Simply, quickly, actually, finally, nearly, however, despite.

II. Answer the following questions in pairs:

- Did Caselli’s “fax machine” actually work?

- Who designed the first steam engine?

- Who built the first steam engine?

- Who invented the first telephone?

III.Discussthe following questions in pairs:

1. Which information in the article did you already know?

2. Which information did you find more surprising?

 

IV. Discuss with your partner the following statement: “So, what do you need for an invention to be a success?” and make a conclusion to your groupmates.

 

On/offline activity

Divide into groups of 3 or 4 people and find the information from the Internet about different inventions (for ex., e-mail, ballpoint, personal computer, video recorder, dishwasher, etc.) and present the information on:

- the name of the inventor;

- the country this invention was made in;

- what the thing was made for;

- how it is used now;

- how it influenced our life.

Recommended resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-mail#Origin;

http://www.cosmopolis.ch/english/cosmo30/history_ballpoint_pen.htm

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E05EEDC1530F93BA35752C0A9619C8B

http://talkback.zdnet.com/5208-11475-0.html?forumID=1&threadID=40652&messageID=751218

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/01/07/yourmoney/mobile.php

http://philip.greenspun.com/business/mobile-phone-as-home-computer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betamax