Lesson XXV: Vocabulary in Context

1.5. NETWORK, etc. WEB Usually refers to the Internet as a contraction of World Wide Web (www). Situation: Sergey and John are making for home. Sergey: It seems majority of people in the United States still take advantage of TV to inform and entertain themselves? John: Well, yes. However, they gradually get accustomed to some new MEANS OF COMMUNICATION. Sergey: You’re talking about the Internet, aren’t you? John: Certainly. At the first instance about the WEB services. All major NETWORKS as: MSNBS, CNN, Fox News, etc. offer their services on the WEB. Furthermore, WEB offers many international TV channels available 24/7 free of charge like: British Broadcasting Company (BBC) or Russia Today (RT). The importance of alternative sources of information on the WEB is immense. They break monopoly on creating and delivering information conducting by mighty individuals. Sergey: How do you see the future of the old-fashioned radio? John: You may speak about the renaissance of the radio. Again, thanks to the Internet, you can enjoy a local radio station from any place on the globe while riding your car. Radio remains the basic mean of information and entertainment for drivers all around the world. Sergey: No doubt, the basic source of information today is the Internet. Literally, any kind of information you can pick up on the WEB. Moreover, you can watch documentaries or contact people. The Internet will eventually grow into a kind of a neural system that connects all the people on the globe making our planet a singular living organism. Sergey: Any answer to your question would be a daring shot. It may happen that all you need is a smart watch or smart phone or an implant of a similar design. It is expected to be a mean of communication, source of information and the guardian of your health at the same time. Yet, similar devices may be used for the sake of controlling people by shaping their minds. It is hard to say what future might bring to the world. One for sure, we are the witnesses of a tremendous technology development. A few years ago, a teacher would have never called on a student to talk about the artificial intelligence or virtual reality. Exercise 1.5.1. Practice MEANS OF COMMUNICATION, etc. Answer the following questions. 1. Is TV still the main source of information in the United States? 2. Can you point at another mean of communication? 3. Can you watch TV Networks like CNN or Russia Today on the WEB? 4. Why are the alternative sources of information on the WEB so important? 5. Can you listen to the radio over the Net in your car? 6. What kind of WEB services you find the most informative? 7. What kind of WEB services you find the most entertaining? 8. What do you think about the future development of the world of communication?