UNIT 5: INVENTIONS

I.       TÓM TẮT LÝ THUYẾT

1.        Nội dung

Pronunciation: Stress in three-syllable nouns

Vocabulary: Words and phrases related to inventions

Grammar: Resent perfect Gerunds and to-infinitives

Reading: Reading for main ideas and specific information in a text about an invention

II.   BÀI TẬP ÁP DỤNG

Getting Started

Listen and read

Phong: Dad, I’ve saved some money since Tet holiday. I think I’ll buy something new for my studies.
Dad: Good idea, Phong. What do you want to buy?
Phong: I’m not sure. It’s hard to choose between a smartphone and a laptop. They’re both useful and I’ve wanted either of them for a long time. What do you think, Dad?
Dad: Perhaps a laptop is a better choice. Since laptops were invented, they’ve allowed us to study better and work faster. They’ve completely changed our lives in the last 20 years.
Phong: That’s true, Dad. But smartphones have also improved the way we work and study.
Dad: Really? I didn’t know smartphones were suitable for learning.
Phong: Well, it’s actually a lot of fun to learn with educational apps. It’s also very convenient for learners to use them. Some of my classmates love using them on their smartphones. The apps allow them to communicate and learn at the same time.
Dad: I didn’t know that! There have been so many valuable inventions. Hmm… Perhaps you should ask your teacher. She may be able to help you decide.

Read the conversation again and answer the questions.

1. What inventions are Phong and his dad talking about?

2. How useful are laptops?

3. Why is it fun and convenient to learn with educational apps on smartphones?

Fill in each gap in the summary of the conversation with ONE word from 1.

Phong and his father are discussing what to buy for his studies. Phong has wanted a laptop or a smartphone 1) __________ a long time because they are both very useful. Laptops 2) __________ completely changed our lives since their invention but smartphones have also 3) __________ the way we work and study. For example, it’s fun 4) __________ study with educational apps on smartphones. They allow students 5) __________ 6) __________ and communicate at the same time. It’s really difficult for Phong to choose between the two.

Từ vựng

1. invention /ɪnˈvenʃn/ (n): sáng chế
 eg: What can be the benefits of an invention?

2. computer hardware /kəmˈpjuːtə ˈhɑːdweə/ (n.phr): phần cứng máy tính
 eg: Can you name some of computer hardwares?

3. useful /ˈjuːsfəl/ (adj): hữu ích
 eg: They’re both useful and I’ve wanted either of them for a long time.

4. allow someone to do something /əˈlaʊ ˈsʌmwʌn tuː duː ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ (v.phr): cho phép ai đó làm gì
 eg: Since laptops were invented, they’ve allowed us to study better and work faster.

5. completely /kəmˈpliːtli/ (adv): hoàn toàn
 eg: They’ve completely changed our lives in the last 20 years.

6. be suitable for something /biː ˈsjuːtəbl fɔː ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ (v.phr): thích hợp cho
 eg: I didn’t know smartphones were suitable for learning.

7. educational apps /ˌɛdjuːˈkeɪʃənl æps/ (n.phr): ứng dụng giáo dục
 eg: Well, it’s actually a lot of fun to learn with educational apps.

8. be convenient for /biː kənˈviːniənt fɔː/ (v.phr): thuận tiện cho
 eg: It’s also very convenient for learners to use them.

9. communicate /kəˈmjuːnɪkeɪt/ (v): giao tiếp
 eg: The apps allow them to communicate and learn at the same time.

10. discuss /dɪˈskʌs/ (v): bàn bạc
 eg: Phong and his father are discussing what to buy for his studies.

11. laptop /ˈlæptɒp/ (n): máy tính xách tay
 eg: Phong has wanted a laptop or a smartphone for a long time because they are both very useful.

Language

Pronunciation

a. Listen and repeat. Pay attention to the stressed syllable in each word.

invention               _O_

computer               _O_                                

holiday                  O_ _                                 

century                  O_ _

b. Connect all the words with the stress pattern _O_ to cross the river. Then listen and check your answers. Practice saying these words in pair.

Vocabulary

Unscramble the underlined letters in these words. Use the pictures below and the glossary to help you.

Grammar

a. Circle the correct answer.

1. They just found / have just found a suitable solution to the problem.

2. Since people invented / have invented the first computer, they create / have created many more interesting inventions.

3. The woman is very angry because her son lost / has lost his smartphone.

b. Complete the sentences using the gerunds or the to-infinitive of the verbs in brackets. Sometimes both forms are possible.

1. Many children enjoy (use) _________ modern devices nowadays.

2. I decided (study) _________ computer science at university.

3. (Play) _________ language games on a smartphone is fun.

