UNIT 5: LIFE IN THE FUTURE
Recording 105, page 135
TOMORROW'S WORLD
Exercise 1 Listen and read.
Amy
It’s still early. Let’s go out. If we hurry up, we can still make it for the 8 o’clock movie.
Emma
I’m sorry, I can’t. I’m grounded. Last weekend I came in late and my dad was really cross with me. He just doesn’t get it. Kids grow up much faster today.
And he doesn’t let me stay out later than 9 o’clock on a Saturday. It’s ridiculous. I’m nearly fourteen!
Amy
Well, I’m sure many things in the future will change for the better. For example, parents will not be so strict. Eventually, they will have to trust us.
Steve
I can’t go out either. I have to write a report on wild animals by tomorrow morning. And I don’t have a clue what to put in it.
Amy
Cheer up! In the future, computers will be able to think for you. If you need a report on wild animals, you’ll just type in ‘Report on wild animals’ and the computer will make it for you.
Nick
Yeah, and over the next 30 to 50 years, it will become harder to tell the difference between a human and a robotic machine. Robots will look, talk and act like humans. And these ‘artificial humans’, or human-like digital avatars, will be able to recognize our feelings and react appropriately. Isn’t that fantastic!?
Emma
Hey guys, stop with this science fiction! It sounds scary. I’m getting hungry.
Why don’t we order a pizza or Chinese?
Amy
A good idea, and a box of Chinese fortune cookies. It’ll be great fun reading the messages and predictions.
Emma
Right, I can’t wait to find out what the future holds for us.
Nick
And next you are going to say it’s the boys’ treat.
Emma
Bingo! It’s your turn now, and besides Amy and I....
Steve
One thing will never change: Girls will always be girls!
