1. Name Mark3 Unit Test
Optional Reading Read the text and answer the questions that follow.
The Future Is Here
I It looks like a normal classroom – children sit at their desks as the teacher gives them instructions about what they
have to do. Except this is a class with a difference. The students are not being taught by an ordinary teacher.
Instead, their instructor is the Engkey – a small, penguin-shaped plastic robot.
II The Engkey was developed in South Korea as part of an innovative plan to incorporate robots into the country’s
classrooms. In particular, the government is hoping that robots like Engkey will help to teach Korean children
English.
III The Engkey is controlled by a human teacher outside the classroom. Because the human teacher controlling the
robot can be located anywhere in the world, students have access to highly skilled and qualified English-speaking
teachers that would otherwise be unavailable to them. What is more, some teachers believe that many students are
too shy to speak English to a real person because they are afraid of making mistakes. They claim that students
might find it easier to talk to a robot. Other robots use voice recognition technology to help students practise their
English pronunciation and dialogue. These robots can help teachers when simple and repetitive training is
required.
IV Supporters of teaching robots claim that the robots will help to motivate students and improve their concentration
in the classroom. They also note that robots are an inexpensive way to ensure that teachers get the help they need.
V However, these robots have a long way to go if they are indeed going to be helpful. One of the main difficulties
with the existing robots is that they are only able to help students practise very specific conversations. If a student
says something that has not been programmed into the robot, the robot doesn’t understand and cannot reply.
VI Yet even if robotic technology improves significantly in the future, it is not probable that computers will ever be
able to develop the level of understanding that is needed to be a successful teacher. It would appear that human
teachers are here to stay.
1 Choose the correct answer. (2 x 3 = 6 points)
1. The Engkey … .
a was developed in an English-speaking country
b. has replaced teachers in South Korea
c. is used to teach English
d. can be located anywhere in the world
2. The writer of the article believes that robots … .
a. can’t be improved
b. will eventually take the place of teachers
c. can’t help teachers
d. have limited understanding
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2. 3 Unit Test
2 Decide if the following sentences are true (T) or false (F). Find evidence in the text to justify your answers.
(3 x 3 = 9 points)
…… 1. All of the robots are linked to human teachers.
.................................................................................................................................................
…… 2. Robots are cheaper than human teaching assistants.
.................................................................................................................................................
…… 3. The robots can have real conversations with students.
.................................................................................................................................................
3 Complete the sentences. (2 x 3 = 6 points)
1. The Engkey may be helpful for shy students who.............................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................ .
2. Using voice recognition technology, robots .....................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................ .
4 Find words or expressions in the text that mean: (4 x 1 = 4 points)
1. original (paragraph II) ……………………
2. situated (paragraph III) ……………………
3. needed (paragraph III) ……………………
4. likely (paragraph VI) ……………………
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