Exercise 1: Read then answer the questions:

LIFE IN THE PAST VERSUS LIFE IN THE PRESENT

Over the last century, there have been many significant changes in the way we live. Obviously, it is difficult to compare the life of ancient people and the life of the people living in the twenty-first century because so many changes have occurred. Even the changes that have occurred over the last ten years are amazing.

To start with, people in the past were not able to travel such long distances within such a short period of time. Nowadays, we have become very mobile. We have fast and comfortable cars. In addition, more and more people travel by plane. Moreover, in the past people had to work harder as they did not have tools and machines to make their work easier. Today, most of the difficult and dangerous work is done by computers and other powerful machines. In the past conditions of living were not as comfortable as they are now. Besides many people could not afford household appliances like a fridge or a vacuum cleaner because those used to be luxurious goods. Another difference between lit ing now and in the past is the fact that nowadays education is accessible to everyone. In the past men were mainly the only ones educated and women were not allowed into public or private schools.

Besides, nowadays it is much easier to find the educational materials and the information you need -thanks to the Internet. We are able to speak to a friend who is on the other corner of the world because we are connected 24/7. Nevertheless, people had better relationships with the neighbours in years gone by.

Medical science has provided wonderful remedies to cure some diseases. Modem surgery has reduced pain, so an operation is no longer a torture.

Another difference is that in the past there were not that many forms of entertainment.

All things considered, it is an obvious conclusion that life has changed significantly during the course of history. In some ways, it is definitely easier to live in the present. However, it is not easy to decide whether it is also better. The scientific achievements and technological progress are amazing. New inventions come up every day and they are supposed to simplify our lives. On the other hand, however, life now is much faster and stressful than it used to be in the past. Moreover, it has also become more dangerous. The standard of living has definitely improved but it can be discussed whether the quality of our lives is also better.

Answer the questions.

1.     Is life nowadays the same as life of our ancestors?

2.     Is life today faster or slower than life in the past?

3.     Has technology made our lives easier or more difficult?

4.     What has happened to the standard of living?