Grind Away. English for Information Technology Engineers. Учебно-методическое пособие

In July 2013, MEPhI was shortlisted in the governmental Competitiveness Enhancement Program, or so called

“5 into 100” competition.

Today the University holds leading positions in training specialists of the highest level, combining principles of synthesis of education and research, laid down more than 75 years ago.

The University offers such programs as Nuclear Physics and Engineering, Physics and Engineering in Biomedicine, Laser and Plasma Technologies, Cyber Intelligence Systems, Nanoengineering in Electronics, Spintronics and Photonics and other.

Beyond Moscow, there are 15 campuses located in 12 cities all over Russia. It combines 12 higher education institutions and 3 colleges totaling 16200 students and over 1500 full and associate professors.

3. Answer the questions according to the text:

a)Who is one of the legendary founders of MEPhI?

b)When did the institute history trace back in?

c)Who of the Nobel Prize winners worked at MEPhI?

d)When did the new wave of the institute development start? What did that mean?

e)What programs does the institute offer?

f)How many educational instructions are included into its structure?

4.Follow the link and do the task according to the text: https://learningapps.org/watch?v=pqivxq1v523

5.Summarize the text in 4-5 sentences.

Use the platform https://quillbot.com/ to see the variant given there. Share your summary with the groupmates.

Grammar Practice

Passive Voice in Present Simple and Past Simple

1.Watch the video and give the common formula of Passive sentences formation. https://clck.ru/34sd9y

2.Choose the right variant: Active or Passive form.

1. Entrance exams (held, are held) in summer. 2. More than 20 new technological institutes (were founded, founded) in the last decade. 3. Basic engineering subjects (studied, are studied) in the first and second years. 4. Highly-qualified specialists (trained, are trained) at higher schools. 5. More than a million students (enrolled, were enrolled) to the institutes and universities of this country last summer. 6. The training of specialists (will be improved, will improve) as a result of restructuring in the next few years.

3.Follow the link and choose the right form: https://forms.yandex.ru/u/64a1cf5a5d2a067a9796fa65/

4.Put the words in the right order: https://wordwall.net/ru/resource/58226434

Listening Task

1.What technologies are being used in education recently? What technologies do your teachers and lecturer use?

2.This news message looks into the use of chatbots in education and the recent report that Australian universities are considering restructuring the way they organize exams as a result. https://www.linguahouse.com/en-GB/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/offline-exams-and-chatbots-in-education

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3. Before listening read and translate the phrases.

Increase ability

Raise the possibility

Cite the source

Plagiarism

Present a new threat

Return to pen and paper exam

Ignore the rules

Ensure

Consequence of ignoring the rules

Receive zero mark

Comprehensive answer

4.Follow the link and do the task. Translate the summary: https://learningapps.org/watch?v=pagcn5qik23

5.Listen to the recording and mark the sentences as true or false: https://www.linguahouse.com/en-GB/esl-lesson- plans/general-english/offline-exams-and-chatbots-in-education/audioplayer/offline_exams_bemp3

a.The development of modern technologies increased students` ability to cheat.

b.The only possible way to take exams is on-line examination.

c.The consequences of breaking the rules of plagiarism are being forced to leave the school or getting zero mark.

d.Today students` words can be easily detected using anti-plagiarism software.

e.The key of using GPT Chats or AI is to prevent students from employing them.

6.Use the sentence from the message and transform them in Passive Voice. Chat GPT raised the possibility of a return to pen and paper exams.

Many universities use the rules against plagiarism.

AI creates the students` answers and it is difficult to detect them using anti-plagiarism software.

7.Study the transcript and write the summary of the message in 5-6 sentences.

Project Work

Prepare a presentation and present it at the lesson to other students. Work in pair to find information and prepare a presentation on the topic “My University: traditions and trends”.

Follow the link to use web-quest materials: http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=786671

Home task. Individual work

1.Put the sentences in Passive Voice in the right order: https://wordwall.net/ru/resource/58226434

2.Rewrite the sentences from Active Voice into Passive Voice.

