WRITING PRACTICE FILE

TS COPY
NOTES TO THE INSTRUCTORS:

1. This file is designed to serve varying needs regarding the writing objectives of
this semester, which can broadly be defined as summarizing a longer text (700-
1000 words) and writing a response to the ideas presented by its author.

2. The topics of the texts and/or activities are not aligned with the pacing of our
course material, which is something that you should consider when planning
your lesson.

3. It is perfectly welcome that you use and adapt the texts and activities in this
pack according to the needs of your students. You can also use other texts that
you find interesting and useful provided that the Testing Office confirms it is
not already picked by them to be used in an exam. We would also be happy if
you share alternative texts and activities with us J

4. At the end of the pack you will find a list of suggested videos which you may
consider integrating into the writing activity. The suggestion is that the
students pick one of the videos for themselves (or you can assign one of them
for a specific purpose and week), write a paragraph summarizing the content
and then write a response paragraph reflecting on the ideas presented.

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 WRITING PRACTICE FILE
A. CHOOSING THE BEST RESTATEMENT
Choose the option that best paraphrases the given sentence.

1. The more objects we make "smart”, the greater the need will be to store data safely.
a) Before we design more smart objects, we need to put certain limits for keeping data.

b) To make objects smarter, we need to tighten the security measures to record information.

c) As we produce more smart objects, there will be an increased demand to secure data storage process.
d) To a certain extent, the safety of a smart object is determined by the requirements of data storage.

2. Almost one-third of the United States workforce could be out of a job by 2030 owing to
automation.
a) By 2030, only a small fraction of people will remain employed in the USA thanks to automation.
b) Almost three in every one hundred people could lose their jobs in automation by 2030 in the US.
c) The number of people who will be unemployed due to automation in the USA by 2030 is 33 million.
d) Approximately 33 percent of the US labor force could become redundant by 2030 due to automation.

3. It was not until the 2006 Maker Faire that people began to see the merit in maker culture.

a) Although people had begun to recognize maker culture, a maker gathering was not initiated until
2006.
b) People had not recognized the value of maker culture until the 2006 Maker Faire was launched.

c) People working for the Maker Faire in 2006 were the ones who initiated the maker culture.

d) Despite the evident advantages of maker culture, people could not understand its value until the
2006 Maker Faire.

4. It is not possible to generate a new authentication code based on the knowledge of any other
authentication code previously generated.
a) The authentication codes formerly created do not provide a valid ground for creating a new one.
b) One cannot generate a brand-new authentication code disregarding the knowledge of any other
person’s authentication code.
c) No information regarding formerly used authentication codes can be derived in order to form the
basis of a new one.
d) Understanding how a new authentication code can be generated entails doing research on the ones
created before.

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5. As humanity's knowledge and needs increase, the demands on engineering grow.
a) Although the need for engineering grows, humanity strives for more knowledge.
b) Not only the consumption of humanity but also the demands on engineering increase.
c) Humanity’s needs increase in accordance with the improvements in engineering.
d) Since humanity’s knowledge and needs ascend, the demands on engineering increase as well.

B. GUIDED SUMMARY WRITING PRACTICE

Summary Step 1

Read the text below and decide whether the underlined sentences give general ideas/information or a
detail/example.

WHAT ARE IoT SMART CITIES AND THEIR BENEFITS?

By Fred Shir, 2019

What are Smart Cities?

1) The basic definition is that a smart city uses digital technologies,
information and communication technology (ICT), and other sustainable
development strategies to better the lives of citizens. 2) There’s a study that
assumes that by the year 2050, almost 70% of the world’s population will live
in cities and going by the current state of most of our cities, this will come General
with several issues. The threat of global warming still existing, effective
Idea or
management of the resources available will become a top priority by then.
Here are some of the key benefits of smart cities:
Detail?
1. GI
2. D
Security will be Improved
3. D
It is not unusual that the security of the city will be very important, especially 4. GI
with the expected flow of people. So far, efforts have been directed at Closed 5. GI
6. D
Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV cameras) and this has proven useful. 3)
7. GI
Advancements such as facial recognition, and protection against hazards like 8. D
fire, smoke, and intrusion will make all the difference. 4) Using IoT technology 9. D
10. GI
will even further optimize the technology, facilitating the swift response of
necessary organizations and will also serve as a deterrent for members of the
public who plan to perform evil acts.

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Energy Efficiency
Our grid infrastructure is hundreds of years old and only a fraction of the total installation is modernized
to handle the current population in several cities. However, rather than building more power generation
facilities (which will increase the cost of transmission also), we can reduce the energy consumed by using
energy-efficient devices. 5) A smart city is one that is optimized to drastically reduce energy consumption.
6) This will be done via smart energy meters, smart home appliances, etc.

