МИНИСТЕРСТВО ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ

Государственное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования -

«Оренбургский государственный университет»

Кафедра иностранных языков естественно-научных и инженерно-технических специальностей

Г.Р. ХАЛЮШЕВА

МОЯ СПЕЦИАЛЬНОСТЬ

МЕТОДИЧЕСКИЕ УКАЗАНИЯ ПО АНГЛИЙСКОМУ ЯЗЫКУ

Рекомендовано к изданию Редакционно-издательским советом

государственного образовательного учреждения высшего профессионального образования

«Оренбургский государственный университет»

Оренбург 2004

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ББК 81.2 Англ - 923 Х 17 УДК802.0 (07)

Рецензент кандидат филологических наук, доцент В.Л. Тёмкина

Халюшева Г.Р. Х 17 Моя специальность: Методические указания по английскому

языку – Оренбург: ГОУ ОГУ, 2004. – 33 с.

Данные методические указания представляют собой подборку

текстов, упражнений, диалогов по разговорной теме «Моя специальность» для студентов 2 курса специальности «Информатика», которые способствуют развитию диалогической и монологической речи, а также развивают речевые навыки и умения перевода и говорения. Предназначено для использования на практических занятиях по английскому языку.

ББК 81.2 Англ - 923

Халюшева Г.Р., 2004 ГОУ ОГУ, 2004

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Введение Данные методические указания по английскому языку предназначены для

студентов второго курса специальности «Информатика». Указания состоят из текстов с комплексом упражнений, направленных на развитие навыков устной речи. Кроме того, в каждом разделе приводятся упражнения для закрепления грамматического материала, а также для развития навыков письменной речи и перевода. Разнообразная тематика текстов, коммуникативная направленность заданий способствуют активизации учебной деятельности студентов и достижению целей обучения иностранному языку в неязыковом вузе.

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1 Unit 1

My Speciality

1.1 Pre-reading Task

1) Think of as many educational establishments in your city as you can where students can study IT and computer science. What is the difference between them?

2) Why have you chosen this speciality? 3) What do you know about how popular this speciality is in our country and

abroad? 1.2 Look at the following words. Check the pronunciation in your

dictionary. Try to memorize the translation to develop – развиваться, расти; разрабатывать higher educational establishment – высшее учебное заведение, ВУЗ to educate – обучать, давать образование the overall number of – общее число, общее количество to appear – появляться, возникать speciality – специальность to cover- (зд.)покрывать, охватывать faculty- факультет Information technologies ( IT ) – информационные технологии to comprise – объединять, включать department- кафедра to deal with- иметь дело с чем-либо developments – разработки, достижения to train – обучать, готовить specialist – специалист additional – дополнительный translator – переводчик graduate – выпускник vice versa – наоборот to apply – применять to advance –продвигаться вперед, развиваться, делать успехи research – научное исследование; исследовательский environment – среда, окружение relationship – отношение, взаимоотношение to tap – выпускать, извлекать, выуживать potential – потенциал, возможности genius – гениальность, гениальные способности к чему-либо creativity – творчество, творческие способности to realize – (зд.)реализовывать to maintain – поддерживать

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teaching staff – профессорско-преподавательский состав ratio – отношение, соотношение first-year student(second-year…) – студент первого(второго…)курса in the first(second…fifth)year – на первом(втором…пятом)курсе course of study – курс обучения academic programme – учебная программа curriculum – учебный план, программа to consist of – состоять из… to be composed of – состоять из… compulsory - обязательный optional – необязательный, факультативный to provide with – обеспечивать чем-либо additional qualification – дополнительная квалификация skill – умение, навык level - уровень beginning начальный intermediate level - средний - уровень обучения advanced продвинутый to apply - применять undergraduate – студент старшего курса to benefit from – извлекать пользу из… to exchange - обмениваться 1.3 Now read the text and make a list of things that make you feel proud of

your University and Department

Text 1

My Speciality Orenburg State University is the youngest but most rapidly developing higher

educational establishment in the region. Recently it has made significant advances in educating an ever greater proportion of the population. Among the teaching staff of

the University you will find national award winners, textbook authors, technical experts, entrepreneurs who successfully bring their research to the marketplace, and inventors who change the way we live. Today the overall number of students is more than 30,000. Each year there appear more and more new specialities covering almost

all spheres of the national economy. One of the faculties at the University is the Faculty of Information

Technologies. It was organized on November 5, 1999. Now the Faculty comprises several departments. The largest and leading are the departments of Computer Software, Applied Information Studies, Computing Machinery Complexes Systems and Networks. They all deal with different aspects of modern developments in IT sector.

One of the most promising is the Department of Information Studies. It appeared in 1999 to train IT specialists with an additional qualification of translators.

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Graduates of this speciality are supposed to work at different educational establishments ( ranging from schools to colleges and universities ) as well as to be able to translate technical literature from English into Russian and vice versa. Graduates of the Department of Information Studies are expected to be able to apply their knowledge in different spheres of life such as scientific, social, cultural and educational activities. Taking into consideration the importance of this speciality in the age of rapidly advancing information technologies the department has developed an algorithm for success. It mixes the best aspects of a research university with an intimate college environment – one that brings students into a close learning relationship with distinguished teachers. In this environment, they tap students` considerable potential – their genius for ideas, power of analysis, creativity and organizational abilities. To realize this potential, the Department maintains a low student/teaching staff ratio – 10/1- allowing students to build full relationships with professors.

