VISITING BEAULIEU MOTOR MUSEUM

“Have you paid a visit to Beaulieu Motor Museum? If yes, do you know where it is (1) __________?” Well, BMM is also known as the (2) __________ in the New Forest, Hampshire where visitors can see thousands of exhibits, (3) __________ cars, motorcycles and power boats. There are specialist exhibitions such as the fastest boats and motor enthusiasts attend rallies to meet others (4) __________ similar interests. Here, you can see Lennon's car from the 60s as well as the first engine developed. To get to Beaulieu, you can travel by bus or train or you can also (5) __________ your excursions by coach from Southampton, the nearest large town.

BMM is open from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm and admission is just $10. If you want to get further information, search online or if you'd sooner (6) __________ direct contact with the tourist office, please phone 02380 615234.

(Adapted from Upstream C1)

PUTTING THE WORLD TO THE RIGHT

Let's think and work together to find long-term solutions to global warming!

▲ Causes and consequences:

Global warming has become severe due to the continued consumption of coal, oil and (1) __________ types of fossil fuels along with deforestation. The consequences (2) __________ global warming are serious as devastating storms and floods are increasing markedly and many species have become extinct.

▲ Long-term solutions:

- Switch your home from oil, gas or coal-powered energy to renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar or water power. This helps secure the carbon footprint (3) __________.

- Don't waste your products such as food, clothes, electronics or plastic items. (4) __________ throwing them away, try to reduce, reuse and recycle them. That helps minimize the (5) __________ of waste and gas emissions.

- Speak up and get others to join in taking action. Talking to your family, neighbors, friends and organizations helps raise people's awareness of conserving natural (6) __________ and protecting the environment.

Why don't we get our drinking water from the ocean?

If you're stuck at sea and thirsty, drinking seawater might seem like an option, but it's dangerous. Seawater is much saltier than your blood, (1) __________, making you more dehydrated. Your kidneys try to get rid of the extra salt, but they need fresh water to do that. Without enough fresh water, drinking seawater can lead to salt poisoning, causing serious damage to your cells and organs.

To survive in this situations, you need to find or create a source of freshwater. In the 4th century BCE, a philosopher described two ways of turning seawater into drinkable water: thermal desalination and reverse osmosis. Thermal desalination, an ancient method, (2) __________. Reverse osmosis uses pressure to push seawater through a membrane that filters out the salt. Both methods are still used today to make seawater drinkable, though each has its challenges. In terms of their efficiency, reverse osmosis is more energy-efficient and less wasteful than thermal desalination. (3) __________.

An alternative source of freshwater is wastewater. Reverse osmosis can purify wastewater more easily than seawater, as it contains less salt and fewer contaminants. By producing safe, drinkable water with reduced energy consumption, (4) __________.

In a survival situation at sea, drinking your urine or eating protein-rich foods is not a good idea, as it can make you more dehydrated. (5) __________. In extreme cases, people have resorted to drinking blood from animals as an emergency hydration source, though this is far from ideal and should only be used if necessary.

(Adapted from https://www.ted.com)

1. Electric vehicles have seen a significant rise in popularity over the past decade. With advancements in technology, increasing environmental awareness, and supportive government policies, more people are considering making the switch from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles to electric ones.

2. Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining popularity due to several compelling factors. First, the environmental benefits of EVs, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower pollution levels, align with growing global concerns about climate change. Second, technological advancements have significantly improved battery efficiency and range, making EVs more practical and accessible for everyday use. Third, the decreasing cost of EVs, fueled by economies of scale and government incentives, makes them an increasingly attractive option for consumers. Fourth, the expanding charging infrastructure provides greater convenience, reducing range anxiety and making EV ownership more viable. Finally, the increasing awareness of the long-term financial savings, including lower maintenance and fuel costs, further drives the shift towards electric vehicles. As these factors continue to converge, the adoption of EVs is expected to accelerate, marking a significant shift in the automotive industry towards a more sustainable future.

3. Although there are some concerns about the inconvenience of electrical vehicles, it is clear that they are not just a passing trend but a significant transformation in the way we think about transportation. Governments and industries are increasingly supporting this shift through investments in renewable energy and policies that encourage EV adoption.

4. Furthermore, as consumer preferences lean more towards sustainability and innovation, the automotive industry is likely to see even more rapid advancements in EV technology and infrastructure. This growing commitment from all sectors suggests that electric vehicles will play a crucial role in shaping a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable future for transportation.

(Adapted from https://ecofreek.com)

1. [I] Artificial Intelligence (AI) has advanced rapidly in recent years, transforming industries and influencing daily life. From virtual assistants to self-driving cars, AI is now integrated into society, aiding decision-making and shaping economies. [II] AI is no longer just a futuristic concept but a reality shaping the way people live and work. [III] Experts predict that by 2030, AI will play a crucial role in healthcare, education, and business management. While AI offers numerous benefits, its rapid development also provokes intense scrutiny, particularly about job displacement, biased decision-making, and ethical issues. [IV] Some experts argue that despite its advantages, AI's impact must be carefully managed.

2. One major concern is AI replacing human jobs. Many repetitive tasks, such as office and factory work, are increasingly automated, causing fears of unemployment. However, AI also creates jobs in fields like cybersecurity, machine learning, and Al system management. Businesses use AI to enhance efficiency, allowing employees to focus on creative and problem-solving tasks. While many continue to invest in automation, they must also consider how these changes impact the workforce. To adapt, they need to provide training for employees to take on roles requiring human judgment and decision-making.

3. Beyond employment, AI raises issues related to fairness and privacy. Some AI systems make biased decisions, and their ability to collect personal data sparks privacy concerns. Additionally, when AI errors occur, determining accountability is difficult. Without strict regulations, AI could contribute to the perpetuation of discrimination or lead to serious mistakes. Governments and tech companies are working on policies to ensure AI is used responsibly and fairly. Transparency in AI design is also vital so users understand decision-making processes.

4. Despite these challenges, AI is advancing various fields. In healthcare, it helps doctors detect diseases early and recommend treatments. In education, AI personalizes learning experiences to enhance effectiveness. Businesses utilize AI for data analysis and decision-making. Additionally, AI aids environmental protection by predicting disasters and optimizing energy use. Law enforcement uses AI to prevent crime, and transportation systems rely on it to reduce traffic congestion. In agriculture, AI tools assist farmers in monitoring crops and optimizing resources. These examples highlight how Al can drive positive change when applied responsibly.

(Adapted from Artificial Intelligence: Impact on Society and Industries, Tech Insights Journal)