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,*ly ?"'

Describingtechnicalfunctions I

I

andapplicatíons 1

I

a ln pairs, think about two or three productsyou use regularlyand discuss the followingquestions. o o

\r

What are the main functionsof the products? (Whatdo they do?) What are their different applications? (What are they used for?)

What do you know about Global Positioning System (GPS) devices? ln pairs, describe their main function, and give some examples of different applications of GPS devices.

2a

)1.1 Paula, a design engineer for a CPS manufacturer, is discussing product development with José, a senior manager new to the company. Listen to the conversation and complete the following notes.

o the primaryapplication of GPS more creative features

(l ) Trackingsystemsfor (2) Trackingsystemsfor (3) (4)

not technicalinnovations

(6)

associatedapplications

o

(s)

alarms buttons the technology

Complete the following extracts from the discussion with words that come from use. thot are reloted to 1 Then Aou've got associated applications, navigating... for monitoring deliverg vehicles ... 2 ... traclsing sAstems Aou can point of view, accuracg is no longer the main selling 3 . .. from the end-point. Most devices are accurate enough. The keg is to make them more

in use Unit 1 Technotogy

I 3a

Match the GPS applications (1-6) to the descriptions (a-fl. 1 2 3 4 5 6

a topographicalsurveyinggeotogical. b exploration \ \ c ciüt engineering avionicsequipment d maritimeapplications e f GPs in cars and trucks

naügation and safet1rat sea setting out positionsand levetsof new structures mappingsurhce features appticationsin miningand the oil industry highwaynavigationand vehictetracking air trafficcontrol,naügation and autopilotsystems

ln pairs, practise explaining the applications of GPS in Exercise 3a to a colleague who has limited knowledge of the devices using the following

phrases.

usedfor -ing

4a

usedto

usefulfor

another/ a similar use

Complete the following extracts from the conversation by underlining the correct words. 1 ... there's a setting on the CPS that allows/prevents it to detect the movement... 2 ... an alarm sounds to warn gou, and allows/prevents the boat from drifting unnoticed. 3 ... and enables/ensures that gou don't lose track of where gou were, which then enables/ensures uou to turn round and come back to the same point... Match the words in Exercise 4a to the synonyms.

: makessure

2-

I

: permits 3

= SIoPS

Complete the following extract from the user's manual of a GPS device using the verbs in Exercise 4a. Sometimes, more than one answer is possible.

you to locate your precise The core function of your GPS receiver is to (1) geographicalposition. To (2) the device to function, it receives at least three signals simultaneously from the GPS constellation - 30 dedicated satellites which (3) extremely precise receivers can function anywhere on earth. To (a) positioning and (5) errors from occurring due to external factors, this device is designed to receive four separate signals (see enhanced system accuracy on page 18).

In pairs, explain the main functions and applications of a product made by your company or a product you know about. Student A, you are an engineering manager; Student B, you are a new employee. Use the language from this section and the phrases in the box. Swap roles and practise again. I see.5o ...

0K. In otherwords...

So vou mean...

Unit 1 Technology in use

I

Exptaininghowtechnologyworks 6a

pairs, look at the picture and discuss the following questions.

ln o . . o

b

How do you think a space elevatorwould work? What could it be used for? What technicalchallengeswould it face? How seriouslydo you think the conceptof space elevatorsis being taken at present?

Read the following article and compare it to your answers in Exercise 6a.

lN his 1979 novel,Ihe Fountainsof Paradise,ArthurC Clarke wroteabout an elevatorconnecting the earth's surfaceto space. Threedecades later,this sciencefictionconcept is preparingto take otf in the realworld. NASA has launchedthe Space ElevatorChallenge,a competitionwitha generousprizefund,and severalteams and companiesare workingon seriousresearchprojects aimedat winningit. As its name suggests,a space elevatoris designedto Íaise things intospace' Sate||ites, componentsÍorspace ships, supp|iesÍorastronautstn space stations,and even astronautsthemselvesare examplesof payloads thatcou|d be tÍansportedjntoorbitwithoutthe need

C

The answeris by using an incrediblystrongand lightweight cable, strongenoughto support its own weightand a heavy|oad'The design oÍsuch a cab|eis This would be attached to a base stilllargelytheoretical. stationon earthat one end and a satellitein geostationary orbit(lixedabove a pointon the equator)at the other.Lift vehicleswould then ascend and descend the cable, powered by e|ectromagnetic Íorceand control|ed remotelv.

