The development of driverless vehicles has been a gradual process, marked by both advancements and setbacks. A recent incident involving Mike Johns, who experienced a malfunction during a ride in a Waymo driverless taxi, has reignited public skepticism about the readiness of self-driving cars. While waiting for his flight from Los Angeles to Scottsdale, Arizona, Mr. Johns found himself trapped in a car that spun in circles within a parking lot. His video of the incident quickly gained attention, raising questions about the reliability of autonomous vehicles and their ability to safely transport passengers.

Waymo, the self-driving car company owned by Alphabet, responded to the incident by issuing a software update to resolve the issue. The company asserts that its technology is superior to human drivers in avoiding accidents that result in injuries. However, this is not the first time Waymo has faced challenges; the company previously recalled over 600 vehicles after one collided with a street pole. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has investigated multiple incidents involving Waymo cars, highlighting ongoing concerns about the safety of autonomous driving technology.

Other companies in the autonomous vehicle sector have also encountered difficulties. General Motors recently shut down its self-driving subsidiary, Cruise, citing the extensive resources required to develop the business. Similarly, Apple has reportedly abandoned its self-driving car project, and Uber ceased its own efforts in this area back in 2020. Despite these setbacks, Waymo remains a leader in the U.S. market, operating self-driving taxis in several major cities and planning to expand further.

Experts suggest that Waymo’s success can be attributed to its strategic approach, which includes hiring top talent in autonomous vehicle engineering and leveraging the financial backing of Alphabet. Sven Beiker, a lecturer at Stanford, emphasizes the importance of regulatory compliance and thorough processes in ensuring the safety of their technology. As the industry continues to evolve, regions with favorable weather conditions are likely to see the first widespread deployment of driverless services, as these vehicles perform better in such environments.

Looking ahead, the rollout of autonomous vehicles is expected to be a slow and labor-intensive process, requiring extensive testing and data analysis. Safety remains a paramount concern, especially for self-driving trucks, which must be even more reliable than human drivers. In contrast, companies like Baidu in China are making significant strides, with hundreds of driverless cars already operating in cities across the country. As the technology develops, public perception will play a crucial role in shaping the future of autonomous vehicles, as individuals like Mr. Johns reflect on their experiences and the ongoing experimentation in this field.

Original news source: The slow but steady advance of driverless vehicles (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Present the class with the topic of driverless vehicles. Students will express their opinions on whether they believe self-driving cars are safe or if they should be further developed. Each student must provide a reason for their opinion, leading to a class discussion.

– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will take turns acting out terms related to the article (e.g., “driverless car,” “software update,” “accident,” “safety,” “autonomous vehicle”). The rest of the class will guess the term, promoting vocabulary retention and engagement.

– NEWS REPORTER ROLE-PLAY
Instructions: In pairs, one student will act as a news reporter and the other as an expert on autonomous vehicles. The reporter will ask questions about the recent incident involving Mike Johns and the current state of driverless technology. Afterward, they will switch roles, allowing both to practice speaking and critical thinking.

– ARTICLE TIMELINE
Instructions: On the board, draw a timeline. Students will work in small groups to place major events from the article (like the Waymo incident, recalls, and other companies shutting down projects) in chronological order. This activity will help them understand the progression of events in the autonomous vehicle sector.

– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: Have students individually write down their predictions for the future of driverless vehicles over the next ten years. After writing, they will share their predictions in small groups and discuss the factors that could influence these outcomes, such as technology advancements or public perception.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What incident involving Mike Johns has contributed to public skepticism about driverless vehicles?
2. How did Waymo respond to the malfunction experienced by Mr. Johns during his ride?
3. What past challenges has Waymo faced in relation to the safety of its autonomous vehicles?
4. Which companies have recently encountered difficulties in the autonomous vehicle sector, and what actions have they taken?
5. According to experts, what factors contribute to Waymo’s success in the self-driving car market?
6. What role does regulatory compliance play in the development and safety of autonomous vehicle technology, as mentioned by Sven Beiker?
7. What factors are expected to influence the deployment of driverless vehicles in different regions?
8. How might public perception impact the future of autonomous vehicles, based on the experiences shared in the article?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

