Module 4
Communications
Lessons 1-2. Objectives – to introduce the topic of TV, lexis on the topic, develop listening,
reading and understanding skills, encourage students speaking on the topic, revising/learning
grammar material “Reported Speech” (this activity is for the entire Module)
Lesson 1
Video “The History of Communication”
Before you watch
Learn the following words and expressions:
a milestone – краеугольный камень, веха
to enable – давать возможность
an advent – появление
you name it – всё, что угодно
it goes without saying – само собой разумеется
to keep a grip on smth.(the whole world) – крепко держаться за что-либо
ultimately = in the long run – в конечном итоге
in the meantime – между тем, тем временем
predominant – доминирующий
to convey – передавать
to come with the reach of man –стать досягаемым для человека
After you watch
Answer the following questions:
1. How did people contact one another in ancient times?
2. Why was the discovery of electricity an important milestone in the history of communication?
3. What inventions were introduced after the discovery of electricity? What were/are their values?
4. What medium is considered to be a predominant one nowadays? Why?
5. How do people convey images, feelings and knowledge?
Topical Questions
Ex.1 Work with a partner to discuss the following:
a) What methods of communication are you most likely to use? (blogs, Skype, the Internet, social
networks, mobile phones)
b) How often do you watch TV?
c) Which are your favourite/least favourite TV channels? Why?
d) What sort of programmes would you limit?
e) What are the good and bad things about television?
Ex. 2 Look at the type of programmes below. Do you find these on TV, on the radio or on
both?
documentaries
sports coverage
crime mysteries
travel news
reality shows
cartoons
national news
game shows and quizzes
1
phone-ins
soap operas
local news
sit coms
adverts
series
Ex.3 Which of the programmes you talked about in exercise 2 would you describe as: 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
informative?
controversial?
influential?
sensational?
entertaining?
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
addictive?
harmless fun?
mindless rubbish?
usually worth watching?
aimed mainly at men? at women?
Reading and Vocabulary
Ex.4 Look through the following words/word combinations in order to read the text belowi:
 aerial = antenna ; structure that is used for sending and receiving TV signals
 amplify = to make stronger (усиливать)
 beam = ray, line (луч)
 broadcast = send a television signal
 browse = to search for information on the Internet
 cathode-ray tube = object used in television screens and computers in which electrons
produce an image on the screen (электронно-лучевая трубка)
 current = the flow of electricity (электрический ток)
 dish-shaped = form of a bowl (выпуклый)
 dot = point (точка)
 emerge = come up , start (появляться)
 frequency = the number of waves that pass any point in one second (частота)
 geostationary orbit = a satellite that is in a fixed position above the earth and rotates together
with it
 interfere = get mixed up with (препятствовать, быть помехой)
 liquid crystal display = screen that uses moving crystals to show a picture
 narrow = not wide (узкий)
 relay tower = a structure that receives a signal and sends it to another tower
 replace = to exchange for something else
 sheet =layer (слой)
Ex. 5 Read the text and match the headings (1-4) with the gaps (a-d).
1. Television
technology
2. Types of Television
Sets
3. Benefits of watching
TV
4. How television programmes
get to the viewers
Television
a) __________________________
Television is one of our world’s most important means of communication. It shows us
information programmes, like the news, documentaries, and sports events. We can watch films,
listen to interviews and hear the sounds of events that happen far away. Television teaches us about
countries and cultures and we can enjoy entertainment, like series, comedies, game shows
or sitcoms.
A television set can be used for other things as well. You can record shows and films for later
viewing, play video games, watch DVDs, or even browse the Internet.
Television has been influencing our lives since it was developed over 80 years ago. It is an
important way of spending our free time and shapes people’s opinions about various issues.
b) ______________
1
Это упражнение для сильной группы
2
In order to produce television you need special TV cameras and microphones which capture the
video and audio signals. Three basic colour programmes – red, blue and green can be mixed
together to produce any other colour.
The TV signal is carried by wire to an antenna, which is often on a high mountain or building.
The signal is broadcast through the air as an electromagnetic wave. These waves can travel
through the air at the speed of light but not over very long distances. A good signal can
be received up to about a hundred km.
TV stations are given certain frequencies on which they transmit their broadcasts. These
frequencies are very high and should not interfere with other signals that travel in the air. In some
areas relay towers must amplify the signal and carry it to the next transmitter.
In the last few years digital signals have replaced analog broadcasting. They have
many advantages. Picture quality is better and they can carry more data. TV images can be
transmitted in a new quality called high definition (HD).
