Tech billionaire Elon Musk recently had a conversation with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about artificial intelligence (AI). Musk predicted that AI will eventually eliminate the need for work, making paid employment redundant. He also expressed concerns about humanoid robots that have the ability to chase people. The discussion also touched on London’s role as a leading hub for the AI industry and how AI can transform learning. Both Musk and Sunak agreed on the need for regulation and oversight of AI to ensure its safe and responsible use.

Musk, who has invested in AI firms and incorporated AI technology in his Tesla cars, has previously voiced his fears about the potential negative impact of AI on society and human existence. He emphasized the safety concerns associated with humanoid robots and highlighted the importance of addressing these concerns. Sunak, who is keen on promoting investment in the UK’s tech industry, acknowledged the anxiety people have about job displacement due to AI. The conversation between Musk and Sunak took place during an “in conversation” event at an AI summit in London.

While discussing the benefits of AI, Musk mentioned the potential for AI to serve as a friend for individuals who have difficulty making friends, as well as a patient tutor for young people. However, he also issued a warning about the disruptive force of AI, suggesting that there may come a point where no job is needed as AI can perform all tasks. This raises questions about finding meaning in life when traditional jobs become obsolete.

The conversation between Musk and Sunak did not result in any new announcements regarding the use and regulation of AI in the UK. However, Sunak did mention the potential for AI to improve the government’s website. Despite some initial controversy surrounding the event, Musk and Sunak appeared at ease with each other, with Sunak praising Musk as a brilliant innovator and technologist. Both individuals hope to have a say in shaping the future of AI.

Original news source: Elon Musk tells Rishi Sunak AI will put an end to work (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Reporter Role-play
Instructions: Students pair up and take on the roles of a news reporter and Elon Musk or Rishi Sunak. The reporter should ask questions about the potential of AI, its benefits, and regulatory measures, while the interviewee should answer based on information from the article. Encourage students to use direct quotes and paraphrasing.

– Opinion Spectrum
Instructions: Place a line on the floor with tape, representing a spectrum from ‘Strongly Agree’ to ‘Strongly Disagree’. Read out statements related to the article, such as “AI will make all jobs redundant” or “Humanoid robots pose a significant safety risk”. Students position themselves along the line according to their opinion and discuss their reasoning with classmates nearby.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: In groups, students discuss and write down their predictions about AI’s impact on society, referencing ideas from the article. They should consider employment, education, safety, and personal relationships with AI. After discussing, each group presents their predictions to the class.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down keywords from the article (e.g., artificial intelligence, humanoid robots, regulation, redundant, innovation) on slips of paper. Students take turns drawing the words for their team to guess. Set a time limit for each round to add a challenge.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Create a two-column chart on the board labeled ‘Pros’ and ‘Cons’ of AI based on the article. Students brainstorm in small groups and then come up to the board to write their ideas. Afterward, facilitate a class discussion on the most significant advantages and disadvantages of AI and its future implications.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What prediction did Elon Musk make about the future of work in relation to AI?
2. What concerns did Musk express regarding humanoid robots?
3. In what capacity did Musk and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak discuss London’s role in the AI industry?
4. What was the shared stance of Musk and Sunak on the regulation of AI?
5. How has Elon Musk been involved with AI technology in his business ventures?
6. What potential benefits of AI did Musk discuss during the conversation?
7. What did Prime Minister Rishi Sunak suggest AI could improve in the UK government?
8. Despite not making new announcements, what was the tone of the conversation between Musk and Sunak at the AI summit?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Tech billionaire Elon Musk recently had a conversation with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about (1)______ intelligence (AI). Musk predicted that AI will eventually (2)______ the need for work, (3)______ paid employment redundant. He also expressed concerns about (4)______ robots that have the ability to chase people. The discussion also touched on London’s role as a leading hub for the AI industry and how AI can transform learning. Both Musk and Sunak agreed on the need for regulation and oversight of AI to (5)______ its safe and responsible use.

Musk, who has invested in AI firms and incorporated AI technology in his (6)______ cars, has previously voiced his fears about the potential negative impact of AI on society and human existence. He emphasized the safety concerns associated with humanoid robots and highlighted the importance of addressing these concerns. Sunak, who is keen on promoting (7)______ in the UK’s tech (8)______, acknowledged the anxiety people have about job displacement due to AI. The conversation between Musk and Sunak took place during an “in conversation” (9)______ at an AI summit in London.

