News by Levels · Level 1 · For teachers
Teacher guide & answers
In this lesson: Identify the test setting and how people gave instructions.
A Virtual Robot Learns More From a Warning
How to use these two pages
Give learners the student worksheet. It contains the story and questions, without the answers. Keep this guide for yourself. Use it to lead the activity and explain the answers afterwards.
Student worksheetA simple 15–20-minute lesson
- Before reading · 2 minutes
Show the title. Ask: “What do you think this story is about?”
- Read and answer · 8–10 minutes
Give out the student worksheet. Learners read for the main idea, then reread to answer the 2 questions. They can compare answers with a partner.
- Discuss and write · 5–8 minutes
Check the answers below together. Ask learners to point to the clue in the story, then finish with the open question.
Adjust the support: Let learners use word help or Level 1 if needed. For a challenge, compare the wording in another level. This activity is not a proficiency test.
Answers to the 2 questions
The question numbers match the student worksheet. Each answer includes a reason and the clue learners can find in the story.
Where did the tests take place?
Correct answer: B — In computer simulations
Why: The first paragraph explicitly identifies simulations.
Clue in the story: MIT and New York University researchers tested a system called FLEX in computer simulations. People typed instructions for a virtual robot arm.
How did people give instructions?
Correct answer: A — By typing
Why: People typed instructions for the virtual arm.
Clue in the story: MIT and New York University researchers tested a system called FLEX in computer simulations. People typed instructions for a virtual robot arm.
The open question: accept different answers
Ask learners: Describe one warning and the virtual robot’s response.
One possible answer: A person warned about spilling coffee on a laptop. The virtual robot also avoided other electronics in the simulation.
This is an example, not the only correct answer. Look for a relevant idea, a reason and the learner’s own words. Learners can answer aloud or write one or two sentences.
Grammar to discuss
An additional category with too
other electronics too
Too means also: the response extends beyond the laptop to additional electronics.