Text 1. Modern technologies
Vocabulary:
Modern technologies - современные технологии
to develop – развивать
to keep in touch- поддерживать контакт
major technological advances – большой технический прогресс
the not-too-distant future – недалекое будущее
to implant – имплантировать
cash - наличные
а credit card - кредитная карта
digital money – электронные деньги
recognition systems – система распознавания
to transfer money-переводить, перечислять деньги
at the checkout – на кассе
science fiction – научная фантастика
drawbacks - недостаток
electronic device – электронные прибор
a fan of smth. – фанат чего-либо
to lose contact with anyone– потерять контакт со всеми
to stay-in touch – быть на связи
to send text messages – послать текстовое сообщение
It goes without saying that life was much more difficult before technology had developed as much as it has now. When it took two weeks for a letter to reach Australia, you couldn'tkeep in touch with people easily. Or just travelling from your home to another town a few kilometers away could take hours. And if you didn't live in a big city, you didn't have much information because there was no television or the Internet.
We have seen major technological advances over the last twenty years and the next twenty years or so are going to be equally exciting. I believe that in the not-too-distant future, we won't have to carry our mobile phones around but will implant them somewhere in the body — maybe in our teeth or in our shoulders. I think that we won't have cash or credit cards any longer. It will mainly be digital money. And supermarkets will probably have iris recognition systems, so the money for our groceries will automatically be transferred from your bank account into the supermarket's bank account as you're standing at the checkout. Many people say it's science fiction but I think it's our future. Soon we'll all have more time for our hobbies and interests because robots will do all the work for us! I'm sure that new technology will change our lives for the better.
However, we must admit, that technological progress has its drawbacks. For example, cars pollute our atmosphere. There is a lot of radiation from TVs, computers, mobiles and other electronic devices. Moreover, technology makes us lazy! Many teenagers would rather spend their free time in front of their computer than meet their friends. As a result, they don't have enough exercise and are getting fat. That's not healthy at all.
As for me, I'm a fan of modern technology. Now, with computers and e-mail we never have to lose contact with anyone. We can travel from one place to another quickly and safely. What's more, because of television, everyone has information about the world around them. I can't imagine my life without technology. Of course, we've got things like a TV, a video player, a computer and different kitchen appliances such as a microwave oven and a dishwasher. But most of all I enjoy my new mobile because now I can always stay-in touch. I never go anywhere without it! I use it all the time and send about twenty text messages every day! To sum up, I want to say that technology has definitely made our lives easier and we couldn't live without it!
Answer the following questions:
1. Can you imagine your life without modern technology? 2. Does technology make our life easier? 3. Do you think we rely too much on technology? 4. Why are some people against new technology? 5. Are you a fan of modern technology? Why?