Ms Lam’s Writing Workshop Lesson 2: Technology

Characterisation

I. Vocabulary Recap
One of the noticeable problems existed in robots nowadays is that they have very little
___________________, which makes it difficult for them to move around houses with different
_______________. The Japanese have recently solved the problem by designing robots that can
move on the ceiling. These robots are rendered ___________________ views for orientation,
allowing them to move around with ease.

Many of us used to question the possibility of robots replacing humans. We think they are only
capable of doing labour work that doesn’t require precision. This, however, is proven wrong by the
recently manufactured robots that have flexible _____________ _______________ that are
equipped with cameras that can effectively determine the direction and amount of
______________ that it should apply. Who says robots cannot handle delicate objects? Just recently,
the Robotic Coffee Master has also been introduced to the general public. They have grips that
allow them to perform complex ______________________when brewing coffee. These well-trained
robots are so good with handling delicate objects that they can move with
______________________ precision. To make sure that these robots can be deployed in cafes in
the future, depth cameras and RGB __________________ are also installed in them so that
_________________ monitoring of robotic arms can be conducted. Their
______________________ mechanical clamp also makes it easier for them to move objects.

It is understandable that some would worry over the stability of these robots. To guarantee that
they are dependable and reliable, engineers have install safety functions such as the
_____________________ _____________________ and _____________________ detection in
them. Do we still need domestic helpers in the future? We do! But perhaps a robotic one!

II. Characterisation
How can we write a more captivating opening? Watch the following video and see how the program
introduces coding.

On _______________________, 911 service suddenly stopped for millions of people across the
United States. More than ________________ emergency calls couldn’t get through. The
government traced the problem to a computer in a call-routing facility in Englewood,
__________________. It was a simply _____________ mistake. The people in charge of coding that
computer chose to do it with an _______________ limit for the number of calls it could log, a limit
the coders thought the computer would never hit. But that night in 2014, it did. The computer
followed its instructions perfectly. It hit the limit and stopped routing calls. The problem wasn’t the
 Ms Lam’s Writing Workshop Lesson 2: Technology

Characterisation

computer, and it wasn’t a bug in the code. It was the coding, the decision-making process, by which
people communicate with the computer. This kind of power comes with great ethical
responsibility. ….

I think code controls how we live online, which basically is how we live. Not just….We are so close to
code every day. Yet only around a third of one percent of us know how to write it. ….So, how does
coding really work?

What is used as a lead-in to the topic?

- An anecdote
 To make association to an otherwise isolated topic

How else can we write a lead-in?

What do you think is the topic being discussed here?

____________________________________
What is the skill used here?
____________________________________

Language Focus: Adjectives and adverbs

1. Highlight all the adjectives and adverbs in the paragraph.
Ms Lam’s Writing Workshop Lesson 2: Technology

Characterisation
 Ms Lam’s Writing Workshop Lesson 2: Technology

Characterisation

Assignment 1
You are Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Inc. You have just invented a new model of robot - Model
____________. Write a feature article about the use of robots in domestic households in the future.

Assignment 2
Rewrite the opening of ‘how to be a good person’ using one of the skills learnt.
 Ms Lam’s Writing Workshop Lesson 2: Technology

Characterisation

Assignment 3
Write an opening about the issue of ageing population in Hong Kong.
gray-haired grannies // coiffured hair and broad smiles // forgetfulness

Assignment 4
Write an opening about your favourite subject in school.
Ms Lam’s Writing Workshop Lesson 2: Technology

Characterisation