INTRODUCE
The UK is aiming to be one of the global leaders in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The potential of the AI industry is seen as a good opportunity to boost the country’s economy, but critics are concerned that millions of workers might lose their jobs to robots.
PRESENT
STEP A EXPRESSIONS
Go over the first two expressions with your tutor and fill in the blanks. Then, guess the meaning of the third expression based on the clues provided.
1. To enrich one’s life means to improve one’s life by adding value to it.
Self-help books enrich my life.
__________ enrich(es) my life because __________.
2. To boost productivity means to increase output.
A 10 minute-nap can boost productivity for some people. Not for me, though. I need at least 30 minutes!
__________ can boost productivity in the office.
3. .
He’s indispensable to our team. We can’t win without him.
Indispensable means _____________________.
STEP B SPEAK YOUR MIND
Sometimes you want to say that you feel neutral about something.
What do you think about the new law banning texting while driving?
Well, I’m neither for nor against it. I can see both sides of the issue.
UNDERSTAND
SPEAKING
Takashi is having lunch with his British coworker Henry at a restaurant in London.
 |
- Takashi:
So how do you feel about the new chatbot? Half of the office seems to hate it!
- Henry:
Yeah, I know. Personally speaking, I’m neither for nor against it. I know it’s going to save us a lot of time, but it makes me a bit uncomfortable. Something about the way it talks feels wrong to me.
- Takashi:
Oh, really? I honestly didn’t know it was a robot until the engineers told me. It seemed pretty natural to me, but maybe that’s because I’m not a native speaker.
- Henry:
That could be. Lucy and I were talking about it earlier. We couldn’t put our finger on what the problem was exactly, but the way it talked just bothered us. But anyway, I think it’s definitely going to boost productivity at the office.
- Takashi:
Absolutely! The fact that we don’t have to search for files anymore makes me feel like I have a virtual secretary. (laughs)
- Henry:
True. Things are a lot easier now.
- Takashi:
Yeah. When I was a child, I had no idea that robots would enrich our lives this much. It really feels like we’re living in a sci-fi movie these days!
- Henry:
(laughs) I know, right? It’s cool, but it’s also a bit worrying… I mean, the chatbot can do so many tasks, but the company doesn’t have to pay it a salary. What if they end up making a smarter version, and they decide to replace all of us with it?
- Takashi:
Hmm… I don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon. People like you and me, at least, are still indispensable. I’m a bit worried about Jim, though. Is his job still safe?
- Henry:
Well, Jim shouldn’t blame robots if he loses his job. If he gets fired, it’ll probably be because he spends so much time staring at Lyn instead of doing his tasks! (laughs)
TRIVIA
The sense of unease and discomfort humans feel when they encounter something that is almost but not quite human is called the uncanny valley. The most common examples of what can make humans feel the uncanny valley effect are androids (humanoid robots), computer game characters, and life-like dolls.
PRACTICE
Answer the questions using the pictures and expressions in the box. Some expressions may be used more than once, and the form of some expressions may need to be changed.
1.
Tutor: Why do you spend so much time painting?
Student: __________.
2.
Tutor: How important do you think teamwork is for this project?
Student: __________.
3.
Tutor: We only have space for one… Should we provide coffee or tea to our employees?
Student: __________.
4.
Tutor: Do you think we really need Phil?
Student: __________.
5.
Tutor: Whoa, they’re giving us an extra 15-minute break in the afternoon?
Student: __________.
CHALLENGE
Challenge 1
You’re at a café with your British friend. His/Her mother is not in good health. Talk about it with your friend.
Today's Expressions
- enrich one's life
- boost productivity
- indispensable
Speak Your Mind
- I'm neither for nor against…
 |
Challenge 2
What do you think? What does your tutor think? Discuss.
If TimeAllows
1 ROBOTS |
2 PRODUCTIVITY |
|---|---|
|
1 ROBOTS
|
2PRODUCTIVITY
|
FEEDBACK
I can give my opinion about robots and AI.
LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT
-
4
Very GoodCould complete the task with ease
-
3
GoodCould complete the task with some clarifications
-
2
FairCould complete the task with additional instructions
-
1
PoorCould somehow complete the task with difficulty
PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK
- RANGE
the ability to use a wide variety of vocabulary - ACCURACY
the ability to speak correctly - FLUENCY
the ability to speak smoothly without pauses or fillers - COHERENCE
the ability to speak logically and at length