The Department offers a five-year course of study. The academic programme is composed of a varying number of courses. First-year students get general scientific education and study such subjects as Mathematics, Physics, Technical Drawing, social sciences, Computer Processing of Information. In their second year students start getting acquainted with their field of specialization. The current curriculum consists of the following compulsory disciplines: Programming Languages and Methods, Domestic PC Programming, Computing Machinery, Information Theory, Information Systems, Computer Modelling and others. Besides, students have a wide range of optional subjects to choose from, such as Object Oriented Programming, Computer Graphics, Databases, Design of Computer Systems and Networks, Introduction into Artificial Intelligence Systems, Modern Information Technologies in Education. Students take lectures, do laboratory and practical works, work in the computer centre, read special literature.

Special attention is paid to language studies as the Department also provides its students with an additional qualification of technical translators. Thus, besides technical subjects students also have English Practice and some theoretical courses in the language: Theoretical Grammar, Stylistics, Lexicology, Textual Grammar and others. Upon enrolment students` reading, writing, grammar and conversation skills are tested. They are assigned to the level most appropriate for their skills. All classes are organized into levels. Typically at the end of the course of study students can be expected to progress from either Beginning or Intermediate to Advanced level. Students build the English language fluency by applying structures and functions of English to meaningful practical situations through a variety of classroom activities, such as role plays, discussions, problem-solving exercises and small group activities. After their third year of studies students have summer practice devoted to translating authentic technical texts. In this type of work students learn using all kinds of dictionaries and reference books in combination with computers and the Internet.

The undergraduates of the Department take on independent research projects, working one-on-one with teachers on different problems within the field of their specialisation. They become indispensable partners in research, which of course is a major component of their education.

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Successful results of students and teachers` partnership can be seen in numerous regional and national conferences and competitions where our students take part. They often get awards and rank among the best.

The Faculty also offers its students a wide range of extra-curricular activities so that students could live a full and interesting life. There are different concerts, festivals, sports events and competitions, where students of the Department can take part.

Thus we can say that both students and teachers of the Department benefit from encounters with each other exchanging knowledge, skills, creativity and experience.

1.4 Find English equivalents to the following words and word-

combinations in the text: стремительно развивающийся общее число учащихся факультет информационных технологий специалист в области информационных технологий дополнительная квалификация переводчика применять свои знания в различных сферах жизни творческий потенциал аналитические и организационные способности пятилетний курс обучения первокурсники на втором курсе обязательные дисциплины большой выбор факультативных курсов уровень обучения, соответствующий их умениям все занятия проводятся по уровням летняя практика аутентичные технические тексты входят в число лучших 1.5 Answer the questions: 1) What does the abbreviation OSU mean? 2) What is the overall number of students at OSU? 3) What departments does the IT Faculty comprise? 4) What specialists does the IT Department train? 5) What is the algorithm for success, developed at the Department? 6) What subjects are included into the academic programme? 7) How important are language studies for the department students? What

linguistic courses do students take? 8) What is the aim of the third-year students` summer practice? 9) What are the peculiarities of the undergraduates` work?

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10) Where can you see the results of students and teachers` partnership? 11) What can you say about the teaching staff of the University? 12) Does the University offer any extra-academic activities for its students? 1.6 Look at the following phrases of agreeing/disagreeing. Which of them

are new to you? Which of them have you already used? Agreeing: Disagreeing: Absolutely! Yes, but… Exactly! I know, but… I couldn`t agree more! I take/see your point, but… You`re telling me! (informal) But don`t you think…? Yes/yeah I`m not so sure… I know… No, it isn`t/No, she isn`t…etc I agree. That`s not true. Right/That`s right/You`re right. You must be joking! / No way!

(informal) I suppose so… I can`t accept that…(formal) I guess so… (Am. E.) Rubbish! (Br.E., informal) 1.7 Look at the following statements about the University life. Which are

true? Which are false? (Use the expressions given above) 1) OSU is the youngest educational establishment in the region. 2) The Faculty of Information Technologies was organized on November 5,

1999. 3) The Department of Information Studies trains IT specialists with an

additional qualification of managers. 4) Graduates of this speciality are supposed to work at schools and

colleges. 5) The Department offers a six-year course of study. 6) Optional subjects include Maths, Physics and Information Theory. 7) All language classes are organized into levels. 8) After their second year of studies students have summer practice devoted

to translating authentic technical texts. 1.8 Work in pairs and compare the lists you made while you were reading

the text. Do you agree about what makes your speciality so important and

attractive? “All [English] classes are organized into levels”. Do you think this is

important?

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1.9 Make up a plan for the text. Write out the key words for each paragraph

Work in pairs and make up dialogues, discussing: - aims and goals of the IT Department; - the academic programme of the Department; - language studies at the Department; - extra-curricular activities, offered to the Department students; - recent developments in IT sector. While making up the dialogues, use the following words and expressions:

Having a Conversation When you want to start a new subject or go back to the main subject

So… Anyway…

When you want to give yourself more time to think

Um…/Er…/Well… I mean…

Showing that you are listening to what someone is saying

Yes/Yeah/Right/ Mm/Uh-huh

Checking that someone understands or agrees with you.

Do you know what I mean? …, you know ?

asking someone to repeat what they said

Sorry?/Pardon? Could you repeat…,please? I didn`t quite catch… Could you say it again, please?

When someone is talking and you want to say something

Um…/Well…/Yes, but…/ I know, but…/Sorry to interrupt, but…

1.10 Imagine, that you have met one of your former classmates. Tell him (or her) about your speciality

1.11 Grammar Revision. What do you remember about the degrees of

comparison? Insert the necessary form of an adverb or adjective 1) OSU is the … but … rapidly… educational establishment in the region. 2) Recently it has made … advances in educating an ever … proportion of the

population. 3)Today the overall number of students is …than 30,000. 2) Each year there appear … and … new specialities.