At home an aerial or satellite dish receives the signals and transforms them to create a picture.
How TV signals are transmitted
c) ____________________________
Television programmes get to viewers in three ways.

Television signals can be broadcast through a transmitter, a large structure that sends audio
and video signals to people’s homes. You receive these signals through an aerial which, connected
with a cable, brings that signal to your TV set and changes it into an image.

Cable television delivers hundreds of TV stations to viewer’s homes through a series of
cables. Some channels specialize in certain fields like movies, others broadcast sporting events or
documentaries.

Satellite television emerged in the 1980s. Viewers receive their TV signals directly from
one or more satellites that are in a geostationary orbit. You need a dish-shaped antenna
to receive such programmes.
d) ________________________
For many decades cathode-ray tubes, or picture tubes, were used to display TV pictures. Such
sets turn the video signal into beams of electrons. The picture tube is rectangular at the front
where the screen is and narrow at the back. Three electronic guns shoot electrons through the tube
to the front of the screen, which is coated with phosphor. The beams paint thousands of dots on
the screen to form the picture.
In the past decade LCDs and plasma displays have replaced the good old picture tube. They are
much lighter and thinner because they do not have a big tube in them.
LCD screens have liquid crystal layers that can be controlled by an electric current. Millions
of pixels on these layers can be either switched on or off. The crystals pass through colour filters to
produce millions of different colours.
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A plasma television is made up of two sheets of glass. Between them are millions of pixels filled
with gas. Each pixel is coated with coloured phosphor, red, green and blue.
When electricity passes through, it causes the coloured phosphor to produce light. (632 слова /1636
знаков)
По материалам http://www.english-online.at/media/television/television-
technology.htm
Ex. 6 Read the text again and find the following:
1. amusement; things like performances, radio and television programmes that amuse or interest
people
2. funny TV series in which the same characters appear in different situations each week
3. a programme that has the same characters or deals with the same topic every week or every day
4. what a person thinks
5. to save sound and videos on a tape or disc to watch at a later time
6. different
7. to make stronger
8. a long thin bar used for receiving and sending signals
9. to send a television signal
10. the number of waves that pass any point in one second
11. a satellite that is in a fixed position above the earth and rotates together with it
12. a structure that receives a signal and sends it to another tower
13. a person who watches television
14. a thin, round piece of metal that can carry signals
15. a very small particle with a negative charge that moves around the centre of an atom
Ex. 7 Multiple choice exercises. Choose the correct letter A, B or C.
1. Digital TV signals
A. ? cannot transmit images in high definition
B. ? carry less data than analog signals
C. ? have a better picture quality than analog signals
2. Every colour on television can be achieved by mixing together
A. ? red, yellow and blue
B. ? red , blue and green
C. ? blue, green and white
3. An analog signal in the form of an electromagnetic wave
A. ? can travel directly from the TV station to people's homes
B. ? can travel to satellites and back again
C. ? cannot travel for a long distance
4. Electromagnetic waves can travel through the air
A. ? at the speed of light
B. ? at the speed of sound
C. ? at the speed of wind
5. A plasma television is made up of
A. ? two sheets of glass
B. ? two sheets of plastic
C. ? two sheets of iron
6. The picture tube is
A. ? triangular at the front
B. ? rectangular at the front
C. ? square at the front
7. The crystals pass through colour filters to produce
A. ? hundreds of different colours
B. ? thousands of different colours
C. ? millions of different colours
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Ex. 8 Answer the questions.
1. Why does television play an important role in people`s lives?
2. What kind of programmes do TV channels offer?
3. What opportunities does television give you?
4. How do a lot of people usually relax?
5. What do you need to produce television?
6. When did satellite television emerge?
7. How (in which way) has TV broadcasting been revolutionized in recent years?
8. What type of television sets provides a better quality of picture and sound?
Speaking
Ex. 9 Describe how TV signals are transmitted. Use the following words to help you.
is carried by, is broadcast, electromagnetic wave, at the speed, not over very long distances, up to
about a hundred km, certain frequencies, transmit, not interfere with, relay towers, to the next
transmitter, digital signals, analog broadcasting, advantages, picture quality, high definition (HD),
an aerial or satellite dish, to create a picture.
Grammar Focus (Reported Speech)
Ex. 11 Change to Reported Speech.
