Unit 3

Text Study: Three Basic Capabilities of a Computer.

Additional Text: Visions of Tomorrow.

Grammar: The Future Simple Tense.

Text Study

I. Pre-reading Exercises

1. Repeat the words in chorus:

An intricate,  network, to magnetize,  to accept,  to supply, remarkable,  capabilities, addition, subtraction, division, multiplication and exponentiation, a cathode-ray-tube,  unfortunately, achievements,  instantaneously.

2. While reading the text you will come across a number of international words. Try to guess what Ukrainian words they remind of you:

Characters (symbols), basic,  idea,  signals,  information, a program, mathematical,  logical, operations,  results,  user, terminals, diskettes, disks, instructions.

3. Pay attention to some grammatical points:

1) The machine is capable of storing and manipulating numbers, letters, and characters (symbols). 2) The basic job of computers is processing of information. 3) The program, or part of it, which tells the comput­ers what to do and the data, which provide the information needed to solve the problem, are kept inside the computer in a place called memory. 4) Some of the most common methods of inputting information are to use terminals, diskettes, disks and magnetic tapes. 5) A computer can solve a series of problems and make thousands of logical decisions without becoming tired. 6) It can find the solution to a problem in a fraction of the time it takes a human being to do the job. 7) A computer cannot do anything unless a person tells it what to do and gives it the necessary information; but because electric pulses can move at the speed of light, a computer can carry out great numbers of arithmetic-logical operations almost instantaneously.

II. Reading

Read the text and be ready to find in the text the answers to the following questions:

·         What is computer?

·         What are three basic capabilities of a computer?

Three Basic Capabilities of a Computer

A computer is a machine with an intricate network of elec­tronic circuits that operate switches or magnetize tiny metal cores. The switches, like the cores, are capable of being in one or two possible states, that is, on or off; magnetized or demagnetized. The machine is capable of storing and manipulating numbers, letters, and characters (symbols).

The basic idea of a computer is that we can make the ma­chine do what we want by inputting signals that turn certain switches on and turn others off, or magnetize or do not magne­tize the cores.

The basic job of computers is processing of information. For this reason computers can be defined as devices which accept information in the form of instructions, called a program, and characters, called data, perform mathematical and / or logical operations on the information, and then supply results of these operations. The program, or part of it, which tells the comput­ers what to do and the data, which provide the information needed to solve the problem, are kept inside the computer in a place called memory.

It is considered that computers have many remarkable pow­ers. However most computers, whether large or small, have three basic capabilities. First, computers have circuits for performing arithmetic op­erations, such as: addition, subtraction, division, multiplication and exponentiation.

Second, computers have a means of communicating with the user. After all, if we couldn't feed information in and get results back, these machines wouldn't be of much use. Some of the most common methods of inputting information are to use terminals, diskettes, disks and magnetic tapes. The computer's input device (a disk drive or tape drive) reads the information into the computer. For outputting information two common devices used are: a printer, printing the new information on paper, and a cathode-ray-tube display, which shows the results on a TV-like screen.

Third, computers have circuits which can make decisions. The kinds of decisions which computer circuits can make are not of the type: "Who would win the war between two coun­tries?" or "Who is the richest person in the world?" Unfortunately, the computer can only decide three things, namely: Is one number less than another? Are two numbers equal? and, Is one number greater than another?

A computer can solve a series of problems and make thousands of logical decisions without becoming tired. It can find the solution to a problem in a fraction of the time it takes a human being to do the job.

A computer can replace people in dull, routine tasks, but it works according to the instructions given to it. There are times when a computer seems to operate like a mechanical 'brain', but its achievements are limited by the minds of human beings. A computer cannot do anything unless a person tells it what to do and gives it the necessary information; but because electric pulses can move at the speed of light, a computer can carry out great numbers of arithmetic-logical operations almost instantaneously. A person can do the same, but in many cases that person would be dead long before the job was finished.

Vocabulary Notes

intricate ['IntrIkI] – складний, заплутаний.

electronic circuit ['sWkIt]– електронний ланцюжок, схема

to operate switches – активувати перемикачі

to store numbers – запам’ятовувати числа

to manipulate – керувати; звертатися; перетворювати

to input/to feed in – вводити (інформацію)

to turn on = to switch on – вмикати

to turn off = to switch off – вимикати

to process data – опрацьовувати дані

to supply – подавати, вводити, постачати, забезпечувати

addition – додавання

subtraction – віднімання

division – ділення

multiplication ["mAltIplI'keiSn]– множення

exponentiation ["ekspq'nenSIeiSn] – піднесення до степеню

input device – пристрій уведення

disk drive – дисковий запам’ятовуючий прилад, дисковод

tape drive – запам’ятовуючий прилад на магнітній стрічці

cathode-ray tube ["kxTqud'reI tjub]– електронно-променева трубка

to make decisions – приймати рішення

instantaneously ["Instqn'teInIqslI]– миттєво, негайно

Comprehension

1. Tell what sentences are true and what are false.

1) A computer is a machine with an simple network of elec­tronic circuits that operate switches or magnetize tiny metal cores. 2) The basic idea of a computer is that we can make the ma­chine do what we want by inputting signals. 3) The basic job of computers is choosing of information. 4) The program is a part of computer, which tells the comput­ers what to do. 5) Most computers, whether large or small, have many basic capabilities. 6) Some of the most common methods of inputting information are to use terminals, diskettes, disks and magnetic tapes. 7) A computer can solve a series of problems and make thousands of logical decisions without becoming tired. 8) A computer can replace people in dull, routine tasks and it works without any the instructions given to it.