4. It is very convenient (study) _________ with a smartphone.

Từ vựng

1. advantage /ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/ (v, n): tận dụng, lợi thế
 eg: We took full advantage of our opportunity.

2. africa /ˈæf.rɪ.kə/ (n): châu Phi
 eg: I’ve never been to Europe, or Africa, or anywhere yet.

3. experiment /ɪkˈsperɪmənt/ (n): thử nghiệm
 eg: Experiments provide insight into cause-and-effect by demonstrating what outcome occurs when a particular factor is manipulated.

4. avoid /əˈvɔɪd/ (v): tránh
 eg: The carpenters tried to keep the dust level down, but it was impossible to avoid all of it.

5. angry /ˈæŋɡri/ (adj): tức giận
 eg: The woman is very angry because her son lost his smartphone.

6. play computer games /pleɪ kəmˈpjuːtə geɪmz/ (v.phr): chơi trò chơi máy tính
 eg: I like playing computer games.

7. modern device /ˈmɒdən dɪˈvaɪs/ (n.phr): các thiết bị hiện đại
 eg: Many children enjoy using modern devices nowadays.

8. computer science /kəmˈpjuːtə ˈsaɪəns/ (n.phr): khoa học máy tính
 eg: I decided to study computer science at university.

9. language games /ˈlæŋgwɪʤ geɪmz/ (n.phr): trò chơi ngôn ngữ
 eg: Playing language games on a smartphone is fun.

Reading

Look at the pictures of Asimo and Sophia and discuss the questions below in pairs.

1. They are robots.

2. I think they can do housework; plan holidays, book flights and hotels; and answer questions.

Read the text below and choose the best title for it.

A. AI development over time

B. Robots: The best AI inventions

C. AI in use today

D. AI in education

In 2000, Asimo, a robot created by Honda, amazed everyone by just walking down the stairs. Twenty years later, a robot named Sophia can even communicate with people by using human language and expressing emotions.

However, robots are just one example of Artificial Intelligence (AI) – the study and development of machines that can copy human intelligence. Nowadays, Al has been applied to various areas of life.

At home, devices such as vacuum cleaners can now use AI to measure the room size and recognize any furniture. They can then decide on the most effective way to clean the house.

In transport, AI can be used on many smartphones to collect information about traffic. This can then help drivers find the most suitable route. Travelling has become much more convenient thanks to AI.

At work, the uses of AI are even more useful and exciting. Computer programs, such as AI software or chatbots, can help customers plan their holidays, book flights and hotels, and answer questions.

AI is one of the most important inventions of the 21st century. It has completely changed our daily work and life.

Read the text again and match the pictures with the uses of AI.

a. Uses of AI at home

b. Uses of AI at work

c. Uses of AI in transport

Decide whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F).

1. Sophia can show emotions when talking to humans.                           ___

2. AI helps to make machines that think and act like humans.                 ___

3. AI is one of the most important inventions of the 20th century.           ___

Work in groups and discuss how AI can be used in schools. Then share your ideas with the whole class.

Từ vựng

1. artificial intelligence /ˌɑːtɪfɪʃl ɪnˈtelɪɡəns/ (n.phr): trí tuệ nhân tạo
 eg: However, robots are just one example of artificial intelligence (AI) – the study and development of machines that can copy human intelligence.

2. robot /ˈrəʊbɒt/ (n): người máy
 eg: In 2000, Asimo, a robot created by Honda, amazed everyone by just walking down the stairs.

3. human language /ˈhjuːmən ˈlæŋgwɪʤ/ (n.phr): ngôn ngữ loài người
 eg: Twenty years later, a robot named Sophia can even communicate with people by using human language and expressing emotions.

4. be applied to /biː əˈplaɪd tuː/ (v.phr): được ứng dụng
 eg: Nowadays, AI has been applied to various areas of life.

5. vacuum cleaners /ˈvækjʊəm ˈkliːnəz/ (n): máy hút bụi
 eg: At home, devices such as vacuum cleaners can now use AI to measure the room size and recognise any furniture.

6. effective /ɪˈfektɪv/ (adj): hiệu quả
 eg: They can then decide on the most effective way to clean the house.

7. collect information /kəˈlekt ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃən/ (v.phr): thu thập thông tin
 eg: In transport, AI can be used on many smartphones to collect information about traffic.

8. route /ruːt/ (n): tuyến đường
 eg: This can then help drivers find the most suitable route.

9. thanks to /θæŋks tuː/ (v.phr): nhờ có
 eg: Travelling has become much more convenient thanks to AI.

