The Tech. Gap

Hi Everyone!

In this month’s English Newsletter we’re going to work on reading comprehension and learn some new words that have to do with technology. I hope you enjoy it.

The Tech. Gap¹

Technology in general² and IT (information technology) in particular³ havecome a long way⁴ since the first computers were designed⁵ andmanufactured⁶ in the 1940s. Those computers were huge machines used mainly for academic and military purposes⁷.

Scientists used computers to calculate⁸ complicated scientific data⁹ and armies used them to decipher¹⁰ codes (not to send emoticons from one side of the globe to the other!). From that time it took about 40 years for the first PCs (personal computers) to be mass produced¹¹. Even then, in the early 1980s, computers were very expensive and most families couldn’t afford them.

From that time onwards, computers have evolved¹² rapidly. In fact¹³, today it’s difficult to keep up with the new developments and trends¹⁴. There are so many gadgets¹⁵ to choose from; this wide selection is wonderful for tech.geeks¹⁶, but it’s a nightmare¹⁷ for technophobes.

The devices we use are getting smaller, lighter and smarter; but what about us? Are we as consumers¹⁸ of these technologies capable¹⁹ of taking full advantage of the tools these machines offer us?

The answer to that question may differ²⁰ along geographical, generational and socio-economic lines, but in general, it’s safe to say that the “mega-tech” age has left a lot of us behind and trying to catch up²¹.

Exercise 1

Vocabulary

Fill in the missing words using the new vocabulary from the text above.

$11.     The pilots had to ___________the amount of fuel they would need for the flight.

$12.     The Canadian runner is much faster than me. I can’t _________.

$13.     Do you believe that humans_______ from apes?

$14.     Smartphones are relatively cheap, because they are __________.

$15.     Computer games have ____________ in the last ten years, thanks to improved graphic design technology.

$16.     I’m crazy about science ____________and astronomy ________ .

Exercise 2

Reading Comprehension

$11.     What were the first computers used for?

$1a.     Personal needs

$1b.     Business purposes

$1c.      Defense

$1d.     Research

$12.     When could regular citizens purchase computers?

$1a.     1940

$1b.     1960

$1c.      1980

$1d.     1990

$13.     Complete the sentence:  Technophobes….

$1a.     Are intimidated by technology

$1b.     Love using smartphones

$1c.      Admire inventors

$1d.     Can’t afford expensive gadgets

$14.    Income and Education / Age / Location

Complete the sentences using these words/phrases

$1a.     Generational differences have to do with ____

$1b.     Geographical differences are related to _____

$1c.      Socio-economic differences deal with _______

Exercise 3

Common Mistakes in English

Find the mistakes in the following sentences and rewrite the sentences:

$11.     I very like technology.

$12.     Speak louder! I can’t here you.

$13.     When did she took the laptop from the store?

ANSWER SHEET

Exercise 1

$11.     Calculate

$12.     Catch up

$13.     Evolved

$14.     Mass-produced

$15.     Come a long way

$16.     In general……….in particular

Exercise 2

$11.     c+d

$12.     c

$13.     a

$14.     a-age     b-location      c-income and education

Exercise 3

$11.     I like technology very much.

$12.     Speak louder! I can’t hear you.

$13.     When did she take the laptop from the store?

מילונית

רוצים להעשיר את הידע שלכם על השפה האנגלית? קראו גם:

איך לעבור ראיון באנגלית ב7 שלבים פשוטים – כתבה מצויינת עבור כל מי שנמצא בין ראיונות עבודה.

כתיבת מיילים באנגלית– הבסיס לכתיבת מיילים כללים ועסקיים בשפה האנגלית.

טיפים ללימוד אנגלית – מתחילים ללמוד אנגלית או מעוניינים להתחיל לשפר את האנגלית? כך תתחילו נכון!

למה ללמוד אנגלית עם לינגולרן– הכל על יתרונות הלימודים עם מורים פרטיים אונליין של לינגולרן.