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Файл:Let’s read!. Учебное пособие по чтению на английском языке
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3. What have you known about Charles Babbage and his invention?
4. When was the first analog computer built? By whom?
5. When was the first digital computer built? By whom?
6. How do the computers of different generations differ from each other?
Text 3
“COMPUTER IS MY FRIEND, BUT NOT THE BEST”
Nowadays we live in information era, when information is the key and engine
of progress. Future is speed and power. Our society needs to develop means of
information. The Internet, phones, telegraph, cell phones, radio, TV are all the means
of communication. They are no longer symbols of prestige but tools, which let to use
working time more effectively.
60 years ago people didn't even heard of computers, and today we can't
imagine our life without them. Let's remember some facts from the history of
computer development.
The first computer was made in 1946 at the University of Pennsylvania. It was
Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer or ENIAC. Its program was wired into
the processor and had to be manually altered. The first computer was the size of a
minibus and weighed a ton. Today its job can be done by a chip the size of a pin
head. And the computer revolution is still going on.
The next generation of computers will be able to talk and even think for
themselves. They will contain electronic “neutral networks”. Of course, they will be
still a lot simpler than human brains, but it will be a great step forward. Such
computers will help to diagnose illnesses, find minerals, identify criminals and
control space travel.
Nowadays, practically everyone has a computer at home. Computers play a
very important role in our life. They are used by people of all ages: from teens to
professional businessmen. We can't imagine our modern school without using a
computer. We can make projects, slide-shows and even films at our lessons with the
help of computes. Pupils can use computes to prepare reports, to find information
they need, to write compositions, to find new friends with the help of the Internet.
The computer is also used as an electronic vocabulary. It is made for people who
have no time to look up translations or explanation of words in the dictionary.
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I think computers were invented as machines for business people not to waste
their time. They save a lot of time. They seldom make mistakes. It's much faster and
easier to surf the Internet than to go to the library.
On-line shopping makes it possible to find exactly what you want at the best
price, saving both time and money.
E-mail is a great invention, too. It's faster than sending a letter and cheaper
than sending a telegram.
And now I want to tell some words about the Internet. To my mind, it's the
greatest invention of humanity. The Internet is a global computer network. Nowadays
million of people are already its active users.
The history of Internet began in the United States in 1969. It was a military
experiment, designed to help to survive during a nuclear war to get some information
to anywhere. Public Internet began in the late 70's.
Today the Internet is very popular all over the world. A global Net has covered
almost the whole planet. It has filled lives of people with joy. Firstly, because of the
easiest way of getting information about every part of men's occupation.
Secondly, it is indispensable for people who communicate frequently with their
relatives and friends from others counties. And also the Internet helps to make friends
all over the world. You can virtually visit different countries, cities, museums. You
can play games and take part in conferences together with people from different
countries. The Internet can completely replace such communication facilities as
telephony and mail.
But the Internet carries not only pluses: There are some negative sides of the
Web. First of all, it is connected with the health: The vision may decline, different
measles of the back or joints may appear.
Some people may become nervous; lose their contacts with people surrounding
them. They lose their conception of real life. Hackers arouse lots of troubles: the
Internet hooligans are interfering in lots of programs, breaking computers, dilating
viruses, breaking open even federal governmental sites.
The Internet and virtual reality on the whole will never be able to replace real
relationships between people, to become a big part of people's life.
Many friends tell me that computer is their best friend. I can't understand how a
nothing-feeling machine can be somebody's friend. As for me I enjoy reading books.
I think by reading books we learn to think and to feel, we make our speech more
eloquent.
I get pleasure in speaking to my friends, listening to what they say, looking into
their eyes, following their impressions and feelings.
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In conclusion, I'd like to say that computes and the Internet are splendid
medium if getting information and communication but nobody and nothing is able to
replace our devoted friends, family and other vital values.
Vocabulary:
speed — скорость
power — сила
cell phone — сотовый телефон
manually — вручную
brain — мозг
to waste — тратить
indispensable — незаменимый
facility — средство
eloquent — красноречивый, убедительный
splendid — великолепный
medium — средний, носитель
Answer the questions:
1. What are the means of communication you read in this text?
2. What is the era we live? What is the key and engine of progress nowadays?
3. When was the first computer made? What was its name?
4. How can pupils, students, and teachers use computer in their studying?
5. What is on-line shopping?
6. What is the Internet?
7. When did the history of Internet begin?
8. How does the Internet help people to communicate?
9. What are health troubles connected with the Internet?
10. Can the computer the best friend? Why do you think so?
UNIT 18. MY FUTURE PROFESSION
Text 1
PLANNING A CAREER
Having a job and having a career are two very different things. A job is
something you do to make money. You may enjoy the job, work hard at it and do
well, but you are primarily doing it for the money to satisfy your other interests
outside of the work environment. A career is something that integrates your desires
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and interests so that it gives you satisfaction above and beyond the money you make.
A profession is a type of job that needs a high level of education. To have a career
means commitment and development but first of all planning.
This process can begin at any age. For some people it starts when they are
small children and visit mom or dad at their place of work. For others it can come
later through the inspiration of a teacher or exposure to a wider range of fields.
