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Read the text and name some pros and cons of technological progress. Текст аудирования: History of Technology Part II In the Middle Ages in Europe watermills and windmills brought a revolution to the production of power. The new technologies enabled people to construct wonderful cathedrals of great size — the best example of gothic architecture. During the 14th century Europeans managed to produce guns. From the 15th to the 17th century the period of Renaissance spread in Europe. It is considered revolutionary in many spheres. The New World was discovered and explored. The printed books helped the development of European cultural life. The Renaissance saw a new interest in technology, and the new technology led to new problems. One problem was that shipbuilding and iron industry needed a lot of wood. To be able to afford it, Europe soon lost its forests. Another problem was the need in more powerful engines. The 18th century in Europe was the time of the Industrial Revolution, the time when technology developed very fast. In 1712 Thomas Newcomen, an Englishman, invented the steam engine. In the 1760s, James Watt improved the Newcomen engine, which opened the way to constructing steamboats and locomotives in the early 19th century. The Industrial Revolution gave rise to the engineering profession. More and more universities began to train engineers. During the 19th and 20th centuries people’s lives have greatly changed thanks to science and technology. Achievements in transportation, communications and use of energy have had a great influence on the modern society. Medical knowledge has given people longer and healthier lives. Computers are giving us new opportunities at work and at home. Now people have better living standards and much more free time. On the other hand, a lot of people may argue that such great technological achievements do not come without a price. And indeed they were achieved at the cost of losing a lot of important things — the beauty of nature, physical health, some personal qualities. New technology has led to creating weapons of mass destruction; new communication technology and computers have brought with them the problem of loneliness. Air, water and soil pollution is now damaging the environment; the great intensity of human life leads to stresses. As a result, many people question the advantages of high technology and often ask: “What does the future promise us?” Ответ Advantages: Europeans managed to produce guns (they could be used for hunting). The Industrial Revolu-tion gave rise to the engineering profession. Medical knowledge has given people longer and healthier lives. Com-puters are giving us new opportunities at work and at home. Now people have better living standards and much more free time. Disadvantages: One problem was that shipbuilding and iron industry needed a lot of wood. To be able to afford it Europe soon lost its forests. Another problem was the need in more powerful engines. Such great technological achievements were achieved at the cost of losing a lot of important things — the beauty of nature, physical health, some personal qualities. New technology has led to creating weapons of mass destruction; new communication technology and computers have brought with them the problem of loneliness. Air, water and soil pollution is now damaging the environment; the great in-tensity of human life leads to stresses. B. Listen to the same textand read it aloud.

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