CBSE Textbook: Promise For The Future: Renewable Energy | Communicative English for Class 10 PDF Download

 Page 1


MAIN COURSE BOOK
N
I
T
U
 
3
Introduction 
From Carelessness to Car-Lessness
The harmful gases emitted into the atmosphere from the vehicles are polluting the 
environment, especially the air we breathe. All of us have to take action individually and 
collectively to reduce air pollution as much as we can. So be an eco-journalist and do 
your bit to help reduce air pollution. And the first step towards saving the environment is 
to know where we stand.
Carrying out a door to door survey
 Find out how your friends and neighbours commute to school or office \
 Interview at least 10 friends or neighbours who commute to school or office by \
personal cars
 Find out if they would be ready to switch to a non-polluting mode of transport, \
like a bicycle, if their schools or offices are not too far away.
 Find out if they would like to join a carpool or travel by public transport. Do \
not forget to mention the advantages of shifting from the use of personal 
vehicles, such as reduced pollution, savings and companionship.
 If they are not interested and would like to continue travelling in their private \
cars, ask them the reasons why would they not make the change.
After collecting all the data, fill in a table like the one given below:
SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE
Respon-
dent 
number
Type of 
car (small, 
big, SUV)
Fuel 
(petrol, 
diesel, 
CNG, any 
other)
Number of 
people 
travelling 
in car
Is the 
mode of 
transport 
polluting?
Y yes; N 
no  
Would 
consider 
change in 
transport? 
specify carpool 
or bus or 
bicycle
Cannot 
change 
their 
mode of 
transport
Reasons for 
not using 
public 
transport or 
car pooling or 
bicycle
87
Page 2


MAIN COURSE BOOK
N
I
T
U
 
3
Introduction 
From Carelessness to Car-Lessness
The harmful gases emitted into the atmosphere from the vehicles are polluting the 
environment, especially the air we breathe. All of us have to take action individually and 
collectively to reduce air pollution as much as we can. So be an eco-journalist and do 
your bit to help reduce air pollution. And the first step towards saving the environment is 
to know where we stand.
Carrying out a door to door survey
 Find out how your friends and neighbours commute to school or office \
 Interview at least 10 friends or neighbours who commute to school or office by \
personal cars
 Find out if they would be ready to switch to a non-polluting mode of transport, \
like a bicycle, if their schools or offices are not too far away.
 Find out if they would like to join a carpool or travel by public transport. Do \
not forget to mention the advantages of shifting from the use of personal 
vehicles, such as reduced pollution, savings and companionship.
 If they are not interested and would like to continue travelling in their private \
cars, ask them the reasons why would they not make the change.
After collecting all the data, fill in a table like the one given below:
SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE
Respon-
dent 
number
Type of 
car (small, 
big, SUV)
Fuel 
(petrol, 
diesel, 
CNG, any 
other)
Number of 
people 
travelling 
in car
Is the 
mode of 
transport 
polluting?
Y yes; N 
no  
Would 
consider 
change in 
transport? 
specify carpool 
or bus or 
bicycle
Cannot 
change 
their 
mode of 
transport
Reasons for 
not using 
public 
transport or 
car pooling or 
bicycle
87
UNIT-3
MAIN COURSE BOOK
SCIENCE
88
At the end of your survey, find out how many interviewees are now travelling by 
bicycle, public transport, or car pool and how many have decided not to do so.
 Number of people interviewed \
 Number of people who commute by private car \
 Number of people who have agreed to change their mode of transport \
 Number of people who now travel by public transport \
 Number of people who have joined a carpool \
 Number of people who are now cycling to work \
 Number of people who have not changed their mode of transport \
A.  PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE: RENEWABLE ENERGY
A1.  In A.2 you will read about alternative sources of energy. Before doing so find 
out how much you already know about renewable sources of energy. 
Complete column A, to indicate whether you think each statement is True 
( ) , False(X), or whether you do not know(?) After reading the passage, 
complete column B in the same way.
 Statements       (A)  (B)
 a. Solar energy is a powerful source of energy
 b. Electric battery operated cars are more 
powerful than those run on fossil fuels
 c. EV stands for electric vehicles
 d. Driving an electric vehicle is stressful
 e. Solar power can be the next source of 
pollution in the world
 f. India is one of the countries with a great 
potential for generation and use of solar 
energy
 g. Using alternate sources of energy can help 
India save a lot of money spent in foreign 
exchange
Page 3


