Exploring the Power of Algorithms: An Introduction, Design, and Impact

Algorithms are the silent architects of our digital world, shaping everything from the ads we
see online to the routes our navigation apps suggest. At their core, algorithms are sets of
instructions designed to solve specific problems or perform tasks efficiently. Understanding
their design, functionality, and impact across various domains is crucial in today's data-
driven society.

Introduction to Algorithms:

At its essence, an algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or

accomplishing a task. Whether it's sorting a list of numbers, finding the shortest path
between two points, or recommending movies on a streaming platform, algorithms are the
backbone of computational processes.

Algorithms can be as simple as a recipe for baking a cake or as complex as the algorithms
powering artificial intelligence systems. Regardless of complexity, all algorithms share
common elements: input, output, and a set of instructions to transform the input into the
desired output.

Designing Algorithms:

The design of an algorithm plays a pivotal role in its efficiency and effectiveness. There are
various strategies for algorithm design, including:

1. Brute Force: Exhaustive search through all possible solutions.

2. Divide and Conquer: Breaking down a problem into smaller subproblems, solving each
independently, and then combining solutions.

3. Dynamic Programming: Storing solutions to subproblems to avoid redundant

computations.

4. Greedy Algorithms: Making locally optimal choices at each step with the hope of finding
a global optimum.

5. Randomized Algorithms: Introducing randomness to optimize performance or enhance

robustness.

Choosing the right design strategy depends on factors such as the nature of the problem,
available resources, and desired outcomes.
How Algorithms Work:

Algorithms operate by following a precise sequence of steps, often involving loops,

conditional statements, and data structures. Whether it's searching for an item in a list,
sorting elements, or traversing a graph, algorithms leverage fundamental principles of
computer science to achieve their objectives.

For instance, the famous Dijkstra's algorithm efficiently finds the shortest path between
nodes in a graph by iteratively exploring neighboring nodes and updating their distance from
the source node.

Impact on Different Areas of Life:

Algorithms have permeated nearly every aspect of modern life, revolutionizing industries
and shaping societal interactions. Some notable areas where algorithms have made a
significant impact include:

1. *E-commerce:* Algorithms power recommendation systems, personalized advertisements,

and pricing strategies, enhancing user experience and driving sales.

2. *Healthcare:* From diagnosing diseases to predicting patient outcomes, algorithms

analyze vast amounts of medical data to assist healthcare professionals in decision-making.

3. *Finance:* High-frequency trading algorithms execute millions of transactions per second,

optimizing investment strategies and market liquidity.

4. *Transportation:* Ride-sharing platforms utilize algorithms to match drivers with

passengers, optimize routes, and minimize wait times, improving efficiency and reducing
congestion.

5. *Education:* Adaptive learning algorithms tailor educational content to individual student

needs, fostering personalized learning experiences and improving academic outcomes.

While algorithms offer numerous benefits, they also raise ethical concerns regarding privacy,
bias, and fairness. As algorithms continue to evolve and shape our world, it's essential to
consider their societal implications and strive for responsible and equitable algorithmic
solutions.

In conclusion, algorithms represent the cornerstone of modern computing, driving

innovation, efficiency, and convenience across diverse domains. Understanding their design
principles, functionalities, and societal impacts is essential for navigating the increasingly
algorithmic landscape of the 21st century.
Reading Comprehension:

Task one: discuss the following questions:

1. What are some examples of areas where algorithms have made a significant impact?
2. How does the design of an algorithm influence its efficiency and effectiveness?
3. What are some common elements shared by all algorithms?
4. Why is it important to consider societal implications when developing algorithms?
5. What are some strategies for algorithm design mentioned in the text?
6. 2. What does "efficiency" mean in the context of algorithm design?
7. Explain the term "adaptive learning algorithms".
8. Define "robustness" as mentioned in the text.
9. What does "permeated" mean in the sentence "Algorithms have permeated nearly every
aspect of modern life"?

Task two: read the article then answer with “True” or “False”

1. Algorithms are only used in digital contexts.

2. Brute Force is a strategy for algorithm design that involves breaking down a problem into
smaller subproblems.

3. Dijkstra's algorithm is used for sorting elements in a list.

4. Algorithms have impacted areas such as finance and transportation but have no relevance
in education.

5. The text mentions that algorithms can raise ethical concerns such as privacy and fairness

Task three: find in the text words with similar or close meaning to:

1. Productivity and proficiency

2. Feasible and attainable
3. Superflous and repetitive
4. Accurate and meticulous
5. Exploit
6. Saturated or infused
7. Implement or carry out
8. Promoting and cultivating
9. Aim for, endeavour
10. Foundation , basis
Writing:
Writing an argumentative essay
1/ Concept and definition:

In an argumentative text you discuss a subject or a problem, often with no obvious

solutions. In this type of text you should discuss the topic from different angles, compare and

contrast, and give your own opinions.

