EU5-11: Talking about the environment

Vocabulary

[JOAN] I didn't realize that the city changed to natural gas from coal last month.[TODD] Yes. And I'm all for it. Less pollution,better air quality. Water quality has been improving recently, too.[JOAN] Speaking of the environment, AI and I are thinking about buying an electric car. We were looking at some online last night.[TODD]Really? That's a great idea. Perfect for commuting. And they're getting cheaper fast.[JOAN]Apparently, the new ones can go up to 170 kilometers between charges.[TODD] I didn't know that. Angela and I looked at Our monthly expenses recently. Can you believe we're spending almost 200 dollars a month on gasoline.[JOAN]I believe it. Gas just keeps getting more expensive.That's why we're thinking about an electric car. They cost just a few cents a kilometer to run.[TODD] If you get one. I'd love to try it out.[JOAN] Sure.

Keywords

• natural gas
• coal
• pollution
• air quallity
• the environment
• electric car
• commuting
• charges
• gasoline

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Grammar

1. First conditional

使用第一条件陈述句来表示如果某一事情发生而将引起的结果。第一条件句由两个分句组成。一个使用if+一种条件，另一个是结果从句，从句动词为将来时态，使用情态动词will。

If we buy an electric car, it will help the environment.
If the city changes to natural gas, air quality will improve.

在结果从句中也可以使用can之类的情态动词。

If I save my money, I can buy an electric car next year.

2. Pronouncing words with the suffix ‘-ion’

以-ion结尾的单词重音在倒数第二个音节上。注意粗体标出的重读音节。

• pollution
• transportation
• information
• tradition
• education

3. Communicating changes over time

使用进行时表达一段时间内的变化，现在进行时表达正在发生的变化。

Opinions about electric cars are changing.

现在完成进行时表示一个过去发生、现在扔在延续的变化。

Air quality has been improving for several years.

Get+形容词常用于进行时，表示一段时间内的变化。其意义与become类似。

Commuting is getting more irritating.
The city has been getting serious about using natural gas.
It’s getting better all the time.

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