JOHN HUGHES

HONG KONG EDITION

Life
HELEN STEPHENSON
PAUL DUMMETT
PRE-INTERMEDIATE

Life
PRE-INTERMEDIATE
STUDENT’S BOOK HONG KONG EDITION

This edition is licensed for sale only in Hong Kong.

Circulation of this edition outside of Hong Kong is
UNAUTHORIZED AND STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

National Geographic Learning, a Cengage Learning Company, is a leading provider of materials for English John Hughes

B1
language teaching and learning throughout the world.

“National Geographic”, “National Geographic Society” and the Yellow Border Design are registered trademarks Helen Stephenson
of the National Geographic Society® Marcas Registradas. Visit NGL.Cengage.com
Paul Dummett

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 Welcome to Life,
an exciting series that makes learning English an exploration of the
world. Drawing on National Geographic content, Life transforms the
learning experience into a fabulous journey with irresistible images,
articles and videos that engage learners like no series before. Bring
Life into your classroom!

• A practical, competency-based syllabus helps learners in their

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development of grammar, vocabulary, functions, pronunciation and
skills through appropriate communicative tasks.
• Real life lessons model and practise everyday functions, preparing

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learners to use language in the real world.
• National Geographic video on the DVD allows teachers to bring lessons
to life.

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• The carefully designed Critical thinking syllabus challenges learners to
understand texts at a deeper level.
• Vocabulary is introduced thematically, with additional emphasis on key
words and word building in Word focus and Wordbuilding sections.

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Student’s Book with DVD
• Engaging tasks with fascinating National Geographic content
• Fully integrated National Geographic video for each unit

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• Review at the end of each unit
• Grammar reference with practice activities

Workbook with Audio CD

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• Further practice and linear progression of Student’s Book contents
• Focus on learning skills
• Sample IELTS test allows learners to benchmark their learning

Teacher’s Book with Class Audio CD

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• Detailed teaching notes with lead-ins, additional activities and
answer key
• Notes on vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and useful background
information

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• Photocopiable communicative activities and tests

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Interactive Whiteboard CD-ROM
• Includes IWB tools, ‘zoomable’ pages and easy-to-access audio
and video
• Create your own interactive tasks with the easy-to-use content
creation tool
• Show or hide the key
• Show justification for the answers to the reading and listening
comprehension activities

Cover photograph by George Steinmetz

National Geographic Image Collection
Luoping, Yunnan Province, China

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 Contents
Unit Grammar Vocabulary Real life (functions) Pronunciation

1
present simple leisure activities talking about illness /s/, /z/ or /ɪz/
adverbs and expressions do, go or play sound and spelling
of frequency wordbuilding: verb +
present simple and noun collocations
Health present continuous word focus: feel
medical problems
pages 9–20

Video: Slow food  page 18    Review  page 20

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2
verb + -ing forms wordbuilding: word forms talking about interests /ŋ/
like -ing / ’d like to sport venues and silent letters

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modal verbs for rules equipment
competition words
Competitions word focus: like
pages 21–32

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Video: Cheese rolling  page 30    Review  page 32

3
comparatives and modes of transport going on a journey than
superlatives transport (1): nouns sentence stress
as … as wordbuilding: compound intonation
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nouns
Transport transport (2): verbs
transport words
pages 33–44
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Video: Indian railways  page 42    Review  page 44 T

4
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past simple personal qualities telling a story /d/, /t/ or /ɪd/

past continuous wordbuilding: negative was
prefixes intonation for
geographical features responding
Adventure in, on or at for time
expressions
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pages 45–56

Video: Alaskan ice climbing  page 54    Review  page 56 S

5
countable and materials phoning about an order /ðə/ or /ðiː/
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uncountable nouns household items sounding friendly

quantifiers wordbuilding: hyphenated
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definite article (the) or words

The no article results and figures
word focus: take
environment
pages 57–68

Video: Coastal clean-up  page 66    Review  page 68

6
verb patterns with to + life events inviting, accepting and /tə/
infinitive stages in life declining contracted forms
future forms: going celebrations emphasising
to, will and present word focus: get words
Stages in life continuous wordbuilding: synonyms
pages 69–80

Video: Steel drums  page 78    Review  page 80 A

STEAM-related section  S  : Science  T  : Technology  E  : Engineering  A  : Art  M  : Math

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 Listening Reading Critical thinking Speaking Writing
someone talking about a quiz about how well you the main argument a quiz text type: online
two elderly ballroom sleep your current life advice
dancers an article about measuring happiness writing skill:
a health expert analyses centenarians S conjunctions (and,
sleep an article about measuring or, so, because,
a radio interview about health and happiness S but)
long life

