In our increasingly interconnected world, the ability to read and understand scientific and technical texts is a vital academic skill. Whether you are studying business, health sciences, or environmental policy, much of the information you will encounter is written in a formal, structured style. These texts use precise vocabulary and often include data, descriptions of experiments or prototypes, and discussions of implementation or future implications. In this lesson, we will work with an adapted science article that explores how modern technologies are powering the future of energy. You will learn to identify the text’s purpose, its structural components, and to infer meaning from data and technical descriptions. We will also focus on grammar patterns commonly used in scientific texts, including relative clauses and noun phrases. This skill set will help prepare you for both the reading and writing sections of the ITEP Academic-Plus exam.
Warm-Up: Understanding the Smart Grid
Before reading the article, watch this short video that introduces the idea of a smart grid. As you watch, think about these questions: Why is the traditional energy grid no longer effective? What benefits does a smart grid offer? How might this technology impact your everyday life?
The Smart Grid Explained
This animated video from Common Craft explains how smart grids improve energy efficiency and management through real-time data, automation, and decentralization.
Vocabulary
Before reading the text, familiarize yourself with these key terms. They appear throughout the article and are commonly found in scientific reading passages.
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| efficiency | The ability to accomplish a task with the least waste of time and resources | Improving battery efficiency reduces overall energy costs. |
| prototype | An early model or sample built to test a concept or process | The team built a prototype of the new solar panel system. |
| implementation | The process of putting a plan or system into operation | The implementation of smart meters has helped reduce power consumption. |
| grid | A network for distributing electricity across regions | The smart grid allows for real-time monitoring of energy use. |
| innovation | A new idea, method, or device | Recent innovations in wind technology have increased efficiency. |
| sustainability | The ability to maintain something at a certain level over time, especially environmentally | Sustainability is a core goal of clean energy solutions. |
Grammar
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