2. Choose the right answer:

1) The basic idea of a computer is that we can make the ma­chine do what we want by … .

a) outputting signals;

b) outside signals;

c) inputting signals.

2) Computers can be defined as devices which accept information in the form of … .

a) instructions;

b) letters;

c) figures.

3) Computers have … for performing arithmetic op­erations.

a) memory;

b) circuits;

c) brain.

4) The computer's … reads the information into the computer.

a) input device;

b) output device;

c) storage system.

5) For … two common devices used are: a printer and a cathode-ray-tube display.

a) storing information;

b) inputting information;

c) outputting information.

6) A computer can carry out great numbers of arithmetic-logical operations almost … .

a) instantaneously;

b) often;

c) seldom.

 3. Complete the sentences.

1) A computer is a machine with … . 2) The machine is capable of … and … numbers, letters, and characters (symbols). 3) The basic idea of a computer is … . 4) The basic job of computers is … .  5) Most computers, whether large or small, have … basic capabilities. 6) Some of the most common methods of inputting information are … . 7) . A computer cannot do anything unless … .

4. Answer the questions:

1) What is a computer? 2) What are the two possible states of the switches? 3) What are the main functions of a computer? 4) In what way can we make the computer do what we want? 5) What is the basic task of a computer? 6) In what form does a computer accept information? 7) What is a program? 8) What are data? 9) What is memory? 10) What three basic capabilities have computers? 11) What are the ways of inputting informa­tion into the computer? 12) What is the function of an input device? 13) What devices are used for outputting information? 14) What decisions can the computer make? 15) What are the computer's achievements limited by?

5. Find as quickly as possible and read out the sentences containing the following important information:

• definitions of a computer
• methods of inputting information
• methods of outputting information

*6. Try to tell the gist of the text.

Word Study

1. Give Ukrainian equivalents of the following.

Addition, subtraction, division, multiplication and exponentiation, have many remarkable pow­ers, input device, a cathode-ray-tube, characters called data, perform mathematical operations, information in the form of instructions, an intricate network of elec­tronic circuits, by inputting signals, possible states, to read the information, operate switches, switch off, storing numbers, switch on, processing of information, supply results, provide the information needed, basic capabilities, a means of communicating with the user, a disk drive, outputting information, make thousands of logical decisions, to make decisions, find the solution to a problem.

2. Give English equivalents of the following.

Складна сітка електронних ланцюгів; керувати (приво­дити в дію) перемикачами; можливі стани; зберігати (запам’ятовувати) числа; обробляти числа; за допомогою вводу сигналів; вмикати; вимикати; обробка інформації; інформація у вигляді команд; символи, які називають даними; виконувати математичні дії; видавати результати; забезпечувати необхідну інформацію; мати чудові можливості; основні властивості; додавання, віднімання, ділення, множення; піднесення до степеня; засоби для спілкування з користувачем; пристрій вводу; дисковод; зчитувати інформацію; вивід інформації; катодно-променева трубка; приймати рішення; виконувати тисячі логічних операцій; без втоми; знаходити вирішення завдання.

3.  Match the words in A with their synonyms in B:

А intricate                   В command

to store                                    to decide

to manipulate              to turn on

to make decision         to turn off

to switch on                to conduct

to switch off               to handle

to operate                    complex

instruction                   to conserve

4. Fill in the gaps with the words from Vocabulary Notes in the appropriate form.

instructions / to operate / storing / inputting / manipulating / outputting / input device / a cathode-ray-tube display / instantaneously

1) The computer is capable of … and … numbers, letters, and characters. 2) We can make the ma­chine do what we want by … signals. 3) Computers can be defined as devices which accept information in the form of … called a program. 4) The computer's disk drive or tape drive reads the information into the computer and is called … . 5) For … information two common devices used are: a printer and … , which shows the results on a TV-like screen. 6) There are times when a computer seems … like a mechanical brain. 7) A computer can carry out great numbers of arithmetic-logical operations almost … .

5. Read the text attentively, make the annotation of the text. To write annotation use clichés,  given below.

The text / article under review ...(gives us a sort of infor­mation about...)

The article deals with the problem ...

The subject of the text is ...