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someone describing an quotes by famous sports reading between guess the ambition text type: an advert
Ironman competition people the lines explaining the rules or notice

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three people talking about an article about crazy of a competition writing skill:
sport competitions your opinions about checking your
a reporter describing the an article about female sport writing
rules of a competition wrestlers in Bolivia

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someone describing a an article about transport reading between transport you use a report about
photo of a girl travelling in the future the lines attitudes to using how people travel
by train in India an article about dog animals for around town
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two people discussing the sledging transporting text type: notes and
pros and cons of electric an article about the arguing for and messages
cars fate of the rickshaw in against keeping writing skill: writing
two documentaries Kolkata rickshaws in in note form
about using animals for Kolkata
transporting
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a caver describing an article about identifying opinion asking about your text type: a true
Rumbling Falls Cave adventurers past story
an interview with a an article about a climbing qualities needed for writing skill: using
survival expert accident an expedition -ly adverbs in
events you stories
remember
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retelling a story

extract from a an article about e-rubbish close reading opinions on recycling a report of a survey
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documentary about the an article about the presenting a report text type: emails
artist George Sabra Greendex M an interview with an writing skill: formal
Fo

a radio phone-in show an article about a boat environmentalist language

about recycling made of plastic bottles,
the Plastiki S T
an online order

an explanation to a riddle an article about how a identifying the key life-changing text type: a
three people talking couple changed their life information decisions description
about their plans and an article about how your favourite festival writing skill:
intentions Mardis Gras is celebrated describing annual descriptive
a news item about Mardis around the world events adjectives
Gras an article about a Masai
rite of passage

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 Unit Grammar Vocabulary Real life (functions) Pronunciation

7
prepositions of place jobs a job interview intrusive /w/
and movement wordbuilding: suffixes irregular past
present perfect simple office equipment participles
for or since
Work job satisfaction
word focus: make or do
pages 81–92 job adverts

Video: Butler school  page 90    Review  page 92

8
defining relative clauses the internet asking how something intonation in
zero and first wordbuilding: verb works T conditional
conditional prefixes sentences
expedition equipment linking
Technology

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word focus: have
technology verbs
pages 93–104

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Video: Wind power  page 102    Review  page 104 S T E

9
present simple passive education describing a process stress in two-

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by + agent phrasal verbs syllable words
past simple passive wordbuilding: phrasal stress in phrasal
verbs verbs
Language
and learning
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pages 105–116

Video: Disappearing voices  page 114    Review  page 116

10
past perfect simple holiday words (types of direct and indirect ’d
subject and object holiday, accommodation, questions number of
questions activities, travel items) syllables
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-ing / -ed adjectives holiday adjectives /ʤə/

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Travel and wordbuilding: dependent

prepositions
holidays places in a city
pages 117–128

Video: Living in Venice  page 126    Review  page 128

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11
used to archaeology giving a short /s/ or /z/
reported speech wordbuilding: word roots presentation pausing
say or tell
word focus: set
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History
pages 129–140
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Video: The lost city of Machu Picchu  page 138    Review  page 140

12
any-, every-, no-, some- classification of animals finding a solution would / ’d
and -thing, -where, extreme weather word stress
-one, -body society and economics
second conditional wordbuilding: adjective +
Nature will / might noun collocations
pages 141–152

Video: Cambodia Animal Rescue  page 150    Review  page 152 S

communication activities  page 153    grammar summary  page 156    audioscripts  page 169 

STEAM-related section  S  : Science  T  : Technology  E  : Engineering  A  : Art  M  : Math

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 Listening Reading Critical thinking Speaking Writing
someone talking about workplace messages with the author’s giving directions text type: a CV
triplet police officers instructions opinion describing past writing skill: action
a documentary an article about the cost experiences verbs for CVs
about working as a of new jobs to an area your opinion of a job
photographer T an article about modern-
an interview with an day cowboys
engineer

a documentary about an explorer’s blog T supporting the problems that text type: a
the importance of an article about main argument inventions solved paragraph
technology T biomimetics S T inventing a new writing skills:
a science programme robot connecting

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about a new invention T planning an words; topic
expedition and supporting
using nature to sentences

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improve designs

an English teacher talking an article about the fact or opinion adult education a general

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about working in Japan history of writing T a general knowledge knowledge quiz
a radio documentary an article about saving quiz text type: forms
about learning Kung Fu languages the author’s opinion writing skill:
in China providing
the correct
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information

an interview with a an article about tipping in reading between a holiday or journey a tourist webpage
herpetologist other countries the lines you remember text type: a formal
two conversations about an article about the planning the holiday letter
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problems whilst on tunnels in Paris of a lifetime writing skill: formal

