TEXT 1

What is Information Technology

Information Technology (IT) is the application of

computers and internet to store, retrieve, transmit, and
manipulate information, often in the context of a business
or other enterprise. IT is considered a subset of
information and communications technology (ICT) and has
evolved according to the needs.
It is worthwhile noting that the term IT is
commonly used as a synonym for computers
and computer networks, but it also
encompasses other information distribution
technologies such as television and telephones. Several
industries are associated with information technology,
including computer hardware, software, electronics,
semiconductors, internet, telecom equipment, engineering,
healthcare, e-commerce, and computer services.
Thanks to the continuous development of computers, the
original computing systems became minicomputers and
later personal computers took the lead. Nowadays, mobile
phones are dethroning the personal computer and
computing is evolving faster to become disembodied
more like a cloud, becoming accessible more easily
whenever needed. Information technology has
transformed people and companies and has allowed
digital technology to influence society and economy alike.
It has, in this sense, shaped societies and adapted itself to
people's needs.

History

If you want a brief history of Information Technology, here

is one. Humans were the first "computers". Then, machines
were invented to carry out the computational tasks. Now
these machines have given way to new form of
information technology. Information has become
disembodied accessible from anywhere through cloud
technology. Recent advances in IT is the consequence of
the development in computing systems.
Humans have been storing, retrieving, manipulating, and
communicating information since the Sumerians in
Mesopotamia developed writing in about 3000 BC, but the
term information technology in its modern sense first
appeared in a 1958 article published in the Harvard
Business Review; authors Harold J. Leavitt and Thomas L.
Whisler commented that "the new technology does not
yet have a single established name. We shall call it
information technology (IT)." Their definition consists of
three categories: techniques for processing, the
application of statistical and mathematical methods to
decision-making, and the simulation of higher-order
thinking through computer programs.
Comprehension

1. Information technology is changing principally

because of:
a.   the changing needs
b.   new technological advances
2. According to the author the first computers were:
a.   calculators
b.   humans
3. Development of information technology is the result
of:
a.   advances in computing systems
b.   development of machinery in general
4. Computing systems are taking the form of clouds
means:
a.   computers have become smaller
b.   computing power are becoming disembodied.

Text 2
 Robots

A robot is a mechanical or virtual artificial agent, usually

an electromechanical machine that is guided by a
computer program or electronic circuitry. When robots are
virtual software agents, they are usually referred to
as bots.
The word 'robot' was first used to denote a fictional
humanoid in a 1920 play R.U.R. by the Czech writer, Karel
Čapek but it was Karel's brother Josef Čapek who was the
word's true inventor. In an article in the Czech
journal Lidové noviny in 1933, he explained that he had
originally wanted to call the creatures featured in the
play laboři ("workers", from Latin labor). However, he did
not like the word, and sought advice from his brother
Josef, who suggested "roboti". The word robota means
literally "corvée", "serf labor", and figuratively "drudgery"
or "hard work" in Czech and also (more general) "work",
"labor" in many Slavic languages.
The branch of technology that deals with the design,
construction, operation, and application of robots, as well
as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback,
and information processing is robotics.

Using robots
In general robots can be autonomous or semi-
autonomous and are now used in different fields. They
have replaced humans in performing repetitive and
dangerous tasks which humans prefer not to do, or are
unable to do because of size limitations, or which take
place in extreme environments such as outer space or the
bottom of the sea. For instance, robots can now be used in
industry, as in car manufacturing, or they can be used in
homes to do the housework. Some robots may respond to
speech or be even medical operating tools.

New functionalities

In 2008, Caterpillar Inc. developed a dump truck which can

drive itself without any human operator. Many analysts
believe that self-driving trucks may eventually
revolutionize logistics. By 2014, Caterpillar had a self-
driving dump truck which is expected to greatly change
the process of mining. In 2015. Some analysts believe that
within the next few decades, most trucks will be self-
driving.
A literate or 'reading robot' named Marge has intelligence
that comes from software. She can read newspapers, find
and correct misspelled words, learn about banks like
Barclays, and understand that some restaurants are better
places to eat than others.
Baxter is a new robot which is different from other
industrial robots because it can learn. A worker could
teach Baxter how to perform a task by moving its hands in
the desired motion and having Baxter memorize them.
Extra dials, buttons, and controls are available
on Baxter's arm for more precision and features. Any
regular worker could program Baxter and it only takes a
matter of minutes, unlike usual industrial robots that take
extensive programs and coding in order to be used. This
means Baxter needs no programming in order to operate.
No software engineers are needed. This also
means Baxter can be taught to perform multiple, more
complicated tasks.

