1、Todays science fiction is tomorrows science fact. Isaac AsimovDo you know who he is?Whats the relationship between Isaac Asimov and robots?Isaac AsimovIsaac Asimov is an American scientist and author, who wrote science fiction, proposed three (and then he added Law Zero) Laws of Robotics (in the 194

2、0s):Law Zero: A robot may not injure humanity, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm. Law One: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. Law Two: A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would confl

3、ict with the First Law. Law Three: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws. Do you know his famous predictions in 1983? Read them and state your opinions.Prediction 1: “Computerisation will undoubtedly continue onward inevitab

4、ly. Computers have already made themselves essential to the governments of the industrial nations, and to world industry: and it is now beginning to make itself comfortable in the home.”Prediction 2: “With the shuttle rocket as the vehicle, we will build a space station and lay the foundation for ma

5、king space a permanent home for increasing numbers of human beings. By 2019, we will be back on the moon in force.” Read the quotations. Do you agree with them? Why or why not? What do you see in the picture? What does the picture remind you of?I can see an illustration of some modern towers and man

6、y sky scrapers, one of which looks like landing pads and docking places for spaceships. There is also a spaceship jetting across the top of the page. Some of the shapes of the buildings and the materials remind me of some modern buildings I have seen in cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Are you look

7、ing forward to living in the future/ science fiction world? Why or why not?Yes, I have read some. These stories often contain scientific devices that we do not have now, and technologies that seem impossible, such as time travel. The characters may have bodies, cultures, and backgrounds that are ver

8、y different than our own. The themes often include space exploration, alien contact, AI, and the future of humans, etc. What is science fiction? Have you read any science fiction? Do you enjoy them? Why or why not?Science fiction, abbreviation SF or sci-fi, is a form of fiction that deals principall

9、y with the impact of actual or imagined science upon society or individuals.Open. To learn about the type and usage of a robot. To find out the characters mentioned in the story and then tell who they are by scanning the passage. To grasp what Tony did to help Claire and how Claires emotion develope

10、d during Tonys stay at her house.robotsA robot is a machine _ (design) to do jobs that are usually performed by humans. Robots _ (program and control) by a computer. What is a robot?designedare programmed and controlledWhat kinds of work are robots usually used for?Robots are made to perform differe

11、nt tasks. Many of them are used for tasks that are either dangerous or unpleasant for us human beings. In other cases, robots are used in repetitive, or boring tasks in which human performance might degrade (降低價(jià)值降低價(jià)值) over time. Robots can perform these repetitive, high-precision operations 24 hours

12、 a day without fatigue. What can robots do? List three of them. Would you feel happy if a robot became a member of your family? Why or why not? Do you think it is possible for a robot to fall in love with a human being? Why?There are many types of robots. What types of robots are the following robot

13、s?industrial robotsentertainment robotshousehold robots Where would you find each type of robot above? What does each type of robot do?Work in groups. Discuss the following questions.Can you think of any other type of robot? Watch the videos.TransformersRobots also often appear as characters in stor

14、ies. Have you watched the following films? What else literature, films, TV shows or cartoons do you know that include robots as characters? Choose one and be prepared to tell the class about it briefly.WALLE 機(jī)器人總動(dòng)員Do you think it is possible for a robot to think for itself? have feelings? have its o

15、wn needs and desires? look and feel like a human being?The reading passage is a retelling of an Isaac Asimovs science fiction called Satisfaction Guaranteed. This story, about a human-like robot, illustrates (闡明闡明) Asimovs first law for robots:A robot must not injure human beings or allow them to be

16、 injured. In this case the injury is not a physical one but a psychological one. In following this law, the robot, which is very human-like, causes the main character, Claire, to have some very confusing feelings. Background Whose satisfaction do you think will be guaranteed? How are robots usually

17、described in science fiction? Will there be a robot in this novel? What type of robot will it be?PredictionWhat does the titleSATISFACTION GUARANTEED mean?How do robots already help humans in their lives today?What do you think a domestic robot could do for a family in the future?Robots are most com

18、monly used today in factories to make things. There are a few robots which are being used in shops and in the home, but for the most part they appear to be information providers, educational toys, or house cleaners. There has been a lot of work to design domestic robots lately, and they may soon be

19、a reality. Many of these robots are being designed for the handicapped or the elderly.The introduction of nanorobots is yet another advancement made in robotics. They transform medicine and human health. These are microscopic robots introduced into a human body for medical reasons.For example, a han

20、dicapped person or an elderly person who has trouble moving around the house could be helped by a robot. The robot can also cook and feed people when they need help.CharactersWho are they?Larry BelmontClaireClaires husband who works for a company that makes domestic robotsLarrys wife who has Tony, a

21、 domestic robot, in her home for three weeks to take Read the story, which was originally written by famous science fiction writer Isaac Asimov. Take notes on who these people are and their relationships to each other.CharactersWho are they?TonyGladys ClaffernA domestic robot made by Larrys company

