DISCUSSION

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

a. Did the headline make you want to read the article?

b. Did anything in the article surprise you?

c. Do you think Vista will wow the world?

d. When was the last time you were wowed by anything or anyone?

e. Would you like to use Vista?

f. What operating system problems annoy you?

g. Why do you think a piece of computer software takes so much time and money to create?

h. Do you now have a digital media lifestyle?

i. Do you think beefed up security is important?

j. Have you seen anything of the unveiling on TV, on the Internet or in newspapers?

STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

a. Did you like reading this article?

b. What do you think about what you read?

c. Do you believe the hype and fanfare when technology companies release new products?

d. Do you admire Bill Gates and Microsoft?

e. What potential pitfalls do you experience with using a computer?

f. Are you worried hackers will crack Vista’s code and spread computer viruses?

g. Would you like to buy Vista Starter, Vista Home Basic, Vista Home Premium, Vista Ultimate or Vista Business?

h. Is it OK for Microsoft to copy so much of what Apple Computers is doing, and then proclaim it as innovative?

i. If you had to name the next big operating system, what would you call it and why?

j. Did you like this discussion?

AFTER DISCUSSION: Join another partner / group and tell them what you talked about.

a. What was the most interesting thing you heard?

b. Was there a question you didn’t like?

c. Was there something you totally disagreed with?

d. What did you like talking about?

e. Which was the most difficult question?

SPEAKING

WOWS:

You work for Microsoft in the Department of Wows. With your wowing partner(s), develop a presentation that Bill Gates must give at the launch of the Vista operating system. Use the table below to help you.

After you give your presentation to the class / other wow teams, decide on which wowers were best. Vote on a Wow Factor score of 1 to 10 (10 is the wowest wow). Perhaps one student could operate the wowometer.

Change partner(s) and give help on making your presentations better. Tell each other what is needed for extra wow. Present again.

Discuss the things you heard. What ones would be most exciting or useful in your life?

LANGUAGE

CORRECT WORD:Choose the correct words from a–d below and write them in the article.