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3) The … and … are the departments of Computer Software, Applied Information Studies, Computing Machinery Complexes Systems and Networks.

4) One of the … … is the Department of IT Studies. 5) It mixes the … aspects of a research university with an intimate college

environment. 6) … attention is paid to language studies. 7) Summer practice is usually devoted to translating …texts. 8) At numerous conferences and competitions our students often rank among

… 9) The Faculty also offers its students a … range of extra-curricular activities.

1.12 Grammar Revision. Insert the necessary form of the verb “to be”

1) Our university … the most rapidly developing higher educational

establishment in the region. 2) One of the faculties … the Faculty of Information Technologies. 3) Graduates of this speciality … supposed to work at different educational

establishments. 4) The academic programme … composed of a number of courses. 5) Upon enrollment, students` language skills … tested. 6) All classes … organized into levels. 7) There … different concerts, festivals and sports events for students. 1.13 Grammar Revision. Fill in the gaps with the necessary tense forms

of the following verbs:

1) Each year there (to appear) more and more new specialities at our University.

2) The IT Department (to appear) in 1999. 3) Now the IT Faculty (to comprise) several departments. 4) Recently the Department (to make) significant advances in educating

people. 5) It (to develop) an algorithm for success. 6) First year students (to get) general scientific education and (to study)

Maths, Physics and other subjects. 7) Special attention (to pay) to language studies. 8) In this type of work students (to learn) using dictionaries and reference

books.

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2 Unit 2 Chester University 2.1 Pre-reading Task 1) What do you know about university education in Great Britain? 2) How is it different from that of your country? 3) What, in your opinion, are the most important points that should be

considered while choosing a university to study? 2.2 Look at the following words. Check the pronunciation in your

dictionary. Try to memorize the translation graduate – выпускник to be confirmed by – подтверждаться чем-либо success rate – (зд.) удачи, успехи employment – занятость, трудоустройство to suit – подходить кому-либо lecturer – преподаватель mixture – смесь, сочетание society – общество to engage in – заниматься чем-либо range – диапазон exceptional – исключительный to be short of – испытывать нехватку чего-либо cash – наличные (деньги) disappointment – разочарование 2.3 Now reаd the text about Chester College as it is seen by Laura McKay

(BA English Literature and History, Year 3)

Text 2

Chester College I`ve chosen Chester over universities at home because it is one of the oldest

educational institutions in the country. Founded in 1839, it is famous for producing good graduates. This is confirmed by the high success rate of Chester graduates in finding employment on completion of their course.

What I find most enjoyable about my course is primarily the modular structure and the wide range of subjects. Students are allowed to choose the programme of study which suits them best. The lecturers are superb and always willing to help. Another positive aspect of the course is the well balanced mixture between practical and theoretical learning.

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Chester College has a compact campus which allows you to meet most people who study here, so you never feel isolated or lonely. The campus is very well equipped.

There is a great social life in and around Chester with something for everyone. There are many societies here, especially for sport. There is also a gym and a recently-built sports-hall, where you can engage in a range of sports.

The nightlife is great, as there are lots of good pubs and clubs in the city, which are all student-friendly and regularly have student nights.

The city centre is only a short walk away and is exceptional for shopping. If that isn`t enough for you, Manchester and Liverpool are only a short journey away.

If you are short of cash, it is easy to get a job in Chester because it is a major tourist center, and there are so many shops, pubs and restaurants.

The College certainly hasn`t been a disappointment! 2.4 Find English equivalents to the following words and word-

combinations in the text: я предпочла Честер другим университетам основанный в … году славится хорошей подготовкой выпускников об этом свидетельствует по окончании курса обучения что мне особенно нравится в выбранном курсе широкий выбор предметов сбалансированное сочетание практических и теоретических знаний в нескольких минутах ходьбы в нескольких минутах (часах) езды если у вас не так много денег 2.5 Answer the questions 1) When was Chester College founded? 2) What is it famous for? 3) What does Laura find most enjoyable about the course? 4) Who chooses the programme of study for students? 5) What is good about the college campus? 6) What does Laura say about the social life at Chester? 7) What makes the nightlife at Chester so great? 2.6 Compare Chester College with Orenburg State University 1) What common features do they have? Model: Both universities are famous for producing good graduates. 2) What makes them different? Model: Chester is a very old university, but OSU was founded much later.

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2.7 Make a list of higher educational establishments of your city. If you were going to get another higher education diploma which

university you would choose? Divide into small groups. Choose one university from the list and discuss its

- history and traditions; - subjects and courses; - campus; - social life; - chances of finding employment for graduates.

Tell the whole group why you would choose that very university 2.8 Imagine yourself meeting Laura McKay. Tell her why you have chosen

Orenburg State University over all other higher educational establishments 2.9 Writing Oxford Academy for English 172 Banbery Road Oxford OX2 8JA Real English in an English environment

small groups intensive work on grammar and vocabulary communicative practice with native speakers exciting social programme and excursions accommodation with local families

This year we are offering ten study grants to students from abroad. To apply for a scholarship you must:

write a letter telling us about yourself and why you think you deserve one of the scholarships.

provide evidence of your level in English. be living outside the United Kingdom. submit a reference from your English teacher.

Send your application to Lucy March at the above address. Learn real English, the natural way 1) You have been studying English for several years and would like to go to

Britain on a summer course to improve your spoken English. Read the advertisement above and write a letter applying for a scholarship.

