Discuss the following quotations

Answer the following questions.

• What do you know about nanotechnology?
• Have you seen the results of such technologies?
• Would you like to learn more about nanotechnologies?

Pronounce correctly:

molecular[mə'lekjulə] dimension[daɪ'men(t)ʃ(ə)n] Quantum ['kwɔntəm] medicine ['medɪsɪn], [-ds(ə)n] electronics[ֽelek'trɔnɪks], [ɪֽek'- ] biomaterial[ bʌɪəʊməֽtɪərɪəl]

Read the text and circle the answer A,B,C or D, which best fit each gap (1-7). There is an example at the beginning (0).

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology (sometimes shortened to "nanotech") is the study of 0)…. matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Generally, nanotechnology deals with structures sized between 1 to 100 nanometre in at least one dimension, and 1)... developing materials or devices possessing at least one dimension within that size. Quantum mechanical effects are very important at this scale, which is in the quantum realm.

Nanotechnology is very 2)…, ranging from extensions of conventional device physics to completely new approaches based upon molecular self-assembly, from developing new 3)…. with 4)…. on the nanoscale to investigating whether we can directly control matter on the atomic scale.

There is much debate on the future implications of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology 5)…. be able to create many new materials and devices with a vast range of applications, such as in medicine, electronics, biomaterials and energy production. On the other hand, nanotechnology raises many of the same issues as any new technology, including 6)…. about the toxicity and environmental impact of nanomaterials, and their potential effects on global economics, as well as speculation about various 7)…. scenarios. These concerns have led to a debate among advocacy groups and governments on whether special regulation of nanotechnology is warranted.

A controlling B directing C manipulating D working

A includes B embraces C involves D incorporates

A diverse B manifold C diversified D miscellaneous

A ways B materials C things D technologies

A mensuration B measurement C metering D dimensions

A are B may C must D should

A concerns B problems C purposes D troubles

A doomsday B redemption C day of judgment D premonition

Underline the most important ideas in the text. Find key words for each.

Work in pairs. Ask your partner questions about what you have just read in the text.

Discuss the following quotations.

1. “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” (Winston Churchill)

2. “The ideal engineer is a composite. He is not a scientist, he is not a mathematician, he is not a sociologist or a writer; but he may use the knowledge and techniques of any or all of these disciplines in solving engineering problems.” (N. W. Dougherty, 1955)

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