B2 unit 20 questions

A

Do you have a reservoir in your area that provides the drinking water? Where does your drinking water come from?

In my area, the drinking water comes from a reservoir. It is regularly tested to ensure that it is safe for consumption.

 

Which areas in your country suffer from regular flooding? What can be done to prevent the damage?

Areas in my country that suffer from regular flooding are usually located near rivers or other bodies of water. To prevent damage, people can build flood barriers and create better drainage systems.

 

What is life like in rural communities in your area?

Life in rural communities in my area is generally slower-paced than life in cities. People tend to be more connected to the land and their neighbours, and there is a strong sense of community.

 

What damage is done to a place which is struck by lightning?

When a place is struck by lightning, it can cause fires, damage buildings, and disrupt electrical systems. It can also cause injuries or death if people are nearby when it strikes.

 

What kind of produce is grown in the fields of your country?

The fields of my country produce a variety of crops such as wheat, corn, soybeans, and vegetables. Livestock such as cows and chickens are also raised on farms in the area.

 

When does it drizzle in your area?

It usually drizzles in my area during the spring and fall months when the weather is transitioning between seasons.

 

Should we trust the weather forecast?

We should trust the weather forecast to some extent because meteorologists use sophisticated technology to make predictions about upcoming weather patterns. However, it is important to remember that forecasts can be wrong due to unexpected changes in the atmosphere or other factors.

 

What kind of industrial waste do factories pump out in your area?

Factories in my area pump out industrial waste such as chemicals, metals, and other pollutants into the air and water sources nearby. This waste can have negative impacts on human health and the environment if not properly managed or disposed of correctly.

 

What are the surrounding areas like with regards to pollution?

The surrounding areas with regards to pollution vary depending on where you are located in my country. In some areas, there may be high levels of air pollution due to factories or traffic while other areas may have lower levels due to less industry or population density.

 

How can we encourage people to reuse their plastic bags?

To encourage people to reuse their plastic bags we could provide incentives such as discounts for customers who bring their own bags when shopping or provide reusable bags for free at stores or events. We could also educate people about the environmental impacts of single-use plastic bags so they understand why it’s important to reduce their use.

 

What do you think of the controversy caused by an academic who claims that global warming is not caused by humans?

I think that any academic who claims that global warming is not caused by humans should be taken seriously but their claims should also be backed up with scientific evidence before being accepted as fact by society at large.

 

Please, give some examples of human disregard for the environment.

Examples of human disregard for the environment include littering, overfishing oceans, cutting down forests without replanting trees, using too much energy from non-renewable sources like coal and oil, polluting rivers with industrial waste products, etc.

 

What do you make of large-scale changes in the climate?

Large-scale changes in climate can have serious consequences for our planet including extreme weather events like floods and droughts which can lead to food shortages and displacement of populations from their homes due to rising sea levels etc.. Therefore it’s important that we take steps now to reduce our carbon emissions so we don’t experience more drastic changes in climate over time which could have devastating effects on our planet’s ecosystems and human populations alike.

What was responsible for the fact that dinosaurs became extinct?

The exact cause of dinosaurs becoming extinct is still unknown but scientists believe that an asteroid impact may have been responsible for wiping out most species around 65 million years ago due to its devastating effects on Earth’s climate at the time which caused mass extinctions across many species including dinosaurs. 

 

What are some ways that we pump out smoke into the atmosphere?

Some ways we pump smoke into the atmosphere include burning fossil fuels like coal for electricity production which releases carbon dioxide into the air; burning wood for cooking which releases smoke particles; burning garbage which releases toxic chemicals; vehicle exhaust fumes; factory emissions etc. 

 

What is the quality of air that you breathe like in your town?

The quality of air I breathe in my town varies depending on where I am located but generally speaking it tends towards being quite polluted due to traffic congestion during rush hour periods as well as emissions from factories nearby. 

 

Where is the quality of air much cleaner in your country?

The quality of air tends towards being much cleaner in rural areas away from cities where there are fewer cars on roads and fewer industry-producing pollutants.

 

 

B

If the weather is bad, how long does it take for it to clear up, normally? Do you wait for the weather to clear up or carry on your routine?

