76 Chapter 4

spaghetti code: n. Code with a complex and tangled control structure, especially one using many GOTO's, exceptions, or other unstructured branching constructs. tense: adj. Of programs, very clever and efficient.		tangle — confused, disordered mass/state
troglodyte mode: n. Programming with the lights turned off, sunglasses on, and the terminal inverted (black on white) because your eyes hurt. vaporware: Products announced far in advance of any release (which may or may not actually take place). wedged: adj. Stuck, incapable of proceeding without help (whereas crashing describes total nonfunctioning). The system may be capable of doing a few things, but is not fully operational. WIMP environment: [acronym of Window, Icon, Menu, Pointing device] n. A graphical user— interface-based environment, as described by a hacker who prefers command-line interfaces for their superior flexibility and extensibility. Macintoshes and Microsoft Windows use WIMP interfaces.
wizard: n. A person who knows how a complex piece of software or hardware works and can find and fix bugs quickly in an emergency.	wizard — a person with unusual, almost magical abilities

Exercise 13. Choose the correct word and fill in the blanks.

(to) create creation creativity creative

1. His designs are always ______

2. You should use your ____.

3. The project will _____ a sensation.

4. The report proposed is the ____ of an independent committee.

(to be) capable of capability

5. We are not ____ improving it.

6. They will not doubt her _____ for the job.

(to) modify modification(s)

7. A few ___ to the plan will _____ it.

8. The design has been ____.

9. Scientists _____ their views in the light of new evidence.

Exercise 14. Read the passage and answer the questions about it.

The world of telecommunications is changing rapidly. New devices become invaluable for both professionals and general public. Consider business travelers who must be able to maintain contact with the office, no matter what the time or place, since negotiations often involve decisions based on the latest figures. New telecommunications products and services on the market make staying in touch easier than ever before.

Personal portable products include calculators, portable radios and pocket telephones. The pocket telephone is really remarkable. The possibility to call or be called anyplace and any time permits the pocket telephone to be often considered as almost magic personal item. Another widespread device is cellular telephone. Car phones have proven indispensable for emergencies as well as for routine business. Pocket-size organizers — tiny computers that can store all kinds of information — may serve as phone and address directories, calculators and calendars. They help businessmen with heavy and hectic schedules.

Smaller, lighter fax machines allow instantaneous transmission of data to any location having a compatible fax machine. Faxing is becoming the primary means of sending and receiving short documents.

In the future we will see the explosive growth of communication services.

Chapter 4 77

1. What is the best title for the passage?

a. The business traveler

b. New telecommunications products and services

c. Everyday communications

d. Business negotiations

2. It can be inferred from the passage that business travelers need to maintain contact with the office because

a. there are many new products

b. they have to do it every day

c. they must have the latest information for negotiations

d. it is a company's requirement

3. According to the passage, mobile phone service

a. is very useful in case of accidents

b. costs too much

c. is not yet available on the airplanes

d. will soon appear on the market

4. It can be inferred from the passage that pocket-size computers are especially useful for businessmen who

a. have no cellular phones

b. have few/many clients

c. contact the office frequently

d. have very busy itineraries

5. It can be inferred from the passage that fax machines

a. cannot be used with phone service

b. will soon replace mail delivery of short documents

c. are of little use nowadays

d. are not small and light enough

Exercise 15.

1. These plants look like small roses.

a. resemble

b. turn into

c. behave

d. appear

2. Unfortunately, this property is almost completely lost.

a. very slightly

b. nearly entirely

c. not so much

d. forever

3. I'm at a loss for I don't know what to do.

a. that is

b. since

c. as if

d. when

4. These devices are extremely accurate.

a. safe

b. original

c. versatile

d. precise