Unit 13: English for Computers

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Aims and Objectives

In this unit you will learn and practise vocabulary related to computers.

You will practise the following skills and functions:

  • understanding computer hardware

The grammar focus of this unit is:

Vocabulary

Vocabulary Practice

Exercise not available in this language version.

Listening Comprehension

Exercise 1: Multiple Choice Questions

Chose the correct answer.

Recording:
Transcript:

A computer is an information processing machine. Information goes in and results come out. The basic tasks of control and calculation are carried out by a microprocessor, but when you look at a computer you only see the peripheral devices, such as the screen, keyboard, mouse and printer which are connected to the CPU. The equipment or hardware, however, cannot perform any tasks without instructions in the form of a program. This is called software. The computer also needs to store data and software, so the hardware also includes memory chips and other devices such as a hard disk.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. The basic tasks of the microprocessor are:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  2. Peripheral equipment is:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  3. Information is stored:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  4. Another word for information is:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  5. The mouse is connected to:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice Questions

Chose the correct answer.

Recording:
Transcript:

Instructions and data for the software are fed into the computer from an input device. The most widely used input device is the keyboard, although there are other systems such as scanners and voice recognition devices. The keyboard is usually divided into three sections. The main section has all the keys for input of letters, numbers and other characters, while on the right there is a separate numeric keypad. Between them there is a set of keys which include arrow keys for moving the cursor around the screen, and along the top there are other special function keys. There are different keyboards depending on the user's language.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. The keyboard is:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  2. Which is correct?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  3. Which is correct?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  4. Arrow keys allow the user to:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  5. Which is correct?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?

Exercise 3: Multiple Choice Questions

Chose the correct answer.

Recording:
Transcript:

Advances in assistive or adaptive technology make it possible for blind or partially sighted people to be fully independent at work, in school, and at home. On the market today are devices and software that work with standard personal computers to create large print, synthetic voice or Braille output. Most individuals who are blind use standard keyboards. Braille key labels can help, though Braille input devices are also available. Speech output systems can be used to read screen text to blind computer users. Special software programs called screen readers "read" computer screens, and speech synthesizers "speak" the text. Refreshable Braille displays allow line-by-line translation of screen text into Braille. Braille displays can be read quickly by those with advanced Braille skills. Braille printers provide "hard copy" output for blind users.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. What is assistive technology?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  2. Assistive computer technology works with:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  3. Which is correct?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  4. Most blind people:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  5. A screen reader is:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  6. What is 'hard copy'?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?

Exercise 4: Multiple Choice Questions

Chose the correct answer.

Recording:
Transcript:
CWhat kind of computer have you got?
JI've got an Apple laptop.
CHow long have you had it?
JI've only had it for a couple of months now but I'm very happy with it. I've had PC's of one kind or another for about 15 years now and I got fed up with all the hardware and software problems and viruses, so I decided to change to Apple.
CWhat's the difference?
JIt has a different operating system, it's easier to use, and it doesn't keep crashing. Also people don't create so many viruses for it.
CMaybe, but it's not compatible with PC's, is it? And you can't surf the internet with it, can you?
JDon't be silly. Of course you can. And it has all the usual things that most people use, like email, word-processor, spreadsheet, and database applications and they're completely compatible. I mean, if I send you an email with an attachment, you'll be able to read it and open the document without any problem. Or the other way round.
This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. Jonathan has got:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  2. He's had it:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  3. Which is correct?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  4. Which is correct?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  5. Jonathan mentions:
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?

General Comprehension

Exercise 1: True/False Statements

For each of the statements below, choose True or False.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. The initials CPU stand for Central Processing Unit.


    ?
  2. Hardware cannot perform tasks without software.


    ?
  3. Data is often stored on a scanner.


    ?
  4. The numeric keypad is on the left of the keyboard.


    ?
  5. Arrow keys allow you to move around the screen.


    ?
  6. Devices exist for Braille input and output.


    ?
  7. Screen readers are people who read screens.


    ?
  8. A hard copy is a copy on a hard disk.


    ?
  9. The Microsoft Windows operating system never crashes.


    ?
  10. Adaptive technology is another expression for assistive technology.


    ?

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Speaking Practice. Complete the sentences you hear, using the example as a model.

Press ‘Play’ to listen to the instructions:

Grammar Practice

Exercise 1: Transformation

In this exercise let's practise changing from a sentence without the definitive article to a sentence with the definite article.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
Example:

Do you like fish? (the fish in this restaurant)
Yes, but not the fish in this restaurant.

  1. A.
    B. ?
  2. A.
    B. ?
  3. A.
    B. ?
  4. A.
    B. ?
  5. A.
    B. ?

Exercise 2: Transformation

In this exercise, let's practise changing from `A' to `AN'.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
Example:

Have you got a computer? (old) Yes, but it's an old computer.

