English for Computing

Course Duration: 15 hours

Course Description
Basic English for Computing is intended for both students of computing and those working in the
computing sector. It is suitable for learners at elementary to pre-intermediate level who need to upgrade
their knowledge of English in a professional context. It is designed for use in universities, colleges, and
technical schools and on in-company training programmers.
This edition has been carefully revised to take account of recent developments in this fast-moving sector,
and ensure that the material is up to date. Authentic texts, visuals, tasks, and listening scripts have been
upgraded where appropriate to reflect changes in such areas as technical specifications, new
technologies, and working practices. The glossary has also been updated.
In short, this course has 28 topic-units that cover key areas such as uses and applications, networks, the
internet, multimedia, programming, and future trends in the computing sector. Five interview units focus
on different jobs, from computing students to systems manager. Key language and vocabulary are
presented via a range of authentic contexts. The course aims to develop all four skills, with special
emphasis on those which are of practical use in professional situations.
Course Objective
The course aims to develop all four skills, with special emphasis on those which are of practical use in
professional situations.
Target Audience
This course is intended for both students of computing and those working in the computing sector. It is
suitable for learners at elementary to pre-intermediate level who need to upgrade their knowledge of
English in a professional context.

Course Outlines:
Course Overview
Everyday uses of computers
o
Tuning in
o
Listening: Computer uses
o
Reading : Computers in everyday life
o
Language work: Articles
o
Aids to Communication
o
Problem-Solving
o
Writing

Types of computers
o
Tuning in
o
Listening: Buying a computer 1
o
Reading : Types of computers
o
Language work: comparison
o
Aids to Communication
o
Problem-Solving
o
Writing
Parts of a computer
o
Tuning in
o
Listening: Buying a computer 2
o
Reading : The motherboard
o
Language work: Making instructions
o
Problem-Solving
o
Writing
Keyboard and Mouse
o
Tuning in
o
Listening: The keyboard
o
Reading : The mouse
o
Language work: Present simple
o
Speaking
o
Problem-Solving
o
Writing
Interview: Student
o
Tuning in
o
Listening
o
Language work: Wh-questions with present simple
o
Problem-Solving
o
Computing words and abbreviations
o
Writing
Input devices
o
Tuning in
o
Listening: Voice input
o
Reading : input devices
o
Language work :function

Writing

Output devices
o
Tuning in
o
Listening: printers
o
Reading : how to read a monitor ad
o
Language work: Giving advice
o
Aids to Communication
o
Problem-Solving
o
Writing
Storage devices
o
Tuning in
o
Listening: Hard disk drive
o
Reading : storage devices
o
Language work: linking words
o
Problem-Solving
o
Speaking
Networks
o
Tuning in
o
Reading : networks
o
Listening: networks topologies
o
Language work: predicting consequences
o
Problem-Solving
o
Writing
The Internet : E-mail and news group
o
Tuning in
o
Listening: Emails
o
Reading : Newsgroups
o
Language work: past simple vs. past continuous
o
Problem-Solving
o
Writing