B1 — Intermediate
Europe is facing very hot and dry weather. The Danube River is very low. A nuclear plant in Romania had to stop. Hungary also had problems with its nuclear plant. Solar power helped prevent blackouts. But power is still hard to supply at night. Experts say Europe needs better energy systems.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about water shortage at some nuclear power plants.
https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/nuclear-power-plants-do-not-have-enough-water-level-2
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is a “nuclear power plant“? ”The water level in the Danube River is very low, so Romania had to stop its nuclear power plant because there was not enough cold water.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “solar power” mean? “Luckily, Hungary uses much more solar power now, which helped supply energy during hot daytime hours, but getting enough power during the night is still difficult.”Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “drought” mean? “Severe drought and hot summer weather have caused big problems in Europe.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Why did the nuclear plant in Romania stop?
- How can solar power help?
- Should people use less electricity? Why?
- What can governments do to prevent power shortages?
- What other problems do you know are caused by extreme heat? Discuss them.
- Share your point of view about this: “Experts say Europe needs better energy systems.”