Answer the questions or express your ideas on these problems.

1. What is science? What kinds of science do you know?

2. What is the difference between science and technology?

3. How does science affect our everyday life?

4. Do science and technology really do more good than harm?

5. Can scientific discoveries have many dangerous effects?

6. What is the greatest invention in your opinion?

7. What scientists do we call great?

8. Do you know any outstanding Russian or British scientists?

9. What qualities must great scientist possess?

10. What Nobel Prize winners do you know? (Russian / British) For what achievements were they awarded?

11. What technology couldn't you live without?

12. How has technology changed education methods?

13. Can technology fix global warming?

14. Is there a difference between a machine, like a microwave, and a robot?

15. How do we currently use robots?

16. Will robots cause rising unemployment in the future?

17. Are you scared of how much information Internet companies such as Google have about you?

18. Do you think humans will one day inhabit other planets?

19. Do you support investing large amounts of money into space exploration?

20. Has a computer virus ever caused problems for you? What steps do you take to protect your data and privacy?

Topics for Essay

Write about the following topic at least 250 words. What are your views? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.

1. What science means to you

2. Importance of science in our daily life

3. Why science is a blessing to us?

4. Genetic experiments: pros and cons

5. Obsession of using gadgets and devices

6. Computer and Internet: the source of entertainment and information

7. Necessity is a mother of invention

8. Science and human happiness

9. Role of new technological achievements in education

10. From bicycle to space travelling

Project Work

Discuss the problems in groups at the round table and be ready to make a short presentation of the generated ideas.

Task 1. There are many problems currently related to technology, and perhaps more to come. What problems do you think there are at present? And what problems may arise in the future? Make notes of your ideas.

Task 2. The world today faces a serious challenge: we don't really understand the ways in which technology is changing our lives (our work, education, leisure, communication, relationships, etc.). And if we don't understand today's world, how can we make sure tomorrow's world is a good one for ourselves?

Task 3. Humanity has evolved throughout the ages but it will never be perfect, there are always new problems arising in the world. Although there have been some major breakthroughs since the new millennium: like the confirmation of dark matter, the discovery of exoplanets or the mapping of the human genome. There is still a very long way to go before we live in an ideal world. Will the humanity ever learn everything and find out all nature's secrets?

Lexical Minimum

A bility

absorb

adjust

advance

amino acid

analogy

application

applied research

appropriate

area

astronomy

atmosphere

atom

axis

B acteria

barrier

basic research

biologist

bit

branch

broadcasting

byte

C alcium

carbohydrates

carbon

carbon dioxide

category

cause

cell

challenge

characteristic

charge

chemistry

classification

classify

compare

compound

computer

concept

condensation

condition

confirm

connection

constant

contrary

contrast

convey

criteria

crystal

current

cycle

D amage

database

decibel (dB)

degree

dense

density

detract

devise

diagonally

diameter

differentiate

digital

disprove

dispute

distinct

distinguishing

document

download dynamic Electromagnetic electronic element energy enormous equipment essential evacuate evaporation evident evidence evolution exact exceed experiment expert extent Factor features findings focus force frequency Gas genetics geology glossary Hexagonal high-pressure system horizontal hydrogen hypothesis Industry information instruments intensity interaction interior intermittent Internet interval invention inventor investigation involve Knowledge Latitude launch liquid location longitude Magnifying glass maintain major manufacture mass matter measure mercury metal method microscope mineral minute modem moisture molecule monitor monitoring multiple Navigate nucleus numerous Object observation operate opposite order organic chemistry output overview oxygen Particle pattern percentage phenomenon physics plastics process produce productive professor project properties Quality quest Radiation rate ratio reaction reflect research respond retard Satellite scientific site solar system solid source space specific spectrum stretch substance substitute synthetic survey Technical technology test theory thermometer time frame tissue transmit tremendous turbine Ultraviolet universe Vacuum verify Wave            

UNIT 3. ACUTE GLOBAL ISSUES

MODULE 5. Social and Economic Problems of Modern Society.
Challenges of Young People

TEXT 1

Warming Up

5.1. Look at the pictures and guess what environmental problems each photo illustrates. What are currently the most important environmental issues in the country, city or area you live in?