Statements:
1. Sarah said, “I am watching my favourite soap on TV.”
2. TV narrator said, “We are going to start a new programme next week.”
3. Paul admitted, “I haven`t seen this game show.”
4. The teacher said to Sam, “You should work harder!”
5. The scientist said, “Atoms are the smallest elements.”
6. Sam promised, “I`ll send an email to confirm the date.”
7. John said, “I can’t do without a mobile phone.”
8. Dad said, “All the programmes are harmless fun.”
9. He said, “I didn’t understand the meaning of the film.”
10. Ann confessed, “I don`t like to watch sitcoms.”
Questions:
a) 1. I asked him, “What are you doing here?”
2. Ann asked her Mom, “When will you take me to the cinema?”
3. Father asked, “When does the sports coverage start?”
4. I asked Bob, “Why didn’t you answer my letter?”
5. The teacher asked, “Who hasn’t done the home assignment?”
b) 1. She was interested to know, ”Is this new movie really worth watching?”
2. Bobby wanted to know, “Do you have a blog or read other blogs?”
3. Jerry asked me, “Did you see that documentary about political corruption last night?”
4. I asked Nick, “Can you get two tickets for this sensational film?”
5. Jane wondered, “Is it an aerial?”
Commands and Requests:
1. Dad said to his son, “Turn the TV off!”
2. Mom said to her daughter, “Don’t watch this mindless rubbish!”
3. The manager said, “Please switch off your mobiles when the concert starts!”
Ex. 12 Work in pairs. Student A: Reconstruct the Direct Speech in the following sentences.
Student B: Check up the partner’s answers with the help of the key.
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Student A
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Nick said that a famous American actor had come to Moscow the previous week.
I wonder if the BBC World Service broadcasts throughout the world.
Jane said that she would advertise a new shampoo on TV.
He wanted to know when I switched my mobile phone off.
We were told that emails were usually more informal than letters.
I had to admit that I had never seen such a controversial programme.
He asked her to stay with them that night.
He stated that a plasma television is made up of two sheets of glass.
Student B
Key:
“A famous American actor came to Moscow last week.”
“Does the BBC World Service broadcast throughout the world?.”
“I`ll advertise a new shampoo on TV.”
“When do you switch your mobile phone off?”
“E-mails are usually more informal than letters.”
“I have never seen such a controversial programme.”
“Please, stay with us tonight!”
“A plasma television is made up of two sheets of glass.”
Now swap the roles.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Student B
Linda said that her brother liked to watch crime mysteries.
Lena said that she hadn`t seen that game show.
He told me that he was chatting on the phone.
The teacher asked me which method of communication I used regularly.
She said she would get herself a mobile phone the following week.
They were instructed not to use stereo equipment.
Students wanted to know when satellite television had emerged.
He asked me whether he should phone her.
Student A
Key:
“My brother likes to watch crime mysteries.”
“I haven`t seen this game show.”
“I am chatting on the phone.”
“Which method of communication do you use regularly?”
“I’ll get myself a mobile phone next week.”
“Do not use stereo equipment!”
“When did satellite television emerge?”
“Shall I phone her?”
Ex. 13 Translate the sentences from Russian into English.
1. Она сказала, что любит исторические фильмы. 2. Я был уверен, что он сказал Вам, что
получил от неё письмо. 3. Джон сознался, что весь вечер смотрел телевизор. 4. Газеты
сообщили, что на орбиту запущен новый телекоммуникационный спутник. 5. Нам сказали,
что мы сможем воспользоваться интернетом, как только будут устранены все технические
проблемы. 6. Профессор сказал, чтобы я не приходил, пока не выучу весь материал. 7. Из
текста мы узнали, что первый телевизор был изобретён в 1939 году. 8. Он попросил меня
проверить электронную почту. 9. Интересно знать, как передаётся телевизионный сигнал.
10.Они спросили меня, когда начнутся новости.
Lesson 2 Орловская И.В.:
1) Grammar: Ex. 2, p. 63; Ex.3, p.63-64; (Ex. 24, p.72-optional); Ex.14-15, p.69-70
2) Reading/Listening and Vocabulary: Text 4A; Ex.11-13, p.69; (Ex.27, p.73-optional)
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3) Speaking: Ex.1, p. 73; Ex. 2, p. 73-74; Ex.4, p. 75
Lesson 3. Objectives –introduce the topic of Mobile phones, telephoning, lexis on the topic,
develop reading and listening skills, encourage students speaking on the topic, revising/learning
grammar material “Reported Speech” (continuation)+ Phrasal Verbs.
