The advantages of using the computers in academic life

The computer has become a crucial part of the human life - whether searching for information, doing our office work, teaching children and so on. Unlike most machines, computers do not have a fixed purpose. They are multi-purpose tools. They can be used in a very wide variety of situations and are found in a wide range of systems including security systems, cars and phones. Medical expert systems, for example, can help doctors diagnose an illness and decide on the best treatment. As computer systems are developed, they are becoming more common and are gradually being used for more and more purposes. Nowadays it is started get to use computer in academic life for three major reasons.

The Internet is the most attractive largest information source with special tools for rapidly searching necessary information such as current news, opinions, e-books, contact information and services and it is easy-to-use. At present, the Internet contains approximately 2000 million Web pages meaning that the sheer quantity of available information is not problematic if Information is retrieved by using various searches, for example, Google, Yahoo, Yandex.

Moreover it allows of keeping in-touch with family, friends, teachers, native speakers of practicing language. In addition it is easy access to various information at any time (it does not need to go to the library, as a result you can save more time).

The other benefit of using computer is the variety of software for computation, modeling, simulation, visualization, development, documentation, and deployment. Common applications programs include word processors for creating and editing texts, spreadsheets for calculating mathematical formulae and databases for storing data in a way that allows the data to be sorted and searched. But if it is necessary to do other task you can install special software. For instance, Matlab can help students with projects of all sizes - from simple calculator operations to high-level software development. Matlab can perform symbolic as well as numeric computations. This means that in addition to being a calculator, it can help with algebra, calculus, and the sciences, classes across many disciplines. From simple line graphs to elegant 3D models, Matlab's powerful graphics functions let you control light sources, perspective, animation, and more. Matlab supports over 200 file formats for importing and exporting data. Incorporating the latest numeric and computational geometry algorithms, Matlab can provide statistical results for data sets of almost unlimited size.

There is no doubt that you can install suitable software for solving numerous different types of the tasks (Electronics Workbench for making circuits, AutoCAD for creating 2D models, Solid Works for creating 3D models and many other).

There is a range of sizes and types of computer. One of them is iPod. IPod extends teaching and learning beyond normal classroom hours, allowing students to easily and continuously learn. Many educators are already using iPod in their curricula with great results. They’re integrating audio and video content including speeches, interviews, artwork, music and photos to bring lessons to life. In all, it is a great way for educators to create, organize and distribute content. All of which add new and exciting dimensions to learning.

As a result the computer can be your own laboratory, where you can decide all tasks from creating mathematic model of real development systems to their testing.

 

Out-of-Class Writing Assignment

What advantages have computers brought to academic life?

Write a short organized response to the following statement: Computers have become an important part of everyday life. In many areas, they have become invaluable in doing tasks more efficiently and effectively. What advantages have computers brought to academic life? Discuss three advantages of computers in academic life. Support the discussion fully with specific examples, details and personal experience (300-350 words every other line).

 

Vocabulary

seek out	approach	confidence	opinion
improvement	conversation	to identify	to deserve
to evaluate	to revise	benefit	to interrupt
benefit	to require	ground rule	clarification
to cover	extensively	to improve	major problem
assertion	evidence	impression	citation

 

Unit3
Support in Expository Paragraphs

Unit Topics:

Thesis statements & Topic sentences

Relevant and convincing support

Outlining skills

Thesis Statements &Topic sentences

Objectives In this unit you will:	learn what topic sentences are;
	learn the rules for composing effective topic sentences;
	know how to evaluate topic sentences;
	know how to choose topic sentences for assignments; know how to write topic sentences for paragraphs; know the difference between thesis statements and topic sentences.

Starting up

Ex.1Read the following extract and answer the question: What is the difference between topic sentences and thesis statements?

Just as a single paragraph has a topic sentence which introduces the paragraph topic and the writer's opinion and method, so a thesis statement is the most important element of an essay. Thesis statements contain the writer's limited subject, opinion or attitude, and possibly a list of main points which you will discuss in the body of the essay.

 

Introduction

The main idea of each paragraph is usually expressed somewhere in the paragraph by one sentence (the main or topic sentence). This sentence is usually found at the beginning of the paragraph, but can come at the end or even in the middle of the paragraph. The rest of the paragraph generally expands the theme contained in the main sentence, and each idea round the main theme is supported by information and evidence (in the form of illustrations and examples), and by argument.

Example

This is a period when education faces many disturbing circumstances originating outside it. Budgets have been drastically cut throughout the country affecting every type of education. Enrolments are dropping rapidly, because the children of the post-World War II "baby boom" have now completed their schooling, and we are feeling the full effect of the falling birth rate. So there are fewer opportunities for new teachers, and the average age of teachers is increasing.

Rules for Composing Effective Topic Sentences

1. Topic sentences must be limited and correctly focused on the topic assigned.

Examples

Assignment: Computers are used in almost every area of life, such as business, science, and the home. Choose one area in which computers are used and discuss the benefits.

Problem: Off Topic Pursuing a degree in business is beneficial for several reasons.

(This sentence should introduce one area in which computers are used, not one area in which it is beneficial to get a degree.)

Problem: Off Focus It is easy to learn how to use a computer.

(This sentence is about computers, but the assignment is not to explain how to operate a computer.)

Correct Focus Computers have become essential in the home these days for three

major reasons.

(This sentence is about one area in which computers are used these days, so it follows the assignment.)

2. Each topic sentence must be about one topic.
Examples

Ineffective San Francisco has many tourist attractions and is a cosmopolitan city

Effective San Francisco has many tourist attractions that families enjoy seeing.

(Enumeration of Places/Description)

3. Topic sentences must be arguable (express an opinion) and include signals which indicate the method of development and writer's purpose.

Examples

Effective Dolphins and porpoises differ in several major ways. (Contrast)

Operating a word processor is an easy procedure if you follow these steps. (Process)

4. Topic sentences must be concise and complete sentences in statement form.
Examples

Incomplete The benefits of television to children. (Fragment)

Complete Television benefits young children in three major ways.

(Enumeration of Benefits/Effects)

Question Why are grades important?

Statement Grades are important for several major reasons. (Enumeration of

Reasons/Causes)

Not Arguable I want to write about ways to maintain the health.

Arguable Maintaining good health is crucial. People can maintain their

health in many ways. (Process/Enumeration of Suggestions)

 

5. Topic sentences must not be too specific because very specific statements are factual, not argued.
Example

Too Specific Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth president of the United States.

Effective Abraham Lincoln's most outstanding quality was his honesty.

(Definition)

6. Topic sentences must not be too general because broad statements are difficult to support. Example

Too General Overeating is bad.

Effective Overeating contributes to several health problems.

(Enumeration of Effects)

Thesis statements are expressed in much the same way as the topic sentence patterns!

 

Listening

Script 13