MAIN COURSE BOOK
N
I
T
U
 
3
Introduction 
From Carelessness to Car-Lessness
The harmful gases emitted into the atmosphere from the vehicles are polluting the 
environment, especially the air we breathe. All of us have to take action individually and 
collectively to reduce air pollution as much as we can. So be an eco-journalist and do 
your bit to help reduce air pollution. And the first step towards saving the environment is 
to know where we stand.
Carrying out a door to door survey
 Find out how your friends and neighbours commute to school or office \
 Interview at least 10 friends or neighbours who commute to school or office by \
personal cars
 Find out if they would be ready to switch to a non-polluting mode of transport, \
like a bicycle, if their schools or offices are not too far away.
 Find out if they would like to join a carpool or travel by public transport. Do \
not forget to mention the advantages of shifting from the use of personal 
vehicles, such as reduced pollution, savings and companionship.
 If they are not interested and would like to continue travelling in their private \
cars, ask them the reasons why would they not make the change.
After collecting all the data, fill in a table like the one given below:
SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE
Respon-
dent 
number
Type of 
car (small, 
big, SUV)
Fuel 
(petrol, 
diesel, 
CNG, any 
other)
Number of 
people 
travelling 
in car
Is the 
mode of 
transport 
polluting?
Y yes; N 
no  
Would 
consider 
change in 
transport? 
specify carpool 
or bus or 
bicycle
Cannot 
change 
their 
mode of 
transport
Reasons for 
not using 
public 
transport or 
car pooling or 
bicycle
87
UNIT-3
MAIN COURSE BOOK
SCIENCE
88
At the end of your survey, find out how many interviewees are now travelling by 
bicycle, public transport, or car pool and how many have decided not to do so.
 Number of people interviewed \
 Number of people who commute by private car \
 Number of people who have agreed to change their mode of transport \
 Number of people who now travel by public transport \
 Number of people who have joined a carpool \
 Number of people who are now cycling to work \
 Number of people who have not changed their mode of transport \
A.  PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE: RENEWABLE ENERGY
A1.  In A.2 you will read about alternative sources of energy. Before doing so find 
out how much you already know about renewable sources of energy. 
Complete column A, to indicate whether you think each statement is True 
( ) , False(X), or whether you do not know(?) After reading the passage, 
complete column B in the same way.
 Statements       (A)  (B)
 a. Solar energy is a powerful source of energy
 b. Electric battery operated cars are more 
powerful than those run on fossil fuels
 c. EV stands for electric vehicles
 d. Driving an electric vehicle is stressful
 e. Solar power can be the next source of 
pollution in the world
 f. India is one of the countries with a great 
potential for generation and use of solar 
energy
 g. Using alternate sources of energy can help 
India save a lot of money spent in foreign 
exchange
UNIT-3
MAIN COURSE BOOK
SCIENCE
A2.  Read the article:
 Solar Power
 With energy consumption being the buzzword in developing economies around 
the world, fears of an energy crisis looming ahead are not totally unfounded. The 
non-renewable nature of fossil fuels makes complete dependence on these for 
future energy needs, a very dicey affair. Renewable energy sources are the best bet 
in the scenario. And what can be a better renewable energy resource than the sun?
 In a country like India, if the abundant amount of sunlight available is harnessed 
properly it could mean an end to the energy crisis. It is the most abundant source 
of energy. The average global solar radiation is around 5 kilowatt hours (KWH) per 
square meter per day with the sunshine hours ranging between 2300-4300 per 
year. India is in the sunny belt of the world. The country receives solar energy 
equivalent to more than 5000 trillion KWH per year, which is far more than its 
total annual energy consumption.
 Besides, it is a renewable and clean energy source. Taking both environmental 
and economic cost, solar energy works cheaper than fossil fuel resources. Once we 
master techniques to harness solar energy, it can be a vital source of power on all 
planets.
 Solar energy can be a viable source of power generation for the next 1000 crore 
years. There are many technologies available for conversion of solar energy into 
solar power. For instance, solar photovoltaic (SPV) technology, photo galvanic 
cells, solar steam generators (solar concentrating power), solar tower or solar 
chimney, radio micrometers and thermopile are some of them.
 Electric motors 
 Imagining a future where clean air is no longer a dream and our cities are not smog 
filled concrete jungles, this could well become a reality in the coming years if the 
world begins to increasingly adopt the use of cleaner options like alternate-fuel 
vehicles.
 The rise in economic activity and the burgeoning population have led to a 
tremendous demand in the transport sector, especially in urban India. With 
India’s ever growing population, pollution is also increasing manifold. Thus, a very 
89
Page 4


