145
THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
READING
WARMER
Challenge the students in small groups to draw a picture
of a computer with its accessories (mouse, keyboard,
screen, printer, etc.) and to label as many of the different
parts as they can, using some of the words from
Vocabulary and Reading Exercise 1 page 72, as well as
their own ideas. If appropriate, award points for correct
words and spelling. Then, invite a brief class discussion
on what they know about the history of computers
by asking: ‘When was the computer invented?’ ‘Who
invented it?’ ‘What was the first computer like?’ ‘What is
one of the worst things about modern computers?’
1
First, ask the students to look at the photos and describe
what they can see in each one. Ask them to find the
photo of the first computer (the photo of Colossus is
above the heading
Alan
Turing
).
Ask them if they know
anything about it, e.g. do they know its name? Then,
encourage the students to read the article once. If you
have asked the questions in the Warmer, ask them to
find the answers to these questions too (answers to
questions in the Warmer:
1940s
,
Alan Turing
,
it weighed
30 tonnes and it was the size of a large living room
,
one of
the worst things about modern computers are viruses
).
MIXED ABILITY
Encourage stronger students to do Exercises 1 and 2
at their own pace. There is a fast finisher activity after
Exercise 2. With very weak students, write
Who invented
the first computer?
and
What was it like?
on the board.
Ask them to read the paragraph about Alan Turing and
write down their answers to these two questions. Then,
pair them up with a stronger student who has read the
complete article and can help them with the answers in
Exercise 2.
