Seven people who changed the world (2)

We will be studying the following people during April:  Nicola Tesla, John Logie Baird, Mark Twain, The Wright Brothers, Marie Currie and  James Watt

During April we will be using the theme of “Seven People who changed the world?” to increase our vocabulary. Looking at the famous people who changed our world.

This week’s English lesson :  John Logie Baird

SECTION ONE (John Logie Baird)

Who was John Logie Baird ?

1). John Logie Baird, born on August 13th, 1888, in Helensburgh, Scotland, emerged from humble beginnings to become a pioneer in the field of television. His educational journey was somewhat erratic; after attending several schools, he eventually graduated from the University of Glasgow with a degree in electrical engineering, where, as a student, he frequently explored various inventions that piqued his interest.

2). Despite early setbacks, including a temporary blindness caused by a bout of pneumonia, Baird’s relentless curiosity and determination set him on a path toward innovation. By 1924, he had made significant breakthroughs, demonstrating the world’s first working television system using a combination of mechanical and electronic techniques. It is worth noting that Baird’s initial experiments were often fraught with challenges, yet, his perseverance bore fruit when he successfully transmitted the first televised images to an audience, thus forever changing the landscape of entertainment.

3). Baird’s work laid the foundation for future developments in television technology, though it was marked by considerable skepticism from his contemporaries. As he showcased his inventions in public demonstrations, the response ranged from awe to disbelief, reflecting the societal transition into a new era of visual communication. Ultimately, Baird’s legacy persists not only in the realm of entertainment but also as a testament to the innovative spirit, reminding us that sometimes, it is those who dare to dream who inspire future generations to create and explore.

VOCABULARY:  After reading the text discuss all of the new words.

GRAMMAR:  Go back through the text and identify all of the adjectives in the text.

Photo:       

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SECTION TWO (Vocabulary)

1. **Television**: A system for transmitting visual images and sound over a distance, typically used for broadcasting programmes to entertain or inform.

2. **Pioneer**: An individual who is among the first to explore or develop a new area of knowledge or technology, leading the way for others to follow.

3. **Broadcasting**: The act of transmitting audio and video content to a dispersed audience via electronic mass communication mediums.

4. **Cathode Ray Tube**: A technology used in traditional television sets that displays images by directing electrons onto a phosphorescent screen.

5. **Transmitter**: A device that converts electrical signals into electromagnetic waves, enabling the broadcast of television signals.

6. **Photoconductor**: A material that changes its electrical resistance in response to light, used in early television technology to convert light into electrical signals.

7. **Resolution**: The detail an image holds; in television, it refers to the clarity and sharpness of the image, influenced by the number of pixels utilized.

8. **Frame Rate**: The frequency at which consecutive images, or frames, are displayed in a video sequence, impacting the fluidity of motion in television content.

9. **Innovator**: A person who introduces new ideas, products, or methods, often characterized by creativity and the ability to implement change.

10. **Signal**: An electromagnetic wave used to carry information in telecommunications; in television, it refers to the information sent to produce images and sound.

 

SECTION THREE: Grammar ( Mixed Advanced)

1. **Although the project faced numerous obstacles, the team completed it ahead of schedule.**
(Complex Sentence)  – This sentence includes a dependent clause “Although the project faced numerous obstacles” and an independent clause, illustrating a contrast between a challenge and a successful outcome.

What is a Complex Sentence?  A complex sentence in English grammar consists of an independent clause and at least one dependent (or subordinate) clause. The independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence, while the dependent clause cannot stand alone and relies on the independent clause to provide context or clarity. Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions such as “although,” “because,” “since,” “when,” or “if.” For example, in the sentence “Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk,” “we decided to go for a walk” is the independent clause, while “Although it was raining” is the dependent clause, providing additional information about the circumstances under which the decision was made.

2. **Despite having little experience in the field, she confidently presented her ideas to the committee.**
(Compound Sentence) – The use of “Despite” introduces a subordinate clause that contrasts with the main clause, emphasizing her confidence despite her inexperience.*)

What is a compound sentence?  A compound sentence is a type of sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (such as “and,” “but,” “or,” “nor,” “for,” “so,” or “yet”) or by a semicolon. Each independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, meaning they both express a complete thought. For example, in the sentence “I wanted to go for a walk, but it began to rain,” there are two independent clauses: “I wanted to go for a walk” and “it began to rain,” connected by the conjunction “but.” This structure allows for the creation of more complex ideas and relationships between thoughts in writing.

4. **It was only after the final deadline had passed that they realized the gravity of their oversight.**
(Inversion) – The phrase “It was only after…” emphasizes the timing of the realization, creating a dramatic effect that highlights the oversight.*)

What is an inversion?  Inversion in English grammar refers to the reversal of the normal order of words in a sentence, often used for emphasis or to form specific types of questions. In standard English, the typical word order follows a subject-verb-object pattern, but in an inverted sentence, this order is altered. For example, in statements such as “Never have I seen such a beautiful sunset,” the normal order “I have never seen…” is inverted to place emphasis on “never.” Inversion is also commonly used in questions (e.g., “Are you coming to the party?”) and in conditional sentences where “had,” “were,” or “should” is placed before the subject (e.g., “Had I known about the meeting, I would have attended”). This technique can add formality or dramatic effect to a sentence and is often employed in literary or poetic contexts.

SECTION FOUR:  Watch the 4 minute video and then answer the nine questions below.

QUESTIONS:

1. What is one contraction of the word ‘television’ used at the very beginning of the video?
2. What does the word ‘broadcast’ mean?
3. Where did John Logie Baird first do his TV experiments?
4. Where did he first demonstrate the idea of television?
5. How many people had a radio set at the time?
6. What is a breakthrough?
7. What is a dummy? What was John’s dummy called?
8. What nationality was John Logie Baird?
9. Between which two cities was the first TV broadcast made?

SECTION FIVE:  Writing Exercise

Write a short essay of 150 words on the following topic: “The impact of technology on education.”

Discuss both the positive and negative aspects of technology in the learning environment. Begin by describing how technology enhances learning through resources and accessibility, then counter this by addressing potential drawbacks such as distractions and reduced face-to-face interactions. Conclude with your personal opinion on whether the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Make sure to organize your ideas clearly, using linking phrases to connect your points and maintain coherence