10. computer programs /kəmˈpjuːtə ˈprəʊɡræmz/ (n.phr): chương trình máy tính
 eg: Computer programs, such as AI software or chatbots, can help customers plan their holidays, book flights and hotels, and answer questions.

11. make machines /meɪk məˈʃiːnz/ (v.phr): tạo ra cỗ máy
 eg: AI helps to make machines that think and act like humans.

Speaking

Work in pairs. Talk about the uses of these inventions. Use the expressions below to help you.

Work in groups. Talk more about one of the inventions in 1. Use the outline below to help you prepare a group presentation.

Talking about an invention

Introduction: What is it?

Development:

– What are its uses? What are some examples?

– Have you ever used it? When/ Where/ How (often) do you use it?

Conclusion:

– How important is it in our daily life?

– Do you like using it?

Present your ideas to the whole class. Then vote for the most interesting group presentation.

Từ vựng

1. E-readers /iːˈriːdəz/ (n.phr): thiết bị đọc sách điện tử
 eg: E-readers help us store and read texts from the Internet.

2. 3d printing /θriːˈdiː ˈprɪntɪŋ/ (n.phr): in 3D
 eg: 3D printing makes three-dimensional objects.

3. driverless car /ˈdraɪvləs kɑː/ (n.phr): xe không người lái
 eg: Driverless cars help us travel around without a person in control.

4. distance /ˈdɪstəns/ (n): khoảng cách
 eg: People can use the Internet to communicate over long distances.

5. be used for /biː juːzd fɔː/ (v.phr): được sử dụng
 eg: The Internet is used for communicating over long distances.

6. development /dɪˈveləpmənt/ (n): sự phát triển
 eg: Good nutrition is important for proper muscle development.

7. important /ɪmˈpɔːtnt/ (adj): quan trọng
 eg: How important is it in our daily life? Do you like using it?

Listening

Complete the sentences with the words in the box.

button                    charge                    stain

1. Press the __________ to start the device.

2. There is a dirty __________ on your smartphone. Wipe it away.

3. You need to __________ your mobile phone. The battery is very low.

Listen to a conversation about RoboVacuum. Fill in each gap in the diagram below with ONE word.

To clean the whole (1) ________

To remove dirty (2) ________

To start or (3) ________ the device

Listen again. Put a tick (✓) next to the correct way and a cross (X) next to the wrong way to use RoboVacuum.

What other buttons do you want RoboVacuum to have? Add them to the picture below and tell your friend about them.

Example: I want my RoboVacuum to have a Timer button on the top. First, you press it. Then, you set the time by pressing the minutes and seconds buttons on the right.

Từ vựng

1. button /ˈbʌtn/ (n): nút
 eg: What other buttons do you want RoboVacuum to have?

2. charge /tʃɑːdʒ/ (v): sạc
 eg: You need to charge your mobile phone immediately.

3. stain /steɪn/ (n): vết bẩn
 eg: There is a dirty stain on your smartphone.

4. press /pres/ (v): nhấn
 eg: Then, you set the time by pressing the minutes and seconds buttons on the right.

Writing

Choose an invention in this unit. Draw a diagram to show how it is used. Then work in groups to guess one another’s inventions.

Rewrite the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first. Use the expressions and the prompts below to help you.

1. Al helps drivers to find the best routes in transport.

=> Helping drivers ________________ benefits of AI in transport.

2. Vacuum cleaners allow us to clean the house quickly. 

=> ________________ useful ________________.

3. Smartphones are used for learning languages. 

=> ________________ help ________________.

4. Telephones are useful in communicating over long distances. 

=> ________________ used ________________.

Write a paragraph (120 – 150 words) to describe two or three benefits of the invention you chose in 1. Use the outline below to help you.

Từ vựng

1. diagram /ˈdaɪəɡræm/ (n): biểu đồ
 eg: Draw a diagram to show how it is used.

2. plan holidays /plæn ˈhɒlədeɪz/ (v.phr): lên kế hoạch cho kỳ nghỉ
 eg: Have you planned everything for your holidays yet?

3. clean the house /kliːn ðə haʊs/ (v.phr): dọn dẹp nhà cửa
 eg: My mom told me to clean the house when she was out.

4. transport /ˈtrænspɔːt/ (n): giao thông
 eg: Al helps drivers to find the best routes in transport.

Communication and Culture / CLIL

Everyday English

a. Listen and complete a conversation at a computer store with the expressions in the box. Then practice it in pairs.

Tim: Hello. I’m looking for a laptop. 1) __________ a good one to me?

Shop assistant: 2) __________, but 3) __________ your needs first?

Tim: 4) __________ I’m a student so I’d like a cheap and light laptop.

