Unit 30 New technologies
Name:
Anthony and Beth are discussing a magazine article about new technologies. Complete their
conversation by choosing the correct verb forms from the drop-down menus (a–l).
Then
decide what type of new technology they are discussing in each part of the
conversation (1–4). Again, choose from the drop-down menu.
(1)
Anthony: Have you seen this article in the New Scientist? It’s all about new technologies. It’s fascinating.
Beth: Go on, then. How (a)
?
Anthony: It’s predicting that pretty soon scientists (b)
to be able to make
devices like computers and robots using single cells and atoms.
Beth: Wow. To do what?
Anthony: Well, they’re talking about being able to treat diseases at a cellular level by injecting one of these
miniatur
e robots, or using the technology to make new, more flexible materials from carbon atoms.
Beth: What (c)
next?
(2)
Anthony: Well, it’s funny you should ask. The article goes on to talk about things like robotics and androids.
Beth: Androids?
Anthony: Yeah. It says that by 2050, scientists (d)
androids that look like humans
and have the capacity to interact like humans.
Beth: I don’t think I like that idea. I think it (e)
more trouble than it’s worth.
Imagine everything that could go wrong!
(3)
Anthony: OK, I think you (f ) this next one more. How about having a computer
that controlled all of the appliances and electronic equipment in our house? It would save money because
the house would know when you weren’t home, and it’d make sure everything was turned off.
Beth: It (g)
expensive, though, I imagine.
Anthony: Who knows how much things (h)
in future! Perhaps
(i) on the Moon by then!
(4)
Beth: What does that last bit of the article say? The bit with the photo of that small microchip?
Anthony: Hang on a minute, I (j)
look. Umm ... it’s talking about a type of
technology that uses radio waves and these things called ‘tags’ to identify people.
Beth: People? So they could embed one of these tags in me?
Anthony: Well, in theory, yes. But they’re mainly used on animals – so you can track your pet if they vanish
– and on pr
oducts in shops – so that they can stop people stealing.
Beth: Mmm. It still sounds suspicious to me.
Anthony: Well, it does say here that some organizations are worried about privacy issues.
Beth: I do worry that in the future, governments and big corporations (k)
all of
these new types of technology to keep us under control.
Anthony: You worry too much. Here, you finish the article. I (l)
us a nice cup of
tea.
Now listen to the conversation.
