FOCUS ON GRAMMAR, Third Edition, Level 3

Internet Activity Student Worksheet

UNIT 11: ABILITY: CAN, COULD, AND BE ABLE TO

Inventions
WEB ACTIVITY: Search the web for information about inventions.

WEBSITE ADDRESSES:
http://www.invent.org/hall_of_fame/1_1_search.asp

PART ONE

1. Go to the website. Click on "By Invention." Then search for an invention by clicking on a
letter. Click on an invention that interests you. Scan the description for two interesting facts
about the inventor or invention. Take notes.

(Remember: Just look at the site to get information for this exercise; do not give personal
information or credit card information anywhere in the website.)

2. Answer the following questions. Be sure to use can, could, or be able to in your answer.
Example:
People were not able to write without an ink bottle before the fountain pen was invented.
People could take pens with them and write anywhere after the fountain pen was
invented.
People can now choose among lots of different types of pens.

a. Name of invention

________________________________________________________________

b. Name of inventor

________________________________________________________________

c. What were people not able to do before the invention?

________________________________________________________________

d. What could people do after the invention?

________________________________________________________________

PART TWO

Bring your worksheet to class. Work in a small group. Tell the group about the invention you
researched. The group members should try to guess when the invention was first used.

(continued)

Focus on Grammar, Third Edition, Level 3 Internet Activity Student Worksheet, Unit 11
Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use. 1
FOCUS ON GRAMMAR, Third Edition, Level 3
Internet Activity Student Worksheet

Then brainstorm future inventions related to the ones you researched. What similar inventions
might be created in the future? What do you think people will be able to do as a result of these
inventions?
Example:
People will be able to write with hand-held portable machines in the future. These
machines will be voice-activated, so people won’t need pens.

Focus on Grammar, Third Edition, Level 3 Internet Activity Student Worksheet, Unit 11
Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use. 2