2) Here is a letter written by a student interested in attending classes at the Oxford Academy. Complete the letter using the words and phrases below.

would like have been studying first of all I am writing

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also look forward to sincerely Dear Ms March, 1) …… in order to apply for one of the scholarships you are offering for

summer courses at the Oxford Academy. I am seventeen years old and 2) …… English for five years. I passed my First

Certificate in June 1999. I have just started a course leading to the Cambridge Proficiency. My mother tongue is French, but I also know some German.

I 3) …… to say why I think I should be awarded one of the scholarships. 4) …... , English is one of my favourite subjects and I have been getting good marks at school. I feel that now I need to practise what I have learnt in real situations. I would 5) …… like to know more about British life and culture. I am very interested in literature and read a lot of English books and magazines. My favourite English author is Agatha Christie and I have always wanted to see the places where her stories are set.

I enclose a letter of reference from my English teacher. I hope you will give my application careful consideration.

I 6) …… hearing from you, Yours 7) …… Michelle Legrand

3) Label each paragraph in the letter using these notes. - who you are - reason for writing - final comments - why you deserve a scholarship - signing off 4) Now it`s your turn. Write a letter of application to the Oxford Academy.

Write between 120 and 180 words. Here are some tips on writing a letter of application.

- It could be written to an individual or an organization. - The purpose of the letter could be to apply for a job, a scholarship or a place

on a course. - Make sure that you include all the relevant information that is asked for. - Use an appropriate style (formal or semiformal). - Remember to include: the reason why you are writing, personal details

about yourself, your qualifications and experience and the reasons why they should take you.

2.10 Read the following quotations. Discuss them in groups “Teachers pass the torch of learning on to others.” (Plato)

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“Education brings a child the world.” (Anonymous) “Teaching is love made visible.” (Anonymous) “I teach to love, I love to teach… My joy is measured by the children I reach.” (Jan Kennedy) “The job of a teacher is to excite in the young a boundless sense of curiosity

about life.” (John Garret) “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and

knowledge.” (Albert Einstein) “I view education as the most important subject which we as people are

engaged in.” (Abraham Lincoln) “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the

sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” (Author Unknown)

2.11 Grammar Revision. Here are some true stories from school and

university life. Report them in English 1) Готовясь к приближавшемуся экзамену, мы на уроках экономики

обсуждали ситуации из реальной жизни. Стало довольно шумно, несмотря на просьбы преподавательницы успокоиться. Наконец она встала и закричала: «Почему в классе все больше и больше шума?»

- Инфляция, миссис Спенсер, - отозвалась одна девушка. – Инфляция. (Джош Бакман, США) 2) На встрече выпускников в нашей школе в Огайо ученики каждого

класса должны были в определенные моменты поднимать большие плакаты, на которых написан год выпуска этого класса. Когда плакаты поднял наш класс, почему-то многие «старички» вскочили и стали приветственно кричать. Оказалось, что цифра 9 в «98» была перевернута, и наш плакат гласил: «Выпуск 68-го».

(Иветт Томас, США) 3) Учитель сделал какое-то замечание девушке из нашего класса, не

сдавшей вовремя сочинение. Она начала подробно и пылко объяснять, почему никак не могла выполнить задание в срок. Когда это представление закончилось, учитель спросил: «В твоей семье есть актеры?»

- Нет, - улыбнулась девушка, - но мой папа – политик. (Хейди Гиллис, США)

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4) На уроке геометрии ученик читал вслух отрывок из учебника, содержавший важный вывод. Когда он закончил, я попросил его объяснить смысл прочитанного.

- Извините, мистер Уоллес, - сказал он, - я не слушал. (Холанд А. Уоллес, США) 2.12 Remember some funny stories from your own school and university

life

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3 Unit 3 Reading A Newspaper Article 3.1 Pre-reading Task 1) What do you know about such jobs as electrical engineers, computer

scientists and programmers? How popular are they in this country? And abroad? 2) What problems do they face today? What are the prospects for IT

specialists in the near future? 3) Where are you going to apply your knowledge and skills after graduating

from the university? What sphere of IT development and application is the most interesting and attractive for you?

3.2 Look at the following words. Check the pronunciation in your

dictionary. Try to memorize the translation conditions – условия IT (information technology) – информационная технология to add – добавлять, прибавлять wage – зарплата on average – в среднем employment – занятость unemployment – безработица electrical engineer – инженер-электронщик computer scientist – ученый-компьютерщик programmer – программист to force smb. to do smth. – заставлять (вынуждать) кого-л. делать что-л. in part – отчасти to reflect – отражать effort – попытка, усилие increase – рост, увеличение to increase – увеличиваться, возрастать demand for – спрос на spending on – затраты на to account for – насчитывать, приходиться на долю to oppose smth. – противиться чему-л., быть против чего-л. to create – создавать, творить to hire – нанимать на работу immigrant – иммигрант, переселенец emigrant – эмигрант to grant a degree – присваивать ученую степень to decline – снижаться, идти на спад to acquire – приобретать

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to upgrade – совершенствовать, поднимать до более высокого уровня enrollment – общее число зачисленных (в колледж) retraining – переподготовка to allow – разрешать, позволять to encourage – поощрять visa – виза experience – опыт 3.3 Now you are going to read a newspaper article by Laura D`Andrea

Tyson, Dean of the Haas School of Business at the University of California and former President Clinton`s chief economic adviser. What is her general attitude to foreign IT workers arriving in the USA?

Text 3 Open The Gates Wide To High-Skill Immigrants Nowhere have labor-market conditions been tighter than in the information-

technology sector. Since 1993, this sector has added more than one million net new jobs with wages that are on average about three-quarters higher than the rest of the economy. The unemployment rates for information-technology workers, including electrical engineers, computer scientists, and programmers, are below 2%, forcing regional employers to mount national searches to fill open positions.

