VIDEO SCRIPTS B1  STUDENT'S BOOK

A: Ha. No, don’t really like cleaning, but this robot looks like fun! The
UNIT salesman said people of all ages can use it. It will be great because, if

11 it works, I’ll have more free time.

K: So what about a robot iron? Would you buy one?
A: No. Probably not. I work at a men’s department store, so I really don’t
mind ironing clothes. I like to look good, you know? So, a cleaning
11.7 (DVD 2); CD 4 Track 27 robot, yeah, but I’ll do my own ironing!
K: And that’s the powder for the dishwasher, isn’t it?
Page 96, exercise 4 A: Er, yes. I have an excellent dishwasher, so I don’t really mind loading
S = Simon, K = Kate and emptying it. As long as I don’t have to wash dishes by hand, I’m
happy!
S: Oh, hello there. Just ... doing a bit of dusting in the studio. Coming up
K: Thank you! Wow! I thought only the man at the dry cleaner’s liked
on Learning Curve today, we discuss housework. So, how do people
ironing clothes. Oh, here’s someone with a new trash, I mean, er,
feel about housework? And do machines do housework better than
rubbish bin, and a mop?
humans? Let’s find out. Kate?
R: Hi. Yes, but this is a special mop called a “Mop it” robot. Something
K: It’s probably true that a lot of people dislike cleaning. Clearing the
like that. It’s my new best friend!
kitchen table, sweeping the floor, or taking out the rubbish – er,
K: For example?
trash, garbage – whatever you want to call it! Most people would
R: It mops the floor and cleans up the dirt. It does a better job than I
prefer to spend time doing other things. Equipment can help you. Do
can. So exciting! Anyway, time for spring cleaning, you know? Every
you use machines to do your housework for you?
April, that’s what I do!
S: When we think about cleaning or doing housework we don’t usually
K: So, do you love cleaning or ...
think about robots. However, today, cleaning robots are a reality! A
R: Oh, yes! I’m a neat freak. I love housework. When I’m upset, I clean.
few years ago, at Columbia University in New York, engineers built a
When I’m happy, I also clean. It helps me keep fit! And, to me, a clean
robot that can iron your clothes! In Florida, a company has designed
floor is fantastic. Yes, I really enjoy it, even windows. And the basins.
a human-like robot named Atlas that cleans the house for you! It can
And I vacuum the drawers and duvets from time to time.
vacuum, sweep and pick up rubbish with its arms and put it in the bin.
K: OK, that’s great. So, when are you coming to my place to do some
In Japan, there’s a robot with arms and legs that can lift and move
cleaning? OK, thanks for talking to us. Back to you Simon.
heavy objects – great for moving furniture in the living room so you
S: Thanks, Kate! That’s all for today! So, now we know that housework
can vacuum and dust more easily. And also, a robot mop! It does a
is a love or hate kind of thing. But machines and robots can make
really good job! What do you think of that, Kate?
people’s lives easier! Are you a neat freak? Would you use a robot? Let
K: That sounds great to me, Simon! Where can I buy one? So now, let’s
us know! Thanks for watching Learning Curve. See you next time!
find out how our viewers feel about housework! Do you like doing
it? How do you feel about machines, or even a robot, doing your
housework for you? Simon, who’s with you?

11.8 (DVD 2); CD 4 Track 28

Page 97, exercise 5B

S = Simon, J = Julie, K = Kate, A = Axel, R = Roberta

S: Right, Kate! I have Julie here on video chat from Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. Julie tell us, how do you feel about housework?
J: I hate doing it. It’s, like, so much work. I have a full-time job and, on
the weekends, I’d rather be with my kids.
S: Do your children help with the cleaning?
J: Well, I try to encourage my children to be independent and do little
jobs to help me around the house. But, you know, they think it’s
annoying and often “forget” to do them. But, er, you know, maybe my
kids would like a robot! They love computers and video games. They
might learn how to program it! Good idea, Simon!
S: Well Julie, let us know how that works! “Kids Cleaning with Robots!”
Sounds like a TV show. OK, back to Kate. She’s on the street. Kate?
Anyone there with an opinion?
K: Hey, Simon! I’m here on the street in front of a popular store that sells
all kinds of household products from mops to cleaning robots. Let’s
hear from some of the customers! Hi, I’m Kate from Learning Curve.
What’s in your bag?
A: Hello, Kate! Well, let’s see. Er, powder for the dishwasher, some
towels. A new iron and … look at this.
K: Oh, is that a robot? How does it work?
A: Yes, a cleaning robot. You put it on the floor, turn it on. Then, it
moves around and vacuums up the dust. Makes the floor look good.
K: I’ve never seen one before. So, do you like housework?

B1 Pre-Intermediate 1 Personal Best B1 © Richmond 2018