Speaking You are given a card with a topic and questions to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Before you speak you have one minute to think about what you are going to say. Card 1 Think of 10 great inventions of our time that changed the world. Card 2 What are the best and the most useful inventions of the mankind in the 20th and 21st centuries? What famous inventors do you know? What were their inventions? Do you know anything about the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci? How did the invention of television change people's life? What is the role of television in your life? How often do you watch it? Do you think it is a useful invention? Card 3 When did you buy or get your first mobile phone? Do you think you can live without your mobile or is it now an important part of your daily life? Are you anxious when the battery is flat or you are out of reach? What do scientists say about the influence of mobile phones on our health? Do you use the Internet? What Internet services do you use? Do you feel any addiction to the Internet? How much do you spend on the Internet a month?

### Card 1 Today, I’d like to discuss ten great inventions of our time that have truly transformed the world. These inventions span various fields and have significantly impacted the way we live, work, and communicate. 1. **The Internet**: This invention has revolutionized how we access information and communicate with others. It connects billions of people and has paved the way for the digital age. 2. **Smartphones**: Combining a phone with a computer, smartphones have changed how we interact with technology, making communication and information access more portable and immediate. 3. **Electricity**: While not a 20th-century invention, the development of electricity-powered devices in the 20th century, such as the light bulb and appliances, shifted societal life dramatically. 4. **The Airplane**: The ability to fly has transformed travel, making the world more accessible and shrinking distances. 5. **Antibiotics**: The discovery of penicillin and other antibiotics has saved countless lives by treating bacterial infections that were once fatal. 6. **The Personal Computer**: This invention has become central to many people's work and personal lives, allowing for task automation and increased productivity. 7. **Social Media**: Platforms like Facebook and Twitter have changed how we communicate and share information, impacting everything from personal relationships to global politics. 8. **GPS**: The Global Positioning System has revolutionized navigation and travel, making it easier to find directions and locations. 9. **Renewable Energy Technologies**: Advances in solar and wind energy have provided alternatives to fossil fuels, critically important in fighting climate change. 10. **Genetic Engineering**: This field has led to advancements in medicine and agriculture, including the development of genetically modified organisms that can grow in harsh conditions. ### Card 2 In discussing the best and most useful inventions of the 20th and 21st centuries, a few notable ones come to mind. Apart from the ones I just mentioned like the Internet and smartphones, I would highlight the development of vaccines, which have significantly reduced or eradicated various diseases. Famous inventors that stand out include **Thomas Edison**, who invented the phonograph and improved the light bulb, and **Marie Curie**, who contributed to the development of x-ray machines. Regarding Leonardo da Vinci, he was a true polymath whose inventions were ahead of his time. He conceptualized machines like the helicopter and the armored vehicle, showcasing his genius in integrating art with engineering. The invention of television fundamentally changed people's lives by providing a new medium for entertainment and information. It brought news, sports, and cultural experiences into homes, influencing public opinion and lifestyle. In my life, television plays a moderate role. I watch it primarily for news and documentaries; I try to limit my viewing time to avoid excessive screen time. I do believe television is a beneficial invention if used wisely, as it can educate and inform viewers. ### Card 3 I got my first mobile phone when I was around 15. At that time, it was just a simple device for calls and texts. Today, I can't imagine living without my mobile phone; it’s integrated into my daily life for communication, navigation, and managing schedules. When the battery is low or I'm out of reach, I do feel a bit anxious. It's a little unsettling to think about being disconnected from my contacts or important information. Scientists have raised concerns about the influence of mobile phones on health, particularly regarding radiation exposure and mental health, such as anxiety and addiction, which is an area gaining serious attention. I use the Internet daily for various services, including social media, online shopping, and research. I would say I spend around 100 hours on the Internet monthly, balancing both productive and recreational activities. Though I sometimes feel a slight addiction to browsing, especially social media, I try to manage my screen time effectively.