MAIN COURSE BOOK
N
I
T
U
 
3
Introduction 
From Carelessness to Car-Lessness
The harmful gases emitted into the atmosphere from the vehicles are polluting the 
environment, especially the air we breathe. All of us have to take action individually and 
collectively to reduce air pollution as much as we can. So be an eco-journalist and do 
your bit to help reduce air pollution. And the first step towards saving the environment is 
to know where we stand.
Carrying out a door to door survey
 Find out how your friends and neighbours commute to school or office \
 Interview at least 10 friends or neighbours who commute to school or office by \
personal cars
 Find out if they would be ready to switch to a non-polluting mode of transport, \
like a bicycle, if their schools or offices are not too far away.
 Find out if they would like to join a carpool or travel by public transport. Do \
not forget to mention the advantages of shifting from the use of personal 
vehicles, such as reduced pollution, savings and companionship.
 If they are not interested and would like to continue travelling in their private \
cars, ask them the reasons why would they not make the change.
After collecting all the data, fill in a table like the one given below:
SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE
Respon-
dent 
number
Type of 
car (small, 
big, SUV)
Fuel 
(petrol, 
diesel, 
CNG, any 
other)
Number of 
people 
travelling 
in car
Is the 
mode of 
transport 
polluting?
Y yes; N 
no  
Would 
consider 
change in 
transport? 
specify carpool 
or bus or 
bicycle
Cannot 
change 
their 
mode of 
transport
Reasons for 
not using 
public 
transport or 
car pooling or 
bicycle
87
UNIT-3
MAIN COURSE BOOK
SCIENCE
88
At the end of your survey, find out how many interviewees are now travelling by 
bicycle, public transport, or car pool and how many have decided not to do so.
 Number of people interviewed \
 Number of people who commute by private car \
 Number of people who have agreed to change their mode of transport \
 Number of people who now travel by public transport \
 Number of people who have joined a carpool \
 Number of people who are now cycling to work \
 Number of people who have not changed their mode of transport \
A.  PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE: RENEWABLE ENERGY
A1.  In A.2 you will read about alternative sources of energy. Before doing so find 
out how much you already know about renewable sources of energy. 
Complete column A, to indicate whether you think each statement is True 
( ) , False(X), or whether you do not know(?) After reading the passage, 
complete column B in the same way.
 Statements       (A)  (B)
 a. Solar energy is a powerful source of energy
 b. Electric battery operated cars are more 
powerful than those run on fossil fuels
 c. EV stands for electric vehicles
 d. Driving an electric vehicle is stressful
 e. Solar power can be the next source of 
pollution in the world
 f. India is one of the countries with a great 
potential for generation and use of solar 
energy
 g. Using alternate sources of energy can help 
India save a lot of money spent in foreign 
exchange
UNIT-3
MAIN COURSE BOOK
SCIENCE
A2.  Read the article:
 Solar Power
 With energy consumption being the buzzword in developing economies around 
the world, fears of an energy crisis looming ahead are not totally unfounded. The 
non-renewable nature of fossil fuels makes complete dependence on these for 
future energy needs, a very dicey affair. Renewable energy sources are the best bet 
in the scenario. And what can be a better renewable energy resource than the sun?
 In a country like India, if the abundant amount of sunlight available is harnessed 
