High Technology
C1–C2 · Biomedical engineering, cloud computing, 3D printing, cybersecurity and renewable energy, with advanced reading, speaking, writing and grammar in context.
Active Vocabulary & Advanced Grammar in Context
Vocabulary and grammar examples are drawn from the supplied readings.
Present Perfect
Cloud computing has become an increasingly popular way for businesses and individuals to store and access data.
Passive Voice
3D printers are used in a variety of industries.
Relative Clauses
Biomedical engineers might design implantable devices that can monitor vital signs.
Participle Clauses
Users can pay for services on a subscription basis, allowing them to scale up or down as needed.
Modal Verbs & Hedging
Tissue engineering could reduce the need for donor organs; printed parts may not always match traditional manufacturing in strength or finish.
Concession & Contrast
Despite these concerns, cloud computing is likely to continue to grow in popularity.
Biomedical Engineering
Medical devices, prosthetics, tissue engineering and innovation.
Biomedical engineering
C1–C2Biomedical engineering is a field that combines engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to design and develop innovative medical devices, equipment, and procedures. This interdisciplinary field has been growing rapidly in recent years, as advances in technology have made it possible to create more sophisticated medical tools and techniques.
One of the key areas of focus in biomedical engineering is developing new medical devices. Engineers work closely with medical professionals to identify areas where new technologies can be used to improve patient outcomes. For example, biomedical engineers might design implantable devices that can monitor vital signs or deliver drugs directly to specific parts of the body. They might also develop prosthetic limbs that are more comfortable and functional for patients who have lost a limb.
Another important area of research in biomedical engineering is tissue engineering. This involves creating artificial tissues and organs that can be used to replace damaged or diseased tissue in the body. Biomedical engineers use a variety of techniques to create these tissues, including 3D printing and cell culture. Tissue engineering has the potential to revolutionize the field of organ transplantation, as it could eliminate the need for donors and reduce the risk of rejection.
In addition to developing new medical devices and tissues, biomedical engineers also play a critical role in improving existing medical procedures. For example, they might develop new imaging techniques that allow doctors to see inside the body more clearly, or design new surgical instruments that make procedures less invasive and more precise.
Overall, biomedical engineering is an exciting and rapidly evolving field that offers many opportunities for innovation and impact. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking developments in this field that will improve the lives of patients around the world.
Reading Questions
Answer the questions using evidence from the text.
Emily’s Choice
C1–C2As a young girl, Emily always had an interest in science and technology. She was fascinated by how the human body worked and wanted to make a difference in the world of medicine. It was no surprise that she chose to study biomedical engineering in college.
During her studies, Emily learned about various medical devices and how they were used to improve patient outcomes. She was especially interested in prosthetics and how they could help individuals with disabilities lead a more normal life. After graduation, Emily landed a job at a top biomedical engineering firm.
Her first project was to design a new prosthetic arm that would be more affordable and accessible to people in need. Emily spent countless hours researching and testing different materials, sensors, and motors until she finally came up with a prototype that met all the requirements. However, there was still one major obstacle: the cost.
Emily knew that the device would only be successful if it was affordable for the average person. She contacted various manufacturers and suppliers to negotiate better prices on the materials needed for production. She also reached out to non-profit organizations that provided assistance to individuals in need of prosthetics.
After months of hard work and determination, Emily's team finally produced a final product that was not only functional but also affordable. The device received rave reviews from patients who were able to perform everyday tasks with ease. Emily felt a sense of pride knowing that her work was making a difference in people's lives.
Years later, Emily became the CEO of the same biomedical engineering firm where she started her career. She continued to push boundaries and innovate new technologies that improved the quality of life for patients around the world. Her passion for biomedical engineering never waned, and she remained committed to making a difference in the field for years to come.
Reading Questions
Answer the questions using evidence from the text.
Discussion Questions
Creative Writing
Cloud Computing
Cloud services, remote access, scalability, security and vendor lock-in.