1. He opened the door. 2. We asked many questions to the lecturer. 3. He finished his project on Differential Calculus last week. 4. He can do this exercise. 5. They invited me to scientific conference. 6. I saw the new film with Johnny Depp. 7. My sister writes letters regularly. 8. Universities develop new methods of students’ training. 9. After graduating from the University the students usually continue studying to get a higher degree. 10. The study of foreign languages, history and economics must improve the curricula of technological universities.

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Unit 2. Environmental Problems and Solutions

2.1. Environmental Problems

Text Work. The Vocabulary on the topic

1. Make sure you know the words and phrases.

https://quizlet.com/ru/813457250/environmental-problems-flash-cards/?i=3lks4z&x=1qqt

2. Read and translate the text.

We have spent thousands of years fighting for our survival. Yet now we have discovered that our planet is under threat and, to make matters worse, it's all our fault. The rainforests are dying, rare plant and animal species are disappearing, rivers and seas are being contaminated, crops are failing to grow, people are dying of hunger and the air is being polluted. It's time we woke up to these problems and started repairing the damage.

One of the major problems is the destruction of the rainforests in South America. They are home to half the world's species, and to millions of people. Moreover, the rainforests clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and giving out oxygen. The trees are being cut down for paper or to make room for cattle farms. As a result, birds and animals lose their homes and die. This destruction is also bringing about changes in the climate, air pollution, flooding, drought and famine. If we continue to burn and cut down the rainforests as we are doing now, the earth will never be the same again.

Another big problem is water pollution. Do you like swimming in the sea or drinking a cool glass of water on a hot day? These simple pleasures may soon become a thing of the past. Factories are polluting our rivers and lakes with dangerous chemicals. Oil tankers are releasing thick, black oil into our oceans. Tons and tons of industrial and domestic waste are poured into our seas. Consequently, sea life is threatened with extinction. Air pollution is another important issue. The cars and factories in and around our cities are giving off dangerous fumes. In the past few years, more and more people than ever before have developed allergies and breathing problems.

If we don't do something now, our cities will become impossible to live in. Fortunately, it is not too late to solve these problems. We have the time, the money and even the technology to prepare the way for a better, cleaner and safer future. We can plant trees and adopt animals. We can create parks for endangered species. We can put pressure on those in power to take action. Together we can, save our planet. All we need to do is open our eyes and act immediately.

3.Suggest a heading for each part of the text.

4.Paraphrase the sentences from the text:

a.The rainforests are dying, rare plant and animal species are disappearing.

b.It's time we woke up to these problems and started repairing the damage.

c.The trees are being cut down for paper or to make room for cattle farms.

d.Factories are polluting our rivers and lakes with dangerous chemicals.

e.If we don't do something now, our cities will become impossible to live in.

5.Use https://quillbot.com/ to paraphrase the sentences from exercise 4.

6.Practice using the prepositions: https://learningapps.org/display?v=p9bw36vc523

7.Make up a sentence with a phrase: https://wordwall.net/ru/resource/58363581

Grammar

1. Watch the video to revise the rules of Present Continuous tense: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn1tlmZGK_M

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2.Find the sentences in Present Continuous in the text above.

3.Put the words in the right order to make up the sentences: https://wordwall.net/ru/resource/58372319

4.Practice using Present Continuous. Follow the link: https://quizizz.com/join/quiz/64a8f704919485001db65198/start?studentShare=true

5.Complete the sentences in Present Continuous with the given verbs: build, cook leave, stand, stay, swim, take, work

1.Please be quiet. I am …

2.“Where`s John?” – “He`s in the kitchen. He ...”.

3.“You … on my foot”. – “Oh, I`m sorry”.

4.Look! Somebody … in this river.

5.We are here on holidays. We … at a hotel in the beach.

6.“Where`s Susan?” – ”She … photos outside”.

7.They … a new hotel downtown.

8.I … now. See you later!

6. Ask questions in Present Continuous to the words in capital letters.

Factories are polluting lakes and rivers WITH DANGEROUS CHEMICALS.

The most serious problem of the capital is AIR POLLUTION.

PEOPLE are cutting down rainforests TO MAKE ROOMS FOR CATTLES.

Cars and factories give off DANGEROUS FUMES.