It is up to each individual to decide whether a job or career is best for them.
People may share the same talent and interest but other aspects of their personality
will dictate which direction to go with that interest. For example, one guitar player
may decide to plan a career as a professional musician. Another may decide that the
financial insecurity is too much for him, get a regular job satisfy his musical interests
in his free time.
Whether you decide to get a job or plan a career, the job market today is quite
different from that of your parents. In the Soviet system young people were
guaranteed a job upon graduation. Now, there are no guarantees after university,
institute or school.
The young person in today's Russia faces a very competitive job market.
What do the new dynamics of the Russian job market mean for young people?
First, if they have decided they want a career, they must start early in their academic
life to plan and take steps to develop their professional careers. Second, in addition to
a suitable background for a desired career, creativity, self-promotion and preparation
are absolutely vital for any sort of success in the job search. Last, students must
develop confidence in themselves and recognize the power that each of them has to
take control of their future and shape it in a way that is best for them.
Vocabulary:
curriculum vitae (CV) — биография
written application — письменное заявление
opening position — вакансия
to choose an occupation to one's liking — выбрать работу по желанию
experimental period — испытательный срок
to work shift-work — работать по сменам
to have flexible schedule — иметь гибкий график
to work part / full time — работать неполный / полный рабочий день
to work nine to five — работать с девяти до пяти
to get off — увольняться
be on sick leave — быть на больничном
to run business — заниматься бизнесом
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to do trade — вести торговлю
entrepreneur — предприниматель
owner — владелец
officer — чиновник, должностное лицо
employment office — агентство по трудоустройству
work experience — стаж
employment book — трудовая книжка
position — должность
supervisor — начальник
subordinate — подчиненный
salary — зарплата служащего
wage — зарплата рабочего
fee — гонорар творческого работника
rate of pay — ставка оплаты
fair salary — достойная зарплата
legal contract — трудовое соглашение
income tax — налог
contractual obligations — договорные обязательства
to undertake a responsible post — занимать ответственный пост
employer / employee — служащий / работодатель
job prospects — перспективы для работы
opportunities for rapid — возможности
advancement — быстрого роста
to be accustomed to work — привыкнуть
under pressure — напряженно работать
to contact with people easily — легко налаживать контакт с людьми
to have good references — иметь хорошие отзывы
supportive environment — хорошая рабочая обстановка
main strength — основные достоинства
promising — перспективный
creative — творческий
reliable — надежный
skillful — опытный
Answer the questions:
1. What is a job?
2. What is a career?
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3. What is a profession?
4. When can this process begin?
5. How does each individual decide whether a job or career is best for him?
6. Are there any guarantees after university, institute or school?
7. Does the young person in today's Russia face a very competitive job market?
8. What do the new dynamics of the Russian job market mean for young
people?
Text 2
LOOKING FOR A JOB
Looking for a job is a full-time occupation in itself, so it's important to get
yourself self-assessed. Look at yourself realistically, at your experience, your
strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes and decide. What you are good at, not so
good at, what sort of things you want to do and can do. Use all possible sources to
help you get careers advice:
- employment agency;
- job center;
- private employment agencies;
- national and local newspapers;
- professional or trade newspapers and journals;
- applications to possible employers;
- local radio stations;
- friends and relatives.
If you feel you like the job being advertised or being offered to you make an
application. The aim of your application is to get you an interview; the aim of
interview is to get you the job. The first thing to do is to draw up a personal
information chart or curriculum vitae (CV). This should contain such sections as:
- personal detail — full name, address, phone number, date of birth, marital
status;
- your work experience;
- your educational background;
- details of any training;
- personal particularities which are relevant (foreign languages, voluntary
work, interests and so on).
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Many of the jobs that are advertised in newspapers give a telephone number for
applicants to ring. When you ring up about a job you must know what you want to
say and how to say it:
- be confident on the telephone;
- know your facts;
- give the facts in a straightforward manner;
- try to make a good impression on the person to whom you are talking.
Vocabulary:
a full-time occupation — работа на полный рабочий день
self-assess — самооценка
weakness — слабость
employment agency — агентство по трудоустройству
curriculum vitae — резюме
marital status — семейное положение
educational background — образование
personal particularities — личные особенности
voluntary work — волонтерская работа
be confident — быть уверенным
a straightforward manner — простой способ
Answer the questions:
1. What does your father do for a living?
2. Is there a lot of stress connected with his work?
3. Do you think that present career is the right one for him?
4. What is your mother's occupation?
5. Have your parents ever been unemployed?
6. What is your family income?
7. Is career an important part in your life?
8. What is your idea of an ideal job?
9. What are some good jobs to have and why?
10. What are the worst jobs and why?
11. What job would you like to get after you graduate from the University?
12. You have won or inherited a lot of money. Would you continue working?
13. Would you agree to get married and not to work?
14. At what age can you get a part-time job in your country?
15. What are the most popular jobs for young men and women?
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16. Would you like your work to be indoors or outdoors?
