Pre-Reading Activities

A: Vocabulary

Before you read today's article, check that you know the meanings of these words:

gadget

enthusiast

pinpoint (v)

retail (v)

unit

Reading Activities

A: Test your Memory

Read the first and last paragraphs of today's article as quickly as you can.

 

First Paragraph of Article

It's 4:15, And You Are Here... TOKYO January 6 (Reuters) - Japanese watch-maker Casio has come up with a new gadget for the outdoors enthusiast who has everything but a sense of direction -- a wristwatch that pinpoints your position by satellite.

Last Paragraph of Article

Casio expects the watch to retail at around 55,000 yen ($490) when it goes on sale worldwide in June and is aiming for sales of 30,000 units in the first year, the spokesman said. Copyright 1999 Reuters Limited.

Now test your memory and answer these questions.

(Do not look back at the paragraphs or the article!)

Questions

1. What is the new product?

Suggested answer A wristwatch.

2. Which company makes it?

Suggested answer Casio.

3. What does the new product use to work out your position?

Suggested answer Satellites.

4. Who is this product designed for?

Suggested answer Outdoor enthusiasts.

5. How much will it cost?

Suggested answer 55,000 yen ($490).

6. When will it go on sale?


Suggested answer June 1999.

B: Vocabulary

Now read the whole article and match these words with their meanings:

Words	Meanings
1. global (paragraph 2)	A. to do something
2. navigation (paragraph 2)	B. the first model or design of something
3. prototype (paragraph 2)	C. normal, standard
4. pursue (paragraph 2)	D. the place where you are going
5. guide (paragraph 3)	E. to show someone the way to a place
6. destination (paragraph 3)	F. finding the position of and directing something using maps, the stars, satellites etc.
7. conventional (paragraph 5)	G. worldwide

Suggested answer 1. G. - 2. F. - 3. B. - 4. A. - 5. E. - 6. D. - 7. C.

 

It's 4:15, And You Are Here... TOKYO January 6 (Reuters) - Japanese watch-maker Casio has come up with a new gadget for the outdoors enthusiast who has everything but a sense of direction -- a wristwatch that pinpoints your position by satellite. Casio said Wednesday it had developed the wristwatch, equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) function, as a useful navigation aid for people who pursue a variety of outdoor activities, including mountaineering, skiing, boating, fishing, and cycling. The built-in GPS works by using information from 27 satellites around the globe to pinpoint the wearer's current position. "If you wear this wristwatch, you will never get lost when you go mountaineering,'' a Casio spokesman said. "The new gadget has a function to guide you if you set the destination beforehand.'' The prototype GPS wrist watch also has 60 percent less in weight and cubic volume than conventional hand-held navigation systems, the company said. Casio expects the watch to retail at around 55,000 yen ($490) when it goes on sale worldwide in June and is aiming for sales of 30,000 units in the first year, the spokesman said. Copyright 1999 Reuters Limited.

C: True / False / Not Mentioned?

Read these statements and compare them with the information in the article. Write 'T' if the statement is true according to the article, 'F' if the statement is false according to the article and 'NM' if the article does not have that information.

1. This watch tells you the time and your exact location.
   
   
2. The watch was specially designed for people who do outdoor sports.
   
   
3. The watch will only be sold in Japan.
   
   
4. People who do outdoor sports often get lost.
   
   
5. The watch is quite light.
   
   
6. It is the most highly developed navigation system available for sports people.
   
   
7. You must program your destination into the watch before you start your outdoor activity to avoid getting lost .
   
   
8. The watch uses information from 27 offices around the world.
   
   Suggested answer 1. T 2. T 3. F (it is available worldwide). 4. NM (Students could argue that the watch would not have been designed unless people who do these sports do frequently get lost. However, the article doesn't say this: it only says that the watch is good for those outdoor people who do get lost.) 5. T (It's a wristwatch. It's for outdoor activities and it's designed to be light - "60% less in weight... than conventional handheld navigation systems.") 6. NM 7.T 8. F (The information about position comes from 27 satellites).

D: Language

1. "If you wear this wristwatch, you will never get lost when you go mountaineering.''

2. "The new gadget has a function to guide you if you set the destination beforehand.''

What do these sentences mean? (Explain them in your own words.)

Suggested answer 1. This sentence promises that when wearing this watch the wearer will never get lost. 2. The watch will show you where to go to your destination provided that you program the destination into it before you start your activity. Language - Notes The first conditional (If + present, followed by will) is used to talk about consequences of events that always happen or are likely to happen.

Now work in pairs. Imagine that you have designed an exciting new product (like a new kind of umbrella, dictionary or hairbrush) and you want to tell the public how special it is. Choose one new product and give it a name. Decide what is special about it and then complete the sentences below about it:

1. If you....., your new... will never....
2. If you have a problem with...., your....
3. You will..., if you....
4. If you use the new...., you....