Economic Boom
There’s a difference between saving money and generating more revenue. A smart city is a perfect recipe
for doing both! 7) A smart city will attract more businesses and several exciting projects will improve the
economy and reduce unemployment. Businesses will also go to smart cities in large numbers to enjoy the
opportunities for growth. 8) Furthermore, companies will see improved profit margins because their
operating cost will be significantly reduced.

Improved Traffic Situation

This is the part that appeals to many of us. 9) The Auto Insurance Center recently released a study that
the average commuter wasted 42 hours in traffic. This is a typical work week, and almost a thousand
dollars lost, just sitting in traffic. Moreover, the migration which is likely to occur to urban cities means
that this situation is not expected to decrease anytime soon. 10) A smart city will employ sophisticated
technology to monitor certain traffic patterns and congestion points and then provide drivers with real-
time info as regards the best route to take. Accident-prone locations are also mapped out and drivers can
be alerted about safe driving practices. (476 words)

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Summary Step 2

Five of these sentences give a general idea about the topic. Therefore, they can be used when writing a
summary of the text. Paraphrase these five sentences (sentences 1-4-5-7-10) using the techniques you
have learned in the previous units.

1. The basic definition is that a smart city uses digital technologies, information and communication
technology (ICT), and other sustainable development strategies to better the lives of citizens.
Smart cities make use of the latest technologies, the processing of data using computers, and other
development plans that can be sustained in order to improve the lives of city dwellers.

2. Using IoT technology will even further optimize the technology, facilitating the swift response of
necessary organizations and will also serve as a deterrent for members of the public who plan to
perform evil acts.
Benefiting from data processing using computers will not only make technology more efficient, making
it easier for necessary units to take quick action, but also deter malicious/evil-minded people who want
to commit a crime.

3. A smart city is one that is optimized to drastically reduce energy consumption.

Smart cities get most of the resources and decrease energy use extremely.

4. A smart city will attract more businesses and several exciting projects will improve the economy and
reduce unemployment.
Smart cities will arouse the interest of a lot more companies, and therefore, the economy will get better
because of different promising projects

5. A smart city will employ sophisticated technology to monitor certain traffic patterns and congestion
points and then provide drivers with real-time info as regards the best route to take.
Advanced technology will be used to observe certain traffic models and traffic jam spots and give them
immediate information about the best alternative way to use.

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Summary Step 3

Write the first sentence of your summary paragraph including the author’s name, the title of the article,
and what the article is mainly about.

e.g. In his / her article called “the title of the text” , author’s name ( year) mainly discusses
_____________________ and __________________________
In his article called “What are IoT smart cities and their benefits?”, Shir (2019) mainly discusses what a
smart city is and what key benefits it has.
Summary Step 4: Use transition words/phrases to combine the sentences you have paraphrased.

(Suggested answer)
In his article called “What are IoT smart cities and their benefits?”, Shir (2019) mainly discusses what a
smart city is and what key benefits it has. The first benefit he mentions is safety. Smart cities make use of
the latest technologies, the processing of data using computers, and other development plans that can be
sustained in order to improve the lives of city dwellers. Moreover, benefiting from data processing using
computers will not only make technology more efficient, making it easier for necessary units to take quick
action, but also deter evil-minded people who want to commit a crime. The second benefit is the effective
use of energy. Smart cities get the most of the resources and decrease energy use extremely. Thirdly, there
is economic prosperity. Smart cities will arouse the interest of a lot more companies, and therefore, the
economy will get better because of different promising projects. Improving traffic is the fourth issue the
author discusses. Advanced technology will be used to observe certain traffic models and traffic jam spots
and give them immediate information about the best alternative way to use. (180 words)

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C. SUMMARY WRITING EXERCISES

Summary Writing Practice 1

Read the text below and following the summary writing steps, create a summary of it.

Catch the Hallyu!1

By Candace Bacon, Feb 27 2019
Hallyu means the Korean wave. It refers to the wide popularity of Korean TV, film, and music that is
spreading around the globe. When "Gangnam Style" by Psy hit YouTube like a tsunami, many people were
surprised to discover how popular Korean music and dramas are in America and outside of Korea. Korean
dramas are hot on video streaming sites like Hulu and Netflix.

The big question people want to know is: why are K-dramas and K-Pop so popular around the world?
There are many reasons why Korea dramas have gained such a wide following of non-Koreans. Here are
some of the most common reasons why people become fans of K-drama:

Cultural appeal - It's educational (really!). Watching foreign dramas lets you absorb information about a
different culture without the hassle of dreary studying. You learn about different societal norms by
watching the day-to-day life of the characters. Watch even one Korean drama and you will understand
that shoes are taken off at the door without anyone needing to tell you.

