Portable X-ray machines are really important for helping sick people who live far away from hospitals. They’re especially helpful for people who are really sick and for stopping the spread of infections. The global market for portable X-ray machines is expected to be worth $14 billion by 2028, and the coronavirus pandemic is making the use of these machines even more popular. There are two types of portable X-ray machines: ones that can be wheeled around and ones that can be carried by just one person.

A good example of how portable X-ray machines are making a difference is a trial that happened in the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Before the trial, lots of patients didn’t go to their X-ray appointments because it cost too much money and took too much time to get to faraway hospitals. But when they used a small handheld machine, no one missed their appointment. Portable X-ray machines are also changing the way tuberculosis (TB) is checked for in developing countries. In those places, it’s been hard to get X-rays in the past, but now these machines, which have special software, can find TB in the field.

Some people are worried about the radiation that comes from portable X-ray machines. But the companies that make them say that because they’re used in bigger spaces, the radiation isn’t a big problem. The quality of the pictures that these machines take has also gotten better and is now just as good as the ones taken by big machines. But there are limits to how small the parts of an X-ray machine can be. If the detector is too small, they might have to take extra pictures to see everything. Another problem is that these machines cost a lot of money, but hopefully, as more companies start making them, the price will go down.

In conclusion, portable X-ray machines are really important for helping sick people who live far away from hospitals. They’re becoming more popular because they’re helping people get the healthcare they need in places that are hard to reach. Even though there are some challenges, like radiation and cost, the benefits of portable X-ray machines in making patients better and making healthcare easier are really big.

Original news source: How portable X-ray machines are helping remote patients (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: In pairs, students will read the article and then summarize the main points in their own words. They can take turns sharing their summaries with the class.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: In groups, students will discuss and share their opinions on the use of portable X-ray machines. They can create a list of pros and cons and then conduct a poll to see which side has more supporters.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: In pairs, students will take turns drawing pictures to represent vocabulary words from the article. Their partner must guess the word based on the drawing. They can then use the word in a sentence to practice using it in context.

– Charades
Instructions: In groups, students will take turns acting out actions related to portable X-ray machines. The rest of the group must guess what action they are portraying. This activity will help reinforce vocabulary and understanding of the topic.

– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Students will individually think about and write down their thoughts on the benefits and challenges of portable X-ray machines. They will then pair up with a partner and share their ideas. Finally, they will share their partner’s ideas with the class, promoting discussion and critical thinking.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. How are portable X-ray machines helping sick people who live far away from hospitals?
2. Why are portable X-ray machines especially helpful for people who are really sick?
3. How much is the global market for portable X-ray machines expected to be worth by 2028?
4. How has the coronavirus pandemic affected the use of portable X-ray machines?
5. What are the two types of portable X-ray machines?
6. Can you give an example of how portable X-ray machines have made a difference in healthcare?
7. How are portable X-ray machines changing the way tuberculosis (TB) is checked for in developing countries?
8. What are some concerns people have about portable X-ray machines, and how do the companies that make them address these concerns?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Portable X-ray (1)______ are really important for helping sick (2)______ who live far away from hospitals. They’re especially (3)______ for people who are really sick and for stopping the spread of infections. The (4)______ market for portable X-ray machines is expected to be worth $14 billion by 2028, and the coronavirus pandemic is making the use of these machines even more popular. There are two types of portable X-ray machines: ones that can be wheeled around and ones that can be carried by just one person.

A good example of how portable X-ray machines are making a difference is a (5)______ that happened in the Orkney Islands in (6)______. Before the trial, lots of patients didn’t go to their X-ray appointments because it cost too much money and took too much time to get to faraway hospitals. But when they used a small handheld machine, no one missed their appointment. (7)______ X-ray machines are also changing the way (8)______ (TB) is checked for in developing countries. In those places, it’s been hard to get X-rays in the past, but now these machines, which have special software, can find TB in the field.

Some people are worried about the radiation that comes from (9)______ X-ray machines. But the (10)______ that make them say that because they’re used in bigger spaces, the radiation isn’t a big problem. The quality of the (11)______ that these machines take has also gotten better and is now just as good as the ones (12)______ by big machines. But there are limits to how small the parts of an X-ray machine can be. If the detector is too small, they might have to take extra pictures to see everything. Another problem is that these machines cost a lot of money, but hopefully, as more companies start making them, the price will go down.