Match the verbs (l -9) from the text in Exercise 6b to the definitions (a-i). 1 2

connecting raise

a b

carried (objects, over a distance) hotdsomethingfirmty/ bearits weight

3

transpoÉed support

c d e f g

climb down providedwith energy/ moved by a force joining

h i

ctimbup tift / makesomething go up

4 5 6 7 8 9

7a

rockets. ÍorexpIosiveand environmentaIly unÍriend|y However,the altitudeof orbitalspace - a colossal35,790 km above the earth- is a measureof the challengefacing engineers.How could such a heightbe reached?

attached ascend descend powered controlled

driven / have movementdirected fixed

Space Elevgfors James, an engineer, is giving a talk on qble is signiícont. space elevators. o To (2) its own weighf, ond be securely (3) _________ o.! Complete his notes each end, cable would need phenomenal strenqth_to_weight ratio. using the correct _ . How could vehicles be (4) _ into form of the verbs cable? . Self-containe4 sltergv source problemotic, due to (l-7) in Exercise weight (heavy fuel ol 6c. (5) batferies required c u to tu \)/ _ _ vehic V enlcle.). ^)

L^

l\

I

r

r

\

c Two possible ways round problem: _*:yt.l"r:,r,ry

-,r"l.

ut fechnique only ot research stage.

z , ' o l a rp o w e r . B u tw o u l d otuffio*ty. ""ty y:tt::!!:fblem, t-1\ ( // _

Unit 1 Technology in use

as cor could bu ,ortrollJ

payloads unmonned.

Not ft f" Yllg_!. ,t:

,u,rotnly-tb-kq .!

_-

I

8a

b

)t.Z tisten to part of James'talk and check your answers in Exercise 7a.

c

What kinds of word are missing from the notes? ln pairs, compare the audioscript on page 86 with the notes in Exercise 7a. Some space elevator designs propose an offshore base station. In pairs, discuss how such a system might work using words in Exercise 6c. What advantages might an offshore base have compared with a land base? )t.3 James goes on to discuss offshore base stations. Listen to the talk and answer the following questions. ] How wou|dan oÍfshorebase station be suooorted? 2 What would the functionof its anchors be? 3 How would payloadsreach the base station? 4 W h a t p r o b l e mw o u l da m o b i l eb a s e s t a t i o nh e l p t o p r e v e n t ? 5 What would the procedurebe if there was an alert?

9a

You are members of a space elevator research team designing a concept for offshore base stations. ln pairs, analyse the notes below, which were made during a briefing given by your manager. lmagine you are giving a presentation. Begin by reading out the abbreviated notes in full.

*\..\ \ \ L\

.......

\ L\r

L r r r r r r I I r r.r=l-L-t

Ú f 3 o 3l3 e 0 Ü 0 0 o t t o | |J

- AN'HoR|NGa?w?uL6l0N l56uÚ6 oFF6HoR'ÉAsE6TA.t1oN Anchoring ayatom ulindloadson Lablevrillbe huge.ulhatimplicaiions for anchoring slstom? Éase Willn?,od lo bgmovodcontinuall1, sometimes urgentl1. vrlhat tomp system couldbe ussdto holdbassin position? 9a* in shallowwatgrnearcoasi,or deepwalerfurtheroffshorg? óhoicewill haveimpacton dosignoÍanchors1stem. ?ropulsion ststem \^lillWeight oÍcab\e allowbaseto bs movedb1ownProPollors? Or more powerful 5.í5t9m for propulaion andcontro| noc.?o.g.ertern'powersource? !n pairs, discuss the questions raised in the notes and think of some suitable solutions for the anchoring system and the propulsion system. At this stage, these should be overall concepts, not detailed designs. Remember to make notes. ln small groups, take turns to give a short talk using your notes to explain how the systems work, in general terms. lmagine you are speaking to a small group of colleagues, including your manager. write two or three paragraphs to summarise your talk. These will be included in your manager's longer report on offshore base stations.