Fresh factor - Many people from the Western world watch Korean dramas just because they are different
from the programming they are used to. It's not the same old stale, predictable plots that have been
recycled for seasons. The plots, types of characters, and even the settings in K-dramas feel new and
different and, therefore, more exciting.

Mouthwatering food - It's hard to watch a drama and not get cravings for ramen. Nearly every episode
features delicious-looking dishes like rolled-up eggs, hearty soups, and grilled steak. And your hand
dexterity will improve with dramas because you are sure to have simultaneous chopstick cravings as well.

Rocking music - K-Pop is even more popular than Korean dramas right now. It's not hard to understand
it's popularity either. It has catchy beats and fun lyrics. There is also a hefty sprinkling of English words in
K-Pop. And the good news is that dramas showcase plenty of K-Pop music and K-Pop stars are drama
regulars.

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https://reelrundown.com/movies/Korean-Wave-Why-Are-Korean-Dramas-Popular

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Why You Should Be Watching K-Dramas

The smorgasbord of choices - There is a drama to suit every taste. Light romantic comedies are popular
fare. There are also meatier melodramas for people who want to cry a lot. The genre can even be seasoned
to taste with historical, fantasy, science fiction, action, romance, and many other drama ingredients.

Accessibility - Video streaming sites have made foreign television and film more readily available than in
the past. People watch K-dramas more now than in the past in part because they actually can now.

Addictive properties - Korean dramas successfully create emotional connections with viewers. Characters
are developed and brought through trials and tribulations in such a way that the audience relates to the
characters and feels the same emotions. The cliff hanger endings of nearly every episode leave viewers
squirming till the next episode can resolve the conflict. The tension is built up so expertly in every episode.
(496 words)

REMEMBER THE STEPS!

Step 1 Underline the sentences giving general information, exclude all the details and examples.
Step 2 Paraphrase those sentences
Step 3 Write your introductory sentence
Step 4 Include the sentences you have paraphrased in a coherent way using the relevant transition
words and phrases.

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Summary Writing Practice 2

Read the text below and by following the summary writing steps, create a summary of it.

3 Methods to Build Lasting Self-Esteem2

June 10th, 2019 / August Clarke
A lot of people have insecurities. No matter how confident some may seem, everyone struggles with self-
image at times. So how can you change the way you think about yourself? There are many ways to go
about it, but the following are three tips that I find to be most useful.

Tip #1: Make Fair Comparisons The most common self-destructive habits that people with social anxiety
possess is making constant comparisons between themselves and the most outgoing person in the room.
This causes them to feel inferior and focus on one of their flaws, making them even less likely to engage
with others out of the belief that they just aren’t as funny or interesting as other people.
The thing is, it’s not only socially anxious people who do this. We make comparisons between ourselves
and others all the time, but people who have low self-esteem often don’t make fair ones. It’s only natural
for our attention to be attracted to the most beautiful, talented, and exceptional person in the room. This
only becomes a problem when we start comparing ourselves to these people instead of the dozens of
other people who are more like us. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses. Next time you find
yourself comparing yourself to someone you believe to be miles ahead of you, take a step back, and
refocus. If you take a look around, you may find that you have more strengths than you previously knew.

Tip #2: Frequently engage in activities that make you feel confident As previously stated, we all have
unique strengths and weaknesses. No matter how insecure you may feel about your abilities or
performance in one area of your life, there is something else you can do pretty well. For instance, when
it comes to contact sports, I’m probably one of the least-skilled and coordinated students in my gym class,
but if you put me in a five-kilometer race against any one of my peers, I could totally leave them in the
dust. The key is to place less importance on your weaknesses and make more time for the things that you
are good at.

2
https://calgaryconnecteen.com/2019/06/3-methods-to-build-lasting-self-esteem/

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Tip #3: Focus on where you are in the context of where you’ve been To do this, start by taking an
inventory of all your qualities. These could be anything, from the aspects of your life you are happy with,
traits you like/dislike about yourself, things you’re good at, and things you’re not. Now go through each
point and try to think about the person that you were a few years ago. For example, you might think
you’re not good at basketball. No matter how many practices you attend, you still can’t shoot threes
consistently, and you’re just not tall enough to dunk like some of the other players on your team. These
kinds of thoughts probably don’t make you feel very good about yourself, but that’s because you’re
focusing on all the places in which you are lacking, rather than all the things you have already gained.
Instead of criticizing yourself for weaknesses, you have now, focus on all of the weaknesses you have
overcome. If you compare your current skills to what they were a year ago, it’ll give you a better idea of
the kinds of self-improvement that you are still capable of achieving.
Believe it or not, self-confidence isn’t something that we are born with or without. It can be taught. By
using some of these methods, you can start to improve your self-esteem greatly over time. (596 words)

REMEMBER THE STEPS!

