This week the ‘Thinking in English’ Community is talking about inventions and their consequences!
Throughout human history, many inventions have changed the world. Some inventions are designed for good, and others are designed to be used for harm.
Some inventions, however, have completely unintended consequences. Despite great expectations, some inventions have terrible side effects.
Here are 10 conversation questions to get you talking about inventions and their consequences!
The Thinking in English Conversation Club takes place every TUESDAY and THURSDAY at 12pm, 6pm, and 9pm UK time!
You can find more details on how to participate on Patreon and Discord!
Conversation Questions: Inventions and Their Consequences!
1. What invention has had the most positive impact on the world?
2. Can you think of an invention that had negative unintended effects?
3. What invention has had the most negative impact on the world?
4. Can you think of an invention that had positive unintended effects?
5. What modern invention do you think will have unintended consequences in the future?
6. How can inventors avoid the side effects of their inventions?
7. If a new invention is proven to be dangerous, should the inventor be punished?
8. Are all inventors trying to make the world a better place?
9. If an invention causes harm, is it the fault of the inventor, or those that use it?
10. “Every new invention offers opportunity for both good and evil.”
What do you think of this quote?
Vocabulary List:
- Invention
- something that has never been made before
- Positive
- good, beneficial, happy or hopeful, or giving cause for happiness or hope
- Negative
- bad or harmful, not positive
- Unintended
- not intended; not intentional; happening unexpectedly or by accident
- Consequence
- a result of a particular action or situation, often one that is bad or not convenient
- Side effect
- an unexpected result of a situation
- Prove
- to show that something is true
- Punish
- to cause someone who has done something wrong or committed a crime to suffer, by hurting them, forcing them to pay money, sending them to prison, etc.
- Fault
- a mistake, especially something for which you are to blame
- Evil
- morally bad, cruel, or very unpleasant
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Model Answers:
B1 (Intermediate) Model Answers
B2 (Upper Intermediate) Model Answers
C1 (Advanced Level) Model Answers
See you all at this week’s conversation club!
