Unit 8. The computer expert

Printer giants RSA, while being based in Yerevan, have outlets all over the world, all serviced by computer. Because of the recent expansion of their computer department, and because of new kinds of technology which have been introduced into the world of computers, they are looking for an expert to run the computer department and provide advice on the latest kinds of hardware and software.

Because computer science courses were introduced into Armenian universities at such a late stage, all the highly qualified computer experts in Yerevan are recent graduates. None of these has the experience or maturity to run a large department. The firm has therefore been forced to look outside Armenia for the candidates. The personnel department has recently come up with an American computer expert named Jim Davies, who is at present working in Germany. The question is whether Davies can be persuaded to take the job on the terms RSA wants to offer him.

1. Complete the words in the right-hand column.

part of the firm separate from its central office b_______________

an agent or seller a firm uses to sell its products o______________

an increase in size e____________________________________

materials used for programming computers s__________________

the computers themselves h______________________________

a person being considered for a job c_______________________

2. Fill each gap in the following passage with an appropriate word.

Because of ___ recent expansion of RSA’s _____ department, and because of new ___ of technology which have been _____ into the world of computers, they ____ looking for an expert to ___ the computer department and provide ____ on the latest kinds of _____ and software. Because computer science courses ___ introduced into Armenian universities at such a late stage, all the ______ qualified computer experts in Yerevan ___ recent graduates. None of these ___ the experience or maturity___ run a large department. The ___ has therefore been forced to ___ outside Armenia for the candidates. The ____ department has recently come _____ with an American computer expert ______ Jim Davies, who is at present ______in Germany. The question is _______ Davies can be persuaded to take the job on the terms RSA wants to _____ him.

3. Match the expressions with the functions.

asking for information arranging a meeting interrupting hesitating	Now, how do you feel in principle about…?
	There are certain points that I’ll have to consider very carefully.
	Excuse me for interrupting you, but…
	I’ll ask him to get in touch with you.
	Can you come and see us?
	Are there any other points that are bothering you?

4. The firm has found a computer expert. His name is Jim Davies. The firm has come up with a computer expert named Jim Davies.

Rewrite these pairs of sentences in the same way.

RSA has invented a new printer. It is called GLTX.

Highland Wool has developed a new system. It is called Super-Spin.

Brims has written a new book. It is called English for Negotiating.