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holiday a tourist website expressions

an interview with a
National Geographic
tour guide
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an historian talking an article about moments relevance items for a time text type: a
about Scott’s hut at the in space history T capsule biography
Antarctic a biography of Jane how we used to live writing skill:
an interview with an Goodall S moments in history punctuation in
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archaeologist reporting an direct speech

interview
Fo

an interview for a
biography

a nature expert talking an article about storm close reading promoting your text type: a press
about how animals chasers S region release
camouflage themselves S a profile on Greenland S planning for every writing skill: using
a documentary about a possibility bullet points
photographer predicting your
country’s future

  FICTIONAL READING PASSAGES  page 176

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 Unit 8  Technology

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O
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Robots and humans working together
Photo by Robert Markowitz and Bill Stafford, NASA
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F E AT U R E S 1 Look at the photo and the caption. How do you think they
are going to ‘work together’? In what ways do robots already
94 Invention for the eyes work with humans?
An inventor finds a 2 2.7  Listen to someone talking about the importance of
solution to make the whole
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technology in our lives. Answer the questions.

world see
1 What everyday jobs does technology do for humans?
96 Technology for 2 Under what circumstances does technology ever make
mistakes?
explorers
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3 Where does the robot in the photo work? What does it do?
How technology is
3 Which of these comments are true for a robot, a human
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changing the world of

exploration or both?

98 Designs from nature has new ideas   ​finds solutions and solves problems   ​
never gets hungry or tired   ​can make a mistake   ​
What we can learn from the doesn’t get bored   ​always follows instructions   ​
design of animals makes decisions   ​invents things

102 Wind power

4 Work in groups. Compare humans and technology. Think of
A video about how one two more advantages or disadvantages for each.
American school is using
this energy source

talk about    A NEW INVENTION   PLANNING AN EXPEDITION   IMPROVING DESIGN   HOW SOMETHING WORKS      93
WRITE    AN ARGUMENT FOR TECHNOLOGY

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 speaking solving a problem  •  listening a science programme  •  grammar defining relative clauses  • 
speaking a new invention

8a Invention for the eyes

Speaking 4 2.9  Listen to the first half of the programme again.
Number the instructions on the diagram in the correct
1 Work in pairs. What problems did these order (1–4).
famous inventions solve? Check your
answers on page 153.
pump with
Braille   ​electric light bulb   ​
silicone oil pipe
microwave oven   ​post-it note   ​telescope inside

2 Think of one more invention that solved

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a problem and tell the class. Compare
everyone’s inventions and decide which was
the most important in human history. wheel
lens with

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silicone oil
inside
Listening
3 2.8  This Tibetan man is wearing a

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The lens changes shape.
new type of glasses. Listen to a science 1 The wearer turns the wheels on each side.
programme about the glasses. Answer The silicone oil moves into the lens.
the questions. The pump pushes the silicone oil through the pipe.
1 What is a problem for many people in
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the world?
2 How can the glasses solve this problem?
3 In which parts of the world do people 5 2.10  Listen to the second half of the programme
now wear the glasses? again. Are the sentences true (T) or false (F)?
1 Joshua had to do experiments with the glasses before
they worked properly.
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2 The first man who used the glasses made clothes.

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3 The glasses are expensive to produce.

4 Thirty thousand people will have the glasses by 2020.

6 How does Joshua’s invention compare with your list

of other inventions in Exercise 2? Does it solve a bigger
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problem?

Grammar defining relative clauses

7 Look at the sentences (a–c) from the science programme.
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Answer the questions.

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a These people live in parts of the world where there

aren’t many opticians.
b There is a scientist who has found a solution to
the problem.
c Joshua Silver has invented glasses which don’t need
an optician.
1 Which word (where, who or which) do we use to talk
about a) a person, b) a place and c) a thing?
2 In sentence a, the highlighted part is called the
defining relative clause. It gives essential information
to help people identify which person, place or thing
we are talking about. Underline the defining relative
clause in sentences b and c.

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 Unit 8 Technology

 DEFINING RELATIVE CLAUSES

The first person who used the new glasses was a

Lifestraw
man in Ghana.
Silver started an organisation which is called the
‘Centre for Vision in the Developing World’.
The organisation has worked in many places where
over thirty thousand people now wear the glasses. There are still over one billion people in the
world 1 who need clean water. They live in regions
You can use that instead of who or which (but not 2
water supply. Now, some
where). It’s less formal. inventors 3 have developed
Tim Berners Lee is the man that invented the World Lifestraw. It’s an invention 4
Wide Web. while you drink. It doesn’t have any moving parts
It’s the invention that’s changed the world. 5
so it lasts a long time and
This is the room that where he invented it. it’s cheap to produce ($2 each). It’s also small and
easy to carry to places 6 or

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For further information and practice, see page 163.
other sources of water.

