1. Pre-reading questions
2. Structure of the text
3. Detailed study of the text
Paraphrase the following sentences.
1. In the next few years there’s likely to be considerable debate over the realistic presentation of violence in the new generation of video games, which will include viewer-directed movies.
2. In that case, the best advice is: hang on for the ride.
Key:
1. In the next few years there may be quite a lot of discussion over whether it is good or bad, whether it should be allowed to have display of actual violence in the new stage of video games, including movies planned and controlled by viewers.
2. If that is the situation, the best thing to do is to join in passively waiting for future changes.
Try to find out the techniques of expository writing in the following passage.
Perhaps the most important effect of personal computers has been to expand our ability to communicate with the outside world. A lonely invalid in Minnesota can talk with a similarly house-bound person in Mississippi. Schoolchildren in Manhattan can talk via computer to schoolchildren in Moscow. A high school student can obtain statistics for a history paper from a library in London. A single computer user can send an e-mail message to millions of people all over the world with one keystroke. Computer users can get together in an on-line “chat room” to discuss their interests and problems with others who have similar interests and problems. For example, a person whose hobby is collecting antique guns can share information with other gun collectors via computer. A person who is planning a vacation and wants to know the names of the best beaches in Hawaii can ask others who have already been there for suggestions. People even start on-line romances in chat rooms! The possibilities of computerized communication are indeed unlimited.
Key:
Exemplification. The writer gives a series of examples to support the main idea that “Perhaps the most important effect of personal computers has been to expand your ability to communicate with the outside world”. After reading this paragraph, you will have ample evidence to believe the writer's opinion.
