1、Unit 1UNIT 1 SCIENCE FICTION To listen to an interview between the host and a sci-fi expert about robots. To learn something about Isaac Asimovs Three Laws of Robotics. To talk about what you think of robot technology and the famous Three Laws of Robotics. To learn to treat AI technology objectively
2、.Where can AI be used? AIentertainmentmedicinetransportationsecurityeducationtourism finance &economy. AI in lifeLook at the pictures and discuss the questions in pairs.1 What jobs are these robots doing? What are the pros and cons of robots doing these jobs?2 What kinds of robots or AI developments
3、 do you hope for?1 serving in a restaurant playing the piano playing musical instruments playing ball working in a factory1 What are the pros and cons of robots doing these jobs?Take the robot waiters as an example.Advantages:Employers do not have to worry about hiring, sick time, vacations, or huma
4、n error. It will offer a consistent branded experience, with an unique attraction to customers. Labor costs are also said to be reduced with robot waiters, which is a compelling selling point as minimum wage costs rise. Robot waiters are reportedly less expensive than a human waiters annual salary.
5、Robots can also be used for cooking or food preparation.Disadvantages:However, in their current state, the robots used in some restaurants are less coordinated than humans: they follow a fixed track, move slowly to avoid collisions, and are often unable to pour drinks and carry items such as soup st
6、eadily. They can also break down and have a limited ability to interact with customers.Robot waiters have advantages and disadvantages, and it will take some time before they are widely accepted by society. It will be exciting to watch the development of this innovative technology.2 What kinds of ro
7、bots or AI developments do you hope for?Listen to an interview and put these statements in the correct order.21 The host introduces the guest, a sci-fi expert._ The expert has robots in his home._ As robots become more intelligent, they may also become more dangerous. _ The host mentions Asimovs Thr
8、ee Laws of Robotics._ The expert says robots will have occupations such as teaching and nursing._ The line between humans and robots will be more blurred in the future._ The host asks about benefits and problems._ The host asks if there are robots in the experts home._ In sci-fi stories, robots ofte
9、n become superior and take over.Listen to the interview again and write down the discourse markers that you hear. Make a note of how each discourse marker is used in the interview. Then compare your answers with a partner.3 Discourse markers are used to organize a text by marking sequence, contrast,
10、 opinion, purpose, and so on. Listening for discourse markers can help you understand a text more easily. For example, first, however, above all, in order to, etc.Choose the correct discourse markers to complete the sentences below. A: Did he look sad? B: No, _ he was really cheerful. A. as a matter
11、 of fact B. obviously C. by the waysWe can use actually, in fact or as matter of fact to introduce information that might be in some way surprising or unexpected.A _ your question about our mobile rates, I have attached a document where you can see all our rate plans. A. WhereasB. RegardingC. As far
12、 asWe can use regarding, as regards, or as far as is concerned to mean in connection to. We use them to introduce a topic.B Well, I think we can declare the meeting closed. _ whos going to have lunch at the canteen today? A. AnywayB. Actually C. by the wayWe can use by the way or incidentally to cha
13、nge the subject, to say something that you have just thought and that doesnt have to be connected to what was being said before.C _ the most qualified candidates always get the best jobs. A. BasicallyB. In factC. obviouslyWe can use obviously to introduce a fact that is obvious, easy to see or under
14、stand.C I will help him, _, he has always been there for me. A. whats moreB. after all C. obviouslyWe can use after all to introduce an additional point that supports or explains what you have just said.B The north of the country is industrialized and rich _ the south is quite poor, with an economy
15、based on agriculture. A. WhereasB. furthermore C. on the whole We use whereas to compare two things.AIn groups, discuss what the expert thinks of the questions and exchange your own views. You may use the following expressions to help you.4Oh, by the way, . Oh, I remember, What I meant to tell/ask y
16、ou is That reminds me of I think we ought to move on to .Oh, there was something I meant to tell you.I nearly forgot! , but (perhaps) thats beside the point.The next item on the agenda is On the one hand On The other hand Could I change the subject?Changing the topic1 What do you know about robot te
17、chnology? What can robots do? 2 What benefits do you think robots or AI will bring? Do you think they will cause problems as well? 3 Do you know anything about Isaac Asimov and his famous Three Laws of Robotics? What do you think of these laws?1 What do you know about robot technology? What can robo
18、ts do?Robotics is the intersection of science, engineering and technology that produces machines, called robots, that substitute for (or replicate) human actions. Pop culture has always been fascinated with robots. R2-D2. Optimus Prime. WALL-E. These over-exaggerated, humanoid concepts of robots usu
19、ally seem like a caricature of the real thing. Robots are gaining intellectual and mechanical capabilities that dont put the possibility of a R2-D2-like machine out of reach in the future.2 What benefits do you think robots or AI will bring? Do you think they will cause problems as well?1) Enhance e
20、fficiency and throughput2) Free up humans to do what they do best3) Add jobs, strengthens the economy 4) Enhance our lifestyle5) Solve complex social problems3 Do you know anything about Isaac Asimov and his famous Three Laws of Robotics? What do you think of these laws?Write a short passage about the advantages and disadvantages of AI. You can state your own opinions and put forward your own suggestions.