Step 1 Underline the sentences giving general information, exclude all the details and examples.
Step 2 Paraphrase those sentences
Step 3 Write your introductory sentence
Step 4 Include the sentences you have paraphrased in a coherent way using the relevant transition
words and phrases.

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Summary Writing Practice 3

Read the following text on how to overcome FoMO and summarize it.

HOW TO FIGHT FoMO

A lot of young people nowadays tend to turn down

various social events and give up other opportunities
because of the fear of missing something important
on the web. Moreover, they never stop checking
their social media feeds to make sure they don’t miss
anything awesome. That’s what the experts call the
Fear of Missing Out or FoMO. The syndrome of
FoMO also affects up to 70% of grown-ups, according
to the most recent surveys. However, the good thing
is that the FoMO is curable! Here are some
recommendations on how to get rid of that distressing fear.

First – accept the fact that there are things that may happen without your participation. Somewhere,
someone may be happier than you are at the moment. And there’s nothing wrong with it. Just make sure
to say the following: “I am afraid that I’m not having fun at every single moment.” Besides, whenever you
face with the pang of guilt, like at this moment you “should” be doing something that you are missing out
on, it’s the right time to realize that the Fear of Missing Out is very misleading. The point is that the fun
that you wish you could get engaged with may not be as grandiose as you think, and the interesting
conversation on Clubhouse isn’t worth your time or efforts.

Remember that the Fear of Missing Out is the kind of a game that you can’t win. Even for those YouTubers
who seem to enjoy their lives to the fullest in contrast to what we do. Moreover, according to the experts,
the very users, who are always doing the most exciting stuff, are usually the ones, who have the most
hyperactive FoMO syndrome. It’s the fear that makes them work, work and work to tweet, “like”, post,
etc.

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Second – make it impossible for the distractions to reach you. Information overload – this is what we have
to deal with in our everyday life. To get rid of that pressure to constantly check what is going on, put those
distractions away. Turn off all notifications, limit your visits to the time-sucking sites, silence your mobile
phone, and do your best to get on the 30-days social media diet.

Third – enjoy the present. The worst thing about the FoMO is that it keeps you away from reality. So the
must-do thing is to enjoy here and now. Keep the gratitude journal, make up a list of life priorities. And
next time you’re about to check the social news feeds, think back to the list you have created to make
sure that’s worth your time. As they say, time is money, which means we really should not waste it. Each
of us has a limited amount of time study and work, just like our funds are finite. If you try just a little, you
will not only fight your Fear of Missing Out, but also reveal something exciting and useful in the real-world
environment. (492 words)
Your Summary:

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D. RESPONSE WRITING EXERCISES

Response Writing Practice 1

Read the following summary of a book chapter on Power Engineering by Simon Atkins and write your
response to the ideas presented in the text.

In his book chapter Power Engineering, Simon Atkins points out to the fact that wind power has been
suggested as a renewable energy source that could one day be used to power homes and businesses. By
using large fan blades that rotate in the wind, entire towns may one day be powered without the need
for other power sources such as fossil fuels. Indeed, Atkins suggests three reasons why wind power is
perhaps the most promising source of the world’s energy. First, wind power does not pollute the
environment like many other sources of power. Wind power is what is referred to as a clean energy
source. It does not emit harmful greenhouse gases – the gases that cause global warming – into the
atmosphere like many other power sources do. Thus, wind power is far healthier for the environment
than other energy sources. In addition, wind power is very efficient, meaning that with just a small amount
of wing, enough power can be generated to provide electricity to a small town. When many fuels are
burned, a lot of energy is lost in the form of heat. This means that not all off the energy produced is
converted to useable power. With wind power, much more of the energy created can be used to provide
electricity. Lastly, wind power is sustainable; in essence, wind power will never run out. The world is
currently facing a shortage of energy sources such as fossil fuels. However, Atkins asserts, because the
wind is always present on the earth, wind power will always be available; it will never run out.