  1. A.
    B. ?
  2. A.
    B. ?
  3. A.
    B. ?
  4. A.
    B. ?
  5. A.
    B. ?

Exercise 3: Selections

Chose the correct answer.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. a. 
    b. 
    ?
  2. a. 
    b. 
    ?
  3. a. 
    b. 
    ?
  4. a. 
    b. 
    ?
  5. a. 
    b. 
    ?
  6. a. 
    b. 
    ?
  7. a. 
    b. 
    ?
  8. a. 
    b. 
    ?
  9. a. 
    b. 
    ?
  10. a. 
    b. 
    ?

Consolidation

Exercise 1: True/False Statements

For each of the statements below, choose True or False.

Recording:
Transcript:

Computers have found their way into every part of our lives. They are on our desks in the office, at school and at home, they run the robots on production lines, and they are part of all kinds of things like cars, watches, or even microwaves. Computer know-how will be essential for your working life. Traditional jobs are disappearing, in banking for example, but new jobs are being created to develop and run computer hardware, software and computer networks.

Computers are also creating new technologies which are, in turn, creating new types of work that never existed before. What does this mean for you? You must expect to be able to work on a computer or run a computerised machine. You will find increasing work opportunities in fields such as computer repair and information technology. You will have to be constantly learning. Technology is changing so quickly that you'll have to continually upgrade your skills and be adaptable because as technology advances, your work will constantly change. Possibly you will be offered work that involves teleworking and you will work by computer at home or in a satellite office.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. It is essential in the modern world to know how to use a computer.


    ?
  2. Computers are destroying traditional jobs but creating new jobs.


    ?
  3. Modern cars and factory robots don't need microprocessors.


    ?
  4. IT means Information Technology.


    ?
  5. Technology isn't changing very fast.


    ?
  6. When you start work nowadays you need to continue learning.


    ?
  7. Teleworking means working from a distance.


    ?

Exercise 2: Dictation

Listen to the complete recording first. Then go to the textbox and use the ‘>’ key to listen to the text section by section. Type what you hear into the textbox. For detailed instructions, read the Exercise Help.

Recording:
Transcript:

Computers have found their way into every part of our lives. They are on our desks in the office, at school and at home, they run the robots on production lines, and they are part of all kinds of things like cars, watches, or even microwaves. Computer know-how will be essential for your working life. Traditional jobs are disappearing, in banking for example, but new jobs are being created to develop and run computer hardware, software and computer networks.

?

Exercise 3: Cloze

Listen to the recording carefully and then fill in the gaps in the text below using the same words.

Recording:
Transcript:

Computers are also creating new technologies which are, in turn, creating new types of work that never existed before. What does this mean for you? You must expect to be able to work on a computer or run a computerised machine. You will find increasing work opportunities in fields such as computer repair and information technology. You will have to be constantly learning. Technology is changing so quickly that you'll have to continually upgrade your skills and be adaptable because as technology advances, your work will constantly change. Possibly you will be offered work that involves teleworking and you will work by computer at home or in a satellite office.

Computers are also creating new technologies ? are, in turn, creating new types of work ? never existed before. What ? this mean for you? You must expect to be able to work ? a computer or run a computerised machine. You ? find increasing work opportunities in fields such as computer repair and information technology. You will ? to be constantly learning. Technology is changing ? quickly that you'll have to continually upgrade your skills and be adaptable ? as technology advances, your work will constantly change. Possibly you will ? offered work that involves teleworking and you will work by computer ? home or in a satellite office.

Exercise 4: Gap Filling

Choose the correct option to fill the gaps in the following sentences.

This exercise can be also done purely aurally/orally:
  1. A computer is ____ information processing machine.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  2. Hardware cannot perform any tasks without instructions in the form of ____ program.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  3. Hardware includes memory chips and other devices ____ a hard disk.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  4. Instructions and data for the software are fed ____ the computer.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  5. The arrow keys are for moving the cursor ____ the screen.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  6. There are different keyboards depending on the ____ language.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  7. ____ have you had it?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  8. ____ of computer have you got?
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  9. The initials CPU ____ for Central Processing Unit.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  10. It's ____ very old computer.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  11. Computers have found their ____ into every part of our lives.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  12. Computers are on our desks in the office, at school and ____ home,
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  13. Computers are creating new technologies ____ are creating new types of work.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  14. You must expect to ____ to work on a computer
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  15. You will find work opportunities in ____ such as computer repair.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  16. You will ____ by computer in a satellite office.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  17. It is essential to know ____ to use a computer.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  18. Computers run the robots ____ production lines.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  19. Computers are a ____ of modern life.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?
  20. Hardware cannot perform ____ without software.
    a. 
    b. 
    c. 
    ?

Checklist

Use the following list to check whether you have obtained full benefit from this unit. You should be able to:

  • understand computer hardware
Version 2.0 (2011-12-07 01:36 CET)
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