In conclusion, portable X-ray machines are really important for helping sick people who live far away from (13)______. They’re (14)______ more (15)______ because they’re helping people get the healthcare they need in (16)______ that are hard to reach. Even though there are some challenges, like radiation and cost, the benefits of portable X-ray machines in making patients better and making healthcare easier are really big.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is a portable X-ray machine and why are they important?
2. How do portable X-ray machines help people who live far away from hospitals?
3. Do you think portable X-ray machines are a good solution for stopping the spread of infections? Why or why not?
4. How would you feel if you had to travel a long distance to get an X-ray? Why?
5. What do you think about the idea of using handheld X-ray machines instead of going to a hospital? Why?
6. Do you think portable X-ray machines are a good solution for checking for tuberculosis in developing countries? Why or why not?
7. How do you think the use of portable X-ray machines has changed healthcare in remote areas?
8. Are you concerned about the radiation that comes from portable X-ray machines? Why or why not?
9. How do you think the quality of the pictures taken by portable X-ray machines compares to those taken by big machines?
10. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of portable X-ray machines?
11. Would you be willing to pay more for a portable X-ray machine if it meant better accessibility to healthcare? Why or why not?
12. How do you think the price of portable X-ray machines could be reduced?
13. Do you think portable X-ray machines will continue to become more popular in the future? Why or why not?
14. How do you think portable X-ray machines could be improved?
15. What impact do you think portable X-ray machines have on making patients better and improving healthcare accessibility?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. portable
2. infections
3. pandemic
4. wheeled
5. handheld
6. appointments
7. tuberculosis
8. developing
9. radiation
10. detector
11. quality
12. limits
13. extra
14. challenges
15. benefits

Meanings:
(A) A serious lung disease that can spread through the air
(B) Illnesses caused by germs that can spread from person to person
(C) Countries that are still growing economically and industrially
(D) Good things that come from something; positive results or effects
(E) Able to be easily moved or carried around
(F) Difficult situations that need to be dealt with or overcome
(G) Scheduled times to see a doctor or attend a meeting
(H) A kind of energy that comes from a source and can be dangerous in large amounts
(I) A part of a machine that senses or measures something, often used to find problems
(J) Small enough to be used or operated while being held in the hands
(K) How good or bad something is, often referring to how well something is made or how well it works
(L) A worldwide outbreak of a disease
(M) The maximum extent to which something can go; the furthest point or edge
(N) Fitted with wheels to move easily
(O) Additional or more than what is usual or necessary
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Why are portable X-ray machines important?
(a) They are easy to carry around.
(b) They are cheaper than regular X-ray machines.
(c) They help sick people who live far away from hospitals.
(d) They can be used to take pictures of anything.

2. What is the expected value of the global market for portable X-ray machines by 2028?
(a) $1 million
(b) $100 billion
(c) $10 million
(d) $14 billion

3. How many types of portable X-ray machines are there?
(a) Three
(b) Two
(c) Four
(d) Five

4. What is an example of how portable X-ray machines are making a difference?
(a) Patients in the Orkney Islands didn’t miss their X-ray appointments when using a small handheld machine.
(b) Portable X-ray machines are used to take pictures of animals.
(c) Portable X-ray machines are only used in developing countries.
(d) Portable X-ray machines are only used for tuberculosis (TB) testing.

5. What are some concerns about portable X-ray machines?
(a) Size and weight
(b) Quality of pictures and software
(c) Radiation and cost
(d) Availability and popularity

6. What is a limitation of small parts in an X-ray machine?
(a) They cannot be used in bigger spaces.
(b) They are more expensive than big machines.
(c) They are harder to carry around.
(d) They might require extra pictures to see everything.

7. What is a potential solution to the high cost of portable X-ray machines?
(a) More companies making them
(b) Using them only in big hospitals
(c) Reducing the quality of the pictures
(d) Increasing the radiation levels

8. What are the benefits of portable X-ray machines?
(a) Making X-ray appointments more expensive
(b) Helping sick people in hard-to-reach places and making healthcare easier
(c) Increasing the spread of infections
(d) Replacing regular X-ray machines

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The coronavirus pandemic has increased the demand for portable X-ray machines.
2. Portable X-ray machines are revolutionizing the detection of tuberculosis in developing countries.
3. While portable X-ray machines can be affordable, the hope is that decreased production will lead to higher prices.
4. The global market for portable X-ray machines is not projected to reach $14 billion by 2028.
5. Concerns about radiation from portable X-ray machines are addressed by their use in larger spaces.
6. There are more than two types of portable X-ray machines: wheeled ones and handheld ones.
7. A trial in the Orkney Islands showed that the use of handheld X-ray machines ensured that no patients missed their appointments.
8. Portable X-ray machines are not crucial for providing medical care to people who live far away from hospitals.
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. How are portable X-ray machines helping sick people who live far away from hospitals?
2. Why did lots of patients in the Orkney Islands miss their X-ray appointments before the trial?
3. How are portable X-ray machines changing the way tuberculosis is checked for in developing countries?
4. What are some concerns that people have about portable X-ray machines?
5. Why are portable X-ray machines becoming more popular?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. How are portable X-ray machines helping sick people who live far away from hospitals?
Portable X-ray machines are helping sick people who live far away from hospitals by bringing the necessary medical equipment to them. Instead of having to travel long distances to get an X-ray at a hospital, these machines can be brought to the patient’s location, making it easier and more convenient for them to receive the healthcare they need.

2. Why are portable X-ray machines especially helpful for people who are really sick?
Portable X-ray machines are especially helpful for people who are really sick because they allow for quick and efficient diagnosis. When someone is seriously ill, time is of the essence, and portable X-ray machines enable healthcare professionals to assess the patient’s condition promptly. This helps in providing the appropriate treatment and care as soon as possible.