In part, the strong demand for information-technology workers reflects the economy’s overall strength. Efforts to head off Y2K problems also intensified the search for such workers. But it`s a mistake to conclude that the increase in demand for computer scientists, systems analysts, and computer programmers is temporary. Spending on information technologies has risen steadily since 1992 and now accounts for more than half of total business spending on producer-durable equipment. According to a recent Commerce Dept. report, the nation will require at least 1.3 million new information-technology workers over the next decade to create new systems. More will be needed to operate them.

As a result of the intense scramble to hire information-technology workers, the number of special visas for skilled foreign workers available for this year has already been used up. The President`s Administration initially opposed an increase in the number of these visas because of concerns about possible negative effects on American workers through immigration.

But a recent study indicates that immigration of information-technology workers has a positive economic impact. A detailed analysis of Silicon Valley`s experience over the past 20 years demonstrates that such immigrants have been a major source new job and wealth creation, bringing skills, creativity, capital, and links with global markets to the region.

Today, immigrants account for at least one-third of the scientific and engineering workforce in the Valley and occupy senior executive positions in at least one-quarter of its new technology companies. Many have advanced degrees in

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computer science and engineering fields in which the number of degrees granted by US universities to American students has been declining.

Over time, employment opportunities in information-technology will stimulate more American students to acquire the necessary skills. They will be helped by the numerous educational initiatives of the Administration, including programs to upgrade basic skills in math, science, and reading in primary and secondary schools; to increase college enrollment rates; and to provide retraining. State and local governments are responding to the skill demands of the new economy, often working with private companies to develop youth apprenticeship programs. Numerous companies in the information-technology sector have introduced their own programs to attract and train students for information-technology jobs.

For many programming jobs, the necessary skills can be acquired in a matter of months. For others, however, it lasts years and requires substantial improvements in math and science education even before college. In the meantime, immigrants who possess the requisite skills should be allowed – indeed encouraged – to fill the gap. Conditions in the information-technology sector indicate that it`s time to raise the cap on special visas yet again and to provide room for further increases.

Silicon Valley`s experience reveals that the results will be more jobs and higher incomes for both American and immigrant workers.

3.4 Find English equivalents to the following words and word-

combinations in the text: условия на рынке труда сфера (сектор) информационных технологий показатели ниже/выше 2% вынуждать кого-л. делать что-л. региональные работодатели другие отрасли экономики уровень безработицы заполнять открытые вакансии увеличение (рост) чего-л. спрос на работников сферы информационных технологий было бы ошибкой заключить, что… затраты на развитие информационных технологий увеличение количества виз положительное воздействие на экономику страны тщательный анализ федеральные и местные органы управления привлекать за считанные месяцы 3.5 Translate the following sentences into English

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1) Нигде еще не чувствовал он себя счастливее, чем в этом маленьком старом доме.

2) В среднем, продолжительность жизни у женщин дольше, чем у мужчин.

3) Комиссия отметила, что показатели по безработице в данной сфере экономики выросли с ноября 1993.

4) В результате забастовки работодатели были вынуждены повысить зарплату работникам.

5) На долю его заработка приходится половина всех доходов семьи. 6) Для дальнейшего процветания страны необходимо увеличить затраты

на образование и медицину. 7) Правительство надеется, что принятие данной программы

положительно скажется на развитии экономики государства. 3.6 Answer the questions 1) What sector of the US economy has the tightest labor-market conditions? 2) What are the wages in the IT sector in comparison with the rest of the

US economy? 3) What are the unemployment rates for IT workers? 4) What does the strong demand for IT workers reflect? 5) How much money is spent on information technologies in the USA? 6) How many IT workers will the nation require in the next decade? 7) What does a detailed analysis of Silicon Valley`s experience

demonstrate? 8) What is being done in the country to attract more American students to

the IT sector? 3.7 Have you ever heard the expression “a brain drain”? How do you

understand it? Compare your answer with the definition given in the dictionary: “If you

talk about a brain drain, you are referring to the movement of a large number of scientists, engineers, academics, etc away from their own country to other countries where the conditions and salaries are better.”

How pressing is the problem for Russia? What are the reasons for this phenomenon? What could be done to stop the brain drain from Russia to other countries?

3.8 Make up a plan for the text.

Write out the key words for each paragraph. Work in pairs and make up dialogues, discussing: - labor-market conditions in the IT sector; - Silicon Valley`s experience; - what is being done to attract American students to the IT sector

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3.9 Imagine that you are a journalist who has just returned from the USA. Report on the labor-market conditions in the information-technology sector

3.10 Discuss the IT labour market conditions in your country. What are

the prospects for IT development in Russia? 3.11 Grammar Revision. Insert the necessary prepositions 1) The strong demand ----- information-technology workers reflects the

economy`s overall strength. 2) It`s a mistake to conclude that the increase ----- demand ----- computer

scientists is temporary. 3) Spending ----- information technologies has risen steadily and now

accounts ----- more than half of total business spending. 4) Today many immigrants have advanced degrees ----- computer science

and engineering. 5) State and local governments are responding ----- the skill demands of the

new economy. 3.12 Grammar Revision. Find the sentences with infinitives in the text and

translate them into Russian. Define the form and function of the infinitives

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4 Unit 4 Special Teenagers 4.1 Pre-reading Task 1) How do you understand the word “special”? What do people usually

mean saying about a person that he (or she) is special? 2) “Each person is special but in his own way.” Would you agree with this

statement?