Concerns

There are concerns about the increasing use of robots and

their role in society. Robots are blamed for rising
unemployment as they replace workers in increasing
numbers of functions. The use of robots in military combat
raises ethical concerns. The possibilities of robot autonomy
and potential repercussions have been addressed in fiction
and may be a realistic concern in the fu
Comprehension
 1. Robots are mechanical machines.
a.   True
b.   False
2. The term robot comes from Latin origin.
a.   True
b.   False
3. Baxter is a self-driving dump truck.
a.   True
b.   False
4. The use of robots in military combat is not safe.
a.   True
b.   False

TEXT 3
Computer addiction can be defined as the excessive or
compulsive use of the computer which persists despite
serious negative consequences for personal, social, or
occupational function. The addiction involves online
and/or offline computer usage and consists of at least
three subtypes: excessive gaming, sexual preoccupations,
and e-mail/text messaging".
Offline and online computer addiction

The concept of computer addiction is broadly divided into

two types, namely offline and online computer
addiction. The term offline computer addiction is
generally used when speaking about excessive gaming
behavior, which can be practiced both offline and online.
Online computer addiction, also known as Internet
addiction, gets more attention in general from scientific
research than offline computer addiction, mainly because
most cases of computer addiction are related to the
excessive use of the Internet.

Symptoms

The symptoms of computer addiction include

 Being drawn by the computer as soon as one wakes

up and before one goes to bed.
 Replacing old hobbies with excessive use of the
computer and using the computer as one's primary
source of entertainment and procrastination
 Lacking physical exercise and/or outdoor exposure
because of constant use of the computer. This could
contribute to many health problems such as obesity

Causes and effects

Researchers link internet/computer addiction with existing
mental health issues, most notably depression. Studies
showed that the majority of those who met the
requirements of internet/computer addiction suffered
from interpersonal difficulties and stress and that those
addicted to online games specifically responded that they
hoped to avoid reality.
There are many consequences resulting from computer
addiction. For example, excessive computer use may result
in lack of face to face social interaction. It may also lead to
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), a condition that results
in headaches, blurred vision, neck pain, fatigue, eye strain,
dry eyes, irritated eyes, double vision, vertigo or dizziness.
1. Computer addiction is related to only internet
activities.
a.   True
b.   False
2. The symptoms of computers addiction include
insufficient physical activity.
a.   True
b.   False
3. One of the causes of computer addiction is related to
the abnormal urge to stay away from real life.
 a.   True
b.   False
4. Deficient real social interaction is another cause
leading to computer addiction.
a.   True
b.   False

TEXT 4
What is the internet?
The Internet is a global system of interconnected
computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol
suite, a set of communications protocols, to serve billions
of users worldwide. The internet has reshaped and
redefined most traditional communications media
including telephone, music, film, and television. This has
given birth to new services. Newspaper, book and other
print publishing are adapting to Web site technology, or
are reshaped into blogging and web feeds.
The Internet has enabled or accelerated new forms of
human interactions through instant messaging, Internet
forums, and social networking. Online shopping has
boomed both for major retail outlets and small artisans
and traders. Business-to-business and financial services on
the Internet affect supply chains across entire industries.
The origins of the Internet reach back to research of the
1960s, commissioned by the United States government in
collaboration with private commercial interests to build
robust, fault-tolerant, and distributed computer networks.
The commercialization of what was by the 1990s an
international network resulted in its popularization and
incorporation into virtually every aspect of modern human
life. As of 2011, more than 2.1 billion people — nearly a
third of Earth's population — use the services of the
Internet
Comprehension:

1. The internet has completetly dethroned traditional

media.
a.   True
b.   False
2. The internet has had an impact on commerce.
a.   True
b.   False
3. The internet was first introduced in the 1990s.
a.   True
b.   False
 4. More than a quarter of the Earth'spopulation are
internet users
a.   True
b.   False

TEXT 5

What does cloud computing mean?