Topical Questions
Ex. 1 Work with a partner to discuss the following:
a) What is your preferred way to communicate with friends: email, telephone, social networks or
text messaging?
b) How much time do you spend talking on the phone, texting or sending email?
c) What are the advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones compared to land-lines?
d) What problems can you have when using a mobile phone?
e) What other things can mobile phones be used for apart from just talking to another person?
Reading/Listening and Vocabulary
Ex. 2 Match the words and phrases in the table to their definitions:
1. emerge
5. synonymous
2. primitive
6. postmodern
3. rival
7. lax
4. decade
8. vital
a. Really important; without this it won't work
b. To appear as if from a hidden place
c. Meaning the same
d. Consciously mixing ideas from different periods or disciplines
e. Basic
f. Someone you compete with
g. Without care and attention to the rules
h. 10 years
Ex. 3 Listen to the article and read it.
Mobile phones
by Craig Duncan
When Scotsman Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876, it was a revolution in
communication. For the first time, people could talk to each other over great distances almost as
clearly as if they were in the same room. Nowadays, though, we increasingly use Bell’s invention
for emails, faxes and the internet rather than talking. Over the last two decades a new means of
spoken communication has emerged: the mobile phone. The modern mobile phone is a more
complex version of the two-way radio. Traditional two way radio was a very limited means of
communication. As soon as the users moved out of range of each other’s broadcast area, the signal
was lost. In the 1940s, researchers began experimenting with the idea of using a number of radio
masts located around the countryside to pick up signals from two-way radios. A caller would
always be within range of one of the masts; when he moved too far away from one mast, the next
mast would pick up the signal. (Scientists referred to each mast’s reception area as being a separate
“cell”; this is why in many countries mobile phones are called “cell phones”.) However, 1940s
technology was still quite primitive, and the “telephones” were enormous boxes which had to be
transported by car.
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The first real mobile telephone call was made in 1973 by Dr Martin Cooper, the scientist who
invented the modern mobile handset. As soon as his invention was complete, he tested it by calling
a rival scientist to announce his success. Within a decade, mobile phones became available to the
public. The streets of modern cities began to feature sharp-suited characters shouting into giant
plastic bricks. In Britain the mobile phone quickly became synonymous with the “yuppie”, the new
breed of young urban professionals who carried the expensive handsets as status symbols. Around
this time many of us swore that we would never, ever own a mobile phone.
But in the mid-90s, something happened. Cheaper handsets and cheaper calling rates meant that,
almost overnight, it seemed that everyone had a mobile phone. And the giant plastic bricks of the
80s had evolved into smooth little objects that fitted nicely into pockets and bags. In every pub and
restaurant you could hear the bleep and buzz of mobiles ringing and registering messages,
occasionally breaking out into primitive versions of the latest pop songs. Cities suddenly had a new,
postmodern birdsong.
Moreover, people’s timekeeping changed. Younger readers will be amazed to know that, not long
ago, people made spoken arrangements to meet at a certain place at a certain time. Once a time and
place had been agreed, people met as agreed. Somewhere around the new millennium, this practice
started to die out. Meeting times became approximate, subject to change at any moment under the
new order of communication: the Short Message Service (SMS) or text message. Going to be late?
Send a text message! It takes much less effort than arriving on time, and it’s much less awkward
than explaining your lateness face-to-face. It’s the perfect communication method for the busy
modern lifestyle. Like email before it, the text message has altered the way we write in English,
bringing more abbreviations and a more lax approach to language construction. The 160-character
limit on text messages has led to a new, abbreviated version of English for fast and instantaneous
communication. Traditional rules of grammar and spelling are much less important when you’re
sitting on the bus, hurriedly typing “Will B 15min late - C U @ the bar. Sorry! :-)”.
Mobile phones, once the preserve of the high-powered businessperson and the “yuppie”, are now a
vital part of daily life for an enormous amount of people. From schoolchildren to pensioners, every
section of society has found that it’s easier to stay in touch when you’ve got a mobile. Over the last
few years mobiles have become more and more advanced, with built-in cameras, global positioning
devices and internet access. And in the next couple of years, we can expect to see the arrival of the
“third generation” of mobile phones: powerful micro-computers with broadband internet access,
which will allow us to watch TV, download internet files at high speed and send instant video clips
to friends. Alexander Graham Bell would be amazed if he could see how far the science of
telephony has progressed in less than 150 years. If he were around today, he might say: “That’s gr8!
But I’m v busy rite now. Will call U2nite.”
Ex. 4 Multiple choice. Read the questions and choose the right answer.
