Real of Fake – Animals 2


(1) Read the story. (2) Tell the story in your own words. (3) Ask the questions.
 

Elon Musk’s company Neuralink has made a breakthrough by allowing a paralyzed man to control a computer with his mind. Now, they’ve enabled a chimpanzee named Chloe to communicate using a brain implant and a computer-generated voice.

When asked if she was happy, Chloe responded, “Yes, I am happy.” When given a banana, Chloe said, “Thank you for the banana. It’s my favorite.”

According to lead researcher, Noland Arbaugh, “the device is connected to the language center of the brain where Chloe’s thoughts are captured by 1024 electrodes and interpreted by artificial intelligence.”

“I just can’t even describe how cool it is to be having a conversation with Chloe,” Arbaugh said.

 

Vocabulary
breakthrough = an important discovery or achievement

paralyzed = unable to move

electrode = the point where an electric current enters or leaves something

Comprehension Questions
  1. What is the chimpanzee’s name?
  2. How many electrodes are there?
  3. The device is connected to which part of the brain?
Discussion Questions
  1. If your pet could talk, what would you ask it?
  2. Would you like to have a Neuralink device implanted in your brain? Why or why not?
  3. Which Elon Musk company is your favorite?
  4. Do you like bananas?