4.2 Look at the following words and word-combinations. Check the pronunciation in your dictionary. Try to memorize the translation

tycoon – (разг.) промышленный или финансовый магнат part-time work – работа с частичной занятостью to establish one’s reputation – упрочить свою репутацию top – лучший, наилучший to cope with – справиться, совладать с чем-либо to save – беречь, экономить (деньги и т.д.) for ages – очень долго, «целую вечность» to get serious about smth – серьезно взяться за что-л., серьезно заняться чем-л. night school – вечерняя школа to do a correspondence course – пройти курс заочного обучения to get in touch with – связаться с кем-л., наладить контакт с кем-л. to suggest – предлагать, советовать to get to the top – достичь вершин, многого добиться ambitious – честолюбивый 4.3 Read the text about David Bolton. What is special about him?

Text 4

David the Teenage Tycoon

Teenager David Bolton has just put £9,000 in the bank – after only six months of part-time work as a computer consultant. The electronics expert from Croydon, South London, is fast establishing a reputation as one of the country’s top troubleshooters – the person to call if no one else can cope.

For David, 15, his first steps to fame and fortune began when he was only nine, when his parents bought him a computer, a ZX-90. “I soon learned to program it. I needed something bigger, so I had to save for ages to buy an Amstrad.”

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It was only about a year ago, however, that he decided to get serious about computing. He went to night school to learn how to write business programs, and did a correspondence course with an American college.

He got in touch with a computer seller, Eltec, who were so impressed they gave him computers and software worth more than £3,000. In return, he has to send them a monthly report saying what he has done and what his plans are. He helps companies by suggesting what computers they should buy, and by writing individual programs for them.

He can work more quickly than many older professionals. In one case, he went to a company where a professional programmer worked for six months and couldn’t find the problem. David finished the job in five days.

It is because of work of this standard that in the short period he has been in business David has made about £9,000. With it he has bought more equipment.

How did he do it? “You have to be ambitious, and you have to really want to get to the top. Believe in yourself, and tell yourself that you are the best.”

4.4 Answer the questions 1) What is special about David? 2) How did he become interested in computers? 3) Was it easy to learn? What did he have to do? 4) What does he have to do in his job? 5) Why is he successful? 6) What advice does he give to others? 4.5 Here are the answers to some questions. Work out the questions 1) Nine thousand pounds. 2) A ZX-90. 3) Because he wanted to buy an Amstrad computer. 4) By suggesting which computers they should buy, and by writing

programs for them. 5) More equipment. 4.6 Here is another story of a teenage genius. Read it without using a

dictionary. Compare the two teenagers Jaya Rajah is fourteen, but he doesn’t go to school. He studies medicine at

New York University in a class of twenty-year-olds. Jaya was born in Madras in India but now lives in a house in New York with his mother, father and brother. They can all speak English fluently. His father is a doctor.

Jaya was different from a very young age. He could count before he could say “Mummy” or “Daddy”. He could answer questions on calculus when he was five and do algebra when he was eight. Now he studies from 8.15 to 4.00 every day at the university. Then he studies at home with his father from 6.30 to 10.00

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every evening. Jaya doesn’t have any friends. He never goes out in the evenings, but he sometimes watches TV. He says, “I live for one thing – I want to be a doctor before I am seventeen. Other children of my age are boring. They can’t understand me.”

4.7.Pair work. Act out interviews with David Bolton and Jaya Rajah 4.8 Here are seven jumbled names for the paragraphs of the text.

Organize them so that to get a plan for the story - details about the work - advice to others - an interesting introduction - training - one particular job - some background - what he has done with his money 4.9 Tell your group-mates about a) David Bolton b) some special person you happen to know (a friend, group-mate or relative

of yours) c) yourself and how special you are

4.10 Are you a “computer nerd” or a “technophobe”? Match a word in the

box with a definition to find out what you know a modem a computer nerd a disk a mouse the Internet cyberspace a technophobe a cyberbuddy

a) a person who doesn’t like modern machines, especially computers b) a computer system which allows millions of computer users around the world to exchange information c) a piece of electronic equipment that allows information to be sent along telephone wires from one computer to another d) a friend who you only ever communicate with through computers e) a small object which you move with your hands to give instructions to a computer f) a flat piece of plastic you use for storing computer information

g) the imaginary place where electronic messages, information pictures, etc. exist when they are sent from one computer to another h) someone whose life is dominated by computers

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4.11 Grammar Revision. Read and translate the following sentences. Explain the use of modal verbs and their equivalents

1) A troubleshooter is the person to call if no one else can cope. 2) “I needed something bigger, so I had to save for ages to buy an Amstrad.” 3) In return, he has to send them a monthly report saying what he has done and

what his plans are. 4) He helps companies by suggesting which computers they should buy. 5) He can work more quickly than many older professionals. 6) In one case, a professional programmer worked for six months and couldn’t

find the problem. 7) “You have to be ambitious, and you have to really want to get to the top.” 4.12 Fill in a modal or a synonymous expression and the appropriate form

of the verbs in brackets 1) I’m getting fat. I really… have to try …(try) to lose some weight, like the

doctor said. 2) What a lovely day! …… (we/go) for a walk? 3) I’m not sure where Gary is. He …… (be) at the library. 4) That …… (not/be) Bill’s car. He doesn’t own one. 5) Tom …… (sleep) but I’m not sure. Why don’t you go and see? 6) Don’t worry. You …… (not/dress) formally for the party. 7) If you wanted to borrow my car, you …… (ask) me. 8) This dog …… (belong) to Harry. It’s got his address on its collar. 9) Only authorised personnel …… (enter) this area. 10) You …… (not/smoke) in some public places. 11) Fortunately he …… (convince) the police that he was innocent. 10) Tom drives really well now. He …… (pass) his driving test easily. 11) She …… (be) at the party last night. She was ill. 12) They …… (announce) the winners on March 16th. It’s scheduled. 13) She …… (start) working on Monday. The manager has told her. 14) I missed the film last night because I …… (work) late. 15) People ……. (treat) animals in a better way but they don’t always do so. 4.13 Read the letter and fill in a correct modal verb or expression. Then

look at Clare’s notes and write what Clare wrote to Ann. Try to use as many different modals as possible

