Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of natural gas utilities. Can you think of a time when you used natural gas at home or in a commercial setting? How do you think natural gas is transported from production areas to consumption areas? Have you ever wondered how the cost of natural gas is determined? What role do you think natural gas plays in the global energy mix? How does the transportation of natural gas impact the environment?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Take a look at the featured image and describe what you see. What do you think this activity will be about based on the image? Do you see any pipelines, compressor stations, or other infrastructure related to natural gas transportation? How do you think the image relates to the topic of natural gas utilities?
Introduction:
Please read the introduction to the activity, which provides an overview of natural gas utilities and their importance in American households. As you read, consider the following questions: What are the two physical goods that American households typically receive as utilities? How does the production of natural gas differ from its consumption? What are some of the challenges associated with transporting natural gas?
Video Engagement:
Watch the video associated with the activity, which can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuMxQzX0uso. As you watch, pause the video at the following points and discuss the questions provided:
- Pause at 2:00 minutes: What is the primary function of compressor stations in natural gas transportation? How do compressor stations facilitate the flow of natural gas through pipelines?
- Pause at 5:00 minutes: What are some of the challenges associated with transporting natural gas over long distances? How do pipeline operators address these challenges?
- Pause at 8:00 minutes: What is the purpose of regasification plants in the context of liquefied natural gas (LNG)? How do regasification plants convert LNG back into its gaseous state?
For more information on the logistics of natural gas, visit the original post at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/the-logistics-of-natural-gas/.
Vocabulary Focus:
Review the key vocabulary terms related to natural gas utilities, including:
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Gas | A fossil fuel composed primarily of methane, used as a source of energy. | American households typically receive natural gas as a utility, which is used for heating and cooking. |
| Pipeline | A system of pipes used to transport natural gas from production areas to consumption areas. | Pipelines often cross private land, requiring pipeline operators to acquire an easement to pass through the land. |
| Easement | A right to use someone else’s property for a specific purpose, such as transporting natural gas. | Pipeline operators acquire an easement to pass through private land, allowing them to construct and maintain pipelines. |
| Compressor Station | A facility used to compress natural gas, increasing its pressure to facilitate transportation through pipelines. | Compressor stations play a crucial role in making the economics of transportation work, compressing the gas to between 500 and 1,400 pounds per square inch. |
Grammar Focus:
The use of gerunds and infinitives is a crucial aspect of English grammar, particularly at the CEFR C1 level. Review the grammar focus section, which provides examples of gerunds and infinitives used in the context of natural gas utilities. Complete the grammar quiz to practice your understanding of gerunds and infinitives.
Grammar Quiz:
- The primary purpose of compressor stations is (to facilitate / facilitating / to be facilitating / facilitation) the flow of natural gas through the pipeline.
- The construction of pipelines often involves (negotiating / to negotiate / negotiation / negotiates) with landowners to acquire easements.
- The use of LNG tankers requires (to cool / cooling / cooled / to be cooled) the natural gas to a liquid state at -260° F.
- The demand for natural gas is expected (to peak / peaking / peaked / to be peaking) soon as new buildings are being built with heat pumps and electric alternatives.
- The regulation of US pipelines involves (providing / to provide / provision / provides) non-discriminatory open access to qualified shippers and regulating rates.
Answer Key:
- to facilitate
- negotiating
- cooling
- to peak
- providing