Preparing for speaking test 8

Inventions and Technologies

A. TECHNOLOGIES

1. Match the words with the pictures below. Then say what the following devices are used for?

microchip photocopier mobile phone cashpoint

2. Match the words below to the appropriate definitions. Then close your books and say what these devices are used for:

answerphone	a. a device used to send and receive copies of documents and images along a telephone line
fax machine	b. a plastic card which enables you to withdraw money from your bank account at any time
word processor	c. the system of connected computers which people all over the world use to communicate
virtual reality	d. a machine which records telephone messages when you are out
internet	e. a computer which is used as a typewriter to write letters and documents
cash card	f. a set of pictures and sounds generated by computer which give the impression of being real

3. Fill in the gaps with one of the words from the list below.

cash card device reusable cards development microwave

Technology: The way ahead

Technology continues to advance every day, making everything in our lives easier and safer, but at the same time allowing us to become lazier. First came the T.V. and the stereo, and then came the remote control, a 1)………………..which allowed us to control the set without leaving the comfort of our armchair.

You no longer need coins to operate public phoned which are now operated with plastic 2)……………… . And you can gain immediate access to your money kept in a bank account with a 3)…………………. . 4)………………..ovens have meant that people no longer have to wait for food to defrost and cooking is quicker. Cars are fitted with airbags and automatic braking systems, a 5)……………….to lessen the effect of any accident that you might have. American scientists have developed spacecraft extensively, now using the space shuttle which is 6)…………….as it is built specifically to withstand the intense heat from take-off, and pressure of travel into outer-space.

4. Read the following articles, then fill in the table below using the information given.

Computers Computers have revolutionized many industries from travel to healthcare, and from communication to the armed forces. Extensive computer networks stretch across the globe. However, dependency on this network could be dangerous if systems were to shut down for any reason. Computers have made information more accessible and immediate, and the work place has generally become more efficient. This efficiency does have its drawbacks in that many office workers are no longer needed; book-keeping and other office work can all be done by one person operating a computer.

Robots Although robots are not yet able to replace humans in every possible way, people still look to a future when this dream (or nightmare) will be realized. Producing a robot that can think may still be many decades away. Basic robot-like machines have been introduced into factories to do menial jobs, resulting in greater productivity and efficiency. On the other hand, many people have complained that their introduction has resulted in a reduction in the number of jobs that are now available, thereby contributing to high unemployment.

Mobile Phones In the last ten years mobile phones have become increasingly popular. The use of this wireless telephone has revolutionized communication. People can be contacted quickly. Business executives no longer need to be in the office to receive calls. It is not only business executives who benefit from this technology but also the emergency services and people who work in isolated places. However, mobile phones do have drawbacks, such as the expense, and the stress caused by the feeling that you ought to have it switched on all the time.

Solar Power In many hot countries distinctive solar panels can now be seen on an increasing number of roofs. Solar power, the energy from the sun, enables people to have a constant supply of hot water, and in some cases the energy can be stored for night usage. In colder countries with predominantly cloudy weather the system is not so effective. In countries with a lot of sunshine all year round solar power is very convenient. However, not all people can afford to have solar panels installed, and even when installed the panels need regular servicing.

	BENEFITS	DRAWBACKS
Computers
Mobile phones
Robots
Solar power

5. Now talk in pairs about the benefits and drawbacks of the items above as in the example:

eg. SA: Computers have revolutionized industry.

SB: However, they have led to a reduction in the amount of available jobs in offices.

6. Go through the spidergram then using the information given and the useful expressions below talk in pairs about the advantages and disadvantages of technologies as in the example. You may add ideas of your own.

7. Look at pictures A and B.

• Compare and contrast these two pictures.

• Are people in danger of being replaced by robots at work?

• In what ways has technology improved life in general?

• Has the advance of technology brought only benefits?

B. SPACE AND HUMAN ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Look at the pictures and say which of the following are: a) scientific achievements, b) artistic achievements or c) architectural achievements.

2. Fill in the gaps with one of the words from the lists below.

Pyramids

complicated, build, passages chamber

The most famous, and indeed the biggest pyramids in the world are in Egypt. They were built almost 5,000 years ago. It took 10 years to prepare the site, and 20 years to 1)………….the largest one. The burial 2)………………of the king is located inside the pyramid, and can only be reached by a 3)…………….. system of 4)……….. .

Nuclear Weapons

waste, destroying, deterrent, powerful

The first nuclear weapons to be made were the atomic bombs which ended the second World War in South East Asia in 1945. Nowadays nuclear weapons are far more 1)…………….. . The countries in possession of nuclear weapons are capable of 2)……………the world and humankind many times over. Nuclear weapons are seen by many as an effective 3)……………and the only way of preventing another world war. Others argue that they are a 4)………………of money which could be better spent on education and welfare.

Artificial Insemination

nature, childless, joy, control

Artificial insemination is a method of helping women to have children when natural means have failed. It can bring great 1)……………….to parents who would otherwise be 2)…………… . However, it is a morally confusing issue. Recently, in Italy, women of fifty and above have had babies by artificial insemination. Some say that this goes against the laws of 3)………………. And could get completely out of 4)……………….. .

Rockets

sophisticated, launch, fireworks, landing

The rocket was invented in the 11^th or 12^th century by the Chinese. They discovered that a bamboo rod with gunpowder at one end would fly like an arrow when lit.

These rods were the first 1)………………. . Modern rockets are based on the same principles though they are of course much more 2)…………….. and powerful. The first moon 3)………………….., the Apollo mission, was in 1969. Moon research has since been abandoned and rocket propulsion is now chiefly used to 4)……………..satellites and space probes.

Satellites

channels, signals, rotates, prediction

A natural satellite is a moon which 1)………….. around a planet. They were first discovered with the earliest telescopes. The planet Jupiter has twelve. The first man-made satellite was Sputnic 1, launched in 1957. Satellites have a number of uses including weather 2)……………….. and transmission of telephone and television 3)……………… . The Intelstat 5 satellite weighs about 2,000 kg and can deal with two TV 4)…………..and 12,000 phone calls simultaneously.