Dear Clare, I’m writing to ask if you 1)..could.. give me some advice. I’m a 20-year-old

student who 2) …… survive on the money my parents send me. My parents live in a small village. When I succeeded in my exams, I 3) …… move to Leeds to attend university. My parents are over 60 and 4) …… no longer work. I feel like I 5) …… be giving them money to help them instead of getting money from them. On top of

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that, my sister leaves school next year and she 6) …… want to go to university, too. I feel I 7) …… do something for her as well. There 8) …… be a way. I think I 9) …… try to get a job but I 10) …… think of what I 11) …… do. It 12) …… be a good idea to work evenings so that I can study during the day. You see, I 13) …… attend all my lectures or I 14) …… fail my course. Of course I 15) …… leave university but I don’t want to. I 16) …… do something soon but what? Please advise me. What 17) …… I do?

Regards, Ann Wood Clare’s Notes: don’t feel guilty about your situation/find a job as a waitress,

baby-sitter etc/do not stop attending university/save money (eg cook your own meals, walk instead of using public transport etc)/apply for money from the Students’ Support Fund/think of the future/be able to repay your parents when you’ve got a permanent job

Dear Ann, I’m sorry to hear about your problem, but really there are so many things you

can do to make your life better. …

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5 Unit 5 How Computers Help People 5.1 Study the list of words. Check the pronunciation in your dictionary.

Which words are new to you? Try to memorize them to access – if you access information on a computer, you find it using a computer to advance – if technology advances, it develops and improves bug – a small mistake in a computer program that stops it from working properly to crash (about a computer) – if a computer crashes, it suddenly stops working database – a large amount of information stored in a computer system so that you can find and use it easily e-mail – a system that allows messages to be sent from one computer to another, or a message sent using this system to be on e-mail (about a computer) floppy disk – a small flat thing that you can store information from a computer on, that you can remove and use in other computers to send smb an e-mail to e-mail – to send someone a message by e-mail hard disk – a part inside a computer that permanently stores information and instructions hardware – computers and all the machinery and equipment connected with them interactive – interactive programs and activities on a computer are those that you do not just read or look at, but which you can change and communicate with the Internet/the net on the Internet to surf the net – look at the information on the Internet in order to find something that interests you to lose work – when the work that you have done on your computer disappears and you cannot get it back modem – a piece of electronic equipment that allows information to be sent from one computer to another multimedia – using a mixture of sound, pictures, film and writing to give information on computers obsolete – if a computer is obsolete, it has become old fashioned and you can now get much better ones online – online services, conversations, games etc are those that take place or exist on the Internet

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to police – to control what people put on the Internet, and make sure that they do not use it to do anything illegal software – the programs that you put into computers to make them do the job you want virtual reality – the effect produced by using computer images to make places or situations seem almost real when they are not virus – a set of instructions secretly put into a computer that destroys the information stored in it, and stops it from working normally website – a place on the Internet that gives you information about a particular subject or product to work from home – to be employed by a company, but to work in your home and not in the company building word processor – a program or computer that you use to write letters, reports etc 5.2 Translate the sentences using the words from the list 1) Новая система облегчает доступ к медицинским картам пациентов. 2) Мой компьютер завис, и вся моя работа за день пропала. 3) В нашей базе данных хранятся имена и адреса покупателей. 4) - А Анна знает об этом? - Да, я отправил ей сообщение по электронной почте. 5) Всего лишь через несколько лет ваш компьютер уже устареет. 6) Эта компания поставляет различные виды программного

обеспечения: от игр и электронных словарей до пакетов программ. 5.3 Discussion. Divide into two teams and discuss the advantages and

disadvantages of computers. Try to prove your opinions giving extensive answers. Here are some tips for you:

the advantages of computers 1) Computers let you access a lot of information. 2) Computers let you communicate very quickly, by e-mail or using the

Internet. 3) Children enjoy using computers, and multimedia, interactive software and

virtual reality all make learning more exciting, etc. the disadvantages of computers 1) Many people do not like using computers, and would prefer to deal with a

person instead. 2) Computers can get viruses. 3) Computers quickly become obsolete, so they soon need to be replaced, etc. 5.4 Now you are going to read a newspaper article from The Times Higher.

While reading it think about why people need speech-enabled computers. Find the following words in the text:

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elocution – речь synthesiser – синтезатор sci-fi=science fiction – научная фантастика verbal – устный handicap – помеха, препятствие to alienate – отчуждать demi-syllable – полуслог cluster – группа emphasis – выразительность fluid – плавный

Text 5

Computers Take Elocution Lessons.

A research team from the University of Nottingham is developing a speech synthesiser that should give computers personalised voices.

Mervyn Curtis, a lecturer in the department of electrical and electronic engineering, is leading the team’s efforts to end the sci-fi robotic intonations that accompany most speech-enabled computers – made familiar in the United Kingdom by physicist Stephen Hawking’s BT advertisement.

The team has been working for the past eight years on the project with the aim of creating high-quality natural sounding speech synthesisers to be used as communication aids for the disabled.

In the UK 800,000 people have moderate to severe communication problems who could be aided by such a device. There are more than 250 different conditions that may result in the need for an aid of some sort.

