©Apple via CNN
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What electronic device can you not live without?
- Do you buy high-quality products even if they are expensive? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- virtual /VUR-choo-uhl/
- high-end /HAHY-END/
- embed /em-BED/
- subscriber /suhb-SKRAHY-ber/
- feature /FEE-cher/
[adjective] – created by computer technology and appearing to exist but not existing in the physical world
Please make sure your internet connection is stable before the virtual meeting.
[adjective] – of very good quality and usually expensive
The company is renowned for its high-end products like shirts that cost $500.
[verb] – to fix something firmly into a substance
The pole wasn’t properly embedded in the cement.
[noun] – someone who subscribes to a product, service, or organization
I’ve been a subscriber of the local cable provider for 10 years.
[noun] – a typical quality or an important part of something
The new smartphone model retained some of the old version’s best features.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Apple announced its second round of new gadgets at a virtual event on Monday, October 10th. Two high-end MacBook Pro laptops with the company’s next-generation M1 Pro and M1 Max chips were put on display and are estimated to be 70% faster than the M1 processor they replaced. The new laptops are available in 16-inch and 14-inch displays (starting at $2,499 and $1,999, respectively), and each comes with a front-facing camera that can shoot 1080p videos. Apple removed the digital Touch Bar in favor of a fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button. Meanwhile, the sweat and water-resistant AirPods 3 boast powerful bass and crisp high frequency. The new model has a 6-hour battery life thanks to its increased performance. The company also added MagSafe and wireless charging to the product. Pre-orders for the AirPods 3 are now available for $179.
In addition, Apple’s HomePad mini will be available in orange, yellow, and dark blue for $99. Apple Music will also get a voice plan with Siri integration for $5 a month. Subscribers can request playlists, songs, and radio stations through the virtual assistant. The Voice-Only Plan is $9.99/month, while the Family Plan costs $14.99/month. The revised macOS Monterey software, which includes FaceTime, AirPlay support, a low-power mode, and a tab-grouping feature in Safari, will be available for download starting October 25.
In addition, Apple’s HomePad mini will be available in orange, yellow, and dark blue for $99. Apple Music will also get a voice plan with Siri integration for $5 a month. Subscribers can request playlists, songs, and radio stations through the virtual assistant. The Voice-Only Plan is $9.99/month, while the Family Plan costs $14.99/month. The revised macOS Monterey software, which includes FaceTime, AirPlay support, a low-power mode, and a tab-grouping feature in Safari, will be available for download starting October 25.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What processors do the new MacBook Pro laptops have?
- What are the available displays of the MacBook Pro laptops?
- What is the pre-order price of the AirPods 3?
- What colors are added to the HomePad mini’s collection?
- What can subscribers do with the Siri integration voice plan?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you bought any new devices recently? If yes, please tell me more about it. If not, how often do you buy new gadgets?
- What kind of technology or device releases interest you the most?
- Would you purchase any of the Apple services and products mentioned in the article? Why or why not?
- Do you think Apple is successful in the field of technology?
- Please share your thoughts about the prices listed in the article.