NarratorListen to a conversation between two students after a science class.No

Narrator
Listen to a conversation between two students after a science class.
Student A Hi, Nicolas!
Student B Hi, Peter! Today’s science class, by the way, how do you like it?
Student A It’s really interesting. Professor Smith defines science as knowledge of facts, laws and relationships that is obtained through systematic observation and experimentation. This is really an accurate definition.
Student B Yeah. When we think of science, we normally think of exact sciences like biology, chemistry and physics. But many other branches of science have developed over the past century.
Student A What’s more, science is always attached to technology.
Student B Professor Smith also gives a definition of technology.
Student A Yeah. Professor Smith says that scientific knowledge applied to practical uses is normally referred to as technology. What a simple concept!
Student B But it’s concise and exact. Robotics, for instance, is a branch of technology involving the study and production of manlike machines capable of performing human tasks. You know, some people even predict that, in the not so distant future, robots will be capable of feeling the same emotions as humans.
Student A Wow, it’s hard to imagine an emotionally independent machine, but many of the things we take for granted now were once considered ridiculous dreams.
Student B Yeah. Like computers and robots.
Student A The technological changes that took place in the 20th century revolutionized virtually every aspect of our life from communication to material comfort.
Student B That’s quite true. In the space of two or three generations, people witnessed major advances in medical research, nuclear energy and space exploration. Space exploration, for example, seeks to use space travel to discover the nature of the universe beyond Earth. Since ancient times, people have dreamed of leaving their home planet and exploring other worlds. In the latter half of the 20th century, that dream became reality. The space age began with the launch of the first artificial satellites in 1957. The first human went into space in 1961.
Student A That’s right. And we will surely experience more benefits of science and technology in our daily life, such as more sophisticated communication systems, more advanced facilities and equipment, and improved modes of transportation. This will bring us a greater variety of food, a higher standard of living and a more prosperous and stronger nation.
Student B But we cannot always be so optimistic. The consequences of technological innovations have not always been positive and the moral and political issues regarding new inventions have often been questionable.
Student A Really? In what ways?
Student B We have to admit that developments in science and technology have also brought about some disasters. Wars, pollution and new diseases have undermined our confidence in technology. There is less communication and thus greater social distance between people. More people are suffering from mental problems and unemployment is rising.
Student A Oh, really a nasty picture, isn’t it? So, in your opinion, is science a monster or an angel?
Student B Uh, I think science is mainly an angel. Science enables us to experience and enjoy many things that our forefathers couldn’t even dream of.
Student A Just like a miracle, isn’t it?
Student B Yeah. Because of science, we can know what is happening all over the world without leaving home. We can order food and other things at home. We can even receive education at home. It is science that has enriched our lives and improved our standard of living.
Student A Yeah, I fully agree with you. I think it’s really nice to live in this modern world.
Student B So we’re really lucky to enjoy all those modern things in today’s world, aren’t we?
Student A Yeah. In this modern world, there are so many things that were not available in the past, like television, refrigeration, digital entertainment and computers. They make our life so colorful and enjoyable. I can’t imagine a life without all these things. The modern world provides us with so many wonderful objects that our ancestors couldn’t even dream of.
Student B Right because of all these wonderful things, our life becomes more and more convenient, and we reach higher and higher standards of living.
Now get ready to answer the questions. You may use your notes to help you answer.
1. Which expression is NOT true according to the conversation?
2. According to the conversation, what have people dreamed of since ancient times?
Listen again to part of the conversation. Then answer the question.
Student A Wow, it’s hard to imagine an emotionally independent machine, but many of the things we take for granted now were once considered ridiculous dreams.
Student B Yeah. Like computers and robots.
Student A The technological changes that took place in the 20th century revolutionized virtually every aspect of our life from communication to material comfort.
Student B That’s quite true. In the space of two or three generations, people witnessed major advances in medical research, nuclear energy and space exploration.
3. What does Student B mean when he says this?
Student B
That’s quite true.
4. How do the students clarify the benefits and disadvantages that science has brought to us?
5. What’s the students’ general attitude towards science?