17. Would you like to have your own business? Why?
18. Do you prefer to have a job for which no further training is required or
further training is necessary?
19. Would you like to work for a big organization?
20. Would you like a job that involved making things with your hands?
21. What does you future profession demand from you?
22. What are the main advantages and disadvantages of your future profession?
Text 3
HOW YOU SHOULD START HUNTING FOR A JOB
The best way of doing this is to study the job market either with the help of
recruitment (employment) agencies or situations vacant pages in the press.
The structure of the vacancy advertisements is usually the same: the name of
the vacant position, the list of the candidate’s professional duties, the demands made
of the candidate and sometimes the system of compensations and benefits.
Be realistic when evaluating the job market for what you have to offer.
Consider who and what you are, your strengths, your weaknesses, interests, likes and
dislikes. Analyze your real motivations and ambitions.
When you have made your choice and found a position you would like to apply
for, you will have to be faced with the time-consuming task of writing your letter of
application and curriculum vitae (resume).
Many firms use job application forms or are so informal as to invite applicants
to telephone to arrange an interview. But for many jobs, and especially more senior
ones, you have to compose a letter, there are in fact two choices: a letter containing
all the information; or a shorter covering letter together with a curriculum vitae
containing information set out on a separate sheet.
The second choice is preferable. It looks more businesslike and the tabulation
makes the information easier for the reader.
The shorter covering letter is easier to compose effectively when it is not
cluttered with miscellaneous detail about your qualifications, etc.
The plan for the covering letter might be:
1) reference to the advertisement and statement of application;
2) reference to the enclosed curriculum vitae;
3) amplification of details of curriculum vitae;
4) complimentary close.
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Your letter must sound like you, it must convey something of your own
personality. However, if you are a very unassuming person, you will need to make
the effort to sound a little more forceful than usual. After all you do have to speak for
yourself on this occasion!
Remember that the aim of this letter is to ensure that your name goes on to the
shortlist and takes you to the next stage, the interview. To do this you need to study
the advertisement very carefully indeed, decide what sort of person with what
qualifications, is being sought, and then show that you are that person. If you want to
be hired you need to show enthusiasm and interest in the company and the position
(without being too overwhelming about it). Remember how many other applications
your letter may have to compete against and try to ensure that it will stand out and
compel attention.
The covering letter should be handwritten. Many employers like to see a
specimen of your handwriting. Some large companies, especially in the USA, employ
experts (graphologists) to examine applicant’s handwriting.
Complete the sentences.
1. If you want to apply for a job … .
2. It’s not enough to evaluate the job market … .
3. The letter you compose should not only contain all the information but … .
4. If your letter stands out and compels attention … .
5. A specimen of an applicant’s handwriting may … .
6. Make an effort to sound businesslike … .
7. You will have to compete against … .
8. You won’t be invited for an interview unless … .
9. If you compose your CV effectively… .
UNIT 19. WORLD CULTURE
Text 1
CULTURES AND NATIONAL STEREOTYPES
A nation is a group of people who share common history and usually a
language and usually, but not always, live in the same area. Culture can be described
as our everyday life: how we communicate, what makes us happy and sad. It also
includes our language, religion, traditions, behavior, way of life — in other words,
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what we do each day. People that belong to various nations may differ and they
always differ from one another.
For example, the Germans are regarded as scientifically — minded and
industrious, they're always considered solid, intelligent and mathematical. And, for
instance, Israeli are believed to be mercenary, industrious, shrewd, loyal to family,
religious.
There is a big number of examples we can list about national character of
different people. Proving the difference of the national stereotypes I want to compare
Russian and English nations. There are a lot of features that vary.
The Russians are industrious, tough, brave, progressive and suspicious. They
are always considered to be nationalistic, over — patriotic (because of this reason
they're good soldiers), we are willing to respect opinion of other people.
Speaking about Englishmen I may note that they're reserved, tradition-loving,
courteous, honest, extremely nationalistic and etc. To my mind, they have a specific
sense of humor. They say that they can't understand our jokes and anecdotes not only
because of the different meanings of the words, but because of their humor is more
delicate.
Looking at these features of the Russians and the Englishmen it is not hard to
mark out the differences. The Englishmen are reserved, but the Russians are openhearted and communicative. The Englishmen are tradition-loving and the Russians, to
my mind, don't keep their traditions in such a degree.
There is a great majority of factors that influence the nations stereotype and its
people's character. People that live in the southern countries have less problems than
those who live in the North and because of this they're more cheerful and artistic.
The history also has a great influence on the national character. The peoples in
Asia are revengeful because their forefathers often were at war with others. In Africa
many countries were colonies of the Great Britain, Holland, Spain and so on and they
(Africans) were the slaves and because of this they're still hard-working and
industrious.
In Africa many countries were colonies of the Great Britain, Holland, Spain
and so on and they (Africans) were the slaves and because of this they're still hardworking and industrious.
The National Character exists. It is not a myth, it's a reality. But the National
Character doesn’t describe the character of every person, it describes the character of
people of nation in general. Every person has its own character, but according to the
person's belonging to some nation many traits of character are similar and these
features may be explained as the national character.
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