History of Technology

Dive into the History of Technology! Analyze its pros & cons and sharpen your English grammar skills. Perfect for Grade 10 students.

Read the text and name some pros and cons of technological progress. History of TechnologyIn the Middle Ages in Europe watermills and windmills brought a revolution to the production of power. The new technologies enabled people to construct wonderful cathedrals — the best example of Gothic architecture ['a:kitektJb]. During the 14th century guns appeared in Europe.From the 15th to the 17th century the period of Renaissance [ri'neisons] spread in Europe. The New World was discovered and explored. The printed books helped the development of European cultural life. The Renaissance saw a new interest in technology, and the new technology led to new problems. One problem was that shipbuilding and iron industry needed a lot of wood and Europe soon lost its forests. Another problem was the need in more powerful engines.The 18th century in Europe was the time of the Industrial Revolution, the time when technology developed very fast. In 1712 Thomas Newcomen, an Englishman, invented the steam engine. In the 1760s, James Watt improved the Newcomen engine, which opened the way to constructing steamboat and locomotives in the early 19th century.The Industrial Revolution gave rise to the engineering profession. More and more universities began to train engineers.During the 19th and 20th centuries people’s lives have greatly changed thanks to science and technology. Achievements in transportation, communications and use of energy have had a great influence on the modern society. Medical knowledge has given people longer and healthier lives.Computers are giving us new opportunities at work and at home. Now people have better living standards and much more free time.On the other hand, a lot of people may argue that such great technological achievements do not come without a price. New technology has led to creating weapons of mass destruction; new communication technology and spread of information have brought with them less privacy; the great use and abuse of natural resources is now damaging the environment; the great intensity of human life leads to stresses and makes us question the advantages of high technology. Use the text "History of Technology". Answer the questions.1) What periods in the history of humanity are mentioned in the text? What do you know about them? 2) How did people produce power through their history? What did they use?3) Why did Europe lose its forests?4) Why was the engine invention very important?5) How has the human society changed thanks to the achievements in technology?6) What are the negative results of the technological revolution? Can people improve the situation? How? Use the appropriate forms of the words. Stonehenge is an ancient monument in south-west England. For me, it’s the most interesting place I have ever visited (VISIT). I clearly remember my first visit to Stonehenge with my aunt and uncle. They lived nearby and I often went to stay with them (THEY) in my summer holidays. On the day of our trip the weather was (BE) fine. There was a cool wind blowing, the sun was bright in the sky and Stonehenge looked (LOOK) calm and magical. In those days it was possible to walk among the stones and even touch them (THEY) . It is (BE) very different now. Stonehenge has become more crowded (CROWDED) than it was. As a result, now people are allowed (ALLOW) to walk around the monument but they can’t come up very close to it. Today I wish I had (HAVE) an opportunity to get inside the circle again but unfortunately it is not possible any more. The Stonehenge mystery is unexplained (UNEXPLAIN) still but I believe scientists will solve it in the near future.