Cloud computing
C1–C2Cloud computing has become an increasingly popular way for businesses and individuals to store and access data. But what exactly is cloud computing?
In simple terms, cloud computing is the delivery of computing services - including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence - over the internet. Instead of having to invest in expensive hardware and software, users can simply pay for these services on a subscription basis, allowing them to scale up or down as needed.
One of the main advantages of cloud computing is its flexibility. Users can access their data from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy to collaborate with others and work remotely. It also allows businesses to quickly deploy new applications and services without having to worry about the underlying infrastructure.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. One concern is security - since data is stored on remote servers, there is always the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches. Additionally, reliance on cloud providers can create vendor lock-in, making it difficult to switch providers if necessary.
Despite these concerns, cloud computing is likely to continue to grow in popularity as more businesses and individuals recognize its benefits. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of cloud computing in the years to come.
Reading Questions
Answer the questions using evidence from the text.
John’s Application
C1–C2As a software developer, John had always been fascinated by the concept of cloud computing. He had read countless articles and watched numerous videos on the topic, but he wanted to experience it firsthand. So he decided to create his own cloud-based application.
John's goal was to build a web application that could be accessed from anywhere in the world, without the need for any installation or downloads. He started by researching the best cloud platforms available and settled on Amazon Web Services (AWS). He signed up for an AWS account and began exploring the various services offered.
The first service John used was Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), which allowed him to create virtual servers in the cloud. He chose a Linux operating system and installed all the necessary software required for his application. Next, he used Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) to store all the data generated by his application.
John then faced a major obstacle - how to secure his application and protect it from cyber attacks. He researched the best security practices for cloud-based applications and implemented them in his own application. He used Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) to create a private network within AWS, which only authorized users could access.
After months of hard work and dedication, John finally launched his cloud-based application. He was thrilled to see people from all over the world using it and providing positive feedback. However, he knew that maintaining and updating the application would be an ongoing process.
One day, John received an email from a company interested in acquiring his application. They were impressed by its functionality and security features. After careful consideration, John decided to sell his application and use the funds to start his own cloud consulting business.
Looking back on his journey, John realized that creating a cloud-based application was not an easy task, but it was definitely worth it. He had gained valuable experience and knowledge that he could use to help others achieve their cloud computing goals.
Reading Questions
Answer the questions using evidence from the text.
Discussion Questions
Creative Writing
3D Printing
Additive manufacturing, prototyping, custom production and troubleshooting.
3D Printing
C1–C23D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a revolutionary technology that allows the creation of three-dimensional objects from a digital file. It works by building up layers of material until the final product is complete.
This technology has been around since the 1980s, but it wasn't until the last decade that it really started to take off. Nowadays, 3D printers are used in a variety of industries, from aerospace and automotive engineering to healthcare and fashion.
One of the biggest advantages of 3D printing is its ability to create complex shapes and designs that would be difficult or impossible to make using traditional manufacturing methods. This makes it ideal for prototyping and creating custom parts. For example, engineers can use 3D printing to create prototypes of new products quickly and cheaply, allowing them to test and refine their designs before going into full production.
In the medical field, 3D printing is being used to create custom prosthetics and implants that fit perfectly to the patient's body. This not only improves the functionality of the prosthetic or implant, but also reduces the risk of rejection or other complications.
Another advantage of 3D printing is its sustainability. Traditional manufacturing methods often result in a lot of waste material, whereas 3D printing only uses the exact amount of material needed to create the object. This reduces both the cost and environmental impact of production.
However, there are also some challenges associated with 3D printing. One of the main issues is the quality of the final product. Because 3D printing relies on building up layers of material, the surface finish can sometimes be rough or uneven. Additionally, the strength and durability of the final product may not be as good as those produced using traditional manufacturing methods.
Despite these challenges, 3D printing is a rapidly growing industry with endless possibilities. As the technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more applications in a variety of fields. From creating custom jewellery to printing entire houses, the potential of 3D printing is truly limitless.
