Google to make gmail a personal assistant
BUSINESS
1/14/2026
WARM-UP
Answer quickly. No right or wrong answers.
Do you already use AI tools in your daily life?
Would you trust AI to help write your emails?
Do you think technology is becoming too personal?
VOCABULARY
Essential (A1–B1)
incorporate – to include something as part of a whole
Example: Google plans to incorporate AI into everyday tools.
personalize – to adapt something to individual needs
Example: The system can personalize emails to match your style.
subscriber – a person who pays for regular access to a service
Example: Only paying subscribers can access advanced features.
malfunction – to fail to work properly
Example: Problems arise when systems malfunction.
proofread – to check writing for errors
Example: Users should always proofread AI-generated messages.
Developed (B2–C2)
misleading – giving a false or incorrect impression
Example: AI errors can produce misleading information.
automation – the use of technology to perform tasks automatically
Example: Email automation could save hours of work.
privacy concerns – worries about personal data being accessed
Example: Many users express privacy concerns about AI.
artificial intelligence – computer systems that imitate human thinking
Example: Artificial intelligence is reshaping communication.
efficiency – the ability to work productively with little waste
Example: AI tools aim to improve workplace efficiency.
READING
Introduction
This article examines Google’s plan to turn Gmail into a digital assistant by incorporating advanced artificial intelligence, raising questions about productivity, privacy concerns, and trust.
Article (All Levels)
Google is adding more AI tools to Gmail in an effort to transform it into a personal assistant. These tools are designed to help users manage emails more efficiently.
New features will help summarize messages, suggest replies, and organize tasks automatically, saving users time.
Developed Article (B1–C2)
Google’s latest update allows Gmail to personalize writing suggestions based on a user’s style and summarize key information buried in inboxes. Advanced tools are available only to paid subscribers.
However, expanding AI use comes with risks. If systems malfunction, they may generate misleading content or incorrect advice. While users can proofread messages or disable features, concerns remain about how deeply AI analyzes inbox data.
Google claims that email content will not be used to train its AI models, but debate continues about whether increasing automation justifies potential privacy trade-offs.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
Answer based on your level.
A1–A2
Is Google adding AI to Gmail?
Can AI help write emails?
Can users turn AI features off?
B1–B2
What tasks can Gmail’s AI help with?
Who can access the most advanced tools?
Why might AI create problems?
C1–C2
Why does AI integration raise privacy concerns?
How could misleading AI output affect users?
What balance must companies find when using AI assistants?
SPEAKING
A1–A2 — Foundation
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions.
(Answer + 1 reason)
“I think ___ because ___.”
“I usually ___.”
“I feel ___ about this.”
Personal Questions
Do you use Gmail?
Do you write many emails?
Do you like technology?
Would you use AI to write messages?
Do you worry about mistakes?
Do you check emails often?
Is AI helpful?
Do you trust software?
Do you like automation?
Would you proofread AI text?
Do you enjoy new tools?
Do emails cause stress?
Do you prefer human writing?
Do you care about privacy?
Would you try this feature?
B1–B2 — Expansion
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions.
(Answer + reason + 2 details)
“I believe ___ because ___; for example, ___ and ___.”
“One reason is ___.”
“This leads to ___.”
Personal Questions
Why do companies want AI assistants?
How can AI improve efficiency at work?
Why might personalization be risky?
Should AI write professional emails?
How important is proofreading?
What happens if AI malfunctions?
How do subscriptions affect access?
Can AI reduce workload?
How reliable is automated writing?
Should users control AI tools?
How does AI change communication?
Are privacy concerns justified?
Can AI save time long-term?
How does automation affect skills?
Would you pay for AI tools?
C1–C2 — Depth & Reflection
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions.
(Reason + multiple details + consequence or reflection)
“I believe ___ because ___; for instance, ___, ___, and ___; as a result, ___.”
“One major risk is ___.”
“In the long term, this could ___.”
Personal Questions
How does AI redefine personal communication?
Should AI assistants be limited in scope?
Can personalization cross ethical boundaries?
How does convenience affect critical thinking?
Should companies self-regulate AI use?
How can misleading information cause harm?
What responsibility do users have when using AI?
Does automation reduce human agency?
How will AI assistants change workplaces?
Can trust exist between users and AI systems?
How should privacy be protected?
Is efficiency more important than accuracy?
Can AI ever fully replace human judgment?
How does AI affect digital identity?
What role should governments play in AI oversight?
