School of Languages (ScOLa)
Undergraduate English Programme
ENG 102
Task Sheet
Article / Video Title Pros and Cons of Fossil Fuels & Why Can Fossil Fuels Be Good?
Author, Year, Journal / Met Group (2020, July 6). Pros and cons of fossil fuels and why can fossil
Book / Website / link fuels be good?
https://group.met.com/en/mind-the-fyouture/mindthefyouture/pros-
and-cons-of-fossil-fuels
Purpose:
1. Content A review of the ongoing significance of fossil fuels with a suggestion for
a balanced approach integrating renewable energy with fossil fuels
2. Skills Practiced Critical thinking/ analysing the author’s stance/evaluating arguments
and evidence/ summarizing key points/writing response paragraphs to
express personal views/ using evidence to support arguments
Vocabulary & concepts to transitioning, essential, pivotal, combustible, non-renewable,
check: hydrocarbon, pollution, depletion, reliability, cost-effective, greenhouse
gases, renewable energy
Study Tip: Margin Notes
While reading, use margin notes effectively by:
● Summarizing Key Points: Write brief summaries of paragraphs or sections to capture the main ideas.
● Highlighting Important Details: Mark important facts, arguments, or quotes that stand out to you.
● Asking Questions: Note any questions or areas where you need clarification to revisit later.
● Making Connections: Link the content to your own experiences, other readings, or broader topics.
Task 1: Match each word with its correct definition.
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ENG 102
School of Languages (ScOLa)
Undergraduate English Programme
1. Transitioning
2. Essential
3. Pivotal
4. Combustible
5. Non-renewable
6. Hydrocarbon
7. Pollution
8. Depletion
9. Reliability
10. Cost-effective
11. Greenhouse gases
12. Renewable energy
Definitions and Descriptions:
A. A compound of hydrogen and carbon, such as natural gas. __6___
B. The introduction of harmful substances into the environment, often caused by fossil fuel combustion. __7__
C. Capable of catching fire and burning, as seen in the case of coal. __4___
D. Absolutely necessary or indispensable, highlighting the ongoing importance of fossil fuels despite advancements
in renewable energy. __2___
E. Moving from one state, condition, or form to another, such as the global shift towards renewable energy. __1__
F. The reduction in the number or quantity of something, particularly concerning the finite nature of fossil fuel
reserves. __8___
G. Gases, like carbon dioxide, that contribute to global warming by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
__11___
H. Providing value in relation to the cost incurred, a benefit often associated with fossil fuels due to established
infrastructure. __10___
I. The consistency and dependability of energy production, a contrast between fossil fuels and renewable sources.
__9___
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ENG 102
School of Languages (ScOLa)
Undergraduate English Programme
J. Energy derived from natural resources that are replenished on a human timescale, contrasting with fossil fuels.
__12___
K. Of crucial importance in relation to the Industrial Revolution, emphasizing the historical significance of fossil
fuels. __3___
L. Resources like fossil fuels that cannot be replaced naturally on a scale equivalent to their consumption. __5___
Task 2: Warm-up
1. What do you already know about fossil fuels and their role in energy production?
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2. What are some common advantages and disadvantages of using fossil fuels that you know of?
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Task 3: Reading Comprehension
1. METGroup list the pros and cons of fossil fuel use. What justifications do they provide for these arguments?
Do you agree/disagree with them?
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2. METGroup share a limitation of renewable energy compared to fossil fuels. Do you agree/disagree with the
justification of METGroup?
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ENG 102
School of Languages (ScOLa)
Undergraduate English Programme
______________________________________________________________________________________________
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3. What is the overall attitude of the METGroup towards fossil fuels? How do they support their claim?
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Task 4: Post-Reading Activity
1. Write the main argument of the text in your own words.
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2. Analyse the information below. Decide whether they’re facts or opinions. Then, think about whether you
agree or disagree with the opinions.
FACT OPINION Agree/Disagree and state your
justification
a. Fossil fuels
(petroleum,
coal, natural
gas) still
dominate global
energy usage
(~80%)
b. Used for
heating,
electricity, and
transportation
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ENG 102
School of Languages (ScOLa)
Undergraduate English Programme
c. Fossil fuel has
advantages and
is a reliable
energy source.
d. Fossil fuel offers
easy storage and
is cost-effective.
e. Fossil fuel has
disadvantages
regarding the
environment.
f. Fossil fuels are
associated with
greenhouse
gases and oil
spills.
g. We need a
balanced
approach
integrating fossil
fuels and
renewable
energy.
h. We need to
consider
environmental
sustainability
and human
welfare in
choosing the
right energy
source.
3. How many of the ideas listed above do you agree/disagree with? Why?
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ENG 102
School of Languages (ScOLa)
Undergraduate English Programme
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4. Write a reaction paragraph on one of the ideas listed above. Use evidence and examples from the text by using
APA citations to support or refute the author’s ideas.
Go over the following questions to brainstorm before writing your reaction paragraph:
a) SELECTION: What is the idea I will react to? Why?
b) SYNTHESIS: How does what I have learned shape my opinions and feelings on the topic?
c) STANCE FORMATION: Accordingly, what is my opinion about this point? Do I mostly agree or disagree with
the author on this aspect? Why?
d) SUPPORT FROM ARTICLES: What ideas from the in-class articles could help me support my ideas? How can I
link them to the ideas I support or object to in my reaction?
e) SUPPORT FROM BACKGROUND, OBSERVATIONS: What life experience and individual background could
help me support my ideas? How can I link them to the ideas I support or object to in my reaction?
f) CONNECTION TO IMMEDIATE CONTEXT: What is the importance of the issue today? How can I link this
point to the present-day world, my own country, my town, my geographical region?
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