properly it could mean an end to the energy crisis. It is the most abundant source 
of energy. The average global solar radiation is around 5 kilowatt hours (KWH) per 
square meter per day with the sunshine hours ranging between 2300-4300 per 
year. India is in the sunny belt of the world. The country receives solar energy 
equivalent to more than 5000 trillion KWH per year, which is far more than its 
total annual energy consumption.
 Besides, it is a renewable and clean energy source. Taking both environmental 
and economic cost, solar energy works cheaper than fossil fuel resources. Once we 
master techniques to harness solar energy, it can be a vital source of power on all 
planets.
 Solar energy can be a viable source of power generation for the next 1000 crore 
years. There are many technologies available for conversion of solar energy into 
solar power. For instance, solar photovoltaic (SPV) technology, photo galvanic 
cells, solar steam generators (solar concentrating power), solar tower or solar 
chimney, radio micrometers and thermopile are some of them.
 Electric motors 
 Imagining a future where clean air is no longer a dream and our cities are not smog 
filled concrete jungles, this could well become a reality in the coming years if the 
world begins to increasingly adopt the use of cleaner options like alternate-fuel 
vehicles.
 The rise in economic activity and the burgeoning population have led to a 
tremendous demand in the transport sector, especially in urban India. With 
India’s ever growing population, pollution is also increasing manifold. Thus, a very 
89
UNIT-3
MAIN COURSE BOOK
SCIENCE
90
critical issue of keeping air and noise pollution in urban areas under control has 
emerged.
 If we can have three lakh electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads, including three 
wheelers, cars and scooters, we could reduce pollution by 16 lakh metric tones, 
save ` 3700 crores in foreign exchange earnings and substantially reduce 
healthcare costs.
 Small electric buses, three wheelers and electric scooters are ideal for city mobility 
in India but it could take same years before they become viable for commercial 
use.
 The electric vehicle uses electric energy which is stored in batteries that feed the 
electric motor. Driving an electric vehicle is easier and more relaxing than a 
traditional one because it has no speed-gear and functioning noise. It is enough to 
turn the key and press the acceleration pedal; you need only two driving pedals- 
accelerator and brake.
 The need to reduce air pollution along with the availability of new advanced 
batteries have allowed EVs to reappear as a clean alternative to internal 
combustion vehicles. Electric drive systems are virtually non-polluting and 
extremely energy efficient. While internal combustion vehicles can convert about 
20% of the chemical energy in gasoline into useful work, 75% or more of the energy 
from a battery has productive power in an electric vehicle.
 Electric motors can also provide power at almost any engine speed. While internal 
combustion engines must be revved up to high rpm to achieve maximum power, 
electric motors provide nearly peak power even at low speeds. This gives electric 
vehicles strong acceleration performance from the start.
 The emergence of newer batteries has driven the cost and performance of EVs. 
There are several major types of automotive batteries available and under 
development, from advanced lead acid batteries like those that start our internal 
combustion engines to lithium polymer batteries. Although recharging could be  
considered as a matter of concern, home recharging systems are available giving 
EVs an added advantage.
Page 5