Reading Questions
Answer the questions using evidence from the text.
Alex’s Project
C1–C2As a product designer, Alex was always on the lookout for new technologies to improve his craft. When he heard about 3D printing, he knew it was something he had to try. He researched different models and finally decided on a mid-range printer that would suit his needs.
The first step was to create a digital design of what he wanted to print. Alex used CAD software to create a model of a vase with intricate details. It took him several hours to perfect the design, but he was pleased with the final result. Next, he saved the file in the correct format and uploaded it to the printer's software.
Alex chose a high-quality filament made from biodegradable materials. He loaded the spool into the printer and waited for it to heat up. Once the printer was ready, he hit the "print" button and watched as the machine came to life. The printer worked tirelessly for several hours, layering the filament on top of itself to create the object Alex had designed.
But halfway through the print, disaster struck. The printer malfunctioned and the filament stopped flowing. Alex tried to fix the problem, but it seemed like there was a blockage somewhere in the machine. He didn't want to waste all the time and material he had invested, so he decided to improvise.
Using a pair of pliers, Alex manually fed the filament through the printer's extruder. It was a tedious process, but he managed to get it working again. The rest of the print went smoothly and Alex was amazed at the level of detail that the printer was able to achieve.
In the end, Alex had a beautiful vase that he was proud to display at home. He learned a valuable lesson about the importance of troubleshooting and improvisation when working with new technology. From then on, he continued to experiment with 3D printing and even started incorporating it into his professional work.
Reading Questions
Answer the questions using evidence from the text.
Discussion Questions
Creative Writing
Cybersecurity
Cyber threats, data protection, incident response and digital responsibility.
Cybersecurity
C1–C2Cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly important issue in today's world. With the rise of the internet and technology, we are more connected than ever before. However, this also means that we are more vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Cyber attacks can come in many different forms, from phishing scams to malware infections. These attacks can have serious consequences, such as stolen personal information or financial loss. Cyber criminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in our systems, so it is important to stay vigilant and take steps to protect ourselves.
One of the most important things we can do to protect ourselves is to use strong passwords and keep them secure. We should also be careful about what information we share online and who we share it with. It is also a good idea to keep our software up-to-date, as updates often include security patches to fix vulnerabilities.
Businesses and organizations also have a responsibility to protect their customers' data. This includes implementing strong security measures, such as firewalls and encryption, and regularly testing their systems for vulnerabilities. They should also have a plan in place for responding to a cyber attack, including notifying customers and law enforcement if necessary.
Governments also play a role in cybersecurity, as they have the power to regulate and enforce laws related to cyber crime. They can also work with other countries to combat international cyber threats.
In conclusion, cybersecurity is a complex and ever-evolving issue that affects us all. By taking steps to protect ourselves and working together to improve our systems and regulations, we can help prevent cyber attacks and keep our information safe.
Reading Questions
Answer the questions using evidence from the text.
Jane Combats Hackers
C1–C2As a cybersecurity analyst, Jane had seen it all. She had spent years studying the latest cyber threats and developing strategies to protect her clients' data. But she knew that no matter how prepared she was, there was always a new challenge around the corner.
One day, Jane received a call from a client who suspected that their system had been hacked. She immediately sprang into action, gathering information about the attack and analyzing the data to determine its source. It wasn't long before she realized that this was no ordinary hack - the attackers were using sophisticated techniques that she had never seen before.
Jane knew that time was of the essence. She quickly assembled a team of experts and began working around the clock to identify the weaknesses in the system and close them off. She pored over lines of code, looking for any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by the attackers. She worked with network engineers to monitor traffic and identify any suspicious activity.
Despite their best efforts, the attackers continued to evade their defenses. They seemed to be one step ahead at every turn. Jane knew that they needed to take drastic action if they were going to stop the attack. She made the decision to shut down the entire system and rebuild it from scratch. It was a risky move, but it was the only way to ensure that the attackers couldn't get back in.
