Study Notes: Protecting the Environment
Hey everyone! Welcome to your study notes for the "Protecting the Environment" chapter. This is a super important topic, not just for our planet, but also for your HKDSE English exam! You'll often see it in reading, writing, listening, and speaking papers.
In these notes, we'll break down everything you need to know, from key vocabulary to writing powerful arguments. We'll make it simple, clear, and easy to remember. Don't worry if you find this topic tricky – we'll go step-by-step. Let's get started!
Section 1: Must-Know Environmental Vocabulary
To talk or write about the environment, you need the right words! Let's build your word bank. Try to remember a few from each category.
A. The Problems (The Bad Stuff)
Pollution: Making land, water, or air dirty and unsafe. There are different types:
Air Pollution: Harmful gases and smoke in the air, often from cars and factories.
Example: Air pollution in big cities can cause breathing problems.Water Pollution: Waste and chemicals getting into rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Example: The factory was fined for causing water pollution in the nearby river.Land Pollution / Waste: Rubbish and garbage left on the ground, especially non-biodegradable items like plastic.
Example: We need to reduce our plastic waste to stop land pollution.
Climate Change / Global Warming: The Earth's temperature getting hotter over time, causing extreme weather like typhoons and heatwaves.
Example: Climate change is a global crisis that affects every country.
Deforestation: The cutting down of large areas of forests.
Example: Deforestation destroys the homes of many animals.
Carbon Footprint: The amount of carbon dioxide (a harmful gas) that your activities produce.
Example: Taking the MTR instead of a taxi can help reduce your carbon footprint.
B. The Solutions (The Good Stuff)
Conservation: Protecting and preserving the natural world.
Example: Wildlife conservation is essential to save endangered species.
Renewable Energy: Energy from natural sources that don't run out, like the sun (solar), wind, and water (hydroelectric).
Example: Hong Kong is exploring more ways to use renewable energy.
Sustainable Development: Developing our society without damaging the environment for future generations.
Example: Using bamboo instead of plastic is an example of sustainable development.
The 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle): The golden rule of waste management!
Reduce: Use less of something.
Example: We can reduce paper waste by reading news online.Reuse: Use something again.
Example: I always reuse my shopping bags.Recycle: Turn old items into new things.
Example: Remember to put plastic bottles in the recycling bin.
Did you know? A single glass bottle can be recycled and reused endlessly without losing its quality!
C. Key Concepts
Biodiversity: The variety of plants and animals in a particular place.
Example: Rainforests have incredible biodiversity.
Ecosystem: A community of living things and their physical environment, and how they interact.
Example: A coral reef is a very delicate ecosystem.
Eco-friendly: Not harmful to the environment. Also called "environmentally friendly".
Example: My new water bottle is made from eco-friendly materials.
--- Quick Review Box ---
If you only remember 5 terms, make them these:
1. Pollution (the problem of dirtiness)
2. Climate Change (the Earth getting hotter)
3. Conservation (protecting nature)
4. Renewable Energy (clean power like solar/wind)
5. Sustainable (using resources wisely for the future)
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Key Takeaway for Section 1: Don't just memorise words. Try to use them in a sentence. This will help you remember them and use them correctly in the exam!
Section 2: Reading & Understanding Environmental Texts
In the reading paper, you'll often get articles about environmental issues. Here’s how to understand them better.
Finding the Main Idea
Quickly look at the title, headings, and the first sentence of each paragraph. This usually tells you the main topic and the key points the author is making.
Identifying Cause and Effect
Authors often explain *why* something is happening (the cause) and *what* happens as a result (the effect).
Analogy: Think of it like a chain reaction. The cause is the first action, and the effect is the result.
Cause: People throw plastic into the ocean.
Effect: Marine animals eat the plastic and get sick.
Look for signal words:
For Causes: because, due to, since, as a result of
For Effects: therefore, consequently, as a result, leads to, causes
Understanding the Writer's Attitude
Is the writer worried, hopeful, angry, or neutral? Look at the choice of words, especially adjectives and adverbs.
"The devastating impact of pollution is an alarming crisis." (This writer is clearly worried and concerned).
"Promising new technologies offer a hopeful path forward." (This writer is optimistic).
Key Takeaway for Section 2: Be a detective when you read. Look for clues! Signal words, headings, and word choice tell you a lot about the text's structure and the writer's opinion.
Section 3: Writing About the Environment
This is a popular topic for the writing exam, especially for argumentative essays or letters. Let's get you ready!
Writing an Argumentative Essay (e.g., Debate Speech)
The task is often something like: "Some say economic development is more important than environmental protection. Do you agree?"
Here's a simple, winning structure:
Step 1: Brainstorm & Choose a Side
Quickly list 2-3 points for "Agree" and 2-3 points for "Disagree". Choose the side you can write more about.
Step 2: Structure Your Essay
Introduction: State the issue and clearly say what your opinion is. (e.g., "While economic development is important, I firmly believe that environmental protection must be our top priority.")
Body Paragraph 1: Your first reason. Use the P.E.E.L. method.
Body Paragraph 2: Your second reason. Use P.E.E.L. again.
(Optional but great for high scores) Rebuttal Paragraph: Mention one point from the opposing view and explain why it's wrong or less important. (e.g., "Some people might argue that... However, this view is short-sighted because...")
Conclusion: Summarise your main points and restate your opinion in a powerful way.
Memory Aid: The P.E.E.L. Method for Paragraphs
This helps you write clear and convincing paragraphs.
P - Point: Start with your main point (your reason).
"Firstly, protecting the environment is crucial for public health."
E - Evidence/Example: Give a specific example.
"For instance, severe air pollution from factories can lead to a rise in asthma and other respiratory illnesses among citizens."
E - Explanation: Explain HOW your example supports your point.
"This shows a direct link between a poor environment and the well-being of the population. A healthy economy is meaningless if people are too sick to work or enjoy their lives."
L - Link: Link your point back to your main argument.
"Therefore, it is clear that protecting our environment is a fundamental requirement for a healthy and productive society."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
No clear stance: Make sure your introduction clearly states if you agree or disagree.
Listing without explaining: Don't just write "Pollution is bad. Deforestation is bad." Use the P.E.E.L. method to explain *why* they are bad and give examples.
Using informal language: Avoid slang like "gonna" or "wanna".
Key Takeaway for Section 3: Structure is your best friend! Use the Introduction-Body-Conclusion format and the P.E.E.L. method for your paragraphs to create a strong, clear, and persuasive argument.
Section 4: Speaking & Discussing Environmental Issues
In a group discussion, you need to share your ideas clearly and interact with others. Confidence comes from being prepared with useful phrases.
Useful Phrases for Group Discussions
Starting the discussion:
"Let's start by looking at the problem of..."
"To begin, I think the main issue is..."
Giving your opinion:
"In my opinion, we should..."
"I believe that the most effective solution is..."
"From my perspective,..."
Agreeing with someone:
"I agree with you. That's a great point."
"You're absolutely right. I'd like to add that..."
Disagreeing politely (very important!):
"I see your point, but I have a different view."
"I understand what you're saying, however, have you considered...?"
"That's an interesting idea, although I think the problem is..."
Inviting others to speak:
"What do you think about this, [Name]?"
"Does anyone have any other ideas?"
Encouraging phrase for you: Don't worry if this seems like a lot! Start by learning one phrase from each category. Even using a few will make you sound much better in your discussion.
Key Takeaway for Section 4: It's a conversation, not a speech. Use polite phrases to agree and disagree, and remember to ask others for their opinions too!