Make a list of 5-10 questions and discuss it in pairs.

While-reading activity

1. Read the blog entry‘Electronic books or paper books?’. What are the advantages and disadvantages of ebooks according to the writer?

 

Blog on. The ‘for or against’ blog. Electronic books or paper books? Are electronic books better than traditional paper books? Ebooks are very popular these days but many readers prefer paper books. Some people think that electronic books are great. You can store thousands of books on an ebook, whereas paper books take up lots of space at home. You don’t need to go to a bookshop because you can buy and receive books online instantly. On the other hand, printed books are still very popular. Some people prefer to hold a ‘real’ book and like to touch paper pages. You can lend a favourite book to a friend but you can’t borrow your friend’s ereader for a couple of weeks. Also, electronic books are very expensive. To sum up, I think that electronic books are a really useful invention. Many people use them but they won’t replace paper books in the future. What do you think? Blog comments: Tell us what you think? Ebooks are rubbish! They are really expensive and you can’t read them in the bath. Graham, UK I use my ereader when I go on holiday. I can take lots of books and there’s still a lot of room left in my suitcase for clothes and other stuff. Great! Sarah, Hong Kong Ebooks are the future. In twenty years we won’t be reading paper books. Jaime, Canada Paper books are destroying trees! Scott, Germany Ebooks are just for rich people who need to have the latest gadget to show to their friends. I’m sticking with paperbacks. Jules, USA I love my ebook. It’s very light, you can change the size of the words, you can make notes on the pages, you can buy a book with a couple of clicks AND you can download books for free. What’s not to like? Tamsin, Netherlands. I work in a bookshop. What happens to people like me if everyone stops buying books? Jon, New Zealand

 

Post-reading activity

1. Read the blog entry again and match the underlined parts of the text with these words and expressions:

1. As well as this _ also ________

2. But _____________________

3. However _________________

4. In conclusion ______________

5. Nowadays ________________

6. On the one hand ____________

2. Read the comments section. Which person…

1 …likes ebooks because they are small ?__ Sarah __

2 …is worried about the environment?__________

3 …thinks ebooks are only for peole with a lot of money?__________

4 …doesn’t pay to download ebooks? __________

5 …doesn’t like ebooks because they cost a lot of money?__________

6 …thinks nobody will read traditional books in the future?__________

7 …is worried about his job?__________

3. Match the descriptions with the words in italics in ‘Blog comments’.

1. Very good _________________

2. Bad _________________

3. There is nothing negative _________________

4. I’m going to continue using _________________

 

1. Make up a situation using the following interview instructions:

 

Student A (Journalist of Times Magazine): You are the journalist. You know that Mars One is a non-profit foundation with the goal of establishing a permanent human settlement on Mars. You also know that Mars One Spaceship is a one way ticket. They can’t come back from Mars. You think these finalists who want to take part in this project are crazy but at the same time you admire them. You have many questions to these finalists. In particular:

1. How long does it take to get to Mars?

2. How did you find out about Mars One Project?

3. Why do you want to go to Mars?

4. What will you eat on Mars?

5. What are the requirements for Mars One project applicants?

6. Right now, you are a senior interpreter in a foreign company and you also have a degree in Translation Studies. Is there a particular trait or talent you possess that you think would be valuable to the mission?

7. Since you won't be able to ever return to Earth, how are you preparing for the idea that you could possibly spend the rest of your life on Mars?

8. Besides family and friends, what would you miss the most about home?

9. How did your parents react to the idea of you leaving, never to return?

10. According to an MIT study, there is a possibility that the first crews traveling to Mars will suffocate in 68 days. Does that hinder your desire to participate?

11. Did you think about space radiation?

12. How would you cope with psychological challenges on Mars?

(Student B) Interviewee: You are one of the 700 finalists who will be the first group of humans to attempt starting a civilization on Mars. Participating in this project you will be able to realize your dream. Since childhood ages you were curious about space travelling, you wanted to find out whether there is a life on Mars. You firmly believe that sending people to Mars is 'the next giant leap for mankind'. You consider that this mission will jumpstart massive developments in all kinds of areas, a few examples being in recycling, solar energy, food production and the advancement of medical technology.

 

1. Write a letter to an Internet expert. Ask him/her three questions about the Internet. Give him/her three of your ideas on how to make it better in education process.