1. Modern mobile phone technology is based on:
a. two-way radio
b. global positioning devices
c. yuppies
2. More people bought mobile phones in the 1990s because:
a. traditional phones didn't work anymore
b. they were bad at timekeeping
c. mobile phones became a lot cheaper
3. The first mobile phone call took place between:
8
a. two scientists
b. two Scotsmen
c. two yuppies
4. Mobile phones are sometimes called cell phones because of:
a. a technical term for telephone masts
b. a technical term for mobile handsets
c. the number of mobile phones used in prisons
5. The first commercially available mobile phones looked like:
a. small, pocket-sized objects
b. telephone masts
c. giant plastic bricks
6. A text message saying "Gr8! Will call U 2nite" means:
a. Great! I'll call you tonight.
b. Good grief! Please call William tonight.
c. I'll be 15 minutes late
По материалам http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/magazine/mobile-phones
Ex. 5 Look through the text Mobile phones again. What are the following numbers associated
with?
1. 1876
2. 1940
3. 1973
4. 90
5. 80
6. 160
7. 15
8. 150
Speaking
Ex. 6 Work in pairs. Ask and answer the following questions:
1. How many mobile phones have you had so far? 2. Do you always have your mobile phone with
you? 3. Do you turn it off at night? 4. Do you keep it on during a lesson? 5. Are you phone
addictive? 6. What do you usually use your mobile phone for? (name its functions). 7. Can you
imagine your life without mobile phones? Would you be really lost without it? 8. What happens
when you leave your mobile phone at home?
Ex. 7 Write one or two sentences giving your opinions about these statements. Use the
following expressions:
In my opinion,…..
From my point of view…..
I believe……
I`d say….
Using mobile phones in
public transport is impolite
Texting is making our
spelling worse
Mobile connection is
not the cheapest way
to keep in touch with
people
Ex. 8 Have you ever made telephone calls in English? When? What for?
a) Read a common phoning scenario checking the meaning of the words in bold.
Phoning scenario
9
You want to phone someone in a company. You pick up the phone. You hear the dialing
tone and dial the number on the keypad. You don`t know the person`s direct line number, so
you dial the number of the company`s switchboard. One of these things happens.
a. The number rings but no answers.
b. You hear the engaged tone (BrE)/busy tone (AmE) because the other person is already talking
on the phone. You hang up and try again later.
c. You get through, but not to the number you wanted. The person who answers says you`ve got
the wrong number and asks you to hold on.
d. The operator answers. You ask for the extension of the person you want to speak to.
e. You are put through to the wrong extension. The person offers to transfer you to the right
extension. But you are cut off – the call ends.
f. The person you want to speak to is not at their desk and you leave a message on their voicemail.
You ask them to call you back or to return your call.
b) Complete these sentences with the correct part of one of these ‘telephone’ phrasal verbs (If
there is a pronoun in brackets, put it in the right place).
cut someone off
get through
hold on
pick something up
put someone through
ring off
1 I’ve been trying to phone him all morning but I can’t_____ .
2 I was talking to Ann, then for no apparent reason she just_____ .
3 Hello. Mr Johnson is expecting your call. I’ll just____ (you).
4 To make a phone call,_____ the receiver and dial the number you want.
5 In the middle of our conversation we_____ quite suddenly. (Use the passive.)
6 He’s in the office somewhere. Can you just_____ while I try to find him?
c) Read the definitions and write the missing words.
Definitions:
Across
4. Please leave your name and telephone number. We will get back to you as soon as we can. Wait
for the _____and then speak.
6. A machine which answers the telephone for you is a _____.
7. - The phone is ringing.
- OK, I'll _____it.
9. The continuous sound you hear when you pick up a phone is called the dialing_____.
11. I've been trying to phone him all morning, but I just can't get_____.
12. We were in the middle of an important conversation when we were suddenly cut_____.
Down
1. A phone that you carry around with you is _____.
2. If the person you want to talk to is not there, you can leave a _____.
3. If people phone and try to sell me something I don't want, I hang_____.
5. To talk to someone on the phone, you make a telephone _____.
8. To end a telephone conversation by putting the receiver down. (2 words)
10. - Can I talk to Paul, please? - Yes, Could you just hold_____, please? I'll try his extension.
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Ex. 9 Complete the telephone conversation, practise it and then make up your own one. Use
the phrases in the box.
Could you ask her to call me
I’m sorry, she’s away today
Can you spell that, please?
Who’s calling, please?