While discussing the benefits of AI, Musk mentioned the potential for AI to serve as a friend for individuals who have difficulty making friends, as well as a patient tutor for young people. However, he also issued a warning about the (10)______ force of AI, suggesting that there may come a point where no job is (11)______ as AI can perform all tasks. This raises questions about (12)______ meaning in life when traditional jobs (13)______ obsolete.

The conversation between Musk and Sunak did not (14)______ in any new announcements regarding the use and regulation of AI in the UK. However, Sunak did mention the potential for AI to improve the government’s website. Despite some initial controversy surrounding the event, Musk and Sunak appeared at ease with each (15)______, with Sunak praising Musk as a brilliant innovator and technologist. Both (16)______ hope to have a say in shaping the future of AI.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your definition of artificial intelligence (AI), and how do you think it differs from human intelligence?
2. How would you feel if your job was made redundant by AI technology? Why?
3. Do you think AI could ever fully replace human interaction? Why or why not?
4. What are some potential benefits and drawbacks of having an AI friend or tutor?
5. Can you imagine a world where no one needs to work because of AI? What do you think that would look like?
6. Do you believe that AI should be regulated, and if so, what kind of regulations would you consider important?
7. How do you think AI can transform the way we learn? Can it ever replace traditional education methods?
8. What concerns do you have about humanoid robots with advanced capabilities, such as the ability to chase people?
9. Do you think the advent of AI will lead to more creative and fulfilling jobs for humans, or will it create a jobless society?
10. In your opinion, what industries or sectors will be most affected by the rise of AI?
11. How do you think governments should prepare for the potential job displacement caused by AI?
12. Do you think AI can improve government services, such as websites, and in what ways?
13. What role do you think tech billionaires like Elon Musk should play in the development and regulation of AI?
14. Do you like the idea of London being a leading hub for AI? How do you think this will affect the city and its residents?
15. Have you ever used an AI-powered service or device that impressed you? What was it, and what did you like about it?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. Musk
2. AI
3. robots
4. London
5. regulation
6. technology
7. jobs
8. future

Meanings:
(a) Paid employment
(b) Advancements in science and engineering
(c) Tech billionaire who invested in AI firms
(d) Artificial Intelligence
(e) Human-like machines
(f) Capital city of the UK
(g) Time yet to come
(h) Oversight and control
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What did Elon Musk predict about the future of work?
(a) AI will create more jobs
(b) AI will have no impact on work
(c) AI will only replace certain jobs
(d) AI will eliminate the need for work

2. What concerns did Elon Musk express about humanoid robots?
(a) They are not advanced enough
(b) They are too expensive to develop
(c) They are not safe to use
(d) They have the ability to chase people

3. What did Elon Musk and Rishi Sunak agree on?
(a) The need for regulation and oversight of AI
(b) The need to invest more in AI technology
(c) The benefits of humanoid robots
(d) The potential for AI to create more jobs

4. What has Elon Musk previously voiced concerns about?
(a) The lack of investment in AI technology
(b) The benefits of humanoid robots
(c) The negative impact of AI on society and human existence
(d) The potential for AI to create more jobs

5. What did Musk mention as a potential benefit of AI?
(a) AI can replace human tutors
(b) AI can serve as a friend for individuals who have difficulty making friends
(c) AI can eliminate the need for learning
(d) AI can only perform specific tasks

6. What did Musk warn about regarding AI?
(a) AI will have no impact on jobs
(b) AI will only replace certain jobs
(c) AI may make traditional jobs obsolete
(d) AI will create more jobs

7. What did the conversation between Musk and Sunak result in?
(a) New regulations for the use of AI in the UK
(b) No new announcements regarding the use and regulation of AI
(c) Plans to invest more in AI technology
(d) Plans to develop humanoid robots

8. How did Sunak describe Musk?
(a) A brilliant innovator and technologist
(b) A controversial figure
(c) An advocate for job displacement
(d) A critic of AI technology