It depends on the type of weather and the region. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days for the weather to clear up. It is best to wait for the weather to clear up before continuing with your routine, as it can be dangerous to do otherwise.

 

Why should you wait for the wind to die down before going sailing?

You should wait for the wind to die down before going sailing because strong winds can make sailing difficult and dangerous. The wind can cause waves that make it hard to control the boat, and if it is too strong, it can even capsize the boat.

 

What kinds of things are environmentalists calling for stricter control on besides the use of leaded petrol?

Environmentalists are calling for stricter control on many things besides the use of leaded petrol, such as air pollution, water pollution, deforestation, overfishing, and climate change. They are also calling for more sustainable practices in industries such as agriculture and energy production.

 

Why can´t most companies face up to the fact that their products are bad for the environment?

Most companies cannot face up to the fact that their products are bad for the environment because they are afraid of losing profits or customers if they admit that their products are damaging the environment. They may also be unwilling or unable to invest in making changes that would reduce their environmental impact.

 

Why is it really hard to put out wildfires?

Wildfires are really hard to put out because they spread quickly and can be difficult to contain due to strong winds or dry conditions. Fire-fighters must work quickly and carefully in order to contain a wildfire before it spreads too far.

 

When was the last time you called something off due to the weather being really bad?

The last time I called something off due to bad weather was when I had planned a camping trip with some friends last summer but had to cancel due to heavy rain forecasted for our area.

 

What would you do if your town was cut off because of floods?

If my town was cut off because of floods, I would first make sure my family was safe by moving them somewhere higher ground if necessary. Then I would contact local authorities or relief organizations for help in getting supplies and assistance if needed.

 

How would you do up your house if you had to?

If I had to do up my house due to flooding or other damage caused by bad weather, I would first assess what needs repairing or replacing and then start making repairs where possible using materials that will withstand future bad weather conditions if necessary.

C

What kinds of things we shouldn´t throw away/out because they are bad for the environment?

We shouldn’t throw away items such as plastic, glass, and metal because they are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose. Additionally, we should avoid throwing away items that contain hazardous materials such as batteries, paint, and oil.

 

What kind of weather brings/gets you down?

I get down when the weather is cloudy and rainy. It’s hard to stay motivated when the sky is grey and it’s raining outside.

 

What does IT stand for?

IT stands for Information Technology.

 

Would you like to see them tear down an old building in your area and build something else? What would you like them to build in its place?

I would not like to see them tear down an old building in my area. Instead, I would like them to build something that would benefit the community such as a park or a library.

 

When was the last time you had to change your plans because the rain had set in for the day?

The last time I had to change my plans because of rain was about two weeks ago. I had planned on going for a walk but it started raining so I decided to stay indoors instead.

 

What do you put the extinction of many species down to?

I put the extinction of many species down to human activities such as deforestation, overhunting, pollution, and climate change. These activities have caused habitats to be destroyed or altered which has led to the decline of many species around the world.

 

 

D

What should you do if you are feeling a bit under the weather?

If you are feeling a bit under the weather, it is important to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. You should also consider taking over-the-counter medications to help relieve any symptoms.

 

What kinds of things have had a bad effect on the air quality of your city?

The air quality of cities can be negatively affected by a variety of things, such as vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and the burning of fossil fuels.

 

Would you mind getting rid of your car and cycling everywhere instead?

Getting rid of your car and cycling everywhere instead could be beneficial for both your health and the environment. However, it may not be practical for everyone depending on their lifestyle and location.

 

Would it take a long time to clean the beaches of your country?

It would likely take a long time to clean the beaches of a country due to the sheer size and number of beaches that need to be cleaned. It would require a large number of resources and manpower in order to achieve this goal.

 

Who has the responsibility for raising awareness about recycling?

Raising awareness about recycling is the responsibility of both individuals and governments. Individuals can do their part by educating themselves about recycling practices and making sure they are following them correctly. Governments can help by providing resources for recycling programs and encouraging citizens to participate in them.

 

Why does it seem like a waste of time trying to get some countries to start recycling?