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8 Look at the grammar box. Then complete the
sentences with who, which or where. Underline
the defining relative clause.
1 Einstein was a scientist changed

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the way we think.
2 The Hubble Telescope in space can see
places no one has ever been.
3 Concorde was the first commercial
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aeroplane flew at supersonic
speed.
4 Silicon Valley is a place many
successful technology companies like
Apple and Microsoft are based.
5 In 1800 Alessandro Volta built a machine
was the first battery.
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6 Hedy Lamarr was a woman

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was famous as an actress in the 1940s.

She was also the co-inventor of a secret
communication system.

9 In which sentences in Exercise 8 can you use

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that at the beginning of the relative clause?

10
Complete the text on the right about another
invention, Lifestraw. Use these phrases and a
relative pronoun (who, which or where). Speaking
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cleans the water    n ​ eed clean water   ​ 12

Work in groups. Invent a new kind of robot which
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there is a lake, river   ​can break    helps people. Discuss these questions and draw
there is no safe   ​ a simple design of the robot with any important
specialise in solving problems like this information on a large sheet of paper.
• What is the robot for (e.g. cleaning the house)?
11
Think of a famous person, a famous invention • Who will use it (e.g. busy working people)?
and a famous place or city. Write a sentence to • Where can you use it (e.g. around the office)?
define each one. Then swap sentences with your
partner. Can he/she guess what they are? 13
Prepare and give a short presentation for the class
about your new invention.
Example:
It’s a thing which you put in your computer. Our new invention is a robot which …
It’s small but it has a large memory. (a USB
memory stick) It’s for people who …

You can use it in places where …

talk about    A NEW INVENTION    PLANNING AN EXPEDITION   IMPROVING DESIGN   HOW SOMETHING WORKS      95
WRITE    AN ARGUMENT FOR TECHNOLOGY

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 vocabulary the Internet  •  reading technology for explorers  •  grammar zero and first conditional  • 
pronunciation intonation in conditional sentences  •  vocabulary and speaking planning an expedition

8b Technology for explorers

People are becoming more tech-savvy these days.
Your class is doing a survey on the use of the Internet.
http://blogs.ngm.com/blog_central/wild/

Vocabulary the Internet

1 Complete the comments from different people NATIONAL
about how they use the Internet with these verbs. GEOGRAPHIC
do   ​download   ​log on   ​search   ​set up   ​
subscribe   ​upload   ​write

NGM BlogWILD

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1 I set up an account with a social
networking site because it’s a good way to
keep in touch with old friends. Kamchatka Project

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2 Does anyone buy CDs anymore? I don’t. It’s Posted by Jay Gifford | July 15, 2:55 PM
much easier to music.
3 I a weekly blog with all my family’s
news.

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4 A lot of my friends online gaming
but I find it all a bit boring.
5 When I need to find information quickly, the
first thing I do is to the web.
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6 I to a daily podcast which gives me
all the latest news.
7 My friends and family and share
their photos all the time.
8 Online banking is so easy. You just
with a password and your account details.
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2 Which of the sentences in Exercise 1 are true for

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you? Change any sentences which are untrue or

give more details.
I write a blog but I don’t write about my family.
I describe what my friends and I like doing.
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 wordbuilding verb prefixes

Many prefixes can change or add new meaning to a verb.
For example, the verb load can be download, upload,
unload, overload, reload.
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For further information and practice, see Workbook page 67.

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Reading
Your Information Technology teacher, Mrs Mona, asks
you to read a blog about the Internet.
3 Read the blog. Answer the questions.
1 How does Jay Gifford use the Internet?
2 Why does he think modern technology is
important for explorers?
4 Read the blog again. Which of these things does
Jay write about on his social networking sites?
• where he is
• what he is doing at the moment Continue reading this entry »
• his plans for later Posted by Jay Gifford | Comments (21)
• his recent news Filed Under: Kamchatka, Karimskaya, Wild, River
Email this post »
• his opinions

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 Unit 8 Technology

Grammar zero and first 6 2.11  Look at the grammar box. Complete the conversation
between two explorers planning a canoeing expedition with
conditional the correct form of the verbs. Then listen and check your
You noticed that Jay Gifford used the zero answers.
and first conditional in his blog. You want A: So, what are we going to take with us?
to learn more about these. B: Well, I don’t know what the weather’s going to be like. If it
5 Look at the sentences (a–c) from rains, we 1 (need) all this waterproof clothing.
the blog in Exercise 3. Answer the A: Yes, but if we take all that, there 2 (not / be)
questions (1–2). space for anything else. Anyway, when I go canoeing,
I3 (always/ get) wet. Why are you packing that?
a If the weather is this good for the B: If we don’t have a map, we 4 (probably / get) lost.
next few days, the expedition will A: Don’t worry. If I 5 (bring) my GPS, we’ll know
go well. exactly where we are at all times. What about food?
b Sites like Facebook and Twitter also B: I normally take tins and packets of food when I 6

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help if we have a problem. (go) on a trip like this.
c When explorers arrive in a new A: Good idea. If you carry the food in your canoe,
place, they log on to their social

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I7 (pack) both the tents in mine.
networking site. B: Maybe that’s not such a good idea. If something 8
1 Which sentences talks about things (happen) to one of us, then the other person either won’t
that are generally true? have any food or won’t have a tent.

