Gateway B2 Unit 9 Use Of English + Reading
-
What’s top of your technology wish list and why? A Gemma It’s an interesting question, particularly now when every day we see more and more gadgets in the shops and we begin to wonder how far technology can actually advance. For me, there’s one big hurdle science needs to cross and I shall be delighted if I’m still around to see it when it happens, as I’m sure it will. One day, I’m sure the technology will exist to replicate what they’ve been doing on science-fiction programmes for years: the ability to transport a person immediately from one place to another. This amazing ability has fascinated people for centuries. We’ve read stories about it and seen films where transporting is a basic form of getting from A to B. We’ve even seen magic shows where conjurors try every trick in the book to fool us into believing that they have this ability. There’s a film called The Prestige about two magicians from Victorian times who were obsessed by this, but the real truth is that it has never been done. How often have we thought how useful it would be to be able to press a switch and travel immediately to a destination? Imagine – no more problems waiting in airports or squeezing into crowded buses. I think inventing a transporter would be the single most important development for our society. It would completely change our way of life. All the airlines would be out of business for a start! It will happen – the question is when? B Quentin Wow, that’s a difficult question. Technology is moving ahead so quickly at the moment that it’s difficult to know what gadgets are just around the corner and which aren’t even on the drawing board. Things like robots and computer games are developing all the time. They’re two things that really interest me. Robots are getting smaller and cleverer and I don’t think it will be long before they are regularly used in daily, everyday life situations rather than as they are now, mainly in industry. I can see them helping with chores around the house, cooking, cleaning and so on. I know some robots are used in this capacity already, but it’s only the very rich who can afford the luxury and I think they’re still a bit clumsy, although the technology is improving all the time. But apart from robot development, what intrigues me is how far the developers of computer games will go. On Star Trek™, that incredible sci-fi series of the 70s which still has a cult following today, for relaxation the crew of the star ship go to the ‘Holodeck’. There they could interact with holograms from different historical periods in situations of their choice. Now, wouldn’t that be a great form of entertainment? Researchers have found a way to use lasers, mirrors and cameras to create a three-dimensional interactive hologram that is safe to touch, but the technology is still very much in its infancy. I can’t see it happening soon but one day, who knows? That’s definitely at the top of my technology wish list!
-
About This Quiz
The 'Gateway B2 Unit 9 Use of English + Reading' quiz assesses understanding of technological advancements and their impacts on society. It includes reading comprehension and vocabulary exercises relevant to technology's role in modern life.
Quiz Preview
- 2.
Write your text here
- 3.
Most of us take it for granted that we will be able to (1) ……………………… to the Internet on a daily basis, but for millions of people (2) ……………………… live in the developing world, this is still a dream. The lowest levels of access to the Internet are in sub-Saharan Africa, but there are many other places that are still unable to take advantage of its social and economic benefits. The main problems are cost and a lack of infrastructure. In some countries, old regulations, monopolies and political issues are contributing to the slow development of the Internet. And yet in places (3) ……………………… the Internet has been allowed to take hold, there have been significant benefits in terms of online government, health, education and commerce. Conventional wired internet is expensive but (4) ……………………… technology offers a promising solution. For a start, it’s practical. In some areas with environmental obstacles, such as rainforests or glaciers, it’s impossible to lay cables. It’s also tamper-proof, (5) ……………………… is important in poor countries where copper or wire is a valuable commodity. When access is made possible, the most popular use of the Internet is to communicate using voice or e-mail and families that have been scattered by the need to find work can see each other via (6) ……………………… . Cost is a major barrier in poor countries, but many innovative projects are helping to set (7) ……………………… computers and internet connections around the globe. Shared access can help to bring down prices, but power supply can be an issue in remote areas. How do you plug your computer in if there’s no electricity? The answer is pedal power. No need to remember (8) ……………………… recharge your laptop – just get on your bike! Countries where people have a low level of literacy and skills may need more persuasion to use the Internet. They will not be interested in websites whose content is irrelevant or in a language they can’t understand. But all the evidence shows that access to the Internet speeds up evelopment in poorer countries and is an investment worth making.
- 4.
