Exploring Energy Sources and Arguments in Physics III Unit 4
Delve into persuasive argumentation techniques with connectors like "despite," "although," and "even though" in English for Physics III. Practice constructing strong arguments and evaluating different perspectives on energy sources through discussions and listening exercises. Explore the effectiveness of fusion power and its potential as a sustainable energy solution through objective evaluations. Engage with diverse viewpoints and considerations to deepen your understanding of energy technologies and their implications.
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English for Physics III Unit 4 Persuasive argumentation
HW - connectors 1 a Despite being snowing heavily, they went on climbing/Despite the heavy snow, they went on climbing/Despite the fact (that) it was snowing heavily, they went on climbing. b Although he is very poor, he is happy. c He was caught driving dangerously. All the same, he was not fined. d In spite of the sea being very rough, they went sailing/In spite of the rough sea, they went sailing/In spite of the fact (that) the sea was very rough, they went sailing. e Even though (I know) you don't love me, I'll marry you.
2 a Ill though she was, she did not stay in bed. b Even though you give him a lot of money, he will not accept. c Fast as it is, I will not buy it. d Much as I admire him, I recognize that he is a bit selfish. e Everyone is worried about the scandal; but, for all its implications, I think it will do us some good.
3 a The layman will not understand these instructions. Moreover, some experts might find some difficulties interpreting them. b These fairy cakes are homemade. Besides, they have the best quality ingredients. c On the one hand, we must consider the fact that this year's income is lower that last year's; on the other (hand), that we are working harder than last year. d In addition to being well-trained for the post, she is beautiful. e I submit it to you for your approval. Furthermore, you may/can carry out any changes that you consider necessary.
I. Discussion What is the best source of energy in your opinion? give arguments
2. Listening Which arguments for and against does the physicist give? 1) Already working 2) Easy to expand 3) Low C02 emissions 4) Catastrophic accident 5) Waste disposal 6) Weapons connection
3a. Evaluative or objective? To make fusion we must heat a very hot gas (or plasma) of hydrogen- like fuels to temperatures 10 times those at the centre of the sun (100- 200m degrees C) and hold it in place in a containment vessel using powerful magnetic fields. Experiments at the Joint European Torus (Jet) in the UK regularly achieve such conditions. Indeed Jet has produced 16MW of fusion power. So fusion works. evaluative
3b. Evaluative or objective? Fusion power is energy generated by nuclear fusion, or, more specifically, the use of fusion reactions to produce heat for electricity generation. As a source of power nuclear fusion has several theoretical advantages over fission. These advantages include reduced radioactivity in operation and as waste, ample fuel supplies, and increased safety. However, controlled fusion has proven to be extremely difficult to produce in a practical and economic manner. Research into fusion reactors began in the 1940s, but as of 2020, no design has produced positive net energy. (wikipedia) objective
4. Reading. Informative or evaluative? (Does the author try to convince the reader in favour of sth? i.e. that it is worth spending money?) just skim the text, don t worry about single words you don t understand 5. What is the authors stance? (opinion, view)
6. Read again and identify: BACKGROUND INFORMATION introducing the topic in general terms THE AUTHOR S STANCE ARGUMENT/ ARGUMENTS IN FAVOUR OF THE AUTHOR S STANCE SUPPORTING EVIDENCE or ADDITIONAL EXPLANATION ARGUMENT/ ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE AUTHOR S STANCE EVIDENCE TO DISPOSE OF IT CONCLUSION
6. Read again and identify: BACKGROUND INFORMATION introducing the topic in general terms: para I, II and III
THE AUTHORS STANCE: first line: Fusion is arguably the perfect way to power the world. And the last two sentences of para III: My answer is that fusion is more than desirable. It may be crucially necessary.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOUR OF THE AUTHORS STANCE: para IV: If we ask what energy sources could take over the role of fossil fuels, there are only three candidates with sufficient long-term resource: solar, nuclear fission with uranium or thorium breeders and nuclear fusion.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOUR OF THE AUTHORS STANCE: para VI: Experiments at the Joint European Torus (Jet) in the UK regularly achieve such conditions. Indeed Jet has produced 16MW of fusion power. So fusion works.
SUPPORTING EVIDENCE: para VI: Sophisticated computer simulations and empirical extrapolations from Jet and other machines predict that Iter will reach and perhaps exceed its target performance.
ARGUMENT AGAINST THE AUTHORS STANCE: para VII: increased cost + overruns
CONCLUSION: para IX, usu. strong line, metaphor or a rhetorical question
7. What is the difference? a) Fusion is the perfect way to power the world. b) Fusion is arguably the perfect way to power the world.
11. Homework: Hedging exercise 1. The latest research indicates that the picture was painted by Michelangelo. (appears) The latest research indicates that Michelangelo appears to have painted the picture. 2. The practice of short selling brought about the collapse of Lehman Brothers. (contributed) The practice of short selling contributed to the collapse of Lehman Brothers. 3. Drought is the major problem in some parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. (looks) Drought looks like the major problem in some parts of Sub-Saharan Africe. 4. Wasps with a greater number of black spots on their heads are more aggressive, according to research. (tend) Wasps with a greater number of black spots on their head tend to be more aggressive, 5. Schizophrenia should be regarded as a collection of disorders. (suggested) It is suggested that
11. Hedging adverbs 1. Mature students do not reasonably / rather / necessarily manage their deadlines better than younger colleagues. 2. Although it works faster than other treatments, the new drug is relatively / approximately / reportedly expensive to produce. 3. Smaller shops quite / normally / reasonably suffer a decline in trade when a supermarket opens nearby. 4. Physical exercise relatively / supposedly / roughly reduces the symptoms of mild depression. 5. There are approximately / reasonably / relatively 100 billion neurons in the human brain.
8. Make statements more tentative a) My answer is that fusion is more than desirable. b) Fossil fuels are diminishing resources, and burning them adversely affects climate and the environment. c) Other sources will play important but lesser roles, for example wind may provide 10-20% of energy supply. d) Sofusion works.
8. Make statements more tentative a) My answer is that fusion is most likely/ probably more than desirable. b) Fossil fuels are/ appear to be diminishing resources, and statistics demonstrate/ published sources indicate/ the evidence suggests that burning them adversely affects climate and the environment. c) It seems/ appears looks as though Other sources will play important but lesser roles, for example wind may provide 10-20% of energy supply. d) So, apparently, fusion works. Evidence suggests that
10. Your stance Now think about your stance on fusion as power source, or about one of the problems you discussed in the last lesson, and present it to the class, this time showing your stance. You might find these phrases useful:
background information author s stance arguments in favour of the author s stance and supporting evidence or explanation / arguments contradicting the author s stance and disposing of them conclusion
Work in groups of four students and choose one topic you would like to discuss. 1. Are subjects related to science, technology, and engineering more important than humanities subjects such as history and the arts? 2. Is university education necessary for a person s success in life? 3. Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels? 4. Should the death penalty be allowed? 5. Should euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide be legal? 6. Should adults have the right to carry a gun? 7. Should the minimum wage be increased? 8. Do violent video games contribute to youth violence? 9. Should people become vegetarian? 10. Should marijuana be legalized? Note down: Your view Main arguments for Main arguments against Examples and reason Then work in groups: Express your main points Get reactions Allow others to make their points Listen and respond
Presenting your own argument useful language
11. Hedging expressions on balance There are on balance several advantages to leasing rather than owning a car. as a rule/ in principle The new antibiotic has in principle better long-term prospects. to some extent/ up to a point in some/ many respects in a sense / in one sense for all practical purposes Make up your own sentences with remaining phrases.