Shop assistant: Then I think this laptop is the best one for you. You can take a look at it. 5) __________.

b. Work in pairs. Role – play similar conversations about other devices you want to buy. Use the example in 1 and the expressions below to help you.

Culture

a. Read the text below. Match the highlighted words and phrase with their meanings.

COMPUTER HARDWARE

A computer needs both hardware and software to run, but decisions about the hardware must be made before you buy a computer. Understanding some basic information about the hardware is very important and will help you decide on the most suitable computer for you.

Processors: The processor controls all of the activities of a computer. Processor speed is often shown in gigahertz (GHz). High processor speed means that your computer can run faster.

Random Access Memory, or RAM: It is displayed in gigabytes (GB). The RAM shows how powerful your computer is. The more RAM in a computer, the more tasks your computer can do at the same time.

Storage space: It shows how much information (such as documents, music, photos, etc.) a computer can store. It is also displayed in gigabytes (GB). There is other information about the hardware, such as the screen size, the battery, and the weight, that you need to know before choosing the best computer for you.

b. Look at the advertisements. Decide which one is most suitable for each person below.

Từ vựng

1. let someone know /lɛt ˈsʌmwʌn nəʊ/ (v.phr): cho ai đó biết điều gì
 eg: Let me know if you need any help.

2. recommend /ˌrekəˈmend/ (v): giới thiệu
 eg: Can you recommend the other for me?

3. further information /ˈfɜːðər ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃən/ (n.phr): thông tin thêm
 eg: Feel free to ask me if you need further information.

4. assistant /əˈsɪstənt/ (n): trợ lý
 eg: Then I think this laptop is the best assistant for you. You can take a look at it.

5. run /rʌn/ (v): chạy bằng
 eg: A computer needs both hardware and software to run, but decisions about the hardware must be made before you buy a computer.

6. control /kənˈtrəʊl/ (v): điều khiển
 eg: The processor controls all of the activities of a computer.

7. processor speed /ˈprəʊsɛsə spiːd/ (n.phr): tốc độ bộ xử lý
 eg: Processor speed is often shown in gigahertz (GHz).

8. random access memory (RAM) /ˈrændəm ˈæksɛs ˈmɛməri/ (n): bộ nhớ truy cập ngẫu nhiên
 eg: The RAM shows how powerful your computer is.

9. display /dɪˈspleɪ/ (v): hiển thị
 eg: Random Access Memory, or RAM, is displayed in gigabytes (GB).

10. storage space /ˈstɔːrɪʤ speɪs/ (n.phr): không gian lưu trữ
 eg: Storage space shows how much information (such as documents, music, photos, etc.) a computer can store.

11. battery /ˈbætri/ (n): pin
 eg: There is other information about the hardware, such as the screen size, the battery, and the weight, that you need to know before choosing the best computer for you.

12. designer /dɪˈzaɪnə(r)/ (n): dân thiết kế
 eg: I’m a designer, so I often have to run many large programmes at the same time.

13. prefer /prɪˈfɜː(r)/ (v): thích hơn
 eg: I’m a student, so I prefer something not too expensive.

Looking back

Pronunciation & Vocabulary

Solve the crossword. Use the three-syllable nouns in this unit. Read out the correct answers in pairs when you finish.

1. the advantage (of something); stress pattern: O_ _

2. a new thing; stress pattern: _O_

3. the M in (computer) RAM: stress pattern: O_ _

4. a device used for long-distance communication; stress pattern: O_ _

5. a modern device which allows us to store information; stress pattern: _O_

Grammar

Circle the correct answers.

1. They just installed / have just installed some interesting software on the school computers. The programs are working very well and everyone enjoys to use /using them.

2. Smartphones allow people sending / to send information over long distances. Learn / To learn with a smartphone is fun as well.

3. Since television was invented / has been invented, TV designs changed / have changed a lot.

Từ vựng

1. technology fair /tɛkˈnɒləʤi feə/ (n.phr): hội chợ công nghệ
 eg: Your class is organising a technology fair.

2. install /ɪnˈstɔːl/ (v): lắp đặt
 eg: They just installed some interesting software on the school computers.

3. tv designs /ˌtiːˈviː dɪˈzaɪnz/ (n.phr): thiết kế tv
 eg: Since television was invented, tv designs have changed a lot.

Project

Work in groups. Your class is organizing a Technology Fair. The theme is “inventions for the classroom”. Each group is presenting a useful invention for the classroom. This can be existing or new invention.

Use these questions to help you.

– What is the invention? (If it’s a new invention, give it an interesting name.)

– What does it look like?

– How can it be used in the classroom?

– Why do you think it will be a useful invention?