The development of driverless vehicles has been a gradual process, marked by both advancements and setbacks. A recent incident involving Mike Johns, who experienced a (1)______ during a ride in a Waymo driverless taxi, has reignited public skepticism about the readiness of self-driving cars. While waiting for his flight from Los Angeles to Scottsdale, Arizona, Mr. Johns found himself trapped in a car that spun in circles within a parking lot. His (2)______ of the incident quickly gained attention, raising questions about the reliability of autonomous vehicles and their ability to safely transport passengers.

Waymo, the self-driving car (3)______ owned by Alphabet, responded to the incident by issuing a (4)______ update to resolve the issue. The company asserts that its technology is superior to human drivers in avoiding accidents that result in (5)______. However, this is not the (6)______ time Waymo has faced challenges; the company previously recalled over 600 vehicles after one collided with a street pole. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has investigated multiple incidents involving Waymo cars, highlighting ongoing concerns about the safety of autonomous driving technology.

Other companies in the autonomous vehicle sector have also encountered difficulties. General Motors recently shut down its self-driving subsidiary, Cruise, citing the extensive resources (7)______ to develop the (8)______. Similarly, Apple has reportedly abandoned its self-driving car project, and Uber ceased its own efforts in this area back in 2020. Despite these setbacks, Waymo remains a leader in the U.S. market, operating self-driving taxis in several major cities and planning to expand further.

Experts suggest that Waymo’s success can be attributed to its (9)______ approach, which includes hiring top talent in autonomous vehicle engineering and leveraging the financial backing of Alphabet. Sven Beiker, a lecturer at Stanford, (10)______ the importance of (11)______ compliance and thorough processes in ensuring the safety of their technology. As the industry (12)______ to evolve, regions with favorable weather conditions are likely to see the first widespread deployment of driverless services, as these vehicles perform better in such (13)______.

Looking ahead, the rollout of autonomous vehicles is expected to be a slow and labor-intensive process, requiring (14)______ testing and data analysis. Safety remains a paramount concern, especially for self-driving trucks, which must be even more reliable than human drivers. In contrast, companies like Baidu in China are (15)______ significant strides, with hundreds of driverless cars already operating in cities across the country. As the technology develops, (16)______ perception will play a crucial role in shaping the future of autonomous vehicles, as individuals like Mr. Johns reflect on their experiences and the ongoing experimentation in this field.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is your opinion on the concept of driverless vehicles? Do you think they are a positive development for society? Why or why not?

2. How would you feel if you were a passenger in a driverless car that experienced a malfunction, like the incident described in the article?

3. Do you think the technology behind autonomous vehicles is ready for widespread use? Why or why not?

4. What is a significant advantage you see in using driverless cars compared to traditional vehicles?

5. How do you think public perception of driverless vehicles will change as more incidents like the one involving Mike Johns occur?

6. Do you believe that companies like Waymo should prioritize safety over rapid deployment of their technology? Why or why not?

7. What is your personal experience with technology that has faced setbacks or malfunctions? How did it affect your trust in that technology?

8. How would you feel if you had to rely solely on a driverless vehicle for your daily commute?

9. Do you think that regulations should be stricter for autonomous vehicles compared to human-driven cars? Why or why not?

10. What is a potential concern you have about the future of driverless vehicles in urban areas?

11. How would you feel if you had to choose between a human driver and a driverless car for a long road trip?

12. Do you think the benefits of driverless vehicles, such as reduced accidents, outweigh the risks associated with their use? Why or why not?

13. What is a major challenge you think the autonomous vehicle industry will face in gaining public trust?

14. How would you feel if your city implemented a driverless taxi service? Would you be willing to use it? Why or why not?