Complete the text with one word in each gap. Most of us take it for granted that we will be able to (1) ……………………… to the Internet on a daily basis, but
Explanation
The sentence is talking about the ability to access the Internet on a daily basis. The word "connect" fits perfectly in the sentence as it means to establish a connection or link to the Internet.Rate this question:
- 5.
... basis, but for millions of people (2) ……………………… live in the developing world, this is still a dream.
Explanation
The word "who" is the correct answer because it is used to refer to the millions of people mentioned in the previous sentence. It is a pronoun that is commonly used to introduce a relative clause and is used to refer to a person or people. In this case, "who" is used to indicate that the dream of having access to clean water on a daily basis is still not a reality for millions of people living in the developing world.Rate this question:
- 6.
And yet in places (3) ……………………… the Internet has been allowed to take hold, there have been significant benefits in terms of online government, health, education and commerce.
Explanation
The word "where" is the correct answer because it is used to indicate the specific places mentioned in the sentence where the Internet has been allowed to take hold. The sentence suggests that in these places, there have been significant benefits in areas such as online government, health, education, and commerce.Rate this question:
- 7.
Conventional wired internet is expensive but (4) ……………………… technology offers a promising solution.
Explanation
Conventional wired internet is costly, but wireless technology offers a promising solution. Wireless internet allows users to connect to the internet without the need for physical cables, making it more convenient and flexible. It also eliminates the need for expensive infrastructure and installation costs associated with wired internet. With wireless technology, users can access the internet from anywhere within the range of a wireless network, providing a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional wired internet.Rate this question:
- 8.
It’s also tamper-proof, (5) ……………………… is important in poor countries where copper or wire is a valuable commodity.
Explanation
The word "which" is the correct answer because it refers to the previous statement about the item being tamper-proof. The use of "which" indicates that the tamper-proof feature is important in poor countries where copper or wire is valuable.Rate this question:
- 9.
When access is made possible, the most popular use of the Internet is to communicate using voice or e-mail and families that have been scattered by the need to find work can see each other via (6) ……………………… .
Explanation
When access is made possible, the most popular use of the Internet is to communicate using voice or e-mail and families that have been scattered by the need to find work can see each other via webcam.Rate this question:
- 10.
Cost is a major barrier in poor countries, but many innovative projects are helping to set (7) ……………………… computers and internet connections around the globe.
Explanation
The word "up" fits logically in the blank space because it completes the phrase "set up," which means to establish or install. The sentence suggests that innovative projects are helping to overcome the cost barrier by setting up computers and internet connections in poor countries.Rate this question:
- 11.
No need to remember (8) ……………………… recharge your laptop – just get on your bike!
Explanation
The word "to" in this context indicates a purpose or reason. The sentence suggests that instead of needing to remember to recharge your laptop, you can simply get on your bike. The word "to" connects the action of getting on your bike with the purpose of not needing to remember to recharge your laptop.Rate this question:
- 12.
Are these statements True (T), False (F) or is the information Not Mentioned (NM)? Gemma believes that significant scientific progress in this field will happen in her lifetime.
-
T
-
F
-
NM
Correct Answer
A. TExplanation
The given statement suggests that Gemma believes that significant scientific progress will occur in her lifetime. This indicates that Gemma has a positive outlook and optimism about the advancements in this field.Rate this question:
-
- 13.
The desire to be able to ‘transport’ has come about because of recent science fiction films and stories.
-
T
-
F
-
NM
Correct Answer
A. FExplanation
The statement suggests that the desire to be able to 'transport' has not come about because of recent science fiction films and stories.Rate this question:
-
- 14.
Scientists have started investigating the possibilities of ‘transporting’ people.
-
T
-
F
-
NM
Correct Answer
A. NMExplanation
The question is incomplete and not readable, so it is not possible to generate an explanation.Rate this question:
-
- 15.
Some interesting new inventions may already be in development.
-
T
-
F
-
NM
Correct Answer
A. TExplanation
The statement suggests that there are interesting new inventions that are currently being developed.Rate this question:
-
- 16.
Researchers are trying to reproduce the recreation activities seen on a popular TV programme.
-
T
-
F
-
NM
Correct Answer
A. NM -
- 17.