Cloud computing means storing and accessing data and
programs over the Internet instead of your computer's
hard drive. It involves computing over a network, where a
program or application may run on many connected
computers at the same time.
For some, cloud computing is a metaphor for the Internet.
It typically uses connected hardware machines called
servers. Individual users can use the server's processing
power to run an application, store data, or perform any
other computing task. Thus, instead of using a personal
computer every-time to run the application, the individual
can now run the application from anywhere in the world.
For businesses, cloud computing is an ideal way to reduce
expenses. For example, companies may buy services in the
cloud. That is to say, instead of installing applications on
every single computer in the company, cloud computing
would allow workers to log into a Web-based service (a
cloud) which hosts all the programs individual users would
need for their job. Everything would run on remote
machines and local computers task would rely just on
connecting to those machines.
While cloud computing, could change the entire computer
industry, there are still some concerns about the security
of the data stored on the remote machines. It is true that it
promises to offload many tasks. However, this technology
raises a fundamental question. Is it safe to store one's data
on someone else's computer? The cloud service provider
needs to establish clear and relevant policies that describe
how the data of each cloud user will be accessed and used.
Cloud service users should also be able to encrypt data
that is processed or stored within the cloud to prevent
unauthorized access.
Comprehension:

1. In cloud computing data is stored locally.

a.   True
b.   False
2. Cloud computing offers an economical model for
businesses.
 a.   True
b.   False
3. Cloud computing technology add workload on local
machines.
a.   True
b.   False
4. This technology offers a perfect solution for
businesses without any concerns.
a.   True
b.   False

TEXT 6
Friendship
Friendship is defined as a bond of affection between two
people. People are referred to as best friends if the
friendship is really strong. this relationship is characterized
by positive interpersonal qualities such as kindness,
generosity, loyalty, and honesty. True friends choose to be
with one another, enjoy time spent together, and can
engage in a positive and supportive role to one another.
What are the different types of friends?
As reciprocity, mutual respect, and affection rise, so does
the depth of friendship. Consequently, different levels of
friendship emerge according to the depth of the
relationship.

Aquaintances

It's easy to classify acquaintances. They're the people you

meet frequently at casual places but don't truly know each
other. These are people we know well enough to strike up
a conversation with from time to time, but not people
we'd ask to a dinner party or contact for help.

Close friends

You're more inclined to seek help or support from a close

buddy. There is not only a high level of trust amongst
close friends but also a great deal of genuine love and
affection. Even if you disagree with a close friend's
decisions, you would protect his or her freedom to make
them.

Best friends
Although best friends are quite rare, they are people
whom we need in our lives. Your best friend understands
you without much explanation and is always there for you.
Your relationship with your best friend is not dependent
on the time you spend together. You may not meet your
best friends for a long time. But once you get in touch with
them, you feel as if nothing has changed in your
friendship. These connections are distinct in their ability to
adapt to the environment and endure despite the vagaries
of life.

Virtual friends

Virtual friendship is a relatively new type of friendship. It

refers to friendship that takes place on the internet and is
unlikely to be connected to real-life interaction. It is
contrasted with the traditional friendships that we have
listed above. The latter is a form of relationship that
requires a lot of face-to-face connection.
This type of friendship developed as a result of advances
in technology. The internet, especially social media, played
an undeniable role in connecting people worldwide.
Characteristics of good friends
According to Doctor Suzanne Degges-White, there are 13
essential traits of good friends:
1. Trustworthy:
This is the most important characteristic of true
friendship. It englobes all the other traits. It is the
ability to be relied on as honest or truthful.
2. Honest:
Honest friends are free of deceit. They are truthful,
sincere, and morally correct or virtuous.
3. Dependable:
You can count on dependable friends.
4. Loyal:
A loyal friend shows firm and constant support to you.
5. Trust:
Friends trust each other because they are comfortable
with vulnerability.
6. Empathetic:
If you are empathetic, you show an ability to
understand and share the feelings of your friend.
7. Non-judgemental:
Good friends are non-judgmental. They are tolerant
and refrain from judgment based on personal ethical
standards and accept their friends' choices.
8. Good listener:
To be a good friend you have to listen carefully,
attentively, and sympathetically to your friend.
9. Supportive in good times:
You have to be supportive of your friends in their
good times, for example by assisting them in
 developing their potential and celebrating their
success.
10. Supportive in bad times:
You have to be supportive of your friends in their bad
times. Real friends make your problems their
problems.
11. Self-confident:
Self-confidence is a feeling of trust in one's abilities,
qualities, and judgment. If you are self-confident, you
impart this quality to your friends.
12. Funny:
If you are a person who is fun to be around, you are in
a better position to be a good company to your
friends.
13. Able to see the humor in life:
The responsibility and seriousness of life can weigh
people down, but being a friend who sees the humor
in life can make a world of difference in a friendship.