Suggested Response (Disagreeing):

Although Simon Atkins provides us with a picture of wind power that looks like an attractive solution
to the energy crisis, it simply does not live up to its potential, indeed. I believe that, with all of the
promise that wind power has, there are a number of problems with wind power that make it an
inadequate solution to the energy crisis. The first problem is that wind power does pollute the
environment. While it does not produce the greenhouse gases that fossil fuels do, it emits a different
kind of pollution: noise. To illustrate, when the large fan blades rotate, they create so much noise that
many residents of towns refuse to live near where they are making wind power. So, wind power does

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pollute the environment-with noise. Second, wind power is not as efficient as many people believe it
is, and it simply will not be able to create enough power to replace fossil fuels. Most wind turbines
today struggle to operate at thirty five percent efficiency, which means that only thirty-five percent of
the power created by the wind can actually be used as electricity. This is a very small number. Even with
thousands and thousands of turbines worldwide, we would never be able to provide enough electricity
for even one country. Last, wind power is not particularly sustainable. While it is true that the wind will
never stop blowing altogether, it certainly changes day by day. We all know how weather can change:
one day it can be windy, one day it will not be windy. We can only really say that wind power is
sustainable in the few places in the world that get constantly strong winds. So wind power doesn’t
really fulfil all of those hopes that many people had for it. It seems that we will have to continue
searching for a suitable replacement.

Response Writing Practice 2

Read the following summary of an article on urban planning by Dr. Rose Lind and write your response
to the ideas presented in the text.

Dr. Rose Lind writes in her article Urban Planning that many metropolises today face a severe problem in
terms of air pollution and overcrowded streets, roadways, and bridges. Lind suggests that one powerful
public policy tool that can remedy this problem is called congestion pricing. In short, congestion pricing is
a system by which motorists pay a fee to use certain roads, bridges, and tunnels during peak times of the
day. In other words, a motorist who wants to use a busy street during rush hour will now have to pay a
fee to do so. There are three advantages to this policy according to Dr. Lind. First, congestion pricing gets
more people to use public transportation. By raising the cost of using the roadways, individuals are
encouraged not to drive. Instead, they are encouraged to find alternative means of transportation such
as mass transit (trains, buses, subways), biking, and walking. Getting more individuals to give up driving
and start using public transportation will thereby reduce air pollution from vehicle emissions. Second,
congestion pricing, by taking more cars off the roadways, means faster commuting times for everyone.
Drivers that decide to pay for the right to drive during peak periods will face less traffic and can reduce
the time spent in their daily commute. Similarly, with less overall congestion, buses will also be able to
reach their destinations more quickly. Third, congestion pricing is essentially an equitable solution that

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will benefit the majority. This policy will only punish those who choose to pollute the air. By increasing
the cost to pollute, more people will choose not to; therefore, everyone will benefit with cleaner air.

Suggested Response (Disagreeing):

While the congestion pricing policy has its advantages as Dr. Rose Lind puts it, in my opinion, by itself it
is not the best solution and does not live up to its promises. First of all, congestion pricing will not
necessarily encourage more people to use public transportation. This is because, in many cities, the
public transportation systems are not extensive enough to meet increased demand. In other words,
buses and subways don't go to every neighborhood, and that means that even if you don't want to drive
your car, you have no choice because there is no public transportation in your neighborhood. That’s a
problem. A second point I would like to make is that congestion pricing will not automatically result in
faster commutes like proponents say it will. It doesn't mean that you can get to and from work in less
time. This may be true for some people, but more than likely, once your city implements congestion
pricing, you will actually spend more time going to and from work. As more people use public
transportation, trains and buses get more crowded, which means you wait longer before you can even
get on the bus or train. Third, congestion pricing will not benefit everyone. To illustrate, many workers
cannot afford to live in the city or near public transportation lines because housing in those areas is too
expensive. Those individuals must drive to work, and many of them are from poor neighborhoods and
have low-paying jobs. Congestion pricing will penalize them—force them to pay a much larger part of
their budget for transportation and pollution. That is simply not a fair policy, and it certainly doesn't
benefit everyone. I believe that a better policy would be to expand public transportation, to build
affordable housing closer to jobs, and to encourage businesses to allow more employees to work from
home. Those are more effective long-term solutions that would get more cars off the streets and reduce
pollution.

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E. SUMMARY & RESPONSE WRITING EXERCISES

Summary & Response Writing Practice 1

Read the following text on biomedical engineering and write a summary paragraph and your response
to the ideas presented in the text.

ETHICAL DEBATES IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING3

Steve Stevenson, March 2020

Biomedical engineering can be described as the application of engineering techniques and principles to
medicine. It is a combination of expertise in medicine, human biology and engineering in the development
of techniques and technologies for patient care and healthcare. Biomedical engineering is yet to be
formally recognized as a profession due to its multi and interdisciplinary nature. As a result, there is no
distinct field that currently addresses biomedical engineering ethics. The ethical obligations of biomedical
engineers are a combination of both those of medical professionals and engineers. By studying three fields
of biomedical engineering, one is able to identify the ethical issues in them.