22、to take care of Claire.A wealthy woman whom Claire admires and wants to be.ClaireLarry BelmontTony coupleto test out madeGladys Clafferna woman that Claire enviesa robotLarry Belmonts wife, housewifeLarry Belmont is pressing for a promotion to Associate Engineer at U.S. Robots, and the mechanism for

23、 that promotion is to accept an in-house robot trial of the all new household version, identified as prototype, but simply called Tony. Tony will stay for three weeks with Larrys wife Claire, whose reaction to Tony will provide invaluable input to the companys plans for the future. Meanwhile the fai

24、rly cold Larry will be sent to Washington for the company to leave Claire alone for input. Initially quite afraid of Tony, despite his very human appearance, Tony is subjected to the First Law of Robotics, whereby he cannot cause harm to a human, nor by inaction allow them to come to harm.Claire mea

25、nwhile is sad and disaffected at Larrys disappointment with her. What Larry wants is someone like high-society friend Gladys Claffern, posh and polished. He believes that this will make him able to move further into a successful life. This depression leads to Claire finally breaking through her fear

26、 and relating to the surprisingly human-like Tony. He proves quite able to help her redecorate their home, even going so far as to fix her hair and buy her a new wardrobe courtesy of the U.S. Robot expense account.Tony convinces Claire to establish herself as a society girl and show off her new home

27、 and look, especially to Gladys Claffern. Unfortunately what they end up seeing is Claire and Tonys illicit relationship which has developed from his empathy for her loneliness. Read the text, find out the main idea of the text. It is mainly about how a household _ was _ _ in a family.robottestedout

28、Storyline: Para. 1A robot is to be tested out. Para. 2The robot, Tony, is tested out in Claires house.Para. 3Tony can serve breakfast. Para. 4Tony can show sympathy to Claire. Para. 5Tony can read books. Para. 6Tony helps Claire improve her makeup and helps her gain respect. Para. 7Tony gives Claire

29、 a good suggestion. Para. 8Tony protects Claire from falling off the ladder. Para. 9Tony expresses his heart/love to Claire. Read the story and fill in the following blanks. Please pay attention to Tonys functions and Claires emotions.Tony and ClaireGetting to know each other Before Tony arrived: Cl

30、aire did not welcome him.When she first saw him: She found he was like a(n) 1. _. alarmedOn the second morning: He brought Claire breakfast and asked about 2. _. embarrassedhumandressing Helping and protecting ClaireOne day: He offered 3. _ to her. And then: He promised to make her more beautiful an

31、d her home more 4. _. admiring and trustingThen: He turned each page and scanned library books. surprisedAfterwards: He spoke to the woman who was rude to Claire and the woman changed her attitude. sympathyelegant Then: Gladys discovered her calling Tony “dear”. 5. _ When she got home: He suggested

32、inviting Gladys and her friends to her 6. _ house.When working on a light: Tony held Claire when she was falling off the 7. _. nervousThe end When the party arrived: He took her in his arms and 8. _ he did not want to leave the next day.guiltytransformed ladder declaredDecide whether the following s

33、tatements are true (T) or false (F).1. Larry brought the robot home in order to help his wife. ( )2. Tony looked more like a human than a machine and he could change his facial expression. ( )3. Claire was not satisfied with her appearance and her home. ( )4. Claire was surprised that Tony read book

34、s like a human being. ( )FFTT 5. Tony always accompanied Claire to go shopping. ( )6. Claire was sure that Gladys would misunderstand her and Tony. ( )7. Tony told Claire that she was just as good as Gladys. ( )8. Tony would leave before Larry came back. ( )FTTF1. What does Larry Belmont think of te

35、sting out the robot in his house? A. It is an extra benefit. B. It is his responsibility. C. It helps improve his house. D. It can make Claire happy. 2. How did Claire feel when Tony offered to help her get dressed? A. Proud. B. Happy. C. Guilty. D. Embarrassed. Read the story again and choose the b

36、est answer.3. Why does Tony work on the house improvement? A. Because Claire wants to hold a party in her house. B. Because Claire plans to give Larry a surprise. C. Because Claire doesnt think it good enough for Larry. D. Because Claire intends to make the best of Tony. 4. What does Gladys Claffern

37、 think of the relationship between Claire and Tony? A. Friends. B. Lovers. C. Relatives. D. Colleagues. 5. What can we infer from the last paragraph? A. Tony falls in love with Claire. B. Tony will have a rest that night. C. Tony will stay with Claire forever. D. Tony, the robot needs to be improved

38、. How do you think this story will end? Work in groups and come up with an ending. Then listen to the rest of the story. How different is it from your ending? The house was perfect, Claire fell into Tonys arms and the doorbell rang just as her husband entered from the garage door. Larry had come hom

