Ex. III. Rephrase the sentences
- It’s impossible that she failed the test (can’t).
- The teacher was sure Tom’s paper was missing (must).
- It will probably rain in the afternoon (should).
- Perhaps they tried to phone (might).
- She probably arrived soon (ought to).
- It’s impossible he stayed in a hotel. He’s got relations in the city (needn’t).
- She definitely cancelled the order, she is very punctual (must).
- No doubt the old houses were levelled in order to build a new wall (can’t).
Ex. IV. Underline the correct form
- A.: I wonder why Pete didn’t answer the doorbell.
- B.: Well, I suppose he may be/ may have been asleep.
- A.: Why don’t you say hello when you pass us on the street?
- B.: I might not recognize you / have recognized you.
- A.: I wonder why Mary didn’t come to the meeting.
- B.: She might not know/ not have known about it.
- A.: Where is Jane?
- B.: I’m not sure. She could be/could have been in the office.
Ex. V. Write sentences to explain each situation. Use the words in brackets (…) to make your sentences.
1. Why didn’t Tom answer the doorbell? I’m sure he was in.
a) (he may/ go/ to bed early)
b) (he might not/hear/ the bell)
2. How do you think the fire started?
a) (someone may/drop/a cigarette)
b) (it could/be/ a short circuit)
3. I am not sure whether I can lend you any money.
a) (I may not/have/enough)
b) (I couldn’t/have/enough)
4. Bill didn’t arrive at the airport.
a) (he might/have/to go somewhere else)
b) (he may not/know/about it)
5. Look at Ann. I wonder where she’s going.
a) (she may/go/to work)
b) (she could/go/to her sister’s)
Ex. VI. Complete the sentences with must or can’t:
1. Harry has gone on a tour to Europe. He (must/can’t) have a lot of money.
2. I’ve just seen Jan in the office. She (must/can’t) be out.
3. He was very upset after the exam. He (must/can’t) have failed it.
4. She knows the news already. She (must/can’t) have heard it from her colleagues.
5. He doesn’t have the right qualifications. He (must/can’t) have been promoted so fast.
Oral practice: Careers in Data Processing
(System analysts, programmers and operators)
Ex. I. If you are in data processing, what are the careers in this field? Can you describe your future responsibilities?
Ex. II. Read the text and make up a list of duties and responsibilities for each of the profession.
System analysis, programming, and operations
The data processing field is usually divided into three areas:
· system analysis
· programming
· operations.
System analysis is the area which is concerned with the design and development of computer systems. Programming is the area which involves writing programs – instructions for the computer. These programs should implement the systems designed by the analysts. Finally, operations is the field of data processing that deals with daily functions or operations of the computer system.
The data processing manager
There are various computer professionals who carry out the different functions of the data processing field. In many companies the three areas are supervised by a manager or director of data processing. The data processing manager is responsible for the administration of the entire computer department. He or she directs and coordinates all the functions of the computer and supervises all the personnel involved with computers.
The system analyst
Another job in the computer field is that of the system analyst. The system analyst often has a great deal of knowledge about computer and computer operations. He or she is the data processing professional whose job is to design and develop all the systems which will be used on a particular computer system. The system analyst must first analyze the information needs. He or she must then interpret the company’s needs and decide how to utilize the computer to fulfill them. In addition, the systems analyst must also know how to program. He or she must be an expert in hardware as well as software.
Sometimes the system analyst specializes in a particular field. Engineering or scientific analyst may work with international communication systems. The commercial applications analyst, in contrast, is a person who deals with all the different aspects of the business area. Another specialization within systems analysis is that of operations research. The system analyst who specializes in operations research must make mathematical models of the various problems. These models are then used to provide a quantitative or statistical basis for the decisions the analyst makes.
Many systems analysts know programming very well because they were once programmers themselves.
The computer programmer
The systems analyst studies and solves a particular problem. He or she then designs the systems that are needed to carry out the solution. After the systems analyst finishes the job, a programmer is consulted. The programmer is responsible for actually writing the programs for the systems designed by the analyst. The programmer first prepares a flowchart, a type of chart which illustrates the logic of the program. Next the programmer chooses a language, and writes a program. Then he or she tests and debugs the program. Finally documentation – detailed explanations of the programmer’s work – is prepared.
Many programmers specialize in one field. Such specialized programmers are called applications programmers. An application programmer usually specializes in either business or science. A programmer may also specialize in developing software for the operating system of a computer.
There are different levels of experience and responsibility in the field of programming. Senior programmers design complex flowcharts for programs. Junior programmers often code, that is, write instructions in a programming language.
The computer operator
The area of computer operations deals with the daily activities of the computer. Computer operators have many different responsibilities. For example, the operator starts up the computer system, and makes sure it is working correctly. The operator also organizes schedules and keeps records of all the work performed by the computer. Moreover, the computer operator often serves an apprenticeship in order to acquire the skills necessary to run the computer.
Ex. III. Answer the following questions:
1. The text above describes a number of duties. Which of them are familiar to you in the course of training?
2. Students are supposed to present their degree papers at the end of the course. What particular field of research would you like to deal with in your degree paper?
3. Which of the professional fields described above is your future career? Can you list the responsibilities? Would you like to work in a large corporation or in a small private firm? Give you reasons.
Audition: Overdraft.