Discovering Language

Pre-reading

ge: Prof Hicham Ouazene ‫ذ هشام‬

 Work in pairs. Name the picture using the words / phrases in the box below.
medical alert pendant / hearing aid / TV listening devices / voice assistant apps / online payment / e-reader / driverless car

 Discuss the following questions.

1. In general, do you like or dislike new technology and gadgets like telephones, tablets and computers?
2. Can you think of ways in which technology has made our lives better / worse?
3. Are there any problems which technology has helped to solve? Give examples.

During reading
Read the text and answer the questions below.

Our lesson today is about technology and how it has enhanced the quality of our lives. Technology has given us brand new devices in
recent years, like smartphones, smartwatches, etc… With these devices people can do things like transfer money instantly and make
purchases for everything from clothes, food delivery, and more. It has made fun advancements, but it has also made important advancements
in safety when it comes to medical devices and security.
If you struggle with hearing loss, you may benefit from hearing aids, or TV listening devices that allow you to comfortably listen to
your favourite programs with ease. You can also make the best use of the new mobile medical alert which allows you to set up a network of
emergency contacts who can also view your whereabouts and be notified in case of an emergency. Special sensors in your medical alert
pendant automatically detect if a fall occurs and send an alert to your monitoring call center. Thus, this device can provide a great sense of
security for you and your loved ones.
Voice assistants like Google Assistant, and Apple Siri can be of great help if smart devices seem overwhelming to you. With a voice
assistant, you can control all of the smart devices in your home and access the Internet by speaking voice commands. It’s as easy to use as
having a conversation. For instance, if your home needs temperature adjusting or you want to turn some lights off, you do it all through a
series of simple voice commands.
No more do you have to enter a bank to withdraw money or transfer it to someone. Many banks have already made transactions possible
online and accessible to people everywhere. Companies like PayPal and Venmo have created platforms where people can send and receive
money from any location using the Internet.
There are many more ways in which technology has changed the way we live. These are just some of the fundamental ways technology
is influencing and transforming our world.
Adapted by PROF. HICHAM OUAZENE

1. Has technology improved our lives?

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2. How can technology help individuals with hearing loss?
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……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
3. How has technology changed financial transaction?
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Post-reading
Grammar desk
Read sentences 1-3 below then answer the questions that follow.
1. If you revise your lessons, you will get a good mark.
2. If you fall on the ground, the sensors send an alert to your monitoring call center.
3. If you struggle with hearing loss, you may benefit from hearing aids.
 4. If you want to turn some lights off, you do it through a series of simple commands.

A. Compare the result-clauses of sentences (1 and 2) written in bold type. What do you notice about the tenses used?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

ge: Prof Hicham Ouazene ‫ذ هشام‬

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
B. Which condition is true at any time, the one in sentence 1 or the one in sentence 2? Why?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
C. Which if, in the sentences can you replace by when? Rewrite them using when.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
D. Order sentences 1-4 above according to the degree of certainty expressed in the result clauses.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Underline the correct alternative to complete the rules.

1 Use the zero (0) conditional (If/When + present simple + present simple) to talk about a general/specific situation (fact), or
RULES

something which is always true.

2 Use the first (1) conditional (If/When + present simple + will/may/can + stem) to talk about a general/specific (possible) situation
in the future.

PRACTICE

Task 1: Put the verbs between brackets into the correct tense.
1. If I see him, I ………………………………… (give) him a lift.
2. The table will break if you ………………………………… (sit) on it.
3. You ………………………………… (get) green when you mix yellow and blue.
4. He ………………………………… (make) any progress if he ………………………………… (keep) procrastinating.
5. If you ………………………………… (boil) water at 100 degrees centigrade, it evaporates.
6. You ………………………………… (feel) better, if you ………………………………… (take) an aspirin.
Task 2: Put the verbs between brackets in the sentences of column A into the correct tense. Then match sentences 1-6 in column A with
their functions in column B.

A: Sentences B: Functions
1. If you ………………………………… (touch) that wire, you …………………………(get) an electric shock. Offer
2. I ………………………………… (help) you if I ………………………………… (have) time tomorrow. Threat
3. If you ………………………………… (buy) one, you ………………………………… (get) one free. Prediction
4. If the exam is easy, I ………………………………… (get) an excellent mark. Promise

Task 3: Complete the sentences so that they are true for you. Compare your ideas with a partner. Can you find any similarities?

When I get older ………………………………… When I get home this evening …………………………………
When my English gets better, I ………………………………… If I’m stressed, I usually …………………………………
If I’m happy, I usually ………………………………… I usually feel disappointed when …………………………………