Speaking

17. Summarize the text ‘ Matter, Elements and Atoms’ in 150 words.

18. You are taking your exam in Physics. Your examination card says: Matter, its definition and basic notions. Your partner is your examiner. Answer his questions and try to get a good mark.

You may begin like this: -Well, what is matter?

Your partner: - Matter is …

Divide into 2 groups. Group 1 translates Extract A and group 2 – extract B of the text “Electricity” with a dictionary in writing, paying attention to the use of the Past Simple.

Extract A

Electricity is simply a movement of charged particles through a closed circuit. The electrons, which flow through this wire carry a negative charge. Electricity is made by converting some form of energy into flowing electrons at the power plant. The type of power plant depends on the source of energy used: thermal power plant (coal, oil, gas, nuclear, underground stream), solar power (photovoltaic), kinetic power (water, wind) and chemical power (fuel cell). After it is made, electricity is sent into a system of cables and wires called a transmission grid. This system enables power plants and end users to be connected.

Electrical phenomena have been studied since antiquity, though advances in the science were not made until the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Practical applications for electricity however remained few, and only in the late nineteenth century engineers were able to put it to industrial and residential use. The rapid expansion in electrical technology at that time transformed industry and society.

Extraordinary versatility as a source of energy of electricity means it can be put to an almost limitless set of applications which include transport, heating, lighting, communications, and computation.