Cellular, Genetic and Tissue Engineering

These are fields that involve attempts of attacking biomedical issues at the microscopic level. For example,
cellular engineering is concerned with controlling cell function through mechanical, chemical, genetic or
electrical engineering of cells. Genetic engineering is concerned with controlling genetic material in cells.
There is also somatic cell therapy which involves the genetic modification of body cells with the aim of
replacing defective genes with functional ones. The treatment of serious diseases using somatic cell
therapy can be accepted as being ethical as it is widely acknowledged. On the other hand, germline
engineering, which involves the modification of genes in sperm, eggs or very early embryos, is
controversial since it causes inheritable modifications of the genome and this can be passed to coming
generations. Ethical issues surrounding tissue engineering include the use of embryonic tissue where cells
are harvested from human embryos, the patenting of certain tissue types, compensation of human donors
and the protection of donors’ privacy.

3
Adapted from the original essay on https://www.wowessays.com/free-samples/ethical-debates-in-biomedical-
engineering-essay-samples/

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Biomaterials, Prostheses and Implants

A number of fields in biomedical engineering focus on developing prosthetic implants and devices. One
such field is biomaterials. It is complementary to tissue engineering and involves the development of
nonbiological or synthetic materials used for interfacing with biological parts in replacing, treating or
replacing organs or tissues. The creation and application of implants and prostheses has become a major
ethical concern in rehabilitation engineering. Their use raises ethical issues related to human identity and
dignity since they are concerned with the addition of artificial systems and structures to human biology.
The use of implants and prostheses has been viewed as making humans cyborgs. A major person of
interest regarding prosthetic limbs is South African runner Oscar Pistorius who was allowed to compete
in able-bodied races. It is controversial whether a person using such biomaterials can be considered to be
fully human or to be an enhanced person. There are also certain requirements that must be met for
responsible testing of such new biomaterials.

Biomedical Imaging and Optics

Another ethical debate in biomedical engineering arises in the field of biomedical imaging. This is the use
of engineering techniques and technologies in detecting and visualizing biological processes. Such
techniques are clinically used in detecting and diagnosing diseases. While it presents obvious benefits for
healthcare, there are concerns arising from the use of diagnostic imaging. Imaging for the purpose of
diagnosis can lead to an excess of diseases, which means that new diseases might be revealed while there
is no therapy available for them. Such revelations can confront patients and medical professionals with
moral choices or information that they did not expect.

Brain imaging is also a source of moral controversy especially when it reaches a point of revealing
information regarding an individual’s plans for action or mental states. Such developments bring about
concerns for privacy and the possibility of mind reading, a factor that can be used in manipulating and
controlling people. Of most importance in the field of biomedical engineering is the ethical issue of human
identity and dignity whereby human beings might be replaced by genetically engineered people. (621
words.)

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Your Summary & Response:

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Summary & Response Writing Practice 2

Read the following text on 3D printed houses and write a summary paragraph and your response to the
ideas presented in the text.

3D PRINTED HOUSES: THE NEXT BIG THING?4

Lucas Carolo, February 2021

1 3D printing has long grown out of its initial rapid prototyping applications to become a fully-
fledged manufacturing process. Known in the industry as additive manufacturing, it’s being used for
producing an ever-widening array of things, from dental implants to jet engine parts. Indeed, it was only
a matter of time before it reached the construction industry.

2 In simple terms, 3D printed houses are built by depositing material in a layer-by-layer manner. A
paste-like concrete mixture is extruded through a nozzle that’s guided by an enormous gantry, creating
walls from the ground up one layer at a time. It doesn’t sound complex at first, and it really isn’t. The
implications of such a construction process, however, are immense. Though still in its very early stages, it
has already shown promising results and has rapidly caught the attention of the media. The question is,
is the hype around construction 3D printing really deserved? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the subject
and show why we believe 3D printed houses might just be the next big thing.

3 First, 3D printing a house is significantly faster when compared to traditional construction

methods. While the actual time frame relies largely on the project size, for most cases, construction takes
only a matter of days. Take, for example, the first fully-permitted 3D printed house in America in 2018.
The 350-square-foot house in Texas took around 47 hours of print time spread across several days. Just
two years later, another American company has built a massive 1,900-ft2 house in only 8 days, taking up
to only 48 hours in total print time. According to SQ4D, the company responsible for the project, that’s a
40% reduction compared to regular construction techniques. While it might not seem much at first,

4
Adapted from the original article on https://all3dp.com/2/3d-printed-house-big-thing/

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construction 3D printing is still a developing technology that still has much to be perfected, so chances
are construction times will reduce even further.

