Grammar Unit 9: Environment & Ecology
Tronc Commun Science
Introduction
This unit explores environmental grammar structures used to discuss ecological issues, sustainability, and technological solutions. Master these patterns to communicate effectively about global challenges.
Key Topics
• Passive voice
• Conditional sentences
• Modals of obligation
Real-World Use
Scientific reports
Environmental policies
Tech sustainability proposals
Vocabulary
Carbon footprint
Renewable energy
E-waste management
1. Passive Voice in Environmental Context
[Object] + be + past participle + [by agent]
Environmental Examples
🌱 Thousands of trees are cut down daily in the Amazon.
💧 Clean water is being polluted by industrial waste.
♻️ E-waste should be recycled properly.
Common passive verbs:
- emit/produce → are emitted/produced
- dispose/dump → are disposed/dumped
- implement/develop → are implemented/developed
Tech Applications
Passive voice describes processes objectively
2. Conditional Sentences for Solutions
Type 1: Real Possibility
If we implement solar tech, we will reduce carbon emissions.
(Present Simple + Future Simple)
Type 2: Hypothetical
If all cars were electric, cities would have cleaner air.
(Past Simple + Would + Verb)
Tech Innovation Examples
| Condition | Result |
|---|---|
| If we develop better batteries | renewable energy storage will improve |
| If governments funded green tech | startups would innovate faster |
| Unless we reduce e-waste | toxic pollution will increase |
3. Modals for Environmental Responsibility
Strong Obligation
🏭 Factories must filter emissions. (legal requirement)
🔋 We have to recycle lithium batteries. (necessity)
Recommendations
💡 Tech companies should design repairable devices.
🌍 We ought to reduce energy consumption.
Tech Sector Examples
4. Interactive Practice
Convert to Passive
1. People discard millions of smartphones yearly.
Complete Conditionals
If we don’t control e-waste,
Tech Scenario Analysis
Situation: A tech company wants to reduce its carbon footprint.
Write 3 recommendations using modals:
