Unlocking
Word Meanings
Read
the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. commercialize (v.) [kuh-mur-shuh-lahyz] – to make
something available to customers
Example: The
hotel owners are commercializing the
beaches.
2. plug-in (adj.) [pluhg] [in] – describes something
that can be connected to an electrical source by a plug
Example: I
use a plug-in charger whenever I
travel.
3. sustainable (adj.) [suh-stey-nuh-buhl] – something that
can be maintained for a long period of time
Example: I
have to find a sustainable source of
income in order to survive.
4. viable (adj.) [vahy-uh-buhl] – something that can
work successfully
Example: The
proposed investment is economically viable.
5. emission (n.) [ih-mish-uhn] – the
act of sending out or releasing a substance
Example:
Carbon emission harms the environment
Article
Read
the text below.
Google's green campaign
proves to be helpful in saving the environment.
In its recent blog entry,
the company talks about the success of its RechargeIT project which started in
2007. Aimed at reducing the use of oil and the levels of carbon dioxide
in the air, the program is designed to speed up the commercialization of electric vehicles by
testing them inside the company’s headquarters.
As part of the
project, Google bought numerous Toyota Prius and Ford Escape electric
cars, collectively known as "Gfleet." Employees use this set of plug-in cars
to run errands and go around the company premises. The company also
launched shuttles that use environment-friendly fuel in order to reduce
gas emissions caused by passenger
vehicles.
Four years after the start
of the campaign, Google claims to have stopped 5,400 tons of carbon emissions, equivalent to
removing two thousand vehicles off the road each day.
In addition, employees who
experienced the benefits of electric cars were inspired to buy their own
electric cars.
With the success of
RechargeIT, Google continues to prove that environment-friendly means of
transportation are sustainable and viable. The company hopes to inspire other organizations to
apply green technology in their companies.
Viewpoint
Discussion
Enjoy
a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
Do you think it is feasible to replace all fueled cars with electric
ones in the next 20 years? Why or why not?
·
What are the advantages and disadvantages of electric cars over fueled
cars?
Discussion B
·
Do you think it is worth it to spend a lot on making electric cars?
·
Would you consider buying an electric car? Why or why not?