4 3D printing construction sites also

require fewer laborers than traditional sites, as the
printing equipment does most of the work. Generally
speaking, traditional construction requires many steps,
including a whole crew of nine-to-fivers unloading,
transporting, and mixing materials before laying down
structures. On the other hand, once set up, a concrete 3D printer only requires a handful of people to
monitor and control its building process. The aforementioned house by SQ4D, for example, would require
as few as 3 people on site, replacing a crew of over 20 manual laborers. This goes to show how well-
automated this entire process already is, and why 3D printing houses is such a promising alternative.
Moreover, fewer workers onsite also leads to fewer work-related injuries and fatalities. According
to OSHA statistics, construction alone is responsible for one in five worker deaths in the US. If done
responsibly, 3D printing houses can help reduce those numbers significantly.

5 Another significant feature would be that 3D printing offers unique building opportunities that
would be either impossible or too expensive to be created via conventional construction techniques. The
intrinsic nature of 3D printing allows for complex shapes and forms to be produced without extra effort.
For example, a concrete 3D printer can create intricately curved walls just easily as straight ones.
Unconventional architecture can enhance how buildings look from the outside and even optimize internal
spaces. Engineers can also get creative, as the printing feedstock materials can be highly customized to
achieve better properties. Out of the batch, concrete is already a top-notch material for construction,
resistant to most environmental agents such as fire and humidity, and also a great thermal insulator for
cold and warm weather.

6 The process of 3D printing houses is also more

efficient in terms of energy and material usage when
compared to traditional construction. 3D printing houses
generate less waste as they use only the required amount
of material to build structures: There are no offcuts from

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cutting or carving materials. Moreover, as the concrete-based feedstock materials are shapeless, any
leftover can and should be used in the next building. In addition, feedstock can be made out of recycled
materials. Back in 2014, the Chinese company Winsun was able to build no less than 10 houses in one
day using only recycled concrete material, whereas Italian 3D printing company WASP produced a house
from natural mud mixed with waste materials from a local rice production, which included chopped
straws and rice husks. 3D printing houses also take less energy when compared to the whole production
chain of regular construction. Consider all the energy required from transporting raw materials and
moving entire crews of workers to the construction site daily. By reducing the amount of labor and by
sourcing materials onsite, 3D printing can be more sustainable in the long run.

7 This amazing technology can present a solid

response to world issues, as well. To illustrate,
developing countries constantly struggle with
housing issues and the ability to provide enough
quality homes at affordable prices is the key for
sustainable economic development. The relatively
quick process of 3D printing houses could
potentially deal with homeless issues in the short term. 3D printed houses could also be beneficial in
humanitarian crisis situations, especially after natural disasters where homes get tragically lost in
earthquakes, fires, or tsunamis. The communities struck by such events end up struggling with labor and
material shortage, not to mention logistical challenges. Rebuilding with 3D printing can pose an efficient
and cheap solution to start these communities’ recovery.

8 And last, 3D printing could also make space exploration like Mars possible. The idea is to send
automated 3D printing equipment to the red planet, and since the raw materials could be gathered locally,
the printers could start building living spaces well before the first humans arrive. No wonder NASA is so
interested in the technology.

9 Overall, 3D printing houses can play a central role in different scenarios worldwide. All the key
points we’ve covered so far go to show how this technology can be of great value in certain situations.
So, next time you hear about 3D printed houses, be reminded that although it’s still a developing
technology, it has shown great results and is already in use around the globe. 3D printed houses are the
next big thing! (1040 words)

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Your Summary & Response:

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Summary & Response Writing Practice 3

Read the following text on a green post-pandemic world and write a summary paragraph and your
response to the ideas presented in the text.

THE COLOR OF OUR POST-PANDEMIC WORLD MUST BE GREEN5

Posted on June 5, 2020

Tbilisi, Georgia under lockdown.

Photo: Nino Zedginidze/UNDP

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unimaginable hardship, fear and sorrow, particularly in countries
that ignored science and took precautions too late to prevent soaring death tolls. But few would deny
that lockdowns and work-at-home regimes also brought some unexpected pleasures. Skies cleared in
normally polluted cities. Traffic and construction halted, and people rediscovered the beauty of
silence. Wild animals – boars in Berlin, goats in Wales, coyotes in San Francisco – strolled city streets
in solitude. Seeing images of crystal-clear canals in Venice or sea turtles laying eggs on empty beaches,
people were stunned at the tangible evidence of how quickly nature could rebound, once given the
chance.

5
https://www.eurasia.undp.org/content/rbec/en/home/blog/2020/coronavirus-green-environment-post-
pandemic.html

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In Tbilisi residents marveled at the sudden freshness of the air, undisturbed by the dust and fumes
that had placed Georgia’s capital high on the infamous list of Europe’s most-polluted cities. Clear
views of the distant Caucasus mountains revived a sense of the majesty of Georgian geography. Urban
dwellers planted herbs and vegetables. Accustomed to the frustrating daily commuter crawl, the
residents enjoyed bicycling down the middle of an empty Rustaveli Avenue.