At the beginning (of the text) the author describes... (dwells on ...; explains...; touches upon ...; analyses...; comments ...; characterizes ... ; underlines ... ; reveals ...; gives account of...)

The article begins with the description of..., a review of...y the analysis of...

The article opens with ...

Then (after that, further on, next) the author passes on to ..., gives a detailed (thorough) analysis (description), goes on to say that...

To finish with, the author describes ...

At the end of the article the author draws the conclusion that ...; the author sums it all up (by saying...)

In conclusion the author...                           

6. Translate sentences into English using words and word combinations from the Vocabulary Notes.

1) Комп’ютер має здатність обробляти та зберігати дані. 2) Основним у роботі з комп’ютером є те, що ми можемо примусити його робити те, що ми хочемо, вводячи певні сигнали. 3) Ми визначаємо комп’ютер як машину зі складною системою електронних ланцюгів або як пристрій, який сприймає інформацію у формі команд. 4) Ця машина виконує математичні операції над інформацією і виводить результат цієї операції. 5) Комп’ютер має здатність утримувати інформацію у пам’яті. 6) Основні можливості цієї розумної машини – це виконання арифметичних операцій (додавання, віднімання, множення, ділення і піднесення до степеня), комунікація з користувачем (ввід та вивід інформації) та прийняття правильного рішення (наприклад, чи дане число більше чи менше за інше і т.п.).

Grammar in Use

The Future Indefinite Tense

1. Refer the sentences to future adding adverbial modifiers of time if necessary. Translate the sentences into Ukrainian.

1) All programs, texts and data on your disk reside in files and each file has a unique name. 2) You refer to files by their filenames. 3) You create a file each time toy enter and save data or text at your terminal. 4) You also create a file when you write programs and save them on your disks. 5) The names of files are kept in directories on a disk. 6) These directories also contain information about the size of the files. 7) The directory you  work in is called your working directory. 8) If drive A is the default drive MS-DOS automatically searches the disk in drive A for the filename newfile; so it is not necessary to type the drive name. 9) Valid characters for filename extensions are the same as those for filenames.

2. Make the sentences interrogative and negative.

1) Floppy disks in particular will become worn.2) The computer will suddenly decide that it can no longer read them.  3) A disk fault, or even a brief power failure, will lose all the work. 4) You will put a blank disk in one slot and the full disk in the other to copy it. 5) The computer will check the disk and record various things on it. 6) The various forms of hard disks and other storage devices used in the computer department will not form part of the secretary’s work.

3. Replace the Infinitive in brackets by the Future Indefinite Tense. Translate the sentences into Ukrainian.

1) If you (to have) a computer it (to help) you to do your work faster. 2) We (to speak) about some negative aspects of this policy. 3) The disadvantages of replacing people with computers in the office (to be) that the people you (to retain) need a higher skill level. 4) The lesser-skilled people (to become) unemployed, and there a fewer jobs for unskilled people. 5) The office (to become) dependent on technology and, if it (to break down), the office can no longer function effectively. 6) It (to take) longer to train newcomers to the office to become effective in their day-to-day jobs.

Additional Text

(for individual work)

Read and translate the text.

Visions of Tomorrow

First, safety. Radiation screen are available, and have been for some years. Most of them place an emissions barrier between you and the front of your display, while others encase the entire monitor, protecting you from side and rear emission as well. Many offices already have these screens available for their workers.

The paperless office is still a dream, but the basic tools are in place. We receive mail in two basic forms: on paper in an envelope, or electronically on our computers. Most of us have access to e-mail in one form or another. That’s half the battle won. The other half is a bit more difficult, but it can be, and is being, done. All mail can be opened in the mail room and scanned into the computer using optical character recognition. Then a document-image-processing program takes over and lets you accomplish electronically what you would normally do with paper. Variable personal computer products are available for this purpose.

Computers are already much smaller than they used to be. When you start talking about laptops, notebooks, and palmtops, the question becomes, ‘How small is too small?’  FAX capabilities are already available on boards that you can plug into your computer. When you combine the technologies present in internal modems with voice recognition, the basics for having your computer replace your phone-voice line are in place.

Voice recognition is another technology that may appear limited in its present form, but it shows great promise for the future. Speaking to your computer will be a major factor in the office of the future. In some locations, it is already a major factor in the office of today. So you ask your computer a question, and it answers you - verbally.

Large display screens? You can get screens of up to 35 inches now, and between Barco and Mitsubishi competing for the honor of having the largest monitor, it is hard to predict just how big they will get in the future.

The real disaster that most of us still have to deal with is the traditional keyboard, which is the cause of much pain and suffering. New designs for strange-looking keyboards, Star Trek style, are moving from the drawing board to the factory. And the Internet already exists, with several of the research and educational facilities on its membership rolls.

1. Divide the text into the logical parts and give a title to each one.

2. Put questions to the text.

3. Discuss it with your groupmates.