UNIT 11
Noise in the Environment
1.
Noise pollution is defined as any form of noise that disrupts the normal functioning
of life. If left unchecked, it can have serious effects on the mind and body of
humans as well as animals.
2.
Noise pollution is one of the biggest sources of discomfort, stress and nuisance
in Pakistan. In urban areas and big cities, noise pollution has reached
dangerous level. For instance, a survey by the Punjab Environmental Protection
Agency claims that the level of noise in Lahore has reached 91 decibels whereas
a maximum of 75 decibels is acceptable. This means that the mental and physical
health of so many people is already at risk.
3.
The major causes of noise pollution in Pakistan are road traffic construction sites,
careless use of electronic appliances and loud speech patterns. Noise coming
from different modes of transport, i.e. vehicles, airplanes, trains, ships,
proves to be highly stressful for human communities. With the population growth
and development in urban areas, the vehicular traffic has also multiplied. This
has given rise to immense noise pollution, largely in the form of unwarranted
honking by drivers, Also, the mushroom growth of residential colonies near
airports and railway stations has exposed residents to permanent and
unavoidable source of noise pollution.
4.
Another source of noise pollution in urban areas is the work on construction sites.
Construction work in urban areas is usually slow and time-consuming. The
transport and equipment used at construction sites, its grilling and piercing
sound is a big source of noise pollution. It not only disturbs the general
public but also affects construction workers by causing mental fatigue.
5.
Use of technology is another cause of noise pollution. For example, unmonitored
use of mobile phones, electricity generators, music systems and TV, all become
irritants from time to time. People usually do not switch off their mobiles or
put them on silent modes when they enter offices, hospitals, schools and
colleges. They also use electricity generators excessively in residential areas
and put other residents ill at ease. Moreover, listening to loud music or TV on
a loud volume is another source of noise pollution. For this, people need to
develop some civic responsibility so that others may not be in trouble because
of these careless actions.
6.
Noise pollution causes not only environmental damage but it also has a negative
impact on human health. It can cause aggression, hypertension, high stress
levels, hearing loss, restlessness, depression and insomnia. Insomnia can
further lead to anxiety, bad temper and emotional stress. In addition, noise
pollution can seriously affect the learners. This gives them unnecessary mental
and physical tension.
7.
In Pakistan, there is a dire need to bring down the noise levels, coming from different
sources. The government must gear up and utilize various means to control
unwarranted noise levels. For example, the Punjab Environment Protection Agency
recommends around 55 decibels of noise level in residential colonies and 75
decibels in commercial areas. These figures must be strictly enforced by the
government. Furthermore, the government should ensure smooth traffic flow,
block noise emitting vehicles from roads, use noise barriers where necessary,
and expedite construction work to minimize noise pollution. Also, the
residential societies should come forward, frame and enforce rules in their
areas to check unnecessary noise producing agents. Offices, hospitals and
academic institutions should strictly prohibit the use of mobile phones on
campuses for better noise management. Moreover, people should be discouraged to
speak loudly in these areas.
8.
Noise pollution is a serious issue and needs more attention at local and state level.
People must develop more awareness about the dangerous impact of noise on human
health. It is, therefore, a need to acquire more civic sense and responsible
attitude to avoid the unnecessary use of this irritant in the environment. Only
then our country would be a much quieter and much more peaceful place to live
in.
B. Answer the following questions.
1. How do you define noise
pollution?
2. How is transport a source of
noise pollution?
3. How is construction work a
cause of noise pollution?
4. How is use of technology
causing noise pollution?
5. Why is noise dangerous for
human health?
6. What kind of precautions may
reduce noise coming from electronic devices?
A. Write the synonyms of the following words.
disrupts
rapid
unmonitored
nuisance
piercing
B. Read the sentences and insert appropriate transitional devices in the blanks given below.
1. It was announced that doctors'
salaries would be increased, doctors ended their strike.
a. as a result b. certainly c. and
2. Amjad is an excellent teacher.
he explains the subject matter very well and makes sure that all students understand
the concepts.
a. consequently b. meanwhile c.
for example
3. Amina speaks English very
well. 1 she does not assist her friends in learning to speak English.
a. however b. further c. thus
4. The government has levied more
taxes. the salary structure has not been improved.
a. in fact b. but c. hence
5. Salma is a good speaker. she
also writes very well.
a. in addition b. consequently c. next
C. Underline Adverb Clauses in the following sentences. Also encircle the subordinating conjunctions.
1. You may sit wherever you like.
2. He will pass if he works hard.
3. We shall wait here until you
come.
4. I did not buy it because it
was very expensive.
5. Do it before you forget
D. Supply suitable Adverb Clauses.
1. Nobody likes him .
2. She sings exactly .
3. I will not go out .
4. It shall remain .
5. I spoke to his brother.
E. Use the following Subordinating Conjunctions in sentences
since, unless, though, while, as,
when, after
F. Identify and write these clauses in the relevant columns of the table.
1. Asif plays hockey as he enjoys
it.
2. Shazia could not catch the bus
because she was late.
3. Ali could not finish the
Mathematics test on time although he knew all the sums.
4. Arifa quickly ate her lunch as
she was very hungry.
5. Harris is back from work so he
must take rest.
6. You must work hard if you want
to succeed in life.
G. Read the following sentences and tick the right adverbial clause given in brackets.
1. The train left the station as
Asad arrived. (Adverbial clause of place,
adverbial clause of time)
2. You can put it wherever vou
like, (adverbial clause of place, adverbial
clause of reason)
3. After the thief had stolen
money, he left home quickly. (Adverbial clause of
time, adverbial clause of manner)
4. He was very pleased that you have
passed. (Adverbial clause of place,
adverbial clause of reason)
5. He failed because he did not
work hard. (Adverbial clause of reason,
adverbial clause of place)
H. Mark the sentences as correct or incorrect. Put a comma to make the sentence correct.
1. Because Aliya missed her
school bus she was late for her school.
2. After Kalim comes home he will
take you to the book shop.
3. The class will have the
swimming lesson if the instructor comes tomorrow.
4. When it rains III bring an
umbrella to school.
5. Although Mr. Asif was sick, he
went to work.
very good
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