15. Do you believe that the advancements in driverless technology will ultimately lead to job losses in the transportation sector? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. skepticism
2. autonomous
3. subsidiary
4. regulatory
5. compliance
6. paramount
7. deployment
8. perception
9. experimentation
10. gradual
11. malfunction
12. reliability
13. strategic
14. leveraging
15. extensive

Meanings:
(A) The process of trying out new ideas or methods
(B) Happening slowly over time
(C) A company controlled by another, larger company
(D) The act of putting something into use or action
(E) The act of following rules or standards
(F) The quality of being dependable or trustworthy
(G) Operating independently without human control
(H) Using something to maximum advantage
(I) Large in amount or scale, covering a wide area or range
(J) Related to rules or laws that control how something is done
(K) Carefully planned to achieve a specific goal
(L) The way something is understood or interpreted by people
(M) Of utmost importance or significance
(N) A failure to function properly
(O) Doubt or disbelief about something
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What incident involving Mike Johns has raised public skepticism about self-driving cars?
(a) A malfunction in a Waymo driverless taxi
(b) A collision with a street pole
(c) A software update failure
(d) A successful ride in a self-driving car

2. Which company owns Waymo, the self-driving car company?
(a) General Motors
(b) Uber
(c) Apple
(d) Alphabet

3. What action did Waymo take in response to the incident involving Mike Johns?
(a) Recalled all its vehicles
(b) Ceased operations in Los Angeles
(c) Issued a software update
(d) Launched a public relations campaign

4. What has the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) done regarding Waymo cars?
(a) Awarded them a safety certification
(b) Promoted their technology
(c) Investigated multiple incidents
(d) Conducted a public survey

5. Which company recently shut down its self-driving subsidiary, Cruise?
(a) General Motors
(b) Waymo
(c) Apple
(d) Uber

6. What is one reason experts attribute Waymo’s success in the autonomous vehicle market?
(a) Launching the first self-driving taxi service
(b) Hiring top talent in autonomous vehicle engineering
(c) Developing a partnership with Uber
(d) Reducing the number of vehicles on the road

7. What is considered a paramount concern for the rollout of autonomous vehicles, especially self-driving trucks?
(a) Cost
(b) Aesthetics
(c) Speed
(d) Safety

8. Which country is noted for making significant strides in autonomous vehicles, with hundreds of driverless cars operating in cities?
(a) Japan
(b) China
(c) Germany
(d) United States

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The progress of driverless vehicles has undergone both improvements and obstacles.
2. Experts think that adhering to regulations and detailed processes are indispensable for the safety of autonomous vehicle technology.
3. General Motors shut down its self-driving subsidiary, Cruise, due to the resources required for development.
4. Waymo issued a software update in response to the incident involving Mike Johns.
5. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has investigated multiple incidents involving Waymo cars.
6. Waymo continues to be a pioneer in the U.S. market for self-driving taxis, running in numerous major cities.
7. Public opinion will greatly impact the future of autonomous vehicles as people recount their experiences.
8. Mike Johns encountered a malfunction while riding in a Waymo driverless taxi, which caused the car to spin in circles.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What incident involving Mike Johns has raised public skepticism about driverless vehicles?
2. How did Waymo respond to the malfunction experienced by Mr. Johns during his ride?
3. What challenges have other companies in the autonomous vehicle sector faced, according to the article?
4. What factors contribute to Waymo’s success in the autonomous vehicle market?
5. How might public perception influence the future of autonomous vehicles as technology continues to develop?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What incident involving Mike Johns has contributed to public skepticism about driverless vehicles?
Mr. Johns experienced a malfunction during a ride in a Waymo driverless taxi, where the car spun in circles within a parking lot, leading to public skepticism about the reliability of autonomous vehicles.

2. How did Waymo respond to the malfunction experienced by Mr. Johns during his ride?
Waymo issued a software update to resolve the issue that caused the malfunction during Mr. Johns’ ride.

3. What past challenges has Waymo faced in relation to the safety of its autonomous vehicles?
Waymo previously recalled over 600 vehicles after one collided with a street pole and has been investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for multiple incidents involving its cars.