MAIN COURSE BOOK
N
I
T
U
 
3
Introduction 
From Carelessness to Car-Lessness
The harmful gases emitted into the atmosphere from the vehicles are polluting the 
environment, especially the air we breathe. All of us have to take action individually and 
collectively to reduce air pollution as much as we can. So be an eco-journalist and do 
your bit to help reduce air pollution. And the first step towards saving the environment is 
to know where we stand.
Carrying out a door to door survey
 Find out how your friends and neighbours commute to school or office \
 Interview at least 10 friends or neighbours who commute to school or office by \
personal cars
 Find out if they would be ready to switch to a non-polluting mode of transport, \
like a bicycle, if their schools or offices are not too far away.
 Find out if they would like to join a carpool or travel by public transport. Do \
not forget to mention the advantages of shifting from the use of personal 
vehicles, such as reduced pollution, savings and companionship.
 If they are not interested and would like to continue travelling in their private \
cars, ask them the reasons why would they not make the change.
After collecting all the data, fill in a table like the one given below:
SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE
Respon-
dent 
number
Type of 
car (small, 
big, SUV)
Fuel 
(petrol, 
diesel, 
CNG, any 
other)
Number of 
people 
travelling 
in car
Is the 
mode of 
transport 
polluting?
Y yes; N 
no  
Would 
consider 
change in 
transport? 
specify carpool 
or bus or 
bicycle
Cannot 
change 
their 
mode of 
transport
Reasons for 
not using 
public 
transport or 
car pooling or 
bicycle
87
UNIT-3
MAIN COURSE BOOK
SCIENCE
88
At the end of your survey, find out how many interviewees are now travelling by 
bicycle, public transport, or car pool and how many have decided not to do so.
 Number of people interviewed \
 Number of people who commute by private car \
 Number of people who have agreed to change their mode of transport \
 Number of people who now travel by public transport \
 Number of people who have joined a carpool \
 Number of people who are now cycling to work \
 Number of people who have not changed their mode of transport \
A.  PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE: RENEWABLE ENERGY
A1.  In A.2 you will read about alternative sources of energy. Before doing so find 
out how much you already know about renewable sources of energy. 
Complete column A, to indicate whether you think each statement is True 
( ) , False(X), or whether you do not know(?) After reading the passage, 
complete column B in the same way.
 Statements       (A)  (B)
 a. Solar energy is a powerful source of energy
 b. Electric battery operated cars are more 
powerful than those run on fossil fuels
 c. EV stands for electric vehicles
 d. Driving an electric vehicle is stressful
 e. Solar power can be the next source of 
pollution in the world
 f. India is one of the countries with a great 
potential for generation and use of solar 
energy
 g. Using alternate sources of energy can help 
India save a lot of money spent in foreign 
exchange
UNIT-3
MAIN COURSE BOOK
SCIENCE
A2.  Read the article:
 Solar Power
 With energy consumption being the buzzword in developing economies around 
the world, fears of an energy crisis looming ahead are not totally unfounded. The 
non-renewable nature of fossil fuels makes complete dependence on these for 
future energy needs, a very dicey affair. Renewable energy sources are the best bet 
in the scenario. And what can be a better renewable energy resource than the sun?
 In a country like India, if the abundant amount of sunlight available is harnessed 
properly it could mean an end to the energy crisis. It is the most abundant source 
of energy. The average global solar radiation is around 5 kilowatt hours (KWH) per 
square meter per day with the sunshine hours ranging between 2300-4300 per 
year. India is in the sunny belt of the world. The country receives solar energy 
equivalent to more than 5000 trillion KWH per year, which is far more than its 
total annual energy consumption.
 Besides, it is a renewable and clean energy source. Taking both environmental 
and economic cost, solar energy works cheaper than fossil fuel resources. Once we 
master techniques to harness solar energy, it can be a vital source of power on all 
planets.
 Solar energy can be a viable source of power generation for the next 1000 crore 
years. There are many technologies available for conversion of solar energy into 
solar power. For instance, solar photovoltaic (SPV) technology, photo galvanic 
cells, solar steam generators (solar concentrating power), solar tower or solar 
chimney, radio micrometers and thermopile are some of them.
