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1. Which of these sentences describes fixed plans with a definite time?
2. Which of these sentences describes plans and intentions?
3. Which of these sentences describes something that is certain to happen or even can't be avoided?
4. Which of these sentences describes a prediction?
5. Try to formulate the rule for talking about the future in English.
(See Grammar Reference, § 10.)
'-- a) Read the text and find forms expressing predictions. Explain their use.
How Computers and the Internet Are Going to Affect Our Lives
In the last thirty years, the Internet has grown greatly. In 1983, there were only 200 computers connected to the Internet. Now there are around 50 million and this growth is clearly going to continue.
Some experts are pessimistic about the future. One worry is the activities of cybercriminals. Even now young hackers can get into the computers of banks and governments.
However, many people are optimistic about the future of the Internet. Already, users can buy books, find out about holidays, book tickets and get all sorts of information from the Internet.
"In the next few years", says the American expert Ann Marsie, "it is clear that we are going to see a lot of shopping on the Internet." She also believes that in the future we will get entertainment from the Net and the television will probably disappear. The postal service may also disappear with the growing use of e-mail.
Some specialists see our future in virtual reality — the use of computers with sounds and images that make you feel as if you are in a real situation. "Personally I think virtual reality will become part of modern life," says the Australian expert Peter Wojciechowski. "I see people living and working in a virtual world. We will work in virtual offices, shop in virtual supermarkets and we will even study in virtual schools."
b) Discuss the text. Do you agree with the predictions? Why? Why not?
3. In the year 2050, how old will you be? What will life be like then? Use the following chart to talk about the future.
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