Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- textile / ˈtɛks taɪl / (n.) – a type of cloth that is made in large quantities and is used by businesses that make clothes
Example:Expensive textiles were used in the gowns and suits worn by celebrities during the award show.
- exoskeleton / ˌɛk soʊˈskɛl ɪ tn / (n.) – a piece of clothing worn to support the body or a part of it, especially by people with injuries
Example:Scientists are developing exoskeletons designed to help factory workers in carrying heavy items.
- differentiate / ˌdɪf əˈrɛn ʃiˌeɪt / (v.) – to identify and show that two items are not similar
Example:The top tech company did its best to differentiate its AI services from other tech companies’ AI services.
- crutch / krʌtʃ / (n.) – a long stick with a soft section at the top that fits under a person's arm, used by people who need help walking
Example:After her car accident, she used crutches to move around.
- exhibitor / ɪɡˈzɪb ɪ t̬ɚ / (n.) – a business that shows its products or works to the public at an event
Example:Exhibitors explained to the guests how their products work during the trade show.
Article
Read the text below.
A machine that allows the paralyzed to walk again, and textiles that can monitor your vital signs without the need for wires. These were just two of the top health gadgets at this year’s CES tech show in Las Vegas.
When Chloe Angus suffered a spinal injury ten years ago, she was told she would never walk again. And yet, she is. Despite being paralyzed from the waist down, she’s able to stand thanks to the XoMotion exoskeleton by Human in Motion. Angus says it pushes the boundaries of what’s possible for people with disabilities.
“How we differentiate and how we have stepped into the next generation of exoskeletons is that we are a fully independent self-balancing exoskeleton, meaning that we do not need arm crutches or a walker to use the device. You don’t have to have upper body strength. We can accommodate much higher levels of injury and we can also get people into exoskeleton sooner after injury with our device,” says Angus, who is a director of the company.
The XoMotion has been approved for use in Canada as a clinical device and will be available in clinics, hospitals and research labs.
CES, the annual trade show of all things tech, opened on January 7. Formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show, CES brings attendees and exhibitors from around the world.
CES 2024 saw more than 138,000 attendees, according to the CTA, and organizers expected to see at least that amount again for this year’s show. Over 4,500 exhibitors, including 1,400 startups, were anticipated across 2.5 million square feet of floor space.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Textiles that monitor your vital signs were introduced at the CES tech show, offering new ways to include health monitoring into everyday clothing. What do you think about clothes that can check your health for you? Do you think this would change one’s daily habits? Why or why not? Discuss.
- Would you like to wear clothes with this technology? Why or why not? What other everyday items could be improved with health-monitoring technology? Discuss.
Discussion B
- CES is a major trade show that brings together companies and people from around the world to share the latest in technology. What do you think is the purpose of trade shows like CES? How can bringing people from different countries together at these events help businesses grow? Why do you think it’s important for people from different countries to meet and exchange ideas? Discuss.
- Do you like attending trade shows or exhibitions? Why or why not? What kind of trade shows or exhibitions would you be interested in attending? Discuss.