A commercial version of the ‘Holodeck’ is too far-fetched to ever happen.
-
T
-
F
-
NM
Correct Answer
A. FExplanation
The statement "A commercial version of the 'Holodeck' is too far-fetched to ever happen" is false. This means that a commercial version of the 'Holodeck' is not too far-fetched and could potentially happen in the future. The 'Holodeck' is a fictional technology from the TV show Star Trek that creates realistic virtual reality environments. While it may seem like a distant possibility, advancements in virtual reality technology are constantly being made, and it is not unreasonable to think that a commercial version of the 'Holodeck' could be developed in the future.Rate this question:
-
- 18.
Read the article again. Match the sentence beginnings with the correct sentence endings. There is one extra ending. Magicians use all their powers of deception in an attempt ...
-
Is at an early stage of development.
-
Tricking us that they can already do this.
-
Is what fascinates the second blogger.
-
Within the means of the wealthy.
-
In imagined form in a popular TV series.
-
Significant lifestyle changes.
-
To persuade us that they can transport a person instantly.
Correct Answer
A. To persuade us that they can transport a person instantly.Explanation
Magicians use all their powers of deception to persuade us that they can transport a person instantly.Rate this question:
-
- 19.
This form of transportation would result in ...
-
Is at an early stage of development.
-
Tricking us that they can already do this.
-
Is what fascinates the second blogger.
-
Within the means of the wealthy.
-
In imagined form in a popular TV series.
-
Significant lifestyle changes.
-
To persuade us that they can transport a person instantly.
Correct Answer
A. Significant lifestyle changes.Explanation
The correct answer suggests that this form of transportation would require significant lifestyle changes. This implies that the transportation method being discussed would not be easily integrated into current lifestyles and would require individuals to make significant adjustments in order to use it.Rate this question:
-
- 20.
Domestic robots are currently only ...
-
Is at an early stage of development.
-
Tricking us that they can already do this.
-
Is what fascinates the second blogger.
-
Within the means of the wealthy.
-
In imagined form in a popular TV series.
-
Significant lifestyle changes.
-
To persuade us that they can transport a person instantly.
Correct Answer
A. Within the means of the wealthy.Explanation
The correct answer suggests that domestic robots are currently only affordable for wealthy individuals. This implies that the cost of domestic robots is still high and not accessible to the general population.Rate this question:
-
- 21.
The potential evolution of computer games ...
-
Is at an early stage of development.
-
Tricking us that they can already do this.
-
Is what fascinates the second blogger.
-
Within the means of the wealthy.
-
In imagined form in a popular TV series.
-
Significant lifestyle changes.
-
To persuade us that they can transport a person instantly.
Correct Answer
A. Is what fascinates the second blogger.Explanation
The correct answer is "is what fascinates the second blogger." This answer is supported by the phrase "what fascinates" in the question stem. It suggests that the second blogger finds the potential evolution of computer games fascinating. The other answer choices do not align with this interpretation.Rate this question:
-
- 22.
The technology has previously existed ...
-
Is at an early stage of development.
-
Tricking us that they can already do this.
-
Is what fascinates the second blogger.
-
Within the means of the wealthy.
-
In imagined form in a popular TV series.
-
Significant lifestyle changes.
-
To persuade us that they can transport a person instantly.
Correct Answer
A. In imagined form in a popular TV series.Explanation
The correct answer is "in imagined form in a popular TV series." This answer suggests that the technology being referred to is not currently available in reality, but rather exists only in the fictional world of a popular TV series.Rate this question:
-
- 23.
At present, interactive hologram technology ...
-
Is at an early stage of development.
-
Tricking us that they can already do this.
-
Is what fascinates the second blogger.
-
Within the means of the wealthy.
-
In imagined form in a popular TV series.
-
Significant lifestyle changes.
-
To persuade us that they can transport a person instantly.
Correct Answer
A. Is at an early stage of development.Explanation
The correct answer is "is at an early stage of development." This answer suggests that interactive hologram technology is currently in the early phases of its development. It implies that the technology is not yet fully developed or widely accessible.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 22, 2023 +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
May 18, 2018Quiz Created by
Natalia_gulyaeva
Back to top