Now that countries like Georgia that have successfully contained the virus seek cautiously to reopen
and restart the economy, it is important not to forget revelations like this that eased our lockdown
deprivations. And as people race to reconnect with family and friends after weeks apart, however
nostalgic we may feel, we need to digest that a return to normal is neither possible nor desirable.

Tbilisi, Georgia under lockdown.

Photo: Nino Zedginidze/UNDP

World Environment Day is dedicated this year to the preservation of biodiversity. If the pandemic has
taught us anything, it should be that we cannot continue to violate the limits of our natural world
without risking our human health and well-being. Faced with the huge economic costs of pandemic
shutdowns, many countries will be tempted to ignore this lesson, and set aside their efforts to fight
climate change and protect the environment in favor of a swift restoration of economic growth.

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However, we believe that a return to “business as usual” is simply not a realistic option. As UN
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said, “We simply cannot return to where we were before
Covid-19 struck, with societies unnecessarily vulnerable to crisis. We need to build a better world.”

Green needs to be the color of that better world. Our economies, our societies and we as individuals
need urgently to rediscover how to live in harmony with nature. To avoid future crises, we need to
persist in our efforts to meet the threats posed by climate change, through complex, multi-year
efforts. We need to devise low-carbon models for growth. We need to invest in renewable energy
and realize the potential of energy efficiency. We need to develop “green tourism” that generates
income and livelihoods from protecting nature rather than consuming it.

There is nothing new about these ideas, of course. They sit at the core of the Sustainable
Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. But the pandemic has shown how urgent it is that we
finally take action. The pandemic made the unthinkable real in many horrific ways, but also in some
positive ones that showcased human ingenuity at its best; we need to retain this outlook as we
emerge from our isolation.

“Build back better” is a slogan traditionally applied to natural disasters. This has to evolve into our
motto for post-pandemic recovery. In addition to the destructive impact we have had upon nature,
COVID-19 has exposed the many cracks in the walls of our economies and social protection systems.
If we try to pretend that nothing has changed, we risk generating even more devastating
catastrophes.

But if we resolve to “build back better” – to seize the moment not just to paper over the cracks but
to rebuild our economies and societies on more resilient, greener foundations – we stand a chance
to forestall the next crisis … and maybe even find a way to enjoy as a “new normal” the clean air,
mountain vistas and bicycle-friendly streets that offered such a welcome respite during the pandemic.
(676 words)

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Your Summary & Response:

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Videos for Summary and Response Writing

Below is a list of several videos on different topics. Pick one of them and practice writing a paragraph
summarizing the key points presented and add your own response in a separate paragraph discussing the
technology/issue in terms of ethics, sustainability, accessibility and/or the potential harm it poses.

Top 4 Civil Engineering Projects

Civil engineering, which is developing more and more every day, presents us some of the most important
structural projects of all time. From the longest tunnels and highest towers to the longest bridges and
impressive buildings, new civil engineering projects help us shape the world around us. Learn more about
today’s amazing structures that were built based on the ever-growing civil engineering methods. What
are the mega projects of today that are pushing civil engineering to its limits?
Watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmtKwDE_5lk

3D-printed fake meat: The healthier, greener future of food?

Israeli firm Redefine Meat is using 3D printing technology to produce plant-based steaks designed to
mimic real meat and plans to start selling them in restaurants later this year. With a handful of other firms
working on similar technology, could 3D-printed meat soon provide a healthier and greener alternative to
the real thing?
Watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLpeeUYtW94

3D bioprinting human skin

The rising demand for bioprinting has fueled fresh innovation in the field. The world of 3D printing is one
of the most exciting sectors as well as one of the most practical and useful. Printing human skin is the next
step to evolving 3D printing. Watch the video to learn more about how printing human tissue will be
possible with 3D bioprinting! 3D printing organs and implants from scratch are on the horizon!
Watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilzynZvZm3c

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‘The Social Dilemma’ Unveils Psychological Manipulation Used By Social Networks

Jeff Orlowski, director of “The Social Dilemma,” and Tristan Harris, a former Google employee, discuss the
documentary that explores how companies are using psychology to influence users underlining the
argument that ‘if you are not paying for the product, then you are the product’. Harris says: “My biggest
hope personally is that the film creates a new shared reality about the breakdown of our shared reality.”
Watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOL35bOCDWU

Why you should delete your social media accounts

Jaron Lanier is considered one of the fathers of virtual reality and a veteran of silicon valley. In his book
'Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now', Lanier contends that sites like
Facebook and Twitter are dopamine farms that are reprogramming how you think and feel. He says
they're also causing political instability, and are changing the global economy for the worse.
Watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J1MIDTi9h8

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