TOEFL integrated writing: fuel-cell engines

The reading passage discusses the idea of replacing the internal combustion engines used in the cars, with hydrogen based fuel cell engines. On the other hand the listening passage casts doubt on such a replacement, and explains why it would not practical.

First of all, the listening passage explains that hydrogen needed for fuel cell engines is not easily available. Although it can be found in water as the reading passage mentions. However, according to the listening passage, the problem is that Hydrogen should be in its pure liquid state, in order to be effectively utilized in engines. Moreover, it should also be kept very cold(-253c). Therefore, it should undergo difficult techniques before being used.

Secondly, the speaker also states that Hydrogen can also contribute in causing pollution. she explains that in order to produce pure hydrogen, oil and coal should be burned, resulting in increasing pollution during the manufacturing process. Mean while, the reading passage shed lights only on the fact that pollution can be caused by burning carbon dioxide, in the combustion engines while driving cars.

Finally, the speaker also clarifies that fuel cell engines are not economically practical,as it is mentioned in the reading passage. On the contrary, according to the speaker, the manufacturing process for the fuel cell engines depends on platinum, which is rare and expensive.