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2 Which sentence talks about a A: Well, hopefully that 9 (not / happen) if we’re
possible future situation? careful.

 ZERO and FIRST CONDITIONAL 7 Pronunciation intonation in conditional sentences

zero conditional
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You and your classmates want to practise using intonation in
if/when + present simple, present simple
When we have news, we text all our friends.
conditional sentences.
We text all our friends if we have news.
a 2.12  In conditional sentences, when the if/when clause is
first conditional first, the intonation rises and then falls. Listen and repeat.
if + present simple, will (won’t)
If I hear any news, I’ll text you. If it rains, we’ll need this.
i

I’ll text you if I hear any news.

b Work in pairs. Practise reading the conversation in Exercise 6.
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For further information and practice, see Pay attention to the rising and falling intonation where
page 163.
necessary.

Vocabulary and speaking

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8 Work in groups. You are going to the mountains for two days.
The weather forecast is for sun on the first day and rain on
the second. Because you are walking and camping, you don’t
want to take too many items. You have tents, rucksacks and
r

food. Discuss these other items and choose five others to take.
Explain your reasons for taking them.
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camera   ​gas cooker   ​GPS   hairdryer   ​hat   ​laptop   ​
matches   ​mobile phone   ​sun cream   ​sunglasses   ​torch   ​
towel   ​umbrella   ​video game player

If we take …, we won’t need …

We’ll need … if it rains …

talk about    A NEW INVENTION   PLANNING AN EXPEDITION    IMPROVING DESIGN   HOW SOMETHING WORKS      97
WRITE    AN ARGUMENT FOR TECHNOLOGY

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 reading biomimetics  •  critical thinking supporting the main argument  •  word focus have  •  speaking improving design

8c Designs from nature

To help you prepare for the ‘Be-an-inventor
competition’, Mrs Mona gave you an article
Word focus have
to read. Explore the uses of have, so that you can use it properly in
your proposal for the competition.
Reading 5 Look at two uses of have (a–b) when it is the main verb
1 Look at the photos at the top of page 99. (i.e. not an auxiliary verb). Match have in the sentences
How is the robot similar to the gecko? from the article (1–5) with the two uses.
2 Read the first two paragraphs of the article. have /hæv/
Answer these questions. a possessing or owning something (including physical

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appearance, ideas, illnesses, etc.)
1 Why are geckos amazing? b  actions or experiences
2 What are the scientists interested in?

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3 What is the problem with the robot?
4 Why do people study plants and 1 It has four feet. a
animals? 2 It still has a more difficult time when it tries to walk
upside down.
3 Look at the photos (1–4). Inventors and 3 When they have a problem, nature often has the

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designers studied these plants and animals answer.
for the inventions (A–D) at the bottom of 4 Most people have some Velcro on an item of clothing.
the article on page 99. Try to match the 5 He had a closer look.
animal or plant to the invention. Then
6 We can also use have got instead of have when talking
ew
check your answers by reading the rest of
the article. about possessing or owning something (e.g. It’s got four
feet). Look at these nouns. We can use have with all of
Critical thinking supporting them, but which ones can’t use have got?

the main argument a bad cold   ​a chat   ​a new car   ​a rest   ​blonde hair   ​
fun   ​a good time
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4 The main argument of this article is that the

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design of animals can improve the design

of our own world. Which of these sentences Speaking
support or restate the argument?
7 Work in groups. Read the three pieces of information
1 Scientists want to use the design of a about different animals. Discuss how these animals could
gecko on their own robot. help humans. Which products in our life could they
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2 Animals and plants can teach humans a improve?

lot about design and engineering.
3 Most humans have never seen a whale.
4 Mercedes Benz is producing a new kind • Spiders have got silk which is very light and very strong. It’s stronger
than many human-made materials, including steel.
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of car.
5 Engineers in Canada are studying • The Abalone is a type of shellfish. It’s got a shell that is much stronger
than many types of stone.
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whales’ flippers because they move so

• Glow worms have a cold light which is more efficient than a light bulb.
effectively through water.

