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Before reading.
Step 1. Read the words/ phrases and their definitions, and find one word with the WRONG meaning.
plausible | seeming reasonable and acceptable, likely to be true |
to witness a surge in... | to see a sudden and significant increase in... |
to become tailored (to individual tastes/ needs) | to be adjusted specifically for something |
to blend with... | to combine with something in an effective way |
to replace | to be used together with something |
sustainability | the use of resources in a way that ensures they are available for future generations and do not harm the environment |
to advise against (+Ving)... | to tell somebody not to do something |
privacy concerns | feelings of worry about personal information |
Step 2. Listen to the phrases and practice saying them out loud.
While reading.
Step 3. Enjoy reading the article. Do you agree with the predictions?
Christmas 2030: A Glimpse into Tomorrow's Festive Magic
Over the weekend, I went Christmas shopping to grab some last-minute gifts and a few fancy decorations, now almost half the price. Imagine that! Amid the familiar sights of people desperately looking for Santa Claus costumes and rummaging through tinsel in search of a perfect ornament, I noticed something. Our holidays have been digitalized - all those electronic gadgets, dazzling lights, advanced timers, and other digital marvels. Have you, for instance, seen or heard of digital advent calendars, smart Christmas trees, or virtual reality Christmas gatherings? Well, they are already here. Technological innovations are changing the way we celebrate holidays.
Let's glimpse into Christmas 2030 and consider how different our holiday traditions might be in the future.
Tech-Infused Traditions
Imagine a Christmas morning where holographic greetings replace traditional cards. Does that sound plausible? What about festive virtual reality experiences? Can they really become our new norm? Whether you like it or not, technology is likely to blend with our traditions and bring innovation to the holiday spirit.
Sustainable Celebrations
With an increasing global focus on sustainability, Christmas a decade from now could witness a surge in eco-friendly practices. From reusable lead-free wrapping materials to tree-planting rituals, the festive season will likely take a greener turn.
AI-Powered Gift Giving
Artificial Intelligence will definitely play a significant role in making gift-giving a more personalized experience. Imagine AI algorithms analyzing a person's preferences and creating this perfect gift. The act of giving will become more thoughtful and tailored to individual tastes.
Virtual Travel and Global Gatherings
Virtual travel could redefine how families come together during the holidays. Virtual reality gatherings are going to allow people from around the globe to share Christmas traditions, creating a truly global celebration.
Smart Home Celebrations
It's highly likely that smart home technologies will transform how we decorate, cook, and celebrate Christmas. I know... Many experts in technology development advise against using smart home devices due to privacy concerns, but these technologies can already be found in many homes across the globe. There is a good chance that voice-activated holiday lights and AI-assisted cooking will stay with us.
While we can only speculate about the exact details, one thing is certain: Christmas in 2030 promises to be a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
After reading.
Step 4. Look at the sentences from the article. Please pay attention to the way we can express the degree of likelihood.
Technology is likely to blend with our traditions and bring innovation to the holiday spirit. (to be likely to = approx. 70% chance that something will happen)
Christmas a decade from now could witness a surge in eco-friendly practices. (could = approx. 30% chance that something will happen)
Artificial Intelligence will definitely play a significant role in making gift-giving a more personalized experience. (will definitely = approx. 98% chance that something will happen)
It's highly likely that smart home technologies will transform. (It's highly likely that ...= approx. 80-90% chance that something will happen)
There is a good chance that voice-activated holiday lights or AI-assisted cooking will stay with us. (There's a good chance = approx. 80-90% chance that something will happen)
So, in your opinion, how different is Christmas 2030 going to be? Use one or two likelihood expressions from above.
Answers
Step 1.
the definition of "to replace" is wrong. The correct definition is "to be used instead of someone or something else."