TECHNICAL ENGLISH 1

MODULE 1

TOPIC 1
References
 Technical English:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Vocabulary and LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Grammar by
Summertown Publishing Under this topic, students will cover:
 English for Information
Technology by Pearson  network-related vocabulary
 BBC Skillswise  word formation
 instructions to set up a small network

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1. READ
A network includes techniques, physical
connections and computer programs to link
two or more computers.

Network users can share files, send

electronic messages, run programs on other
computers.

Each network operates according to a set of

computer programs called network protocols
for computers to talk to one another. Computer networks can now be interconnected efficiently
through gateways. The biggest network is the World Wide Web. It consists of a large number of
smaller interconnected networks called internets. These internets may connect tens, hundreds, or
thousands of computers. They can share information with each other, such as databases of
information. The internet allows people all over the world to communicate with each other
effectively and inexpensively. (Taken from Technical English, Vocabulary and Grammar).

A. Build a glossary of the words in blue. You can use an online dictionary, for example Reverso.

ENGLISH SPANISH ENGLISH SPANISH

techniques (n) técnicas protocols (n)
physical connection (n) interconnected (adj)
computer programs (n) gateways (n)
link (v) connect (v)
share (v) internets (n)
electronic messages (n) databases (n)
run (v) communicate (v)

B. Choose 5 words from Activity A and write a short text (not sentences) using them. Highlight or
underline the five words you are using.

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2. VOCABULARY
Before a network can operate, it needs physical connections so that signals can be transmitted.
After the network has been connected, it is ready for operation.

A. PAIR WORK. How many terms do you know? Ask each other. You can use an online dictionary for the
terms you both do not recognize.

B. Choose the correct word in each of the following.

1 The speed with which a modem can process 4 If you transfer a file from a remote computer
data is measured in ____. to your computer, you ____.
a) bandwidth a) download
b) bits per second (bps) b) upload
c) signal c) run

2 Cables consisting of several copper wires each 5 To send out information is to ____.
with a shield are known as ____ cables. a) signal
a) twisted pair b) packet
b) optical fibre c) transmit
c) power cables
6 A document containing information and
3 Computers that are connected together within graphics that can be accessed on the internet is
one building form a ____. ____.
a) WAN a) a website
b) ISP b) a web page
c) LAN c) the World Wide Web

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3. READ & COMPLETE

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ROOT WORDS

A root word is a word from which other words can be formed. We usually
make new words by adding a prefix or suffix to it.

If you want to understand some terms, morphology (the study of the forms of
the words) can help you find out the meaning of vocabulary that is new to you.

PREFIXES

A prefix will always be at the front of the word and gives you a clue about the
meaning of a word, for example inter = between. Look at the following prefixes taken from the texts above.

You can check your Canvas for the most common prefixes.

SUFFIXES

A suffix will always be at the end of the word. You can check your Canvas for the most common suffixes.

IMAGE 1: SOURCE GOOGLE IMAGES

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 A. Select prefixes and suffixes from the bank to add to the root word, write the new words on the
branches tree. Compare with a partner. Discuss the meaning of the new words altogether.

B. Complete the words in the following sentences by adding the prefix inter-, intra-, trans-, com-, con-,
up- or down-.

1 Last month computer _______time cost the company over € 10,000 in lost production.
2 The computers in the production department have now been successfully _______connected with
those in the planning department.
3 Once you have completed payment details the data will be _______mitted via a secure link.
4 We cannot network these computers because the systems are not _______patible.
5 Many companies distribute internal documents on their own _______net.
6 Once the home page has been completed, we'll be ready to _______load the site.
7 Cables are being laid throughout the building as the network requires physical _______nections.
8 Using the network he was able to _______bine the data from different reports.

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4. READ & COMPLETE
Read this webpage.

A. Match the paragraphs (1-3) to these points.

a) types of software and device on networks _____

b) the main types of networks _____
c) the arrangements of computers in networks _____

B. Label these types of network based on the reading.

1. ____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ___________

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C. Here is a list of instructions for someone wanting to set up a small network. Put the instructions in
the correct order from 1 to 10.

a Make wiring and layout plans for your network.

b Hook up the network cables by connecting everything to the hub.
c Check that each computer has an IP address and give it a name.
d If you're installing a small network, twisted pair will be adequate. However, in order to span
greater distances and to minimize magnetic and electrical interference use fibre optic cable.
e Decide on the type of network you want to install. To enable you to transfer large amounts of
data, choose Fast Ethernet (100BaseT).
f Install network adapters in the computers.
g Add an internet gateway to your network to set up a shared internet connection.
h Install driver software for the adapter driver and install client software to share printers and
files.
i Check which protocols are installed and add any other protocols you require.
j Get the hardware you need: an Ethernet adapter card for each computer that doesn't have an
Ethernet port, a hub if you've got more than two computers, cables and wall jacks.

D. GROUP WORK. Together with your partners choose one these topics and prepare a presentation
(PPT, Prezi, Canva, other) to talk about it. Your teacher may also assign one topic for your group.

How does it work? What is it for? What do you need to make it work? Where/How is it applied in
ordinary living?

1. Wireless Sensor Network(WSN)

2. TCP/IP Protocol
3. IPv4/IPv6
4. Network Simulator(NS)
5. Network Security
6. OSI Model