1 2 3 4

boxfish lotus leaf humpback whale bur

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 Unit 8  Technology

Designs
from
Nature
When we have a problem,
nature often has the answer

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In a room at Stanford University, scientists are studying Velcro is probably the most famous example of

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a small animal called a gecko. It’s an amazing animal biomimetics. Most people have some Velcro on an item
because it can move very quickly up and down a tree and of clothing. It was invented by the Swiss engineer George
it can even walk upside down on ceilings. The scientists are de Mestral in 1948. He was walking in the countryside
particularly interested in the gecko’s feet. They want to use when he pulled a plant’s bur from his trousers. He noticed

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the same design on their own robot. The metal robot looks how the bur stuck so well to his clothes. He worked on his
very similar to the gecko. It has four feet which can also idea and the result was Velcro, which became an affordable
walk up walls made of glass or plastic. However, it still has alternative to the traditional zip.
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a more difficult time when it tries to walk upside down. In 1982, Wilhelm Bartlott was another inventor who had
Animals and plants can teach humans a lot about design a great idea when he was studying the leaves of a lotus
and engineering. As a result, many engineers, scientists plant. Bartlett noticed that water always ran off the leaf.
and designers spend time studying them. When they have When he had a closer look, he also noticed how the leaf
a problem, nature often has the answer. This science is cleaned itself. Bartlott copied the leaf ’s special surface and
called biomimetics. Bio- means ‘studying living things’ and now you can find it in specialised paint products where
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mimetics means ‘copying the movement of things’. In other water and dirt never stay on the paint.
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words, scientists – or biomimeticists – study animals and In conclusion, biomimetics has helped to design our
plants in order to copy the design. world and there are many more future possibilities.
Take, for example, a whale. Engineers in Canada are Unfortunately, it might take a long time to discover all the
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studying their flippers because they move so effectively possibilities. This isn’t really surprising because it’s taken
through water. The engineers believe the shape can also nature thousands of years to design its animals and plants.
improve the movement of wind turbines. Similarly, the
boxfish is another animal from the sea which is helping flipper (n) /ˈflɪpə r / the flat arm or leg of a sea
͡
͡
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animal, used for swimming

car manufacturers in Germany. Mercedes Benz is using
bur (n) /bɜ:/ a seed from a plant
the shape of the fish for one of its new cars. The shape
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zip (n) /zɪp/ two rows of metal teeth-like parts

makes it faster and more fuel efficient. which come together (e.g. on a coat)

A B C D

talk about    A NEW INVENTION   PLANNING AN EXPEDITION   IMPROVING DESIGN    HOW SOMETHING WORKS       99
WRITE    AN ARGUMENT FOR TECHNOLOGY

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 vocabulary technology verbs  •  pronunciation linking  •  real life asking how something works

8d Gadgets

• You can 1 push the

light forward and backwards.
• 2
and choose three types of lighting

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(normal / long distance / emergency red).
• 3
the button on the side to
4
an emergency ‘whistle’ signal.

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• 5
it into a laptop and
6
its batteries for up
to 160 hours.

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Vocabulary technology verbs Real life asking how
To enter the competition, you are also required to write an something works
advert for your invention. Mrs Mona advises you to use some
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Mrs Mona gave you a conversation about a

technology verbs.
new invention to listen to.
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1 Look at the photo of the head torch in the advert above. What
is it used for? Would it be useful for you? Would you buy one? 4 2.14  Listen to two people who are
going on a camping trip. They talk
2 Complete the list of features (1–6) for the head torch with about the head torch. Tick the features in
these verbs. Exercise 2 that they discuss.
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plug   ​press   ​push   ​recharge   ​send   ​switch on 5 2.14  Listen to the conversation again.

Tick the questions in the box you hear.
3 Pronunciation linking
 ASKING HOW SOMETHING WORKS
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To improve your presentation skills, you and your classmates

Where do I switch it on?
want to learn more about linking in pronunciation.
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How did you do that?

a 2.13  A word ending with a consonant sound links to What happens if I press this button?
the next word if it starts with a vowel sound. Listen and What is this for?
How long does the battery last?
practise saying these instructions.
Why do you need to do that?
1 Switchiton. How do you make it switch on / record?
2 Plugitinto a laptop.
3 Rechargeitovernight.
4 Sendanemail. 6 Work with a partner. Take turns to ask
5 Clickon the link. and explain how the objects or gadgets in
the box below work.
b Work with a partner. Think of more items you often use
at home or at work and make sentences using the verbs in a mobile phone   ​ a CD player   ​
Exercises 2 and 3a. Pay attention to linking where necessary. an MP3 player   ​a computer   ​
an interactive whiteboard   ​a DVD player   ​
I switchon my mobilein the a vending machine
morning and rechargeitovernight.

