B1 – Intermediate
Scottish National Poet Peter Mackay expressed his concerns over the effects artificial intelligence (AI) on the publishing industry. He proposes that all books should be labeled whether they are written by a human or AI.
Read the article about putting a mark or symbol on all books written by AI and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2502/250213-ai-book-warnings.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to make a living” mean? “It’s very hard to make a living as a writer anyway, and [now] you are having to compete with [all the] knowledge of every book written.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’make a living’ in your own sentence.
- What does “input” mean in this sentence, “He believes the public needs to know about the level of AI input in a book.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’input’ in your own sentence.
- What does “call” mean in this context, “Mr. Mackay’s call comes just before the USA and UK refused to sign an international agreement on AI to keep it “clean” and “ethical”.”? Use this word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.
Discussion Questions:
- Should we really be worried about AI in terms of the creation of new literature? Share your opinion.
- Do you agree or disagree with this, “The public needs to know about the level of AI input in a book.”? Share your insights.
- How important is it to keep AI “clean” and “ethical”?
- What is your opinion on this, “Pro-growth AI policies” were more important than safety.”?
- Which would you prefer – a 100% human-written, 100% AI-made or AI-human hybrid books? Explain your choice.
2 replies on “Warning on AI Books”
Vocabulary Questions:
1. What does “to make a living” mean? “It’s very hard to make a living as a writer anyway, and [now] you are having to compete with [all the] knowledge of every book written.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’make a living’ in your own sentence.
“To make a living” means earning enough money to mantein basic needs covered.
Synonyms: earn a living, support oneself.
He went to another city to make a living.
2. What does “input” mean in this sentence, “He believes the public needs to know about the level of AI input in a book.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’input’ in your own sentence.
In this sentence, “input” referes to the quantity of AI-generated content has a publication.
Synonyms: contribution, influence.
The user’s input to the system was incorrect.
1. What does “call” mean in this context, “Mr. Mackay’s call comes just before the USA and UK refused to sign an international agreement on AI to keep it “clean” and “ethical”.”? Use this word in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.
In this sentence, “call” means making a request to people in general or public organisms.
Synonyms: request, petition.
The congresist´s call was denied/rejected by most of the population.
Discussion Questions:
1. Should we really be worried about AI in terms of the creation of new literature? Share your opinion.
Yes, I think is important don´t replace our thinking by artificial intelligence. We can´t base all our knowledge in what AI tell us.
2. Do you agree or disagree with this, “The public needs to know about the level of AI input in a book.”? Share your insights.
I agree more or less. It is easy to say, but I think is too difficult setting this type of distinction. Governments must work hard finding a solution.
3. How important is it to keep AI “clean” and “ethical”?
I think is very important to keep AI “clean” and “ethical”. AI shouldn´t be used for malicious purposes.
4. What is your opinion on this, “Pro-growth AI policies” were more important than safety.”?
I think it should be something balanced/equitative.
5. Which would you prefer – a 100% human-written, 100% AI-made or AI-human hybrid books? Explain your choice.
I prefer 100% human-written books because our creativity could be affected at long time.
Good going practicing your writing skills.
Here is how this sentence can be revised:
Until your next post!