MLS Engineering, Class 2

 By Nate Feldman

*Vocabulary: Complete the sentences with words listed below.

biomass boiler    dispose   forward-thinking    optimum   photovoltaic cladding    sphere 

1. A good business must be ________________________.  They can't just think about yesterday.  They must think about the future as well.

2. The Earth is a giant __________________, or rounded circle.

3. Some buildings use ______________________________to generate energy from sunlight.

4. Make sure you ____________________of your trash in the waste basket before you leave the classroom today.

5. To get an ____________________score on your test, you must study and prepare yourself well.  

6. A ________________________generates energy from wasted material. 

*Reading:

Kelly T. Sanders is an assistant professor of environmental engineering at the University of Southern California (USC).  Partially influenced by her profession, she tries to live a green life as much as possible.  She takes short showers, doesn’t turn on the air conditioner unless it’s really necessary, and she doesn’t own a car.  She, however, has the luxury to do this as she lives on her university campus. 

But, what are people with less money supposed to do to be more environmentally friendly?  Not everyone can necessarily afford to install solar panels on their apartments, something that can cost as much as $10,000.  Kelly Sanders has advice for them.

The first thing she suggests is that people utilize the sun when it is out.  In other words, when it is daytime, use less electricity.  Don’t keep on lights if you don’t have to.  In the future, she believes there will be different “smart” appliances that will turn themselves on and off at times for energy efficiency.  Until then, the general public needs to be more mindful of keeping things off and on. 

She also recommends that people try and find solar-powered chargers for their laptops and phones.  Even small things here and there can make a difference if people do not have enough money for a solar panel.

Finally, she suggests that landlords weatherize doors and windows so that people do not feel the need to have the heater on high during the colder winter months. 

1. The main idea of this passage is:

A. being environmentally friendly is only for rich people

B. There are inexpensive ways to be environmentally friendly 

C. Kelly Sanders lifestyle is unique and special 

D. Landlords don't do enough to make their buildings environmentally friendly 

*Listening: We'll watch the video below and answer the question afterwards.

1. The Main idea of this video is:

A. Work is the best way to make a lot of money 

B. Working too much is not a big deal for most people

C. My work habits may be having negative effects on me 

D. I work a lot because it brings me pleasure