Hold the line, please.
Can I speak to
can I have your number?
Could you give her a message?
Could you tell me your name again?
Receptionist: Good afternoon. Global Travel. How can I help you?
Caller: Hello. ___________(1) Emma Norton, please?
Receptionist:____________(2)
Caller: It’s George Kolasinski.
Receptionist: Thank you. __________(3) I’ll put you through to her office.
Caller: Thank you.
Colleague: Emma Norton’s phone. David Lawson here. Can I help you?
Caller: Oh, this is George Kolasinski. Could I speak to Emma, please?
Colleague: _______________(4)
Caller: Oh, I need to speak to her – It’s quite important.
Colleague: Perhaps I can help you.
Caller: Thank you. ______________(5)
Colleague: Yes, of course.
Caller: ____________(6) tomorrow morning?
Colleague: Yes, certainly. ____________(7) , please?
Caller: It’s Kolasinski. George Kolasinski.
Colleague: _____________(8)
Caller: It’s K-O-L-A-S-I-N-S-K-I.
Colleague: And _____________(9)
Caller: It’s 0-1-6-5-7, 3-double two-5-8-9-0.
Colleague: Right. So that’s Mr George Kolasinski on 0-1-6-5-7, 3-double two-5-8-9-0.
Caller: That’s it. Thank you very much. Goodbye.
Colleague: Goodbye.
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Lesson 4. Objectives – to introduce the topic of the Internet, to acquire vocabulary related to the
Internet, to develop reading and listening skills, to encourage students speaking on the topic, to
revise/learn grammar material
Topical Questions:
Ex. 1 Work with a partner to discuss the following:
a) How would you define the Internet?
b) What can you use the Internet for?
c) What are your favourite websites? Why do you visit them, and how often do you visit them?
d) What are the bad things about using the Internet too much?
e) Do you ever get fed up with the Internet?
Reading/Listening and Vocabulary
Ex. 2 Work in pairs. Read a dialogue between a customer buying a PC and a sales assistant.
Why do you think the sales assistant has to explain so much about the Internet?
Assistant: .. .so that's £549 including VAT. Is there anything else I can help you with?
Customer: Well, would you mind explaining how I access the Internet with this computer? I don't
think I really even understand what the Internet is! Wait a minute, I'm going to write this down.
Assistant: Of course. Well, basically, the Internet is a global network of computer networks, which
allows users to share all kinds of information and computer resources. The system is made up of
networks interconnected all over the world, from universities and large corporations to commercial
online systems and non-profit organizations...
Customer: OK, that sounds complicated enough! And can I access the Internet automatically with
this PC?
Assistant: Well, you need a computer and a modem - a device that connects your PC to the
telephone line. You'll also need an account with an Internet Service Provider, or ISP - that's a
company that offers connection to the Internet for a monthly fee.
Customer: OK, that sounds easy, but what if we have several computers in different rooms. How
can I connect them all to the Internet?
Assistant: In that case, the best choice is a wireless router with a built-in modem. It's a device that
links various computers over a network and will connect everyone in your family to the Internet
without using cables. New computers include wireless support but if any of the computers are old,
you'll need a Wi-Fi wireless adapter.
Customer: I'm sorry, but what does Wi-Fi mean exactly?
Assistant: Wi-Fi is short for Wireless Fidelity and refers to a technology that uses radio waves to
communicate data over medium range distances.
Customer: Right. And so that’s everything?
Assistant: Not quite. You'll need some software too, specifically internet connection software and a
Web browser application, such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.
Customer: OK, I think I've got it. And I'll be able to start emailing straight away?
Assistant: You can do more than just email. There is file transfer, newsgroups, real-time chats,
instant messaging and looking for information on the Web.
Customer: Wow, this all sounds complicated. I'm not sure I even understand the difference
between Web and the Internet.
Assistant: Well, the Web is a huge collection of “pages” stored on computers all over the world.
Web рages contain all sorts of information in the form of text, pictures, sounds and video. The
Internet is the network which connects all the computers.
Customer: OK, I think I've got it.
© Cambridge University Press 2008
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Ex. 3 Complete the customer`s notes
Ex. 4 a) You are going to hear findings related to Media Use study conducted by Ofcom (a
communications regulator in the UK). Learn the following words to understand the text.
access (v) – иметь доступ
catch up (v) – нагонять
consumption (n) - потребление
inevitably (adv) - неминуемо
instant messaging –мгновенная передача
сообщений
myriad (n) – несметное число
offer (v) - предлагать
reveal (v) – обнаруживать, открывать
treble (v) – утраивать
watchdog (n) – надзорный комитет
b) Listen and mark TRUE or FALSE statements.