Trying to get some countries to start recycling can seem like a waste of time because there may be cultural or economic barriers that prevent them from doing so. In addition, some countries may not have access to the necessary resources or infrastructure needed for successful recycling programs.

 

How do you feel when you are in sight of your goals?

When you are in sight of your goals, it can feel very rewarding and motivating as you have worked hard towards achieving them. It is important to celebrate these successes as they will help keep you motivated on your journey towards achieving your goals.

 

Why do some drivers lose control of their vehicle?

Some drivers lose control of their vehicle due to distractions such as using their phone while driving or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Moreover, drivers may lose control if they are driving too fast or if they are inexperienced with driving in certain conditions such as rain or snow.

 

 

E

What are they doing to make the days of China being one of the most polluted countries in the world come to an end?

China is taking a number of steps to reduce air pollution, such as introducing stricter emissions standards, investing in renewable energy sources, and encouraging citizens to use public transportation.

 

If your office was on the fifteenth floor and there was no lift, would you continue working for that company?

It would depend on the other benefits of the job and how often I would need to use the stairs. If it was a minor inconvenience, I might be willing to continue working for the company.

 

What has your government made a complete mess of?

My government has made a complete mess of its environmental policies. It has failed to take meaningful action on climate change and has not done enough to protect natural habitats from destruction.

 

When it´s hot, do you like to have a cold shower a couple of times during the day?

Yes, I do like to have a cold shower when it’s hot outside. It helps me cool down and feel refreshed.

 

Do you think that nature lovers are always making a fuss about nothing?

No, I don’t think that nature lovers are always making a fuss about nothing. They are often raising important issues that need to be addressed in order for us to protect our environment and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

 

If no one in the whole world wants the hole in the ozone layer to get any bigger, then, why don´t we all do something about it?

We all need to take action in order to prevent the hole in the ozone layer from getting any bigger. This could include reducing our emissions of greenhouse gases, using renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels, and reducing our consumption of single-use plastics.

 

Would you agree that it looks like a large number of species will become extinct over the next decade?

Yes, I agree that it looks like a large number of species will become extinct over the next decade due to human activities such as deforestation, overfishing, and climate change.

 

When do kids stop believing in things like there being a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow?

Kids usually stop believing in things like there being a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow around the age of seven or eight when they start developing more logical thinking skills and understanding that these things are not real.

 

 

F

Have you been disappointed by/with a place you have visited?

Yes, I have been disappointed by a place I have visited. The expectations I had for the place were not met and it was not as enjoyable as I had hoped.

 

What is your city famous for?

My city is famous for its historical sites, cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife.

 

If it is hard to imagine living near a volcano, why do some people do it?

Some people choose to live near a volcano because of the economic opportunities that come with living in such an area. In addition, some people may find the natural beauty of living near a volcano appealing.

 

Are you familiar with all of the environmental dangers facing your area?

No, I am not familiar with all of the environmental dangers facing my area. However, I am aware of some of the more common issues such as air pollution and water contamination.

 

How can you make others aware of the dangers facing your area?

To make others aware of the dangers facing my area, I could share information about these issues through social media or other forms of communication. Moreover, I could organize events or activities to raise awareness about these issues in my community.

 

What kinds of things can prevent people from building houses in a particular area?

Things that can prevent people from building houses in a particular area include zoning laws, environmental regulations, and land availability. In addition, certain areas may be prone to natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes which can make them unsuitable for housing development.

 

What would a quick glance at the map of your country reveal to an environmentalist?

A quick glance at the map of my country would reveal to an environmentalist areas that are vulnerable to climate change and other environmental threats such as deforestation or water pollution. Furthermore, it would show areas where conservation efforts are being made to protect wildlife and habitats.

 

What do you think of living in skyscrapers which are completely covered in glass?

Living in skyscrapers which are completely covered in glass can be both exciting and intimidating at the same time. On one hand, it offers stunning views and modern amenities but on the other hand, it can be quite energy inefficient due to its reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning systems.

 

What would you do if you heard seismologists warning people of/about the possibility of a quake?

If I heard seismologists warning people about the possibility of a quake, I would take their advice seriously and prepare accordingly by stocking up on emergency supplies such as food and water as well as making sure my family has an evacuation plan in place if necessary.

