Vocabulary:
- forlorn /fawr-LAWRN/
- life-changing /LAHYF cheynj-ing/
- attachment /uh-TACH-muhnt/
- enamored /ih-NAM-erd//
- inevitable /in-EV-i-tuh-buhl/
- fast-paced /fahst PEYST/
[adjective] alone and unhappy; left alone and not cared for
She couldn’t imagine her forlorn life if ever she married the wrong guy.
[adjective] having an effect that is strong enough to change someone’s life
The seminar that she attended last month was life-changing that’s why she’s starting to think carefully about every decision in her life.
[noun] a feeling of love or strong connection to someone or something
As a teacher, Taichi always makes sure that he develops strong attachment to his students.
[adjective] liking (something) a lot
The guests are enamored and moved by the speech of the speaker.
[adjective] certain to happen and unable to be avoided or prevented
Change is indeed inevitable and eventually people adapt to it.
[adjective] happening very quickly
Most of the citizens don’t like the fast-paced decisions of the government.
France has taken it to the next level with their new experiment named Zora, a robot caregiver for elderly patients. Zora serves as a companion for the forlorn adults in a hospital in Jouarre. Most patients have dementia and some have conditions that require all day care.
A life-changing event happened when Zora first came to the facility. Patients developed an emotional attachment to this robot, treating it like a real human. Some hold it like a baby and give hugs and kisses.
Zora costs up to $18 000. The Belgium-based provider has sold over 1000 robots to the health care facilities around the world.
A study in Australia reveals the significant effects of this robot to the patients and staff. It improved the mood of some patients and encouraged them to do more activities.
However, not everyone is enamored by the amount of help that Zora gives. Some say that this robot can not replace the human touch and human care. But, experts think that it is inevitable to have these kind of things in the fast-paced evolution of technology.
Comprehension Questions:
- How many Zora robots has been sold around the world?
- What country does Zora come from?
- What did the patient develop when Zora came to the facility?
- What are the effects of Zora to the patients in Australia?
- Based on the article, why does not everyone like Zora?
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion about Zora the caregiver?
- Do you think Zora really contributes to some elderly patients’ happiness?
- Why do you think some people are not satisfied with Zora? Explain your answer.
- Do you agree that the invention of technology like this is imminent? Cite you reasons.
- What are your thoughts on the fast-paced evolution technology?