Read and listen to the text again and answer the questions.

1. Who might live to be 150 years old?

2. What will probably cause our brains to get bigger?

3. What will people possibly do as the result of an epidemic or war?

4. What are the possible ways the children of the future will be different from now?

5. What might happen if the Earth gets overcrowded?

                                           FACES OF THE FUTURE

Humans have adapted and changed through the ages and, unless a catastrophe destroys the Earth, we'll probably survive and continue to change. Scientists are already saying that children born now might live until they're 150. Further into the future, perhaps people won't die but simply buy new body parts as they get older!

What other changes are possible in the years ahead?

1. Homo Informaticus

If we continue to use computers and screens more and more, our eyes and brains will probably get bigger in order to process more information.

2. Neo-humans

If there’s a terrible war or an epidemic, survivors might leave the cities and live in caves. They'll become stronger, hairier and more agile.

3. Homo Perfectus

If scientists manipulate human genes, will some people pay to have children who are better looking, healthier and more intelligent than ‘normal’ humans?

4. Cyborgs

Soldiers of the future might be part human, part machine, with super-strong body parts, auto-zoom eyes and a brain connected by Wi-Fi to super computers.

5. Space humans

If the Earth gets too crowded, humans will move to other planets. If they adapt to a different atmosphere and gravity on another planet, they won't look the same as humans on Earth.

Which possibilities do you think are most likely? 

Read the article on the future of human beings. Match paragraphs 1-5 with pictures A - E.

FACES OF THE FUTURE

Humans have adapted and changed through the ages and, unless a catastrophe destroys the Earth, we'll probably survive and continue to change. Scientists are already saying that children born now might live until they're 150. Further into the future, perhaps people won't die but simply buy new body parts as they get older!

What other changes are possible in the years ahead?

1. Homo Informaticus

If we continue to use computers and screens more and more, our eyes and brains will probably get bigger in order to process more information.

2. Neo-humans

If there’s a terrible war or an epidemic, survivors might leave the cities and live in caves. They'll become stronger, hairier and more agile.

3. Homo Perfectus

If scientists manipulate human genes, will some people pay to have children who are better looking, healthier and more intelligent than ‘normal’ humans?

4. Cyborgs

Soldiers of the future might be part human, part machine, with super-strong body parts, auto-zoom eyes and a brain connected by Wi-Fi to super computers.

5. Space humans

If the Earth gets too crowded, humans will move to other planets. If they adapt to a different atmosphere and gravity on another planet, they won't look the same as humans on Earth.

Which possibilities do you think are most likely? 

Watch or listen to five people talking about their opinions on different ages. Which person thinks they will get a good job?

Do the quiz. Compare your answers with a partner's. Then listen and check.

1) 0 - 5 years

Which of these things can children normally do before they’re five?

a. Get a new hobby

b. Read and write a 20-word story

c. Get a bank account

2) 6 - 12 years

Surveys show we are happiest around nine to ten years old. Why?

a. It’s when we get rich

b. It’s when we get a pension

c. It’s when we have the most fun and fewest worries.

3) 13 - 19 years

Most teenagers have got social media account nowadays. How old do you usually need to be to get a social media account?

a. Thirteen

b. Fourteen

c. Fifteen

4) 20 - 29 years

When they have got a degree or finished their studies, people in their twenties often get a job. Which of these things can’t you do in the UK until you’re twenty-one?

a. Get a driving licence

b. Adopt a child

c. Get a boyfriend or girlfriend.

5) 30 - 49 years

At this age, many people are married. According to scientists, if you get married, you’ll probably __________.

a. be happy

b. die younger

c. live longer

6) 50 - 59 years

People often become grandparents at this age. What is the record number of grandchildren to one grandparent in the world?

a. 99

b. 140

c. 247

7) 60 - 79 years

When people get a pension, they often lead a quiet life, but not always! In the Senior Olympics event in the USA, for example, older people compete in every Olympic sport. What’s the world record for the women’s 100 metres for women over seventy?

a. 10.6 seconds

b. 14.6 seconds

c. 20.6 seconds

8) 70 - 100 years

People are getting older. In 1900, the average life expectancy in Europe was forty-three. What is it now?

a. About seventy

b. About eighty

c. About ninety

Rewrite the following sentences, using the words given.

3. He said that he didn't want to learn Math.

-> I heard .......................................................................................................

6. The robber came from the back door.

-> I could feel .................................................................................................

7. Maybe the school will ask me to pay some extra money.

-> Do you think the school will make .............................................................

8. The police chased a thief yesterday.

-> I saw ..........................................................................................................

9. There was an earthquake in my hometown last year. The ground shook.

-> I could feel .................................................................................................

10. While Polly was working in her garden, the phone rang.

-> Polly didn't hear ......................................while...........................................

12. I told my brother to carry my suitcase.

-> I made .......................................................................................................

Check the meaning of the phrases in the box. Decide in which age group you are most likely to do each one.