 Electric motors 
 Imagining a future where clean air is no longer a dream and our cities are not smog 
filled concrete jungles, this could well become a reality in the coming years if the 
world begins to increasingly adopt the use of cleaner options like alternate-fuel 
vehicles.
 The rise in economic activity and the burgeoning population have led to a 
tremendous demand in the transport sector, especially in urban India. With 
India’s ever growing population, pollution is also increasing manifold. Thus, a very 
89
UNIT-3
MAIN COURSE BOOK
SCIENCE
90
critical issue of keeping air and noise pollution in urban areas under control has 
emerged.
 If we can have three lakh electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads, including three 
wheelers, cars and scooters, we could reduce pollution by 16 lakh metric tones, 
save ` 3700 crores in foreign exchange earnings and substantially reduce 
healthcare costs.
 Small electric buses, three wheelers and electric scooters are ideal for city mobility 
in India but it could take same years before they become viable for commercial 
use.
 The electric vehicle uses electric energy which is stored in batteries that feed the 
electric motor. Driving an electric vehicle is easier and more relaxing than a 
traditional one because it has no speed-gear and functioning noise. It is enough to 
turn the key and press the acceleration pedal; you need only two driving pedals- 
accelerator and brake.
 The need to reduce air pollution along with the availability of new advanced 
batteries have allowed EVs to reappear as a clean alternative to internal 
combustion vehicles. Electric drive systems are virtually non-polluting and 
extremely energy efficient. While internal combustion vehicles can convert about 
20% of the chemical energy in gasoline into useful work, 75% or more of the energy 
from a battery has productive power in an electric vehicle.
 Electric motors can also provide power at almost any engine speed. While internal 
combustion engines must be revved up to high rpm to achieve maximum power, 
electric motors provide nearly peak power even at low speeds. This gives electric 
vehicles strong acceleration performance from the start.
 The emergence of newer batteries has driven the cost and performance of EVs. 
There are several major types of automotive batteries available and under 
development, from advanced lead acid batteries like those that start our internal 
combustion engines to lithium polymer batteries. Although recharging could be  
considered as a matter of concern, home recharging systems are available giving 
EVs an added advantage.
UNIT-3
MAIN COURSE BOOK
SCIENCE
91
 Apart from being environment-and -user friendly, there are several other reasons 
for alternative fuel cars to flourish in India. Firstly, electricity for EVs can be 
produced from various sources for which India has natural resources and does 
not need to depend on the import of oil. Although EVs will not replace LPG, CNG or 
petrol and diesel for intercity use, the infrastructure required for EVs in the form 
of electricity distribution infrastructure, is already available in all the major cities 
and minimum costs are required to install additional capacity.
 EVs are zero polluting, easy to handle and have low maintenance costs. EVs do not 
degrade with time and they are always zero polluting unlike conventional vehicles 
where the pollution increases with engine degradation, poor maintenance and 
adulterated fuel. India also has the maximum market potential for EVs owing to 
an established auto component infrastructure, low manufacturing and R&D cost, 
mechanical hardware availability, high urban congestion and the presence of 
domestic market. The industry could significantly gain from rising exports and 
with appropriate government support, can transform the landscape of urban 
India by reducing pollution, improving public health, creating employment 
opportunities and impacting society.
 In order to do that, a holistic approach involving the government, public and auto 
majors is needed to promote EVs in India. Appropriate government policies and 
adequate support from business houses and institutions, for instance, 
purchasing a fixed percentage of vehicles for their fleets and offering subsidies and 
tax exemptions, will go a long way in promoting the industry in India.
 Finally, people have to become more informed about these technologies. The 
media must play its role in educating the public about alternative fuel vehicles and 
their advantages. 
A.3  Now go back to A.1 and complete column (B). How much did you know already 
before you read the article?
A.4. Complete the following blanks with information from the passage:
 a. India receives 5000 trillion KWH/year which means……………………………..