The problem at present is the highly artificial sound of all speech synthesisers used with computers. Dr Curtis said that despite the huge need for communication aids the range of choice was also fairly limited.

“Language is the highest skill possessed by mankind and it is vital when verbal language is restricted by handicap to provide an alternative means of communication”, he said.

It was essential, Dr Curtis said, that technology should not alienate or distance people from their society yet the majority of speech synthesisers sound robotic and unnatural. Many have an American accent. The system works by recording the 800 neutral demi-syllables in English and adding intonation. The computer would be able to recognise vowel clusters and sentence structure to incorporate emphasis and feeling. Dr Curtis said: “The voice sounds much more fluid, not monotone, and far more representative of human speech.”

5.5 Answer the questions 1) What is the aim of the research team developing a speech synthesiser? 2) Who is leading the team’s efforts?

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3) How did speech-enabled computers become familiar in the United Kingdom?

4) Whom are these computers expected to help? 5) What is the problem with speech-enabled computers at present? 6) How does the system work? 5.6 “Language is the highest skill possessed by mankind.” What do you

think about this statement? 5.7 – Did you know that there will soon be computers that can in a few

seconds exchange more words than have ever been spoken in the whole history of mankind!

- Did you know that the age of the average computer programmer is 12? - Did you know that if the car industry had developed at the same rate as the

computer over the past few years, a Rolls-Royce would now cost 50p?

5.8 Read this interview with Lynn Dermott, who works for the Low Pay Unit. This is a voluntary organization which monitors the effects of government policy and union action on the worst-paid members of the work force. She talks about possible future trends in working conditions. Computers and the development of the communications industry could mean that many people will work at home.

I=Interviewer D=Lynn Dermott I Miss Dermott, do you think that technology has advanced so far that soon

many people could work at home instead of working in offices in the centre of towns?

D Oh yes. It’s happening now. You see there have been such enormous advances in the communications industry, with mini- and micro-computers, and, of course, now with cable TV on its way, many people are already working from home who traditionally have had to go into an office every day.

I And how do these people manage to work? I mean, what equipment do they have at home?

D Well, they have a home terminal, that consists of a television, a keyboard and computer, a printer, and a telephone link, to link up to other computers.

I Oh, I see. But surely there are many advantages in being able to work from home?

D Oh, yes. I mean, people spend a lot of their working day actually getting to and from their place of work, never mind the expense of that, and the stress it can cause. I mean the rush hours…Besides, people don’t want to live actually in the centre of cities and towns. And of course the transporting of so many people causes pollution in our cities.

I Ar yes, I see. So what is it that you don’t like about the conditions of home-workers?

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D What I’m afraid of is that the employer doesn’t have to accept his responsibilities. Basically there are three things that might happen. One – lower wages, two – no job security, and three – poorer working conditions.

I Why should people working at home be paid a lower wage? D Well, indeed we’ve done surveys that show that even skilled computer

operators are paid nearly £2 an hour less than their counterparts in offices. And under British law people working at home, you probably didn’t know this, have no protection against unfair dismissal, no sickness benefits and no holiday pay. The employer also has no legal obligation whatsoever to ensure reasonable working conditions.

I Yes, but surely such arrangements suit some people, particularly women? If they have young children they don’t want to travel a long way from home. And perhaps they want the advantages of flexi-time, where they have a number of hours to do but they can choose when to do them?

D Well, of course that’s true. These type of arrangements do suit a lot of people. Now, what is clear is that the new technologies are radically changing the working lives of people. We are in favour of the benefits and freedoms that might come with this new situation but we also want to warn people of the risks.

I Thank you, very much. 2) What in your opinion are the main advantages and disadvantages of

working at home? 3) Could you do your job at home if you had the right equipment? 4) People say that soon we will do our shopping by computer from home,

and that we will even be able to consult the doctor from home. If telephones had television screens with them, how many jobs could be

performed from home? (teaching?/selling?/accountancy?/designing?) 5.9 Speak about the role of computers in our life. Try to touch as many

fields of their application as you can 5.10 Translate the text into Russian

New EU Stamp of Approval The European Union has revised its eco-labeling programs for personal and

portable computers and dishwashers. Changes for dishwashers include a major overhaul of product requirements, including lower water consumption and noise limits, in addition to requirements for free end-of-life recycling. New requirements for computers include increased energy efficiency and durability, exposure limits for electromagnetic emissions, a more specific recycling policy, and a limit on the mercury content of liquid crystal displays.

The program, started in 1993, allows products meeting the labeling standards to display a special flower logo and requires reviews of standards every three years. Criteria are being developed for other product groups including televisions, tires, and vacuum cleaners.

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Список использованных источников

1 Business Week. – № 16, July 5, 1999. – 5 p. 2 Collins Cobuild English Language Dictionary. – Glasgow: Harper Collins

Publishers, 1993. - 1155 p. 3 Environmental Health Perspectives. – № 1, January 2002. – 17p. 4 Longman Essential Activator. – England: Addison Wesley Longman

Limited, 1999. – 906 p. 5 Luke Prodromou. First Certificate STAR. Student’s Book. – Oxford:

Macmillan Heinemann, 2000. – 240 p. 6 Liz and John Soars. Headway/elementary/. Student’s book. – Oxford:

Oxford University Press, 2000. – 125 p. 7 Liz and John Soars. Headway/pre-intermediate/. Student’s book. – Oxford:

Oxford University Press, 2000. - 135 p. 8 Liz and John Soars. Headway/intermediate/. Student’s book. – Oxford:

Oxford University Press, 2000. – 132 p.

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