File Test 10 A

File Test 10

Reading and Writing A

GRAMMAR

VOCABULARY

PRONUNCIATION

READING

Dramatic, sci-fi-type stories, comics, and films suggesting that AI (or artificial intelligence) ‘might one day take over human control of the world’ have been popular for decades. They have been a thrilling source of entertainment but never any real cause for public concern. That is, until recently. (----1----) They raise a serious question: with such rapid developments in science and technology happening all the time, where does science fiction stop and future reality begin? A current problem is that companies prefer to emphasize only the positive aspects of new technologies, and avoid advertising any potential negative consequences. For example, they may claim that driverless cars will be the solution to all our transport problems. (----2----) Also, while driverless cars might sound like an appealing idea, they could have a negative effect on public health because people may choose to drive more rather than walk or cycle. At the moment, it seems we’re not seeing the complete picture when it comes to future technology. So, how do we prevent future technology from misbehaving? According to experts, computer programmes or ‘algorithms’ must be tested for safety in the same way as new medicines and products are tested before they are made available to the public. (----3----) Some researchers are already working with technology companies to tackle this issue by creating guidelines for the rules and ethics of creating AI and future technologies. Another interesting theory is that designers could use stories, known as ‘design fiction’, to consider any consequences or negative effects of creating a certain technology or product. How can story writing help the designers of the future design better? Design fiction could help to predict the impact future technologies will have on society, and make sure that it is safe to use, and easy to control. A positive step forward would be for designers to create and share more stories to make sure that all aspects of a new technology, whether positive or negative, are explored. While computer algorithms and AI can make complex calculations, they do not have the ability to use basic critical-thinking skills such as logic and imagination. (----4----) Although the idea of design fiction is based on sci-fi, the writers needn’t be particularly creative or talented. They just need to be open-minded, willing to share and listen to each other’s ideas, and be able to use their individual expertise to consider all possible outcomes. (----5----) This type of forward planning and careful consideration would allow scientists, designers, engineers, and entrepreneurs to work together in a positive and productive way. The aim would be that the resulting designs would avoid negative consequences and therefore be safer and more beneficial to society. After all, we want to be able to enjoy new technologies as they emerge, not fear them!

A They warn that if these tests don’t happen, the consequences for society could be serious. B Humans, on the other hand, are able to question and predict, change their minds, or see things from a different perspective. C Such stories could go quickly go viral and spread panic across the world. D Design fiction workshops could use group brainstorming activities such as concept cards and storyboards to develop narratives and explore possible scenarios. E However, they fail to mention the increased danger of cyberattacks on electronic technologies. F Now, while the sci-fi narrative may seem like far-fetched works of fiction or ‘fake news’, scientists are warning that they could, in fact, become reality. Reading total 10

WRITING

 say what the discovery or invention is and how it works  explain why you think it is so important  describe the impact this discovery or invention has had on the world. Writing total 10 Reading and Writing total 20

Listening and Speaking A

LISTENING

presentation/speech. Choose from the list (A–F) what happened to each person. Use the letters only once. There is one extra letter which you do not need to use. A The walked up and down too much. B They went into the wrong room. C They choked. D Their equipment failed. E They were interrupted. F They forgot what to say. Speaker 1: [ ] Speaker 2: [ ] Speaker 3: [ ] Speaker 4: [ ] Speaker 5: [ ]

can’t take notes onstage / can’t rehearse / can’t predict how your audience will

SPEAKING

‘Scientists have done more harm than good to the world.’ Speaking total 20