phrases have already been added).

Today we want to consider … , This is done by … , As long as/provided/unless we … ,

Today, we would like to discuss … , Don’t you think it would be better to … ,
The subject/purpose of this campaign is … , If we don’t do this, then … ,
This is something which/that/when/where … , We can call this … , We shouldn’t have …

outlining clarifying persuading

Our topic today is … My advice would be to …

Add any other phrases you may know.

Preparation
5 Using your notes and ideas, work in your groups to prepare how you will deliver
your campaign. It should last for approximately five minutes. Remember that your
aim is to persuade the class to adopt your solution(s).
Structure your campaign like this:
1 Say what the problem is.
2 Explain why it is a problem.
3 Suggest possible solutions or ways to avoid the problem.
4 Persuade your listeners to adopt your solutions or change their behaviour.
Decide who will deliver each part of the campaign and ensure everyone has a chance to speak.
Remember to use some of the useful language from Activity 4.

Speaking
6 Deliver your awareness raising campaign. Try to persuade the class to adopt your
solutions. While you listen to each campaign, answer the following questions.

Was the problem clear?

What solutions were made?

Which campaign did you find the most persuasive? Why?

Unit 10 Lessons 16–17 179