39、e early.Tony declared that he loved Claire. Larry, hearing this, raced to take her from Tonys arms.“What are you doing, Tony?” yelled Larry.“I am doing as I am programmed!” answered Tony. Just then the ladies who had rang the doorbell appeared.“You didnt answer the doors, so we just decided to come

40、in,” Gladys said. “See! I told you! Thats the man she was talking sweetly to!”“Good heavens!” shouted all the ladies.“Hes no man!” answered Larry. “Hes the robot I designed to take care of Claire. I just never imagined”“A robot, this handsome, this helpful with decorating skills, and housework?” exc

41、laimed one of the ladies.“I want him!” demanded Gladys.“I want one too,” shouted all the others.From that day on, the orders for more Tonys went on and on. Claire remained stylish, kept a beautiful home, and her husband.Claires feelings towards Tony changed as the story developed. Review the story,

42、and then complete the chart. At first refusedtohaveTonyatherhouse accepthim trusthim proud ofhim lovehim sadtorememberhe wasjustamachineOccasionClaire Before he arrived When Tony asked if he should help her get dressedWhen Tony offered sympathy to herWhen she first saw himdisliked him was alarmed fe

43、lt embarrassed admired him 1234OccasionClaire when he helped her talk to the saleswomanafter the ladies saw Tony holding her and speaking to her lovingly through the windowafter she remembered he was just a machine and shouted, “Leave me alone!”when she fell and Tony caught and held hercalled him a

44、dearfelt his warmthfelt being enviedcried all night5678Why Was Claire satisfied with Tony? She was not so beautifulHer house was not elegantThe woman was rude to herShe wanted to be another Gladysshe once helped but clumsyHe gave her a new haircut andchanged the make up she woreHe transformed the ho

45、use completelyHe made the saleswoman changehis attitudeHe suggested a party in her houseHe managed to catch her in time from the next roomComplete the diagram with the similarities and differences between Tony and a human being. Then use the words in the boxes to describe the similarities and differ

46、ences.Comparisonthe same as similar to similarly more like just as in comparison in the same wayContrastdifferent from but while whereas although however on the other hand in contrastTony Human beingfacial expression never changes; programmed to appear sensitive and earing; always the same facial ex

47、pression changes often; can show true sensitivity and care; emotions can change smooth hair; offers sympathy; treats people kindly; warm bodyA human beings facial expression changes often, whereas Tonys never changes. Although Tonys never changes. Although Tonys actions appeared sensitive and caring

48、, he was just following his programming and these were not real emotions. In contrast to Tony, who never changed from his programming, a humans emotions can change. However, there are similarities between them. Tonys smooth hair and warm body are the same as human beings. Tony treats people kindly i

49、n the same way. He can offer sympathy just as what we do. Put the following items in the right order according to the text.A. However, she gradually came to trust Tony, who promised to help Claire make herself and her house more beautiful. B. Larry Belmont asked his wife, Claire, to test out his com

50、panys experimental household robot.C. Back home she cried, telling Tony that Gladys was everything she wanted to be.D. While working on improving the house, Claire fell off a ladder and was caught by Tony.E. One day the rich and powerful Gladys Claffern heard Claire calling Tony “dear” for help on t

51、he phone while shopping and Claire felt guilty. F. At first Claire didnt want the handsome human-like Tony in her house while Larry was away on business. G. Then the front door bell rang.H. Tony gave Claire a new hairstyle and makeup and made a list of things to improve the house. I. Although on the

52、 night of the party Claire told Tony he wasnt needed, he held her close and told her he wanted to do more than just the desire to please her. J. Nervous, she pushed him away.K. Tony said she was just as good as Gladys and suggested inviting Gladys and her friends over. A robot named Tony was sent to

53、 Claires house (1) _(test) out. He looked like a real man, tall and handsome with smooth hair (2) _ a deep voice. Not only did he look like a human, but he (3) _ (behave) like a real man. He did everything to comfort Claire. He prepared breakfast in (4) _ morning. He even tried to help Claire get (5

54、) _ (dress), which made Claire feel embarrassed. to be testedandbehavedthedressedRead the passage and fill in the blanks.When he heard that Claire was not (6) _ (satisfy) with her house, he began to improve it. When he learned that Claire was jealous of another lady, he helped to improve (7) _ (she)

55、 makeup and make Gladys and her friends admire Claire by (8) _ (hold) a party at home. Tony was only a robot, but he could do and think (9) _ (exact) like a real man. He even fell in love with his hostess, Claire, near the end of the test. (10) _ an excellent science fiction it is! exactlyWhatsatisf

56、iedherholding1. Do you think it is possible for a person to love a robot? Why?Yes, I do, because the robot thinks and acts like human beings, which can make us forget the differences between robots and human beings. Our love for someone mainly comes from emotion instead of the matter of what we are made of.Discuss the questions in