,*ly ?

"'

Describingtechnicalfunctions I

andapplicatons
1

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 Jos, 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

(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
cit engineering
avionicsequipment
d
maritimeapplications
e
f
GPs in cars and trucks

nagation and safet1rat sea

setting out positionsand levetsof new structures
mappingsurhce features
appticationsin miningand the oil industry
highwaynavigationand vehictetracking
air trafficcontrol,nagation 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-

: 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

Exptaininghowtechnologyworks
6a

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

ln
o
.
.
o

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
aise things intospace' Sate||ites,
componentsorspace
ships, supp|iesorastronautstn space stations,and
even astronautsthemselvesare examplesof payloads
thatcou|d be tansportedjntoorbitwithoutthe need

The answeris by using an incrediblystrongand

lightweight
cable, strongenoughto support its own
weightand a heavy|oad'The design osuch 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
orceand 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

transpoed
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.
orexpIosiveand environmentaIly
unriend|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 signicont.
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\

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
.!

_-

8a

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

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 ofshorebase 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

f 3 o 3l3 e 0 0 0 o t t o | |J

- AN'HoR|NGa?w?uL6l0N l56u6
oFF6HoR'AsE6TA.t1oN
Anchoring
ayatom
ulindloadson Lablevrillbe huge.ulhatimplicaiions
for anchoring
slstom?
ase
Willn?,od
lo bgmovodcontinuall1,
sometimes
urgentl1.
vrlhat
tomp
system
couldbe ussdto holdbassin position?
9a* in shallowwatgrnearcoasi,or deepwalerfurtheroffshorg?
hoicewill
haveimpacton dosignoanchors1stem.
?ropulsion
ststem
\^lillWeight
ocab\e
allowbaseto bs movedb1ownProPollors?
Or more
powerful
5.5t9m
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 |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
lat
the|exib|e
Furthermore,
ridecomfort.
energya morecompact,
beltenables
whichcanbecontained
machine,
eficient
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

tliiltigl;;:m#
H,
Hli.J

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

?jJ;:ll'''
;*;-ff ilT
ffi ;;:':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

-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
Simplifyng
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\ the sea|beL
to attain firm substrata below. The pile then transmits load vertically
Like statrritg 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,|\), \ 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