Question

predicting the future is a tricky business. however, science fiction writer h.g. wells was remarkably accurate in his descriptions of concepts and technology that, at the time his works were published, were decades away from existence.
wellss novel men like gods (1923), for example, imagines a future earth where people communicate using messages sent via wireless transmission. wellss description of this technology sounds like a cross between email and voicemail, neither of which emerged until the 1970s. similarly, the world set free (1914) imagines an explosive device capable of widespread devastation decades before the development of the atom bomb.
wellss fiction seems not only to forecast new technology, but also to warn of its potential consequences in ways that are now familiar. for instance, in the island of dr. moreau (1896), a mad scientist creates human - animal hybrids. dr. moreaus gruesome experiments end in tragedy when the creatures revert to their ferocious instincts. wellss worries about the dangers of mixing human and animal parts are echoed in contemporary concerns about genetic engineering. in this process, the genes of animals can be altered to make their organs suitable for transplantation into humans. some people argue that genetic engineering is lifesaving for people who need an organ transplant. others claim its risky and unethical.
which two choices state central ideas of the text?

Explanation:

The text discusses how H.G. Wells accurately predicted future technologies in his science - fiction works and also warns about the potential consequences of new technologies like genetic engineering.

Answer:

1. H.G. Wells was remarkably accurate in predicting future technologies in his science - fiction.
2. Wells's fiction not only forecast new technology but also warned of its potential consequences.