100 talk about    A NEW INVENTION   PLANNING AN EXPEDITION   IMPROVING DESIGN   HOW SOMETHING WORKS      
WRITE    AN ARGUMENT FOR TECHNOLOGY

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 writing a paragraph  •  writing skill connecting words and supporting sentences Unit 8 Technology

8e An argument for technology

You are going to write some pros and cons of 3 Writing skill supporting sentences
technology. Mrs Mona gave you a paragraph about
LED lighting to read. The first sentence in the paragraph about LED
lighting is the topic sentence. It gives a general
Writing a paragraph introduction to the main idea of the paragraph.
Afterwards, all the other sentences support this
1 Read the paragraph. Where do you think it comes main idea. Which of these sentences (1–8) are topic
from? Choose the correct option (1–3). sentences (T) and which are supporting sentences (S)?
1 an instruction manual 1 The Internet has completely changed our access
2 a report on energy in the workplace to information.
3 a message to a colleague at work about the

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2 Take, for example, how many books and
lighting articles you can read online.
3 For example, closed circuit television (CCTV) is

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on our streets and in public places.
4 There are many different ways to use
technology in security.
5 In other words, all your personal information

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can be put onto one identity card.
6 Firstly, Russia put the first satellite in space in
1957. Now there are thousands in space.
7 Over the last fifty years, there have been
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many great achievements in space travel and
technology.
8 Furthermore, robots have now landed and
travelled on Mars.

4 Read these notes for a paragraph about GPS

technology. Write the paragraph using the notes
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LED lighting is a more effective form of and connecting words from Exercise 2.
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modern lighting technology. Firstly, LED lights

last longer than normal lights. For example, a
normal light bulb lasts for around 5,000 hours. Main argument:
LED light bulbs last 100,000 hours. Furthermore, GPS is a good idea for anyone who travels a lot
LED light bulbs change 80% of electricity
Supporting ideas:
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into light. Normal bulbs only change 20%. In

other words, LED lights need less electricity 1 GPS maps are always up-to-date and
to produce more light. On the other hand, accurate
one disadvantage is that LED lights are more
2 more expensive than a normal map but safer
expensive than normal lights. However, they
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don’t have to be changed every year and they

to use when driving
use less energy. As a result, they are cheaper. 3 saves time (and money on petrol)
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2 Writing skill connecting words 5 Choose one of these types of technology and
prepare to write a paragraph about why it
Look back at the highlighted connecting words in is useful. Write your paragraph with three
the paragraph in Exercise 1. Match the words with supporting ideas.
their uses (1–6).
1 to sequence ideas and sentences: firstly mobile phones   ​email   ​wireless technology   ​
2 to introduce an example: music downloads   ​your own idea
3 to add supporting information:
4 to say the same thing in a different way: 6 Use these questions to check your paragraph.
• Have you used a topic sentence?
5 to introduce contrasting information: , • Have you used three supporting sentences?
• Have you used connecting words?
6 to introduce a result:

talk about    A NEW INVENTION   PLANNING AN EXPEDITION   IMPROVING DESIGN   HOW SOMETHING WORKS      101
WRITE    AN ARGUMENT FOR TECHNOLOGY

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 8f Wind power

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O
iew
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R
r
Fo

The people of Spirit Lake are using the power of the

wind to ensure a better future for everyone.
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 Unit 8 Technology

You signed up for a Technology day camp. You are

going to watch a video about wind power with your
After you watch
classmates.
5 Roleplay a conversation between a
salesperson and a head teacher
Before you watch
Work with a partner.
1 Work in groups. Look at the photo and discuss the
questions. You: You are a wind turbine salesperson. You are
going to visit a school to explain the benefits of
1 Where are the children in the picture? wind turbines. Write notes about three or four
2 What technology can you see? What is it for? benefits.
3 How will the children benefit from this
technology? Your partner: You are the head teacher of a school.
Read the notes below and prepare questions to ask
the salesperson.
While you watch

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• You are interested in wind turbines but are
2 Watch the video and check your answers from not sure whether to build one for your school.

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Exercise 1. Some parents have complained that wind
turbines are very ugly.
3 Watch the video again and answer the questions. • Think of three or four disadvantages of wind
1 How much money could the wind turbines turbines.

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save the school district in energy costs? • Ask the salesperson about the benefits of wind
turbines.
2 How would the district spend the money?
Act out the conversation. Then change roles and
3 Why is it very important that the turbines repeat the conversation.
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in Spirit Lake can withstand strong winds? 6 Jan Bolluyt says: ‘So, you know, it’s not just a small
thing.’ What is he referring to? Do you agree with
4 What does the school district do with the him?
energy from the larger turbine?
7 Work with your partner. Discuss these questions.
5 Why are farmers happy when the wind blows?
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1 What types of alternative energy are used in

your country?
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6 What do teachers encourage students to do?

