1.2 Read the text and translate it into Russian

The air around us can become polluted as a result of our own activities. For instance, when coal is burnt gases and smoke are produced. These can make the air we breathes dirty and unpleasant. Sometimes the air becomes poisonous.

In 1952 many people died in London as a result of air pollution. This pollution came from coal fires in people's homes and from power sta­tions. It combined with the winter fog to form a poisonous smog:

SMOKE+FOG=SMOG

There was still weather at the time which meant the smog could not escape. After this disaster, a law was passed which made it illegal to burn coal in parts of cities called smokeless zones. This law was called The Clean Air Act

The Clean Air Act has stopped much of the smoke pollution in cities, but city air is often still dirty. Sulphur dioxide from power stations still pollutes city air. So do fumes from motor vehicles- These exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen which are invisible poisonous gases. The most dangerous pollutant from cars is lead. Tiny particles of this very poisonous metal come from car exhausts. Even small amounts can affect the brain and nervous system of people. Children are particularly vulnerable because their brains and nervous systems are still developing.

Factories also pollute the air. Some factories produce pollution all the time as a way of removing wastes from the factory. Other factories may usually give out little or no pollution, but can cause huge pollution problems when there is an. accident.

Some air pollutants, like smoke, can be seen. Others like the gas Sulphur dioxide, are invisible but Just as dangerous, if not more so. Sulphur dioxide is produced whenever Sulphur is burnt. Oil and coal always contain Sulphur, so when these are burnt, Sulphur dioxide is made. It can cause lung illnesses — like bronchitis — in people. It is also harmful to plants.

Oxides of nitrogen are also produced when oil and coal are burnt. Both Sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen can react with water and other substances in the air to form acids. These acids are deposited on the ground with rain and snow. The acid rain can damage life in lakes and rivers. It can also damage forest.

COMPREHENSION

2.1 Explain the meaning of the following:

1) smog

2) the Clean Air Act

3) car exhausts

4) acid rain

2.2 Answer the following questions:

1. Why does the air around become polluted?

2. What did combine the air pollution in London?

3. What was the influence of smog on people?

4. What law was made up to reduce the air pollution in London?

5. What consequences do exhaust fumes?

6. Why are factories another source of air pollution?

7. What is the cause of the acid rain?

2.3 What other forms of air pollution do you know?

2.4 Complete the following sentences:

1. ..... came from coal fires in peoples homes and from power station.

2. This law was called ........

3.Motor vehicles produce .......

4. Factories also pollute .....

5. Sulphur is also ..... to plants.

6. The acid rain can ...... life in lakes and rivers.

2.5 Agree or disagree with the statements below. Begin your sentence with one of the following :

I fully agree; I quite agree here; I suppose so; I am afraid so;

I disagree; I don not think so; On the contrary; It is not so; Far from it.

1. The air around us can become polluted as a result of our own activities

2. For instance, when coal is burnt gases and smoke are produced. These can make the air we breathes clean and fresh.

3. In 1952 many people died in London as a result of water pollution.

4. The Clean Air Act has stopped much of the smoke pollution in cities, but city air is often still dirty.

5. Factories also pollute the air. Some factories produce pollution all the time as a way of removing wastes from the factory

6. The acid rain can damage life in lakes and rivers. It can also damage forest.

2.6 Speak about the air pollution using the following expression:

First of all,

The main reason,

Secondly,

Besides that,

Many people think...

As a rule...

Finally,

Text 2

Read the text and understand the main points of it.