 

When do you expect the end of the world to happen?

It is impossible to predict when the end of the world will happen so there is no way to know when this will occur.

 

People from which country are especially not short of/on courage and face the elements bravely?

People from Iceland are especially not short on courage and face the elements bravely due to their long history of dealing with extreme weather conditions such as volcanic eruptions or earthquakes caused by shifting tectonic plates beneath their island nation’s surface.

 

Would it be enough if people living in an earthquake zone just carried on as usual except for checking the news for seismologists´ reports?

No, it would not be enough if people living in an earthquake zone just carried on as usual except for checking news for seismologists´ reports because they should also take steps to prepare themselves for potential disasters by stocking up on emergency supplies and having an evacuation plan in place if necessary.

 

G

Do most people accept that global warming is a reality?

Yes, most people accept that global warming is a reality due to the overwhelming evidence of its effects on the environment.

 

What do you wear in freezing weather?

In freezing weather, people usually wear warm layers of clothing such as coats, hats, gloves, and scarves.

 

What can we do to protect endangered species like the giant panda?

To protect endangered species like the giant panda, we can create protected areas for them to live in and reduce human activities that threaten their habitats. We can also raise awareness about their plight and support conservation efforts.

 

What are the benefits of meteorologists being able to forecasts tomorrow´s weather with incredible accuracy nowadays?

The benefits of meteorologists being able to forecasts tomorrow´s weather with incredible accuracy nowadays include improved safety for outdoor activities, better planning for events and travel, and more accurate predictions of extreme weather events.

 

Which part of your city is appealing to developers?

The part of a city that is most appealing to developers is usually the area with the highest potential for economic growth. This could include areas with access to transportation networks or areas with desirable amenities such as parks or shopping centres.

 

Why are most environmentally friendly products expensive?

Most environmentally friendly products are expensive because they require more resources and labour to produce than traditional products. Moreover, they often use higher-quality materials which also adds to their cost.

 

Why isn´t everyone extremely worried about the hole in the ozone layer?

Not everyone is extremely worried about the hole in the ozone layer because it has been decreasing in size since it was first discovered in 1985 due to international efforts to reduce emissions of ozone-depleting substances.

 

What is life like in the residential areas of your city?

Life in the residential areas of my city is generally quiet and peaceful. There are plenty of parks and green spaces for people to enjoy as well as a variety of shops and restaurants nearby.

 

Is there much likelihood of environmental groups convincing multinational companies to support them?

There is some likelihood of environmental groups convincing multinational companies to support them as many companies are beginning to recognize the importance of sustainability initiatives and are willing to invest in them if it will benefit their bottom line.

 

Would you be able to tell a harmless snake from a harmful one?

No, I would not be able to tell a harmless snake from a harmful one without proper training or experience in identifying snakes.

 

Do you go outside and enjoy the sun for as long as it lasts during the day in the winter?

Yes, I do go outside and enjoy the sun for as long as it lasts during the day in winter because it helps me stay active and get some much-needed Vitamin D!

 

What kind of neighbourhood did you grow up in?

I grew up in a suburban neighbourhood where there were plenty of parks nearby for us kids to play at and lots of friendly neighbours who looked out for each other.

 

Why do they lower the price of petrol and then raise it all the time?

They lower the price of petrol and then raise it all the time because petrol prices are affected by global supply and demand which can fluctuate over time depending on various factors such as political instability or natural disasters.

 

What does the greatness of solar power lie in? What do you say about renewable energies?

The greatness of solar power lies in its ability to generate clean energy without producing any emissions or pollutants that harm our environment. Renewable energies such as solar power are becoming increasingly popular due to their cost-effectiveness over time compared with traditional sources like fossil fuels which will eventually run out one day.

What kinds of pollutants are found in rivers?

Pollutants found in rivers can include industrial waste, agricultural runoff, sewage effluent, oil spills, heavy metals from mining operations, fertilizers from farms, etc..

 

When was the last time it was really so unnaturally dark for the time of day that you got worried?

The last time it was really so unnaturally dark for the time of day that I got worried was during an eclipse when I was living abroad – it was quite an eerie experience!