Wind power is exploited using turbines, made up of a tower, 1. , and a rotor with a 2. . The blades are hit by the 3. , which makes the 4. spin, activating a 5. that produces electricity. The advantages of wind power include the fact that it is a form of clean and 6. energy; its disadvantages include its dependency on 7. and 8. conditions, the impossibility of using it everywhere, and the fact that it can be 9. and 10. to local wildlife.
11.1 Listen to an expert talking about wind power and decide if the sentences are true (Vero) or false (Falso).
1. The power of wind is a recent discovery.
2. Wind power was used both for sailing and to produce food.
3. Wind turbines are only located on the land.
4. A wind turbine can generate electricity to power six homes for a day.
5. Power from wind is readily available.
6. Wind energy is very cost-effective.
7. Wind turbines start to work if the wind blows at at least 60 kilometres per hour.
8. The building of wind farms has created a great number of jobs.
9. The presence and speed of wind cannot be predicted.
10. Turbines always spin silently.
11. Wind turbines are believed to ruin the landscape.
12. Wind turbines can be placed almost everywhere.
11.2 Correct the false sentences from the previous exercise.aperta
Soluzione suggerita:1. False, The power of wind has been used for thousands of years; 2. True; 3. False, Wind turbines are also placed offshore; 4. False, It can power six homes for a year; 5. True; 6. True; 7. False, It must flow between 50 and 80 kilometres per hour; 8. True; 9. True; 10. False, They make noise when spinning; 11. True; 12. False, There are limited locations suitable for them.
12. Write the words that correspond to the definitions.
1. Something that turns or causes another object to turn: 2. One of the parts of a wind turbine which moves with the wind: 3. A device which increases the rotational speed in a wind turbine: 4. The pole which transmits mechanical energy to the generator: 5. To destroy or decrease the quality of something: 6. The animals which live free in a certain area: 7. Something which never finishes or that regenerates itself: 8. The presence of harmful substances in the environment: