Before you read the passage, talk about these questions.

1)How does computer programming affect business?

2) Why is computer programming becoming more important?

Reading

Read the letter from the head of a

Computer programming department to her boss. Then, choose the correct answers.

1) What is the letter mainly about?

A purchasing more CPUs

В writing better computer programs

С learning new computer languages

 D requesting updated resources

2) Which of these programming languages do the programmers NOT know?

A C#                                  С BASIC

В Assembler                D C++

3) What can be inferred about BASIC?

A It is used in Assembler.

В It is used less frequently than C++.

С It cannot be used by compilers.

D It is the most difficult to learn.

Vocabulary

Write a word that is similar in meaning to the underlined part.

1 He's writing a new language that computers can process.

с _ _ _ _ _ _ r _ _ _ _ u _ _ _      

2 An object-oriented programming language is used often.

_ _ v _

3 I'd use a programming language that translates between programs. _ss_ _ _ _ _   

4 Many of the first PCs used an early programming language that is not widely used anymore.

_ _S_C

5 Harold often used a competitor to Java instead of Java. _ _

6 Do you know a programming language that adds capabilities to C? _ _+

7 Linux® is created with a programming language that programs operating systems. _

8 The central processing unit is a computer's most important part. _ P _

9 A computer part that changes source code into machine code is essential to programming.    _ _ _ _ _ _e r

 

Check (+) the sentence that uses the underlined parts correctly.

1 _A Linkers allow programmers to control computers.

_ В CPU was the first programming language.

2 _ A A new Java can make your computer run faster.

    _ В Machine code makes programming possible.

3  _ A Added memory allows computers to multi-thread.

    _ В I'm learning compiler, a new programming language.

Listen and read the letter from the head of a computer programming department to her boss. Why will a few of the old computers need their linkers and compilers updated?

Listening

Listen to a conversation between a programmer and her manager. Mark the following statements as true (T) or false (F).

1_The manager intends to hire more programmers.

2 _ The woman is going to learn Assembler.

3 _The manager denied the request to upgrade the CPUs.

Listen again and complete the conversation.

Programmer: Well, without someone who knows Assembler we can't efficiently 1 _____ ______ ________.       

Manager: I know, but I think the best way to address that problem is to have you trained in it.

Programmer: I'm up for that. But I'm worried that I'll get behind on the 2 ______ programs I'm writing.

Manager: We can shift some of your workload to other 3 _______, then.

Programmer: Okay. What do you think about our 4 _______ _______   ?

Manager: How pressing would you say those needs are?

Programmer: If we had some updated CPUs, we could finish our projects in a 5______ ______ ______ ______.

Manager: All right. Let me 6 ______ ______ ______ at the budget and see what I can do.

Speaking

With a partner, act out the roles below based on Task 7. Then switch roles.

USE LANGUAGE SUCH AS:

I don't think we can afford more programmers.

What do you think about our CPU needs?

How pressing would you say those needs are?

Student A: You are talking to a programmer. Ask Student В about:

• department's needs

• importance of needs

• possible solutions

Student B: You are a programming employee. Answer Student As questions.

Writing

Use the conversation from task 8 to write an email to your manager to ask for updated resources. Create names for the employee and his/her manager.

 

To: ____________________________

From:    __________________________

Subject:_________________________

Dear _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thanks,____________________________________________________________

 

                            

ISPs and Internet access

1) Wi-Fi

2) Antivirus software

3) Wireless router

4) Modem

5) Hotspot

6) Dial-up

Dear Mindeye Customer,

Last week, V\febsurf Internet purchased Mindeye Communications. Starting next month we will be your ISP.

This new relationship has many benefits. First, you receive a free

download of our exclusive VirusWatch 9.0 antivirus software to protect your computer. We're also building all-new T-3 lines to accommodate the new customers. This means greater bandwidth for broadband and T-1 users. Unfortunately, we're discontinuing dial-up service. But we are upgrading to DSL. Turn in your old modem to us to receive a new DSL modem free of charge.

You also receive our award-winning technical support. We'll help you set up your wireless router to bring Wi-Fi to your household. We can even help recover your password if you forget. You'll also have access to WebSurf hotspots. You can find them at selected airports, restaurants and coffee shops. All you need is a valid WebSurf account.

We look forward to providing you with the world's best Internet service.

Sincerely, Gina Matson

Customer Relations, Websurf Internet

Get ready!