Unit 1 Technologyin use

technicaladvantages Emphasising

I 10

ln pairs, discuss the term technical advantage' Give some examples of technology you are familiar with.

77a

Read the first ParagraPh of some promotional literature from Otis, a leading elevator company. What is the Gen2" system?

OTISf,,ioJl

b tvtatctrthe words (l -6) from the text in Exercisel l a to the sYnonYms(a-0' 1 2 3 4 5 6

conventional eliminates \ superior \ \ energy-efficient enhanced reduces

a b c d e f

At theheartof theGen2ruelevatorsystem to byandunique be|t(deveIoped is a Í|at stronger it is Yet thick. 3mm is lt Otis). lust steelcables.lt lastsup thanconventional Andit hasenabled to threetimeslonger. The theelevator' re-invent Otisto completely eliminates belttotally flat,coated-steel effectof conventional themetal{o-metal with Coupled a smooth-surface systems. theresultis sheave, machine crowned andsuperior quietoperation exceptionally Ílat theÍ|exib|e Furthermore, ridecomfort. energya morecompact, beltenables whichcanbecontained machine, eÍficient This inthehoistwaY. enhancedtechnologY and reducesbuilding costs, operating system andfreesupvaluable space.

decreases better / the best improved standard,usual gets rid of has low energYconsumPtion

Completethe followingtext usingthe correct form of the words (1-6) in Exercise I I b' You will need to use some words more than once'

nar ,,0;;;;;;m ::p;ff:Y berts, pu,.r' inth.";ffi;,T#.

ilHlillililiuing

tliiltiügl;;:öm# H, Hli.űJ

Jff .d;É,x [J,üi .uto*ti,u jnl'iff{ljil' rrvt.-t., tffi ,.?ffil il ;1,.'n

?jJ;:ll''' ;*;-ff ilT ffi ;;:í':fi matntenance personnel for

sYstem that1a)-

ih. *.d fr_

-

;. ica lTili,',liT;,:,,':lT r ;:T*il i.# ;lnom d

10

system. Discuss In pairs, summarise the advantages of the flat belt automation' durability, wear, noise, space' cleanliness' efficiency' maintenance and cost. in use Unit 1 TechnologY

I 72a

Complete the following tips on emphasising technical advantages using the words in the box. conventionatetiminated enhanced reduced superior When describingtechnicaladvantages,it's usefulto emphasise... a(l)-performance,comparedwiththeo|dermode|ofthesame product. bnegativeissuesthathavebeen(2)-,orcomp|ete|y (3)_. c special features that differentiatethe technology from (4) sysrems. dperformance|eve|sthatmakethetechno|ogy(5)-tothe comDetition. )t.l Stefan, an engineer, is briefing some sales colleagues on the advantages of a new pump design. Listen to the briefing and match the tips (a-d) in Exercise I 2a to the extracts (l -4).

ExtractI -

Extract2 -

Extract3 -

Extract4

Complete the following sentences from the briefing by underllning the correct emphasising word. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

We've come up with a completelg/significantlg unique profile. lt completelg/dramaticallg reduces vibration. Machines lilse these can never be entirelg/highlg free from vibration. The new design runs dramaticallg/extremelA smoothlA. Another advantage of the new profile is thot it's consideroblg/entirelg lighter. So compared with our previous range, it's highlg/totallg efficient. Trials so far suggest the design is completelg/exceptionallg durable. We expect it to be entirelg/significantlg more reliable than rival units.

