In London, Uber has started using self-driving taxis. Right now, there are 15 of these cars, each with a driver who can take over if needed. Over 100,000 people in London are curious about using them. A reporter who tried it said the ride was smooth, but the driver had to step in once. These taxis cost the same as regular Uber rides. You can book them with the normal app, but you won't know if it's a self-driving taxi until after you book. These cars use special technology from a company called Wayve. They have AI to help them make decisions on the road. Safety is very important, and new rules are being made by the government.
Original news source: What it's like to ride in Uber's new self-driving taxis in London – BBC News (BBC)
🎧 Listen:
📖 Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
1. Discuss what you know about self-driving cars.
2. Have you ever used a ride-sharing app like Uber before?
3. Can you think of any advantages of self-driving taxis?
4. What are some challenges self-driving cars might face?
5. How do you feel about using technology in transportation?
🤔 Comprehension Questions:
Self-driving taxis.
There are 15 self-driving taxis.
A human safety driver.
The ride was described as smooth.
The technology was developed by Wayve.
By using the regular Uber app.
They are working on new regulations.
🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
In , Uber has started self-driving . Right now, there are 15 of these cars, each with a driver who can take over if needed. Over 100,000 people in London are curious about using them. A reporter who tried it the ride was smooth, but the had to step in once. These taxis the as regular . You can book them with the normal app, but you won't know if it's a self-driving taxi until after you book. These cars use special technology from a company Wayve. They have AI to them make on the road. Safety is very important, and new rules are being made by the government.
💬 Discussion Questions:
1. Would you feel safe in a self-driving taxi? Why or why not?
2. How might self-driving taxis change the way we travel?
3. Do you think self-driving cars are a good idea? Explain.
4. What are some benefits of having a human safety driver in a self-driving taxi?
5. How could self-driving technology improve in the future?
6. What are some jobs that might be affected by self-driving taxis?
7. Do you think people should trust AI technology?
8. How important is safety when trying new technology?
9. What other areas could use AI and self-driving technology?
10. How would you feel if all taxis became self-driving?
11. What if self-driving taxis were the only option in your city?
12. Do you think the government should have more or less say in regulating self-driving cars?
Individual Activities
📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:
Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.
