Read about innovation in California, then practise technology vocabulary, reported speech and future forms.
Read the text, then answer the comprehension questions.
Silicon Valley is a region in northern California near San Francisco Bay. It became famous because many technology companies were founded there, including firms that changed how people search for information, communicate and shop. Stanford University, skilled engineers and venture capital helped create a culture where new ideas could become global businesses quickly.
A typical startup begins with a problem and a prototype. If investors believe in the idea, they may provide money so the team can hire people, improve the product and launch it to the public. Some companies grow into giants, but many fail before they become profitable.
Silicon Valley also faces criticism. Housing is extremely expensive, and long commutes make daily life stressful for many workers. Some people argue that technology companies should accept more responsibility for privacy, misinformation and the effects of automation on jobs.
Since the pandemic, remote work has changed the region. Some employees have moved away from California, while companies have opened offices in cheaper cities. Even so, Silicon Valley remains a symbol of innovation, risk and the belief that a small team can build something used around the world.
Choose the best word to complete each sentence.
1 Several famous technology companies were in California.
2 An is a person who starts a business and accepts risk.
3 Many startups need before they can hire a larger team.
4 The team tested a small before building the final app.
5 The company plans to its new product next spring.
6 A company’s main office is often called its .
7 A long can make workers tired before they even reach the office.
8 Privacy laws are one kind of government for technology companies.
Choose the correct form for each sentence.
1 The founder said the app in June.
2 The engineers explained that they the prototype.
3 Analysts predict that many companies more money in artificial intelligence.
4 A student said she for an internship in San Jose.
5 The article reported that rents sharply in the region.
6 If the trial , investors will fund the next stage.
7 The team the product at a conference next week.
8 The CEO said remote work the way companies hired people.
Write 90–120 words about an app or technology idea that could solve a real problem. Use at least two future forms and one example of reported speech.
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