The nouns below are often used when talking about innovation. Check that you know the meanings of the words and phrases in the box and complete the extract from the talk below.

The idea of a lone inventor who makes a …………….. or has a sudden clever idea or ………….. is maybe a little out of date today. While these types of ……………… do still exist, these days companies often have large ……………… departments - teams of people who are constantly innovating and perfecting designs. Perhaps they begin with a ……………….. and then

build a …………….. or working model. Sometimes during testing there is a ……………….. when it becomes clear the design has a fault. At this point maybe it is time to start again or go back to the …………….. More work is done and there is a ………………. - a solution is found. The product can be retested and then, hopefully, manufactured. The company will apply for a ……………. for the design so that others cannot copy it and steal the idea.

2. The adjectives below can be used to describe inventions or new ideas. Which have a positive meaning? Which have a negative meaning? Write + or - next to each one.

3. Look at the following list of twentieth-century innovations. In your opinion, which is:

• the most important? • the most controversial?

• the most useful? • the most unpopular?

Describe the innovations. What other innovations would you add to the list?

Reading

Do you know which of the following products Procter and Gamble manufactures?

• cars • shampoo

• furniture • toothpaste

• washing powder • anti-ageing cream

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