Match the words in Exercise 12c to the synonyms. considenbly dnmatically entirely exceptionattyhighty totatty I

-l-

:completely

2

-l-

: significantly

3 -l-:

13

extremely

You are Otis engineers back in the l85Os, when elevators were new. ln pairs, prepare a short talk to brief your sales colleagues on the advantages of elevators for lifting people and goods. Emphasise the points below using the phrases and techniques from this section. Remember that people at this time are sceptical about the technology. Elevatorsare ... safe - a reliablebraking systemeliminatesthe danger of a car falling if a cable fails o simple - they'recontrolledfrom the car and are very easy to operate o

o o

convenient- they'reeasier on the legs than the conventional alternative (stairs) valuable- they enhancethe value of land by allowingtaller buildings on smaller areas Unit 1 Technologyin use

11

technical Simplifyíng andil[ustrating explanations

I t4

a )r.l Richard,a structural engineer,often takes clients on guided tours of their new buildingsduring construction.He is talking about explaining technicalconceptsto non-specialists.Listen and answerthe following questions. technicalconcepts? I WhatdoesRichardsay aboutexplaining 2 Whatdoeshe meanby dul/explanations? 3 What is beingpatronising? b ln pairs, think of some tips on how to solve the followingprobtems. I not being understood 2 beingpatronising 4 sounding dull

3 explainingdifficultconcepts

C )r.o Richard is giving some advice about the problemsin Exercise l4b. Listen and summarisehis ideas. Compare his tips with your suggestions. 15

d Richard has made notes for a guided tour of a site. The project is a skyscraperin the early stagesof construction.During the tour he explainsthe technical terms to the non-specialistgroup. ln pairs, discuss the following terms and try to interpret them using everydaylanguageto rephrasethem.

SUBSTRUCTURE Pi/e foundations Bored

(in generaD

in situ concrete

Pre-cast

driven

pi/es

concrete

pi/es

Pi/e driver 7/e auger Bentonite

)t.l Rictrarais givinga tour of a constructionsite. Listen and make notes of his explanationsof the followingtechnicalterms. Compareyour ideas with his. I the substructure the.e*rt.-of.th.e.5tvract$re.5 pre-castpiles 6 to drivein (a pile) be!p.w.9!,.q!^14.................... 7 a piledriver 2 a pile foundation 8 a pileauger 3 to bore (a pile) 9 bentonite 4 in situ concrete

t2

Unit 1 Technologyin use

I Listen again and compare Richard's explanations with the tips in Exercise l4c. Which techniques did he use? Were they successful? Complete the following table using the words in the box. basicatty(x2) ca[[ effectivety essentially imagine other picture refer sinrpk simply Function 1 Simpti[ring the language

Words/ Phrases 1n sinple terms/ put

2 3 4

whatwe if you-

Simptifoing the concept Focusing on technicalterms lltustratingwith images

/ -

/ / whatwe/ if you

/ in -words

f-

to as

ln pairs, practise explaining the technical terms in Exercise l5a using the simplified words and phrases in Exercise l5d.

t6

Read the textbook description of two types of pile foundation. Use the words and phrases in Exercise l5d and the following notes to rephrase it. From a structural perspective, pile foundations can be divided into two categories: end-bearing piles and friction piles.

lmargirnewartev

End-bearing piles are driven or bored through soft ground in order at\á the sea|beL to attain firm substrata below. The pile then transmits load vertically Like statrráitg o\ to firm subsoil or bedrock. The soft ground surrounding the sides of stilts i\ warfev the pile is structurally redundant.

luaargile ar leg a,|\), é\ Poo|

17

Friction piles counteract downward loads from the structure through frictional resistance between the sides of the pile and the surrounding ground, and do not therefore rely on firm substrata. In some cases, the diameter of the concrete at the pile's base is widened

Like ar h4il i\ woo)t

by compaction, allowing the increased area to give the friction pile a certain degree of end-bearing resistance.

You are showing a non-specialist visitor around your company and explaining technical concepts using simplified language. In pairs, practise explaining a product or type of technology that you are familiar with.

in use Unit 1 Technology

13