1. The 27 hours a week is twice that from a decade ago. T / F
2. Researchers interviewed thousands of 20-29- year-olds. T / F
3. Most online content is now being accessed on mobile devices. T / F
4. Around two-thirds of British adults often use a mobile device. T / F
5. An industry expert spoke of a myriad of possibilities. T / F
6. The expert said young people are just watching content online. T / F
7. More than 25% of young people watch TV and movies online. T / F
8. The expert said TVs would never be unimportant. T / F
Ex. 5 Match the synonyms.
1. survey
2. reveals
3. trebled
4. regularly
5. considerably
6. expert
7. myriad
8. inevitably
9. instead of
10. offers
Ex. 6 Do the Multiple Choice-Quiz.
1. Where did the survey take place?
a) the USA
b) at a university
a. frequently
b. for sure
c. greatly
d. shows
e. multitude
f. study
g. provides
h. specialist
i. increased three-fold
j. rather than
6. What opens up a myriad of possibilities?
a) money
b) new technologies
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c) Britain
d) online
2. Who was interviewed?
a) 16-24-year-olds
b) 18-28-year-olds
c) 18-30-year-olds
d) 16-30-year-olds
3. Where is most online content being
accessed?
a) on computers
b) London
c) India
d) on iPads
4. What fraction of adults regularly use a
mobile device?
a) 3/4
b) 2/3
c) 7/8
d) 1/2
c) friends
d) the new Apple Watch
7. What are people doing at the same time as messaging?
a) texting
b) eating
c) working
d) chatting
8. What kind of consumption is going to be affected?
5. What are many people checking today?
a) their e-mail
b) prices
c) their bank accounts
d) social media accounts
10. What did someone say TV will never become?
a) unimportant
b) a tablet
c) paper-based
d) ubiquitous
a) gas
b) food
c) TV viewing
d) online
9. What size of TV is mentioned towards the end of the
article?
a) 14-inch
b) 60-inch
c) 32-inch
d) 40-inch
Audio script: Young Brits on Internet 27 hours a week. (16th May, 2015)
A new survey in Britain reveals that young people spend over 27 hours a week online. This figure
has trebled in the past decade.
Britain's communications watchdog Ofcom conducted the study on thousands of 16- to 24-year-olds
as part of its Media Use and Attitudes 2015 report. Ofcom found that while most online content is
still being accessed on computers, the proportion of access via mobile devices is rapidly catching
up. Two thirds of adults now regularly use a smartphone or tablet. Online content has also changed
considerably in the past ten years. Today, people are spending a lot more time on watching video
clips, playing games, using instant messaging and checking social media accounts.
An industry expert, Toby Syfret, explained why more people are spending more time online. He
said: "New technologies are opening up a myriad of other possibilities for young people. It's not just
watching content. They're messaging friends and texting at the same time. Inevitably, as the
younger generation gets older and they set up their own home, TV viewing consumption will be
affected." Over a quarter of young people now watch TV shows and movies online instead of on
televisions. Mr Syfret added: "A 40-inch television screen offers quality you can't get from a tablet
or smartphone, so televisions are never going to become unimportant."
По материалам http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1505/150516-internet-use.html)
Ex. 7 Work in pairs. Discuss the following questions:
1. Is 27 hours a week too much?
2. Is it better to access the Internet via a computer or tablet?
3. Do you prefer watching TV shows on a tablet or TV?
4. What do you think of surfing online on a TV?
5. What do you think of accessing the Internet on a smart watch?
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6. What would life be like without the Internet?
7. What more will we be able to do online in the future?
Ex. 8 Now your turn to make questions using these prompts. Practise asking and answering
the questions.
Example: When/first/use the Internet
When did you first use the Internet?
1. What type of internet connection/have at home?
2. How fast/your Internet connection?
3. How much/pay for broadcast access?
4. How often/access the Internet?
5. Do/use your mobile phone to access the Internet?
6. Do/use the Internet in public spaces using Wi/Fi?
7. Do/play games online?
8. How many newsgroups/subscribe to?
Speaking
Ex. 9 Imagine your partner is new to using the Internet. Explain to him how to reach a
website. The following words/word combinations might be helpful.
To connect to the Internet, computer, modem, Internet service provider, access, wireless, things you
can do, email, instant messaging, real-time chats, look for information.