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. Musk expressed excitement about humanoid robots that have the ability to chase people.
2. Musk has previously voiced his fears about the potential negative impact of AI on society and human existence.
3. Musk has invested in AI firms and incorporated AI technology in his Tesla cars.
4. The conversation between Musk and Sunak took place during an “exhibition” event at an AI summit in London.
5. Musk predicted that AI will eventually eliminate the need for work, making paid employment redundant.
6. Elon Musk recently had a conversation with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about artificial intelligence (AI).
7. Sunak dismissed the anxiety people have about job displacement due to AI.
8. The discussion also touched on London’s role as a declining hub for the AI industry and how AI can hinder learning.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What potential future impact of AI on work did Elon Musk discuss with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak?
2. How did Elon Musk and Rishi Sunak address the issue of AI’s impact on job displacement during their conversation?
3. What concerns about humanoid robots did Elon Musk raise in his conversation with Rishi Sunak?
4. In what ways did Elon Musk suggest AI could be beneficial to individuals, particularly in social and educational contexts?
5. Did Elon Musk and Rishi Sunak make any new policy announcements regarding AI regulation during their discussion at the AI summit in London?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What prediction did Elon Musk make about the future of work in relation to AI?
Musk predicted that AI will eventually eliminate the need for work, making paid employment redundant.

2. What concerns did Musk express regarding humanoid robots?
Musk expressed concerns about humanoid robots that have the ability to chase people and emphasized the safety concerns associated with them.

3. In what capacity did Musk and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak discuss London’s role in the AI industry?
The discussion touched on London’s role as a leading hub for the AI industry and how AI can transform learning.

4. What was the shared stance of Musk and Sunak on the regulation of AI?
Both Musk and Sunak agreed on the need for regulation and oversight of AI to ensure its safe and responsible use.

5. How has Elon Musk been involved with AI technology in his business ventures?
Musk has invested in AI firms and incorporated AI technology in his Tesla cars.

6. What potential benefits of AI did Musk discuss during the conversation?
Musk mentioned the potential for AI to serve as a friend for individuals who have difficulty making friends, as well as a patient tutor for young people.

7. What did Prime Minister Rishi Sunak suggest AI could improve in the UK government?
Sunak mentioned the potential for AI to improve the government’s website.

8. Despite not making new announcements, what was the tone of the conversation between Musk and Sunak at the AI summit?
Despite some initial controversy surrounding the event, Musk and Sunak appeared at ease with each other, with Sunak praising Musk as a brilliant innovator and technologist. Both individuals hope to have a say in shaping the future of AI.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) artificial
(2) eliminate
(3) making
(4) humanoid
(5) ensure
(6) Tesla
(7) investment
(8) industry
(9) event
(10) disruptive
(11) needed
(12) finding
(13) become
(14) result
(15) other
(16) individuals
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. Musk
Answer: (c) Tech billionaire who invested in AI firms

2. AI
Answer: (d) Artificial Intelligence

3. robots
Answer: (e) Human-like machines

4. London
Answer: (f) Capital city of the UK

5. regulation
Answer: (h) Oversight and control

6. technology
Answer: (b) Advancements in science and engineering

7. jobs
Answer: (a) Paid employment

8. future
Answer: (g) Time yet to come
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What did Elon Musk predict about the future of work?
Answer: (d) AI will eliminate the need for work

2. What concerns did Elon Musk express about humanoid robots?
Answer: (d) They have the ability to chase people

3. What did Elon Musk and Rishi Sunak agree on?
Answer: (a) The need for regulation and oversight of AI

4. What has Elon Musk previously voiced concerns about?
Answer: (c) The negative impact of AI on society and human existence

5. What did Musk mention as a potential benefit of AI?
Answer: (b) AI can serve as a friend for individuals who have difficulty making friends

6. What did Musk warn about regarding AI?
Answer: (c) AI may make traditional jobs obsolete

7. What did the conversation between Musk and Sunak result in?
Answer: (b) No new announcements regarding the use and regulation of AI

8. How did Sunak describe Musk?
Answer: (a) A brilliant innovator and technologist
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. Musk expressed excitement about humanoid robots that have the ability to chase people. (Answer: False)
2. Musk has previously voiced his fears about the potential negative impact of AI on society and human existence. (Answer: True)
3. Musk has invested in AI firms and incorporated AI technology in his Tesla cars. (Answer: True)
4. The conversation between Musk and Sunak took place during an “exhibition” event at an AI summit in London. (Answer: False)
5. Musk predicted that AI will eventually eliminate the need for work, making paid employment redundant. (Answer: True)
6. Elon Musk recently had a conversation with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about artificial intelligence (AI). (Answer: True)
7. Sunak dismissed the anxiety people have about job displacement due to AI. (Answer: False)
8. The discussion also touched on London’s role as a declining hub for the AI industry and how AI can hinder learning. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