3. How much is the global market for portable X-ray machines expected to be worth by 2028?
The global market for portable X-ray machines is expected to be worth $14 billion by 2028.

4. How has the coronavirus pandemic affected the use of portable X-ray machines?
The coronavirus pandemic has increased the use of portable X-ray machines. These machines are being utilized more frequently to help diagnose and monitor patients with COVID-19. They are also being used in remote areas and makeshift hospitals where access to traditional X-ray facilities may be limited.

5. What are the two types of portable X-ray machines?
The two types of portable X-ray machines are ones that can be wheeled around and ones that can be carried by just one person.

6. Can you give an example of how portable X-ray machines have made a difference in healthcare?
An example of how portable X-ray machines have made a difference in healthcare is a trial that took place in the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Before the trial, many patients would miss their X-ray appointments due to the cost and time required to travel to distant hospitals. However, when a small handheld machine was introduced, no one missed their appointment. This shows how portable X-ray machines can improve accessibility and ensure that patients receive the necessary medical care.

7. How are portable X-ray machines changing the way tuberculosis (TB) is checked for in developing countries?
Portable X-ray machines with special software are changing the way tuberculosis (TB) is checked for in developing countries. In the past, it has been challenging to obtain X-rays in these areas, but now, these machines can be taken to the field. The special software in these machines can detect TB, making it easier and more efficient to diagnose and treat the disease.

8. What are some concerns people have about portable X-ray machines, and how do the companies that make them address these concerns?
Some concerns people have about portable X-ray machines include radiation exposure and cost. However, the companies that make these machines address these concerns by ensuring that they are used in larger spaces, minimizing the risk of radiation exposure. Additionally, the quality of the images produced by portable X-ray machines has improved, making them comparable to those taken by larger machines. As for cost, it is hoped that as more companies enter the market, the price of portable X-ray machines will decrease, making them more accessible to healthcare facilities.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) machines
(2) people
(3) helpful
(4) global
(5) trial
(6) Scotland
(7) Portable
(8) tuberculosis
(9) portable
(10) companies
(11) pictures
(12) taken
(13) hospitals
(14) becoming
(15) popular
(16) places
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. portable
Answer: (E) Able to be easily moved or carried around

2. infections
Answer: (B) Illnesses caused by germs that can spread from person to person

3. pandemic
Answer: (L) A worldwide outbreak of a disease

4. wheeled
Answer: (N) Fitted with wheels to move easily

5. handheld
Answer: (J) Small enough to be used or operated while being held in the hands

6. appointments
Answer: (G) Scheduled times to see a doctor or attend a meeting

7. tuberculosis
Answer: (A) A serious lung disease that can spread through the air

8. developing
Answer: (C) Countries that are still growing economically and industrially

9. radiation
Answer: (H) A kind of energy that comes from a source and can be dangerous in large amounts

10. detector
Answer: (I) A part of a machine that senses or measures something, often used to find problems

11. quality
Answer: (K) How good or bad something is, often referring to how well something is made or how well it works

12. limits
Answer: (M) The maximum extent to which something can go; the furthest point or edge

13. extra
Answer: (O) Additional or more than what is usual or necessary

14. challenges
Answer: (F) Difficult situations that need to be dealt with or overcome

15. benefits
Answer: (D) Good things that come from something; positive results or effects
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Why are portable X-ray machines important?
Answer: (c) They help sick people who live far away from hospitals.

2. What is the expected value of the global market for portable X-ray machines by 2028?
Answer: (d) $14 billion

3. How many types of portable X-ray machines are there?
Answer: (b) Two

4. What is an example of how portable X-ray machines are making a difference?
Answer: (a) Patients in the Orkney Islands didn’t miss their X-ray appointments when using a small handheld machine.

5. What are some concerns about portable X-ray machines?
Answer: (c) Radiation and cost

6. What is a limitation of small parts in an X-ray machine?
Answer: (d) They might require extra pictures to see everything.

7. What is a potential solution to the high cost of portable X-ray machines?
Answer: (a) More companies making them

8. What are the benefits of portable X-ray machines?
Answer: (b) Helping sick people in hard-to-reach places and making healthcare easier
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The coronavirus pandemic has increased the demand for portable X-ray machines. (Answer: True)
2. Portable X-ray machines are revolutionizing the detection of tuberculosis in developing countries. (Answer: True)
3. While portable X-ray machines can be affordable, the hope is that decreased production will lead to higher prices. (Answer: False)
4. The global market for portable X-ray machines is not projected to reach $14 billion by 2028. (Answer: False)
5. Concerns about radiation from portable X-ray machines are addressed by their use in larger spaces. (Answer: True)
6. There are more than two types of portable X-ray machines: wheeled ones and handheld ones. (Answer: False)
7. A trial in the Orkney Islands showed that the use of handheld X-ray machines ensured that no patients missed their appointments. (Answer: True)
8. Portable X-ray machines are not crucial for providing medical care to people who live far away from hospitals. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