Reading 'What’s top of your technology wish list and why?'

A Gemma

It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m quite sure that the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a great film called
The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. No more wasting time in traffic jams! I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development our society could ever see. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when?

B Quentin

Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!

Are these statements True (T), False (F), or is the information Not Mentioned (NM)?

Scientists have started investigating the
possibilities of ‘transporting’ people.

A Gemma

It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m quite sure that the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a great film called
The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. No more wasting time in traffic jams! I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development our society could ever see. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when?

B Quentin

Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!

Are these statements True (T), False (F), or is the information Not Mentioned (NM)?

A commercial version of the ‘Holodeck’ is
too far-fetched to ever happen.

A Gemma

It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m quite sure that the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a great film called
The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. No more wasting time in traffic jams! I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development our society could ever see. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when?

B Quentin

Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!

Are these statements True (T), False (F), or is the information Not Mentioned (NM)?

Some interesting new inventions may already
be in development.

A Gemma

It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m quite sure that the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a great film called
The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. No more wasting time in traffic jams! I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development our society could ever see. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when?

B Quentin

Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!

Are these statements True (T), False (F), or is the information Not Mentioned (NM)?

The desire to be able to ‘transport’ has come
about because of recent science fiction
films and stories.

A Gemma

It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m quite sure that the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a great film called
The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. No more wasting time in traffic jams! I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development our society could ever see. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when?

B Quentin

Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!

Are these statements True (T), False (F), or is the information Not Mentioned (NM)?

Gemma believes that significant scientific
progress in this field will happen in her
lifetime.

A Gemma

It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m quite sure that the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a great film called
The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. No more wasting time in traffic jams! I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development our society could ever see. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when?

B Quentin

Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!

Are these statements True (T), False (F), or is the information Not Mentioned (NM)?

Researchers are trying to reproduce the
recreation activities seen on a popular TV
programme.

A Gemma

It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m quite sure that the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a great film called
The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. No more wasting time in traffic jams! I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development our society could ever see. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when?

B Quentin

Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!

Match the sentence beginnings with the correct sentence endings.

At present, interactive hologram technology .....

A Gemma

It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m quite sure that the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a great film called
The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. No more wasting time in traffic jams! I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development our society could ever see. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when?

B Quentin

Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!

Match the sentence beginnings with the correct sentence endings.

Magicians use all their powers of deception in an attempt ....

A Gemma

It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m quite sure that the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a great film called
The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. No more wasting time in traffic jams! I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development our society could ever see. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when?

B Quentin

Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!

Match the sentence beginnings with the correct sentence endings.

This form of transportation would result in ...

A Gemma

It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m quite sure that the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a great film called
The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. No more wasting time in traffic jams! I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development our society could ever see. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when?

B Quentin

Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!

Match the sentence beginnings with the correct sentence endings.

Domestic robots are currently only ...

A Gemma

It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m quite sure that the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a great film called
The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. No more wasting time in traffic jams! I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development our society could ever see. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when?

B Quentin

Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!

Match the sentence beginnings with the correct sentence endings.

The potential evolution of computer games ...

A Gemma

It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m quite sure that the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a great film called
The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. No more wasting time in traffic jams! I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development our society could ever see. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when?

B Quentin

Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!

Match the sentence beginnings with the correct sentence endings.

The technology has previously existed ...

A Gemma

It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m quite sure that the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a great film called
The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. No more wasting time in traffic jams! I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development our society could ever see. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when?

B Quentin

Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!

Find words in the text which mean the same as these phrases.

Paragraph A: A problem that you have to deal with before you make progress.

A Gemma

It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m quite sure that the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a great film called
The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. No more wasting time in traffic jams! I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development our society could ever see. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when?

B Quentin

Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!

Find words in the text which mean the same as these phrases.

Paragraph A: Succeeding in getting someone or something into a small space or object, often by pushing or forcing.

A Gemma

It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m quite sure that the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a great film called
The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. No more wasting time in traffic jams! I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development our society could ever see. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when?

B Quentin

Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!

Find words in the text which mean the same as these phrases.

Paragraph B: A boring job (e.g. housework) that you must do. ………………………

A Gemma

It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m quite sure that the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a great film called
The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. No more wasting time in traffic jams! I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development our society could ever see. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when?

B Quentin

Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!

Find words in the text which mean the same as these phrases.

Paragraph B: Not controlled or careful enough and knocks or damages things.