An argumentative essay uses evidence and facts to prove whether or not a thesis is true. It

presents two sides of a single issue, and covers the most important arguments for and
against.

People sometimes confuse the argumentative essay and the persuasive essay.

2/ The difference between argumentative and persuasive essay:

An argumentative essay is quite similar to a persuasive essay, as it's designed to convince

the reader of your point of view. The difference is while a persuasive essay may have a

certain viewpoint, the argumentative essay will expand on it. For example, a persuasive
essay

will say that cities should take up more recycling programs. An argumentative essay will say

why a certain city should do so, and give examples of how they could do so.

3/ Argumentative essay characteristics:

1. An essay is argumentative when it argues in favor of a particular position.

2. The essay’s arguments are designed to support the position argued for in the essay.
3. Remember that an argument is set of claims, the conclusion of which is supported by one
or more premises.
4. Thus, arguments consist of claims, and recall that a claim is a statement which is true or
false.
5. If an argumentative essay is good, then it contains credible claims, that is, those which are
known to be true, or for which there is good even if not conclusive evidence.
4/ Argumentative Essay Structure

If you've been asked to argue for a certain point of view, you'll need to explore your

reasons for supporting it, as well as refuting the claims against it. Here's how you could

outline your essay:

Introduction: Introduce your point of view, and explain how you're going to prove
that you're in the right.
Thesis: Here's where you bring in your main point of view. Going with the recycling
example, this could be along the lines of 'This city should take up more recycling
initiatives; at it can clean up streets and reduce waste by 30%.' This should be backed
up by good quality research.
Opposing claims: Pick the most important claims against your argument, and take
them down. Make it clear why they don't work, and show your research.
Your viewpoint: Then, you'll need to argue for your own viewpoint. Show why your
side is the winning one, and why.
Conclusion: Wrap up your main points, without introducing anything new.

Argumentative essay format:

 Introduction:

 Hook
 Background
 Stand
 Preview of 3 Arguments

 Body:

 Argument 1
 Argument 2
 Argument 3
 Counterargument and Rebuttal

 Conclusion:

 Restate stand
 Restate
 3 arguments
(NB: The argumentative essay introduction is where you present your topic and your
thesis. It should include a hook in the first few sentences. A hook will grab the reader's
attention and keep them reading. ... The first paragraph, according to good argumentative
essay format, should include your main point or thesis statement.)

5/ How to Write Argumentative Essay:

 Do your research: Go look for research that supports your argument. Take notes, so you
can easily reference the best pieces of research easily when you're writing.
 Create an outline: Plan out your essay. Write in your main points, and the points that
you're planning to debunk.
 Start writing: Start wherever is easiest, as the order you write in won't matter. Try
writing in your introduction last.
 Edit and proofread: Check your essay over before you hand it in, to edit out any easily
overlooked mistakes.

Writing task:

Write an argumentative essay in which you explain the pros and cons of Algorithms. Defend
your opinion
Grammar

Many phrasal verbs are idiomatic and you have to learn what they mean. They may contain
the same verb but have different meanings, depending on the preposition or adverb which
follows:

 He turned back because he had left something at home. (= changed direction)

 He turned down the invitation because he was feeling tired. (= refused)
 They turned up unexpectedly. (= arrived)

 Please remember to bring back the notes you borrowed from me. (= return)
 The change of government will bring about many changes in the city. (= will cause)
 My cousin was brought up by his grandparents because his parents worked abroad. (=
was raised)
Some phrasal verbs have several meanings:
 She put on her clothes. (= she got dressed)
 She put on weight. (= her weight increased)
 She put on the light. (= she switched the light on)

The form of phrasal verbs can vary.

Some verbs have two parts: a verb (e.g. do, go) and another word (sometimes called a
particle). This word can be an adverb (e.g. back, out) or a preposition (e.g. at, into, from).
Many of these words (e.g. down, on, up) can be both adverbs and prepositions.

Some verbs have three parts: a verb (e.g. come), an adverb (e.g. up) and a preposition (e.g.
against).

Note: Phrasal verbs behave differently depending on whether they are:

 a verb + preposition
 a verb + adverb
 or a verb + adverb + preposition.
Verb + Prepositions
When a phrasal verb consists of a verb and a preposition:
● it always has an object.
● the object (noun or pronoun) always goes after the preposition because the verb and
preposition must not be separated ex:
1. The rest of the group looked after Donna. (not looked Donna after)
2. I counted on them. (not counted them on)
3. They went over their plans. (not went their plans over)
4. I really cared about them. (not cared them about)

Verb + adverb

When a phrasal verb consists of a verb and an adverb:

● it doesn’t always have an object:

1. They got together every Monday morning.

2. They carried on without me.

● the object (when it is a noun) can come before or after the adverb, because the verb and
adverb can be separated:

1. They didn’t back Donna up when she was in trouble. or They didn’t back up Donna
when she was in trouble.
2. They called the concert off. or They called off the concert.

