Audio
Time: 1 min 50 sec
Level: intermediate
and up
Vocabulary: To help learners fully understand the audio
and transcript, most vocabulary that might be unknown for this lesson’s level is
provided. Vocab in bold
is more useful for learners at the lesson’s target level. Try to choose 8
to 10 new words to learn from the story (in general, it’s best to try to learn
no more than 8-10 new words a day).
Definitions
are written with the help of various sources including Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary
Toronto star: a newspaper.
To
predict: to say that (something) will or might happen in the future.
Off base: not correct: wrong or mistaken.
Forecast: to
predict something will happen after looking at the available information.
Up and
running: in operation; functioning.
Mining: the
process or business of digging in mines to obtain minerals, metals, jewels,
etc.
Faint: weak; very
slight or small; no clearly seen.
Semblance: the state of being somewhat like something but not
truly or fully the same thing — usually + of.
To take
over
to take control of something.
Assembly
line: a line of machines, equipment, workers, etc., in a factory
that builds a product by passing work from one station to the next until the
product is finished.
Left out: to not
include or mention (someone or something).
Utopian: an imaginary place in which the government, laws, and
social conditions are perfect.
Laid off: the act
of ending the employment of a worker or group of workers.
Paintbrush: a brush used for putting paint on a surface (Brush: a
tool with many stiff hairs, fibers, etc., that is used for cleaning, smoothing,
or painting something).
To
envision: to think of (something that you believe might exist or happen
in the future) : to picture (something) in your mind.
Left to their own devices: to allow (someone) to do what he or
she wants or is able to do without being controlled or helped by anyone else.
Avail oneself of: to make use of something.
Cosmos: all of
space and everything in it including stars, planets, galaxies, etc.
Discussion
questions:
1. What were some of
Asimov’s predictions for 2019?
2. What do you think the world will be like in 35 years?
3. Do you think we will have mining on the moon in 35 years?
4. How advanced do you think computers and robots will become
after 35 years?
5. Read the original
article that Isaac Asimov wrote. What other issues does he discuss
in the article that weren’t discussed in the NPR story?
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