LESSON 5A – SPEAKING
1
Read the article below. What is 'the Internet of Things'? Does it make our lives easier? Discuss in pairs.
IN JORDAN, IN HOMES WITH AN INTERNET CONNECTION, around four to five devices are usually connected to the Internet. However, this number will increase as speeds become faster and more smart gadgets are available.
You can already buy smart versions of many everyday objects. For instance, there are already smart lights, fridges and even mirrors! These gadgets are part of ‘the Internet of Things’. You can control them with an app on your mobile phone and some work with AI assistants – you just say what you want them to do.
2
Listen. How does Adel turn on the lights and the TV? How does he listen to a book? What goes wrong?
3
Study the Speaking box. Complete the sentences with a word or phrase in each gap. Listen and check.
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But personally, I don’t think it will make our lives easier. ______ than.
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Yes, for now, but they will get ______ cheaper very quickly.
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I’m sorry, but I ______.
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You’re ______, Hani.
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Well, obviously, it doesn’t work perfectly, but in ______ we’ll use these gadgets a lot in the future.
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Really? I’m ______ about that.
SPEAKING | Opinions
Giving opinions
(Personally,) I think …
In my opinion, …
(Personally,) I don’t think …
I’m sure that …
Agreeing
Yes, I agree.
You’re right.
Exactly.
I agree with him/her/you.
I think so, too.
Disagreeing
(I’m sorry, but) I don’t agree.
That’s (probably) true, but …
I’m not sure (about that).
I don’t think so.
4
In pairs, choose the correct words to complete the conversations. Then listen and check.
A: I’m sure / Personally, I think that in ten years’ time most cars will be electric.
B: I’m not sure about / with that. They’re too expensive.
A: Yes, for now, but they will get cheaper very quickly.
A: In my opinion / Exactly, technology will become one of our biggest problems.
B: I think / don’t think so, too. Lots of people won’t have jobs.
A: You’re right / sure. And no jobs means no money!
A: I’m agree / sure that in five years’ time, virtual reality will be part of everyday life.
B: Yes, I agree / think. Virtual reality is amazing now. Imagine it in five years’ time!
A: Exactly! / Personally! It’ll be amazing!
5
Work in groups of three. Read the statements. Take turns giving your opinion. Do you agree or disagree?
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Many young people spend too much time online.
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Every home will have an AI assistant.
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Everyone in the world needs free Internet access.
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We will all have personal robots in the future.
Answers – Lesson 5A Speaking
Exercise 1
The Internet of Things:
Everyday devices connected to the Internet that we can control using a phone or AI assistant.Exercise 2 (Listening 8.4)
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Adel turns on the lights with an AI assistant (voice command).
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He turns on the TV using voice control.
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He listens to a book using an audiobook.
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Problem: the AI assistant doesn’t work properly / doesn’t understand him
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Exercise 3
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Better
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much
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I don’t agree
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right
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Exercise 4
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Personally
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about
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In my opinion
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don’t think
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right
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sure
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agree
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Exactly
not sure -
Exercise 5
Students’ own answers (opinions).
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in my opinion
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