As Doctor Suzanne Degges-White says, it is probably

difficult to find friends endowed with all these thirteen
qualities. But as a friend, you have to try to examine your
personal habits to discover if you need to improve your
friendship.
Comprehension:
 1. There are different levels of friendship.
a.   True
b.   False
2. Best friends are necessarily people we always meet.
a.   True
b.   False
3. Virtual friendship is an old type of relationships.
a.   True
b.   False

TEXT 7
Tips to succeed in your career
Because the world has become so competitive, you will
have to do your best to secure your share of success. The
following are tips to get you ahead in your career.

1. Priorities and goals

What are your priorities of the day? Make a list and of your
priorities and plan your day. The tasks of the day must be
outlined with the most important and urgent ones on top.
Likewise determine your short-term and long-term goals
and evaluate your progress frequently.

2. Be focused

Are you really present physically and mentally. Try to block

out all distractions so that you have the time to truly focus
on your tasks and career.

3. Broaden your skills

Nothing remains the same and so do job requirements.

Update your knowledge and skills. Seek improvement of
your know-hows. Attend seminars, conferences, read
books, be an eternal learner.

4. Socialize

Be ready to participate in social functions. Be open to new

acquaintances. Meet new people and deal with them
respectfully and enthusiastically. Be an active listener; you
will surely learn something new...

5. Know your merits

Know your strengths and weaknesses. If you think you

deserve a position or promotion, claim it.

6. Accept challenge
Through challenge you will reach areas of your personality
you have never discovered before. It is a good idea to step
away from your comfort zone to explore new horizons. If
you settle into a routine and play it safe all the time, you
will never get ahead in your career. 'If you always do what
you've always done, you'll only get what you've already
got'

7. Communication

Learn to communicate effectively. Listen to what others are

saying and focus on how to give and receive constructive
feedback, to persuade effectively and to ask for help and
collect information.

8. Avoid gossip

Avoid office gossip about colleagues and the boss. Be

respectful and work for the good of the company.

9 Relax

Relax and do something different, a hobby that you love

doing. Take time off for yourself. This will help boost your
productivity during week days.

10. Seek satisfaction

If you are disappointed with what you are doing, try to

transform it into something you love. If you fail, it might
be a good idea to do something different. As Confucius
said: 'Choose a job you love, and you will never have to
work a day in your life.  '

TEXT 8
Culture shock
Culture shock can be a daunting experience. It might cause
depressive and anxious symptoms, but it might also be an
enriching experience as it allows you to become aware of how
diverse are the cultures of the world and as a result leads one to
develop tolerance towards the differences between the different
countries. Besides, culture shock provides you with the
opportunity to gain a better understanding of your own cultural
awareness, standing back from yourself and becoming aware of
your own cultural, values, beliefs and perceptions.
Culture shock experiences
The following are examples of culture shock experiences,
reported by travelers around the world.
Eating with my hands in India
"I’m the kind of person who eats a pizza and sometimes even a
sandwich with cutlery. So, using nothing more than my fingers
and some chapati to eat curry took some getting used to."
Not Speaking the Japanese language
"I didn't speak any Japanese. I took some lessons at my
exchange university and picked up a few basic phrases, but with
a completely different alphabet, it can be tricky to get around
places and buy items. Japan is quite rare in that hardly anybody
actually speaks any English, so a lot of interpretive sign
language was required."
Not knowing about the amazing advantages of the product
return policy in the USA
"None of my friends back in India believed me when I told them
that you can literally buy anything, including food, and return it
within ninety days for a full refund even if you don't have a
specific reason for doing so. Most stores actually have a 'Buyer's
Remorse' category under Reason for Return options while
returning the product."
Not knowing about 'small talk' in the UK
"You would think that Poland (the country that I’m from) and
the UK shouldn’t be very different when it comes to the culture,
I couldn’t be more wrong. Where do I start? For example
–“small talk”. It just doesn't exist in Poland. We do not talk to
strangers and ask them what they have for dinner. Why would
you even want to know that? I remember how surprised I was,
when whilst shopping, I was approached by the shop assistant
and asked about my personal life and plans for the evening."
Comprehension:
1. Jo Fitzsimons had a problem eating with her hands in India.
a.   True
b.   False
 2. Kevin didn't learn any Japanese.
a.   True
b.   False
3. In the USA, you can return a bought product for no specific
reason.
a.   True
b.   False
4. Polish people tolerate small talk.
a.   True
b.   False.