WE CAN PLAT TREES AND ADOPT ANIMALS to prevent the pollution.

2. Listen to the podcast and do the tasks below: https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2103/210317-paper-bottle- l.html

Mark the sentences as true or false:

a.Coca Cola products are causing a lot of damage to the environment.

b.Plastic is a growing problem as it takes thousands of years to break down.

c.Coca Cola hopes to stop using plastic as a material for its drinks.

d.A lot of plastics used by the company is not recyclable.

e.The company aims at creating a paper bottle which is recyclable.

f.Coca Cola is searching for sustainable solution both for the environment and its customers.

Listen to once again and find the answers to the questions:

a.What are the negative effects of plastics on the environment?

b.What company does Coca Cola team up to create a paper bottle?

c.What is Coca Cola`s environmental vision?

3. Look at the picture of the prototype of a plastic bottle. Will it change the product reputation?

4. Answer the questions:

•What did you think when you read the headline?

•What do you know about Coca-Cola?

•How serious is the plastic pollution problem?

•How can we live without plastic?

•What do you think of paper bottles?

•What happens to plastic in the environment?

Communication

1. Complete the table

2. Complete the table using the phrases:

Air pollution, cars and factories give off fumes, hunt for animals under threat, adopt animals, soil pollution, pant trees, people throw rubbish away, deforestation, cut down trees to make rooms for cattle and building houses, recycle, keep the place where we live clean, put pressure on those who are in power, destruction of endangered species.

3. Scan QR code and tell about an environmental problem, the factors that cause it and its solution.

4. Use https://flyvi.io/ru/content or other platform to create infographics and attract your groupmates to the environmental problems.

Home task. Individual work

1.Practice using the words: https://quizlet.com/ru/813457250/environmental-problems-flash- cards/?i=3lks4z&x=1qqt

2.Follow the link https://breakingnewsenglish.com/environment.html and choose one of the topics concerning environment.

Listen to the recoding and summarize it in 5 sentences.

1.Only 3.5% of water existing on earth is fresh water.

2.Ice consists the biggest part of water resources on Earth.

3.The biggest water consumer is a human being using water at home.

4.The water stored in upper soils is called virtual water.

5.90% of electricity generation is water intensive.

6.In developed countries a person uses about 500 litres a day.

7.About 3 bln. people lack access to water.

Summarize the information you got from the video.

•The video under consideration has a title …

•It is dedicated to the problems of …

•The author mentions that …

•The problem is …

•In conclusion it is said that …

2.2.Environmental Solutions

Text Work

1. Read the text and find the words and phrases with the following meanings:

Текущая ситуация, влиять на Землю, обновить, принять некоторые меры, потреблять с умом, прекратить использовать, предотвратить загрязнение, очищение.

Nowadays, the place we live is in great danger. There are a lot of things, which affect the Earth. Factories waste and exhaust gases, deforestation, poisoning of the air and water pollution, destruction of the ozone layer and global warming – these are the problems which a modern human should face. The main question is what is needed to be done to make the things better? Is it possible to change the current situation somehow?

I think, there are some steps that could help people to improve the things. The first that we are able to do is to change the way of life. In my opinion, we should begin with something very simple. For example, start using public transport instead of our cars, we can use glass and wood instead of plastic, it will be effective if the people organize planting of the trees and renovation of the parks.

As you can understand, many serious problems exist and these solutions can be ineffective. The main task is to save the planet which is going to be destroyed. We understand, that there is no opportunity to renew the nature completely, but it is possible to make some improvements. If people realize the size of the problem and all the possible consequences, there will be an encouragement for them to take some measures.

Talking about the saving of the environment, it is important to remember three basic rules: reduce, reuse and recycle. It is very simple, but somehow we tend to forget about it. If we reduce the usage of natural resources, we will have an opportunity to consume energy and water more wisely. Reusing will help to prevent total exhaustion of natural goods, such as trees and water. Recycling will help to prevent high levels of pollution.

To my mind, we should also look for the alternative energy sources. These could be wind, water and solar energy. In the whole world, scientists are making efforts and looking for ways to use all the resources properly, so I hope that in future they will have a chance to succeed. That means that we will give up using coal and oil, which can give off very toxic wastes.