2 What are the advantages and disadvantages of
alternative energy compared to fossil fuels?
4 Watch the video again. Complete the phrases with 3 Where do you think we will get our energy in
the correct number. the future?
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6,000   ​71,000   ​81,530   ​130   ​257   ​180   ​2 blade (n) /bleɪd/ the long, narrow part that makes a propeller
turn when the wind hits it
1 The number of wind turbines in Spirit Lake: blow (v) /bləʊ/ the wind does this when it moves
crop (n) /krɒp/ plants that farmers grow and harvest
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2 The amount of money the smaller turbine has encourage (v) /ɪnˈkʌrɪʤ/ get someone to do something
saved the district: $ ensure (v) /ɪnˈʃɔ:/ guarantee
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3 The height of a wind turbine: feet flat (adj) /flæt/ without hills or mountains
4 The strength of winds the wind turbines can fossil fuel (n) /fɒsɪl ˈfju:əl/ gas, oil or coal
withstand: mph foundation (n) /faʊnˈdeɪʃən/ a solid base under the ground
that a structure sits on
5 The amount of money Charles Goodman will
grid (n) /grɪd/ a system of cables for distributing electricity
make in a year from his wind turbines:
impressive (adj) /ɪmˈpresɪv/ causing a feeling of admiration
$ pay off (v) /peɪ ˈɒf/ finish paying for something
6 The number of wind turbines in this piece of power (n) /ˈpaʊə/ electricity, energy
the Iowa countryside: power (v) /ˈpaʊə/ send electricity to
7 The number of homes in the town of Des rod (n) /rɒd/ a long, thin piece of metal or wood
Moines: save (v) /seɪv/ use less money
silo (n) /ˈsaɪləʊ/ a place where farmers put their crops after
they harvest them
steel (n) /sti:l/ a type of metal
turbine (n) /ˈtɜ:baɪn/ a type of machine that produces energy
from a moving propeller
withstand (v) /wɪðˈstænd/ resist

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 Unit 8 Review
U
Grammar 5 Complete the questions with words from
Exercise 4. Then discuss the questions with
1 Make sentences with a relative clause using the your partner.
words.
1 What’s the best you’ve ever had in your
1 the invention / has changed the modern life?
world / the Internet 2 What decisions do you in your daily life
The invention which has changed the modern world or at work? How important are they?
is the Internet. 3 What’s the most common mistake you
2 camping / an activity / I enjoy doing in English?
3 GPS / a gadget / tells you where you are 4 Do you like to solve a on your own or
4 my parents / the people / always happy to a solution with others? Why?
see me!
5 the thing / I hate about TV / the adverts
6 Match two words (one from each box) and
complete the sentences.
6 the Space Shuttle / the first spacecraft / travel

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from and to Earth click   ​
log   ​plug   ​ forward   ​ into   ​
push   ​ set   ​
turn on (x2)   ​
round   ​ up

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1 I want to but I’ve forgotten my
password.
2 How do you an online account?

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3 it the wall socket and it’ll
recharge.
4 For maximum volume, the dial to
number 10.
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5 You can pull it backwards for reverse or
it to go faster.
6 the icon in the top corner to open
the program.

2 Complete these sentences for you. Then tell your

partner why.
Real life
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1 Someone who changed my life was … 7 Put these words in the correct order to make
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2 Something which improved my life was … questions for asking how something works.
1 switch / it / where / do / I / on?
3 Complete the sentences with these verbs. Use will
2 you / did / that? / do / how
(’ll) or won’t where necessary.
3 if / I / happens / button? / press / this / what
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4 the / battery / long / how / does / last?

not call   not go   ​
love   press   work
5 that? / why / do / do / you / to / need
1 When you this button, the TV comes on. 6 record? / how / it / do / you / make
2 If you put new batteries in, it again.
3 When it’s sunny, we to go to the beach.
8 Match these responses (a–e) with the questions in
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Exercise 7. One response answers two questions.

4 If he , then he doesn’t want to come with
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us. a So you don’t lose any data.

5 I hiking if you don’t go. b Eight hours.
c There.
I CAN
d By pressing this.
describe people, places and things with extra
e You turn it off.
information
talk about situations that are generally true and I CAN
possible in the future talk about using technology
explain and ask how something works
Vocabulary
4 Match the verbs (1–5) with the nouns (a–e). Speaking
1 make a a problem 9 Work in pairs. Explain to your partner how to use
2 find b a decision the DVD in the back of this book.
3 solve c an idea
4 make d a solution
5 have e mistakes

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