Grammar Focus (Reported Speech)
Ex. 10 Find the mistake and correct it.
1. A new survey in Britain revealed that young people spend over 27 hours a week online. 2. I asked
my friend how can I access the Internet. 3. I don't think I really understand what is the Internet. 4.
He said us that a modem is a device that connects a PC to the telephone line. 5. Ofcom found that
online content has changed considerably in the past ten years. 6. The expert told TVs would never
be unimportant. 7. I wonder what would life be like without the Internet? 8. I said I’ll email them.
Lesson 5. Objectives – to introduce the topic of the Email, to acquire vocabulary related to the
Email, to develop reading and listening skills, to encourage students writing on the topic, to check
learned lexis and grammar material
Video “Texting Overtakes Talking in UK, Says Ofcom Study”
http://yandex.ru/video/search?text=Ofcom%20conducted%20a%20study%20video&path=wiz
ard&filmId=KZD28oU7UXI&redircnt=1447853559.1
After you watch:
- Are you surprised by the presented information?
- Do the same things refer to Russia?
Topical Questions
Ex. 1 Work with a partner to discuss the following:
a) Do you often write emails?
b) Who do you usually write emails to? What about?
c) Have you ever written emails in English? If so, what problems did you have?
d) Which email programme do you use?
e) Why are abbreviated word forms used in emails?
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Reading and Vocabulary
Ex. 2 Read the text and answer the questions:
- What are the main advantages of email?
- How does the text compare emails to phone calls and to traditional letters?
It once seemed that the telephone had made writing to people, and especially to friends,
unnecessary. Email has allowed us to find its benefits again. Phone calls are intrusive; they always
interrupt something, even if it is only thought. Email, like the letter, has better manners. It respects
the demands of more urgent business and allows for differences in time zones. It waits to be read in
a so-called ‘mailbox’. Emails are usually more informal than letters – they allow writers to put
down present thoughts and even changes of mind. This informality also means that it seems OK to
write a two-line message to someone on another continent, or to send a joke or an unimportant piece
of gossip to someone in the next office
Ex. 3 Study the useful phrases and notations and insert the gaps in Mark’s e-mail.
Opening:
Dear Sir/Madam
Dear Mr Murphy / Mrs White / Ms Black / Miss Green
Dear Andrea
Attaching documents (e-mails)
I attach (two files…)
Starting:
Following (our phone conversation today…)
I reply to (your fax received…)
I’m pleased (to confirm…)
Thanks for (your e-mail…)
Requesting:
Could you please (reserve…)
Would you please (tell me…)
Please fax/e-mail me (your mobile phone no.)
Ending:
See you (in Prague).
I look forward (welcoming you…)
Hoping (to see you soon).
Let me know (if you need anything else).
Please contact me again (if you need any more
information).
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Closing:
Yours faithfully
Yours sincerely
Best wishes/Best regards/Yours
Enclosing documents (letters)
I enclose (a copy of…)
Saying why you’re writing:
I’m writing (to enquire about…)
This letter is (to thank you…)
This fax is (to give details on…)
This e-mail is (to get in touch…)
Apologizing:
I apologize for (the delay…)
I’m sorry about (the mistake…)
Sorry (I didn’t get back to you
earlier…)
Giving bad news:
Unfortunately (I will not be able to…)
I’m sorry (to inform you…)
Ex. 4 David Jameson wrote an email to Denis Markov about a meeting next week. The points
from the message have been mixed up. Look at the recommended sequence of points below.
Then order the message.
Recommended sequence of points
1. Friendly greeting
2. Thanks or reference to previous contact
3. Most important point/problem
4. Important request
5. Less important points
6. Reference to future contact
7. Ending
Subject: Meeting 16 th March
Attachments: none
I'm afraid I may not be able to make the 8:00 start. The train connections can be very difficult at
that time of day.
Would it be possible to start at 9:00? It means we would finish at 17:00 instead of 16:00. Please let
me know if that's a problem for you.
Hello, Denis
Best regards, David
You asked me to send the scenario and I am attaching it here. Please note that this is not yet in final
draft and there may be some mistakes.
Thanks for sending the agenda for our meeting.
I'm looking forward very much to seeing you next week.
Ex. 5 2 You are Denis Markov. Write a reply to David Jameson. Say that you can start at 9:00
but you will have to finish at 16:00 because you have to take part in University sports
2
Для сильной группы
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competition after that. Suggest that you take a shorter lunch break so you can finish earlier.
Don`t forget to thank David for the report.
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