It took days of hard work, but eventually, the new system was up and running. Jane and her team had implemented the latest security measures and thoroughly tested the system to ensure that it was as secure as possible. They breathed a sigh of relief as they watched the system operate without any issues.
Jane knew that this experience had taught her a valuable lesson - that no matter how advanced your security measures are, there will always be someone out there trying to break them. The key was to stay vigilant and keep learning, so that when the next attack came, she would be ready to face it head-on.
Reading Questions
Answer the questions using evidence from the text.
Discussion Questions
Creative Writing
Renewable Energy
Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass and sustainable engineering.
Renewable Energy
C1–C2Renewable energy is becoming increasingly important as the world looks for ways to reduce its carbon footprint and combat climate change. Renewable energy sources are those that can be replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass.
One of the most popular forms of renewable energy is solar power. Solar panels are placed on rooftops or in fields where they can absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. This technology has improved significantly in recent years, making it more efficient and affordable for consumers. Countries such as Germany and Australia have made significant investments in solar power and other renewable-energy technologies.
Wind power is another form of renewable energy that is growing in popularity. Wind turbines are placed in areas with strong winds, such as offshore or on hillsides, and generate electricity as the blades spin. Many countries have invested in large-scale wind farms, which can provide enough electricity to power entire cities.
Hydroelectric power is generated by harnessing the energy of moving water, such as from dams or rivers. This type of renewable energy is particularly useful in areas with abundant water resources. Geothermal energy is generated by tapping into the Earth's natural heat, often through underground wells. This energy can be used for heating buildings or generating electricity.
Biomass energy is generated from organic materials such as wood chips, crop waste, or even municipal solid waste. These materials are burned to generate heat or electricity. While biomass is a renewable resource, there are concerns about its sustainability and impact on land use.
As the demand for renewable energy grows, governments and businesses around the world are investing in new technologies and infrastructure to support it. However, there are still challenges to overcome, such as the intermittency of some renewable sources and the need for energy storage solutions. Nonetheless, renewable energy offers a promising path forward for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Reading Questions
Answer the questions using evidence from the text.
Jane’s Determination
C1–C2As a young engineer, Jane had always been fascinated by renewable energy. She was determined to make a difference in the world and contribute to the fight against climate change. After graduation, she landed her dream job at a company that specialized in developing wind turbines.
Jane quickly realized that the job was more challenging than she had anticipated. She spent long hours in the lab, testing different materials and designs for the turbine blades. She also had to work with a team of experts in various fields, including electrical engineering, physics, and computer science. The project required not only technical skills but also creative problem-solving and effective communication.
Despite the obstacles, Jane remained focused on her goal. She was determined to create a turbine that would be both efficient and affordable, so that it could be deployed in many parts of the world. She experimented with different shapes and sizes of blades, as well as various types of generators and control systems.
One day, after months of hard work, Jane finally had a breakthrough. She discovered a new composite material that was lightweight, durable, and cost-effective. She tested the new blades in a wind tunnel and found that they performed better than any other design she had tried before. She was thrilled and couldn't wait to share the news with her colleagues.
However, when she presented her findings to the team, she faced some resistance. Some members were skeptical about the new material and suggested further testing. Others were concerned about the potential impact on the company's budget and timeline. Jane felt frustrated and discouraged, but she didn't give up.
Instead, she decided to take a different approach. She invited each team member to visit the lab and see the new blades for themselves. She explained the benefits of the new material and demonstrated how it could improve the turbine's performance and reduce its cost. She also listened to their feedback and addressed their concerns.
In the end, Jane's persistence paid off. The team agreed to use the new material and incorporate it into the final design. The turbine was a success, and it became a model for other companies to follow. Jane felt proud of her contribution to the renewable energy industry and knew that she had made a difference in the world.
Reading Questions
Answer the questions using evidence from the text.