The source of human life on the Earth is water and it needs our attention and protection. Many factories throw the wastes into the rivers and oceans as a result we receive the extinction of rare animal species and complication of the process of water purification. We should take measures before it is too late.

We should also remember about the air. The easiest ways to fight with the air pollution are planting the trees and destroying the reason of the pollution. It is easy to plant a tree and it does not need hard efforts. All that we need is to have the desire to improve the situation and to stop being lazy.

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The Earth is the place where we live, it is our home and the task is to protect it and appreciate all it gives to us. If the humanity changes nothing in a thousand of years our planet will not exist. We should start doing something and give a chance to next generations to live in a peaceful and beautiful home.

2.Read the text and write down all the ways the author suggests following to improve the environmental situation.

3.Complete the passage of the text with the right word: https://learningapps.org/display?v=p0fomapxc23

4.Guess the words from the text according to the definition: https://learningapps.org/display?v=pueh9vo3323

5.Render the text into English, use the phrases: alternative energy sources, make efforts, give up.

Я считаю, что нам следует искать альтернативные источники энергии. Это может быть ветер, вода или солнце. Ученые сегодня предпринимают попытки и ищут способы использовать все эти ресурсы. Это означает, что скоро мы прекратим использование нефти и угля, которые выделяют вредные отходы.

6.Use https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=Hu84TYGgte3qVoQuy75x6Q1-ORjQbgoe2qaFoTkjaOM to brainstorm ideas about environmental solutions.

7.Make up a list of ways to solve environmental problems on the level of a person/local community/the state. Share your list with fellow students.

Grammar

1.Watch the video about relative clauses.

2.Find the sentences with relative clauses from the text above. Read them.

3.Practice using which, that, who, whose in relative clauses: https://elt.oup.com/student/englishfile/intermediate3/grammar/file10/nef_int_grammar10_a01?cc=ru&selLanguage=ru

4.Rewrite the sentences using relative clauses: https://quizizz.com/join?gc=81963970

Listening task

1.Do you know the names of environmental enthusiast or volunteers? Have you ever heard of Greta Thunberg?

2.Read and translate the phrases:

•Climate change

•Survival

•Global warming

•Sustainability crisis

•Capable of changing

•Restrictions

•Burning fossil fuels

•Participate in social game

•Sustainability crisis

•Reduce emissions

•Climate impact

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•Leaders never mention it

•Make it illegal

3. Watch the video (the first 10 minutes of it) and do the task below: https://www.ted.com/talks/greta_thun- berg_the_disarming_case_to_act_right_now_on_climate_change#t-108768

Complete the phrases:

•Economists will estimate that …

•Customers will have to pay …

•Oil-based substances are used to …

•Over … barrels of oil are used to make a single car.

•… people will run cars in the future.

•Air travel will be limited because …

•More businesses will be conducted …

4. Answer the questions:

What issues does Greta speak about?

Do people today speak about it?

What do you learn about Greta?

Is she trustworthy?

5. What do you think are the solutions that may help to improve the environmental situation? Give a full answer.

Communication

1.Can you name an innovative technology/device/object that helps to protect the environment?

2.Follow the link and choose one of the environmental innovations:

https://www.bpf.co.uk/article/15-interesting-innovations-3237.aspx#Love%20ocean

3. Read the article that you are interested in and present the innovation to the other students. Use https://flyvi.io/app to visualize the answer.

The innovation that helps to save the environment is …

It is used in / to …

It is produced by …

It helps to … (solve such environmental problems as / reduce) …

4. Listen to your fellow students and complete the table Environmental innovations

Home task. Individual work

1. Practice using which, that, who, whose in relative clauses: https://elt.oup.com/student/englishfile/intermediate3/grammar/file10/nef_int_grammar10_a01?cc=ru&selLanguage=ru

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2.Listen to the recording https://www.linguahouse.com/en-GB/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/shipping-emis- sions-slashed-by-half/audioplayer/shipping_emissions_bemp3 and write all the numbers and the information they refer to.

3.Choose one of the ways to solve environmental crisis you learnt from this unit and prepare a 2-minute speech on it.

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