Tag: technology

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The SpaceX booster landing represents a significant advancement in aerospace engineering and space travel efficiency. On October 14, 2024, SpaceX successfully executed the unprecedented capture of its Super Heavy-Starship rocket’s first stage using mechanical arms, known as “mechazilla”.

This innovative approach not only demonstrates the potential for fully reusable rockets but also aligns with Elon Musk’s vision of making life multiplanetary. The successful landing and capture mark a pivotal moment in reducing costs associated with space exploration and increasing launch frequency.

Watch the video and get a glimpse of the advancement of space traveling.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is the “all eyes on someone/something”? “All eyes were on Boca Chica Texas as the Starship rocket blasted off at sunrise.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘all eyes on sb/sth’ in your own sentence.
2. What does the noun “booster” mean here, “Getting its booster to land not in the ocean but instead guiding it back to the same Launchpad into a pair of giant mechanical arms.”? Use this term in a sentence.
3. What does the phrasal verb “blow someone away” mean? “I mean, to see this even live was… It blew me away to watch it.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘blow someone away’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. In your own words, explain the “chopsticks maneuver”. What can you say about this space launch technology?
2. Share your insights about this, “SpaceX has grown to dominate the space launch business. But for some, that dominance poses another risk — the politicization of space exploration.”
3. Share your opinion on this, “Elon Musk routinely promotes his far-right views on his social media platform and financially-backs Trump.“
4. How important is space exploration?
5. What do you think would be the highlights of space travel in the future?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The popularity of touch screens in modern devices is beginning to change, as both manufacturers and users start to appreciate physical buttons again. Touch screens offer sleek designs and flexible features, but they can also be frustrating with accidental taps, no physical feedback, and difficulty using them without looking.

Because of this, there’s a rising interest in bringing back physical buttons, particularly in cars, smartphones, and other devices where accuracy and ease of use are important. This shift aims to combine the convenience of new technology with the comfort and reliability of buttons.

Watch the video to learn more about this hot “button” issue and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the word “toggle” mean? “You have an array of toggles at the bottom as well as customizable buttons on the steering wheel.” Use this word in a sentence.
2. What does “tactile feedback” mean? “With the push to bring back buttons, manufacturers aim to offer the best of both worlds—combining the tactile feedback of physical controls with the modern functionality of touchscreens.” Use this term in a sentence.
3. What does “into high gear” mean? “With the demand for tactile feedback growing, the push to bring back buttons has shifted into high gear.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘into high gear’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think physical buttons offer a better user experience than touch screens? Why or why not?
2. How important is tactile feedback to you when using devices like smartphones or car controls?
3. Do you believe that the return of physical buttons is just a temporary trend, or is it here to stay? Explain.
4. In what types of devices do you think physical buttons would be most beneficial, and why?
5. How might a shift back to physical buttons impact the design and functionality of future technology?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Australia is thinking about stopping children from using social media to protect them from online risks like cyberbullying, harmful content, and privacy issues. The new rules would require strict checks to confirm age and block access for younger kids. Supporters believe this will help protect children’s mental health, but some people are concerned it might be hard to enforce and could limit personal freedom. This decision reflects a wider global conversation about keeping kids safe online.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the phrasal verb “to clamp down on” mean? “The Prime Minister wants to clamp down on young people’s use of social media.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using the phrase.
2. What does the expression “worried sick” mean? “Parents are worried sick about the effect of social media to their children.” Give 2 synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using the phrase.
3. Explain the “sledgehammer approach“. “Critics say that imposing the minimum age for children using social media is a sledgehammer approach.” Use the term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of banning children from using social media in Australia?
2. How might this ban impact children’s social development and their ability to communicate with peers?
3. What alternative measures could be implemented to ensure children’s safety online without a complete ban on social media?
4. Do you believe a ban on social media for children is an effective way to protect them from online dangers? Why or why not?
5. How do you think parents should balance children’s freedom and safety when it comes to social media usage?

B2 – Upper Intermediate 

The quest for sustainable renewable energy sources continues. The remote Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic had to find an alternative energy source. Marine energy firm Minesto’s “Dragons” utilize the powerful currents from the seas surrounding the whole archipelago to harness energy. 

Watch the video and discover how tidal kites work. 

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0j6gphs/tidal-kites-new-technology-harnessing-ocean-energy

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “untapped” mean? “Ocean energy is still largely untapped. So what are the barriers that have prevented it from taking off?” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this word in your own sentence.
2. What does “to unlock the potential” mean? “If we can unlock the potential, it can really dramatically change the energy mix in the islands. Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this idiom in your own sentence.
3. What does “a leap forward” mean? “Now, this Dragon has begun to fly and it’s sending energy to the grid. It’s just one machine, but potentially a big leap forward for harnessing energy from our seas.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Share your insights on “the Dragons”?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of tidal turbines and tidal power?
3. What are some of the biggest renewable energy sources used in your country? Why might that be?
4. Do you think tidal energy could be beneficial in your country? Explain.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Finland’s wizards have been making waves in the culinary world with their innovative technique of creating food out of thin air. This groundbreaking approach involves utilizing a process known as air-based protein production to generate nutrient-rich edibles without the need for traditional agricultural methods. By harnessing the power of microbes, these wizards are able to transform carbon dioxide and water into proteins that can be used as ingredients in a variety of dishes.

As this technology continues to evolve, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about food production and consumption. By pushing boundaries and challenging conventional norms, Finland’s wizards are paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in which hunger may become a thing of the past.

Learn more about this innovation by watching the video.

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “ploughing” mean? “But instead of ploughing, fertilizing, and harvesting, the flower stems from dried liquid made in a miniature bioreactor inside a laboratory.” Use this term in a sentence.
2. What does “to suck (something) in” mean? “The process requires significantly fewer resources than meat or milk and the use of direct air capture to suck in CO2 from the atmosphere is good news for the environment.” Use this term in a sentence.
3. What does “introduce” mean here, “The company hopes to introduce their product to the market in early 2023.” Use this term in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Explain the process of producing food out of thin air.
2. What are your thoughts on this technology?
3. If this kind of innovation continues, what do you think the future of food production will look like?
4. Have you ever tried a lab-grown food? How does it taste like? If not yet, would be interested to try it?
5. Share your thoughts on this statement, “Our gift to the society is disconnection from agriculture. We don’t use any agricultural raw materials even. Therefore, we can let agricultural land to be freed from agriculture and basically let forest grow back.“.