TEXT 9
FILMS
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still
images on a strip of plastic which, when run through a projector
and shown on a screen, creates the illusion of moving images. A
film is created by photographing actual scenes with a motion
picture camera; by photographing drawings or miniature models
using traditional animation techniques; by means of CGI
(Computer-generated imagery) and computer animation; or by a
combination of some or all of these techniques and other visual
effects. The process of filmmaking is both an art and an
industry.
Films usually include an optical soundtrack, which is a graphic
recording of the spoken words, music and other sounds that are
to accompany the images. It runs along a portion of the film
exclusively reserved for it and is not projected.
Films are cultural artifacts created by specific cultures. They
reflect those cultures, and, in turn, affect them. Film is
considered to be an important art form, a source of popular
entertainment, and a powerful medium for educating—or
indoctrinating—citizens. The visual basis of film gives it a
universal power of communication. Some films have become
popular worldwide attractions by using dubbing or subtitles to
translate the dialog into the language of the viewer.
The individual images that make up a film are called frames.
During projection, a rotating shutter causes intervals of darkness
as each frame in turn is moved into position to be projected, but
the viewer does not notice the interruptions because of an effect
known as persistence of vision, whereby the eye retains a visual
image for a fraction of a second after the source has been
removed. The perception of motion is due to a psychological
effect called beta movement.
The name "film" originates from the fact that photographic film
(also called film stock) has historically been the medium for
recording and displaying motion pictures. Many other terms
exist for an individual motion picture, including picture, picture
show, moving picture, photoplay and flick. The most common
term in the United States is movie, while in Europe film is
preferred. Terms for the field in general include the big
screen, the silver screen, the movies and cinema; the latter is
commonly used in scholarly texts and critical essays, especially
by European writers. In early years, the word sheet was
sometimes used instead of screen.
Comprehension
1. Computer Generated Imagery is one of the techniques used
to create films.
a.   True
b.   False
2. Soundtracks are projected with the film.
a.   True
b.   False
3. Persistence of vision makes it possible for the viewer to see
the interruptions between the images.
a.   True
b.   False
4. The origin of the term film originates from the art of
photography.
a.   True
b.   False

TEXT 10
What is art?
Art refers to a diverse range of human activities in
creating visual, auditory or performing artifacts. These
artworks express the author's imaginative or technical
skill. Art is intended to be appreciated for its beauty or
emotional power. In their most general form these
activities include the production of works of art, the
criticism of art, the study of the history of art, and the
aesthetic dissemination of art.
Functions of arts
Art has had a great number of different functions
throughout its history, making its purpose difficult to
abstract or quantify to any single concept. This does not
imply that the purpose of Art is "vague", but that it has
had many unique, different reasons for being created.
Art can have a personal function, it is an expression of
basic human instinct for harmony, balance, rhythm. Art at
this level is not an action or an object, but an internal
appreciation of balance and harmony (beauty), and
therefore an aspect of being human beyond utility. Art
also provides a way to experience one's self in relation to
the universe. This experience may often come
unmotivated, as one appreciates art, music or poetry.
On the other hand art may have a social function. At its
simplest, art is a form of communication. It seeks to
entertain and bring about a particular emotion or mood,
for the purpose of relaxing or entertaining the viewer. Art
may also be an expression of social protest, seeking to
question aspects of society.
Types of art
The oldest form of art are visual arts, which include
creation of images or objects in fields including painting,
sculpture, printmaking, photography, and other visual
media. Architecture is often included as one of the visual
arts; however, like the decorative arts, it involves the
creation of objects where the practical considerations of
use are essential, in a way that they usually are not in a
painting, for example.
Music, theater, film, dance, and other performing arts, as
well as literature and other media such as interactive
media, are included in a broader definition of art or the
arts.
History
Until the 17th century, art referred to any skill or mastery
and was not differentiated from crafts or sciences. In
modern usage after the 17th century, where aesthetic
considerations are paramount, the fine arts are separated
and distinguished from acquired skills in general, such as
the decorative or applied arts.
Characteristics of art
Art may be characterized in terms of mimesis (i.e. its
representation of reality), expression, communication of
emotion, or other qualities. During the Romantic period,
art came to be seen as "a special faculty of the human
mind to be classified with religion and science". Though
the definition of what constitutes art is disputed and has
changed over time, general descriptions mention an idea
of imaginative or technical skill stemming from human
agency and creation.
Aesthetics
The nature of art, and related concepts such as creativity
and interpretation, are explored in a branch of philosophy
known as aesthetics.
Comprehension:
1. Art has a limited set of functions.
a.   True
b.   False
2. Architecture may be considered to be part of visual
art.
a.   True.
b.   False.
3. In modern usage acquired skills are not considered
part of fine arts.
a.   True
b.   False