Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you think the term “artificial intelligence” means?
- How might artificial intelligence impact our daily lives?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/
- response /ri-SPONS/
- forthcoming /FAWRTH-KUHM-ing/
- alternative /awl-TUR-nuh-tiv/
- technological /tek-nuh-LOJ-i-kuhl /
[adjective] – unusual or special, and therefore surprising and worth mentioning
The student’s progress in math was remarkable, showing a significant improvement in just a few weeks.
[noun] – an answer or reaction
The teacher’s response to the student’s question was informative and helped clarify the concept.
[adjective] – happening soon
The forthcoming weekend promises exciting adventures and new experiences for the entire family.
[noun] – something that is different from something else, especially from what is usual, and offering the possibility of choice
Plant-based milk is a popular alternative to traditional dairy, offering a variety of options like almond, soy, and oat milk.
[adjective] – relating to modern technology and its influence on business, industry, etc.
The company’s groundbreaking research has led to significant technological advancements in the field of renewable energy.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In the ever-evolving realm of artificial intelligence (AI), Amazon has recently introduced Trainium2, a state-of-the-art AI chip designed for its cloud computing service. The revelation occurred at a conference in Las Vegas, where Adam Selipsky, the CEO of Amazon Web Services (AWS), unveiled this cutting-edge technology. Trainium2, specialized in training AI systems, showcases a remarkable fourfold increase in speed compared to its predecessor while being twice as energy-efficient. This strategic move by Amazon is a response to the intensifying competition, particularly with Microsoft, which recently disclosed its AI chip, Maia. The forthcoming Trainium2 aims not only to compete with Microsoft but also to challenge Google, a prominent player that has been supplying its Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) to cloud computing customers since 2018.
The surge in custom chip development is fueled by the escalating demand for computational power, particularly in advanced technologies like large language models, as exemplified by services such as ChatGPT. Both AWS and Microsoft position their custom chips as alternatives to Nvidia, the leading AI chip provider facing supply shortages. AWS unveiled Graviton 4, its latest custom processor, with a 30% speed increase over the previous version. Remarkably, both AWS and Microsoft are shifting away from traditional chip providers like Intel and AMD, opting for technology from Arm Ltd. This ongoing AI chip race underscores the industry’s relentless pursuit of faster, more energy-efficient solutions, marking a pivotal moment in technological advancement.
The surge in custom chip development is fueled by the escalating demand for computational power, particularly in advanced technologies like large language models, as exemplified by services such as ChatGPT. Both AWS and Microsoft position their custom chips as alternatives to Nvidia, the leading AI chip provider facing supply shortages. AWS unveiled Graviton 4, its latest custom processor, with a 30% speed increase over the previous version. Remarkably, both AWS and Microsoft are shifting away from traditional chip providers like Intel and AMD, opting for technology from Arm Ltd. This ongoing AI chip race underscores the industry’s relentless pursuit of faster, more energy-efficient solutions, marking a pivotal moment in technological advancement.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is Trainium2, and what makes it special in the field of artificial intelligence?
- Why did Amazon unveil Trainium2, and who is the CEO of Amazon Web Services (AWS)?
- How does Trainium2 differ from its predecessor, and what advantages does it offer in terms of speed and energy efficiency?
- What is the reason behind Amazon’s strategic move in introducing Trainium2, and which companies are mentioned as its main competitors in the article?
- According to the article, why is there a surge in custom chip development, and what role do AWS and Microsoft play in this trend?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever encountered or used a technology that you found remarkable in its capabilities? If yes, what was the technology and how did it leave an impression on you? If not, can you think of a situation where you might encounter such technology in the future?
- Have you experienced a situation where you had to respond strategically to a challenge or competition, similar to Amazon’s move with Trainium2? If yes, what was the situation, and how did you respond? If not, can you imagine a scenario where strategic decision-making would be crucial in your personal or professional life?
- Do you believe the development of custom AI chips, such as Trainium2 and Maia, will be a decisive factor in determining the future market leaders in cloud computing?
- In what ways might the competition between major players like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google for dominance in the AI chip market influence the pace of technological innovation and the accessibility of advanced AI capabilities for businesses and individuals?
- Reflecting on the article’s mention of the industry’s pursuit of faster and more energy-efficient solutions, what ethical considerations and potential environmental impacts should be taken into account as the development of AI chips continues to advance?