● the object (when it is a pronoun) must go between the verb and the adverb:

1. They backed me up. (not backed up me)

2. They wanted to throw me out. (not throw out me)
3. They couldn’t do the concert without her so they called it off. (not called off it)

 the object (when it is very long) is usually put after the adverb:

1. They called off the concert, which had already been postponed twice. (not called the
concert, which had already been postponed twice, off)
2. The students counted up the money from their summer jobs and decided to have a party.
(not The students counted the money from their summer jobs up)
Be careful:

! Some phrasal verbs have two meanings and take an object with one meaning and no object
with the other meaning,

1. e.g. give in: I won’t give in until they pay me what they owe. (verb + adverb + no object
= surrender)
2. I gave in my homework on time. (verb + adverb + object = hand it to the teacher)

! Most particles (e.g. down, in, off, on, past, through, up, etc.) can be either adverbs or
prepositions: She picked up the book. or She picked the book up. (verb + adverb can be
separated by a noun)

Verb + adverb + preposition

When a phrasal verb consists of three parts:

● it always has an object.

● the object (noun or pronoun) always goes after the phrasal verb (the three parts cannot be
separated):

1. I always got on with the other members of the group.

2. … I came up against some problems
3. Don’t let anyone bully you. You must stand up to them.
4. You can’t back out of this agreement now.
Practice:

Task one: Complete these sentences with words from the box below to make phrasal verbs with get.

away with down into on with out of over round to through

1 Simon always manages to get ……………...doing the washing-up because he says he has a
lot of homework.

2 My grandfather got……………… the flu very quickly because he’s such a fit man.

3 Maria lives in an area where the phone signal is bad so it’s hard to get ………………when
I try to ring her.

4 I tried to take a message but I didn’t get……………. everything Paula said.

5 I can’t talk to you now because I must get…………….my essay.

6 I finally got……………….. watching a film I recorded two months ago.

7 I’m so happy! I’ve just heard that I’ve got ………………the university I want to go to.

8 I can never get…………………… telling a lie because my face always goes bright red.

Task two: Match the two halves of the sentence

1 He came across some old letters A when the Russian very old letters ballerina came on.

2 When the DVD of the concert came out B which means global concert supplies are good.

3 I’ve come up with an idea C was the most difficult an idea problem they came up against.

4 There was great a applause from the audience D it sold millions of copies.

5 The racing driver was unconscious after the accident E but our plan didn’t come off.

6 We hoped to visit our in Canada last year F but to everyone’s relief he soon came round.

7 Oil prices have come down recently G while he was cleaning out the attic.

8 Getting permission to cross the border H for starting a new business

Listening:

How the algorithm controls your ideas?

Task oone: Listen to the recording and discuss what does the speaker means by the
following claims and to what extent you agree or disagree?

1. “ we aren’t the costumers we are the product”

2. “ if you find yourself escaping reality then, you need to create a reality thent you don’t
want to escape”
3. “ a lot of people use technology as a form of escapism”
4. “ the apps rely on its users unconscious mind”
5. “Another way to cut off from the constant flow of information is mindfulness”

Task two: Choose the most appropriate option.

1. Due to personal imbalances, Nathaniel believes that:

a. He is under the control of machine learning.
b. He has some control over machine learning.
c. He has full self-control over machine learning.
2. To break out of an algorithmically controlled life, he suggests:
a. To learn how to be less susceptible to distractions.
b. To develop a sufficient awareness over the role of Algorithm in everyday life.
c. To improve personal accountability and ownership over one's decisions.

3. Nathaniel points that, the period of lockdown.

a. Altered his perspective towards his lifestyle.

b. Stressed him out even more.
c. Left a great impact on his personal and professional ties

4. Being more cognizant about social media use; indicates that:

a. The user is knows that algorithm takes control over his choices
b. The user is knows that websites that we spend time on profit from our attention.
c. The user knows that he needs to stop using social media
Task three: find the terms that corresponds to the following definitions

1) ………………………………… to be strongly addicted or obsessed with.

2) ………………………………… heavily relying on Algorithm from technology.
3) ………………………………… to consume a large amount of content.
4) …………………………………. A negative and a pessimistic outlook.
5) ………………………………….. to fade away without causing a long-term damage.