4. Which companies have recently encountered difficulties in the autonomous vehicle sector, and what actions have they taken?
General Motors shut down its self-driving subsidiary, Cruise, due to the extensive resources required, Apple reportedly abandoned its self-driving car project, and Uber ceased its efforts in this area in 2020.

5. According to experts, what factors contribute to Waymo’s success in the self-driving car market?
Waymo’s success is attributed to its strategic approach, including hiring top talent in autonomous vehicle engineering and leveraging the financial backing of Alphabet.

6. What role does regulatory compliance play in the development and safety of autonomous vehicle technology, as mentioned by Sven Beiker?
Regulatory compliance is important for ensuring the safety of autonomous vehicle technology through thorough processes.

7. What factors are expected to influence the deployment of driverless vehicles in different regions?
Regions with favorable weather conditions are likely to see the first widespread deployment of driverless services, as these vehicles perform better in such environments.

8. How might public perception impact the future of autonomous vehicles, based on the experiences shared in the article?
Public perception will play a crucial role in shaping the future of autonomous vehicles, as individuals like Mr. Johns reflect on their experiences and the ongoing experimentation in this field.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) malfunction
(2) video
(3) company
(4) software
(5) injuries
(6) first
(7) required
(8) business
(9) strategic
(10) emphasizes
(11) regulatory
(12) continues
(13) environments
(14) extensive
(15) making
(16) public
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. skepticism
Answer: (O) Doubt or disbelief about something

2. autonomous
Answer: (G) Operating independently without human control

3. subsidiary
Answer: (C) A company controlled by another, larger company

4. regulatory
Answer: (J) Related to rules or laws that control how something is done

5. compliance
Answer: (E) The act of following rules or standards

6. paramount
Answer: (M) Of utmost importance or significance

7. deployment
Answer: (D) The act of putting something into use or action

8. perception
Answer: (L) The way something is understood or interpreted by people

9. experimentation
Answer: (A) The process of trying out new ideas or methods

10. gradual
Answer: (B) Happening slowly over time

11. malfunction
Answer: (N) A failure to function properly

12. reliability
Answer: (F) The quality of being dependable or trustworthy

13. strategic
Answer: (K) Carefully planned to achieve a specific goal

14. leveraging
Answer: (H) Using something to maximum advantage

15. extensive
Answer: (I) Large in amount or scale, covering a wide area or range
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What incident involving Mike Johns has raised public skepticism about self-driving cars?
Answer: (a) A malfunction in a Waymo driverless taxi

2. Which company owns Waymo, the self-driving car company?
Answer: (d) Alphabet

3. What action did Waymo take in response to the incident involving Mike Johns?
Answer: (c) Issued a software update

4. What has the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) done regarding Waymo cars?
Answer: (c) Investigated multiple incidents

5. Which company recently shut down its self-driving subsidiary, Cruise?
Answer: (a) General Motors

6. What is one reason experts attribute Waymo’s success in the autonomous vehicle market?
Answer: (b) Hiring top talent in autonomous vehicle engineering

7. What is considered a paramount concern for the rollout of autonomous vehicles, especially self-driving trucks?
Answer: (d) Safety

8. Which country is noted for making significant strides in autonomous vehicles, with hundreds of driverless cars operating in cities?
Answer: (b) China
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The progress of driverless vehicles has undergone both improvements and obstacles. (Answer: False)
2. Experts think that adhering to regulations and detailed processes are indispensable for the safety of autonomous vehicle technology. (Answer: False)
3. General Motors shut down its self-driving subsidiary, Cruise, due to the resources required for development. (Answer: True)
4. Waymo issued a software update in response to the incident involving Mike Johns. (Answer: True)
5. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has investigated multiple incidents involving Waymo cars. (Answer: True)
6. Waymo continues to be a pioneer in the U.S. market for self-driving taxis, running in numerous major cities. (Answer: False)
7. Public opinion will greatly impact the future of autonomous vehicles as people recount their experiences. (Answer: False)
8. Mike Johns encountered a malfunction while riding in a Waymo driverless taxi, which caused the car to spin in circles. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