Unit 1. Abstracts for communication
Start-up
I. Tongue twisters to be remembered:
 |
a)
B)
c) 
Listen and repeat:
 |
d) Give appropriate translation to the proverbs and sayings. Remember three of them:
 |
e)* Make up a small proverbs-based dialogue.
II. a) Choose the best way to say these numbers and dates (sometimes more than one way is possible). Then listen and check.
| 23.56 | a | Twenty-three comma fifty-six |
| b | Twenty-three point fifty-six | |
| c | Twenty-three point five six | |
| d | Two three point five six | |
| 10,001 | a | One thousand and one |
| b | Ten thousand one | |
| c | Ten thousand and one | |
| d | One triple oh one | |
| £ 63.30 | a | Sixty-three pound and thirty pence |
| b | Sixty-three pounds and thirty pence | |
| c | Sixty-three pounds and thirteen pence | |
| d | Sixty-three pounds and thirty | |
| 5,400,342 | a | Five hundred thousand, four hundred, three hundred and forty-two |
| b | Five million, four hundred thousand, three hundred and twenty-four | |
| c | Five million, four hundred thousand, three hundred and fourty-four | |
| d | Five billion, four hundred thousand, three hundred and twenty-four | |
| € 45,638 | a | Forty-five thousand, six hundred and thirty-eight euro |
| b | Forty-five thousand, six hundred and eighty-three euro | |
| c | thousand, six hundred and three eight euro | |
| d | Forty-five, sixty-three, eight euro | |
| a | Nineteen ninety-nine | |
| b | Nineteen hundred ninety-nine | |
| c | Nineteen nine nine | |
| d | One nine nine nine | |
| a | Two thousand three | |
| b | Two double oh three | |
| c | Two thousand and three | |
| d | Twenty oh three |
B) Listen to the interviews. Write down the telephone numbers you hear.
Lead-in
III. 
a) What do you think an abstract for project/conference communication is?
b) Compare the English and Russian texts of the abstract for communication. How many parts can you find in each passage? What clichés are used: a) to introduce the problem, b) to show links between the logical parts, c) to come to the conclusion?
| NOVOSIBIRSK Metro Bridge Volgin V., Lenkov V., Malikov M. Bridges and Tunnels Faculty Siberian Transport University The Novosibirsk Metro Bridge is certainly a local attraction of Novosibirsk. To recognize it as deserving special attention explains our interest in the issue of the research. Here we are trying to answer whether the Novosibirsk Metro Bridge is an architectural work that emphasizes the unique look of the city or an engineering structure with utilitarian functions only. To answer the question let us clarify the definitions of "architectural work" and " engineering structure". An architectural work is a set of precise engineering calculations, knowledge, creative insights, expressed in the harmony of its parts. An engineering structure is a three-dimensional or two-dimensional construction system to be designed for work processes. As the next step, we compare the Novosibirsk Metro Bridge with the Luzhniki Metro Bridge and the Silverpine Forest Bridge in Moscow as per three criteria: 1) external appearance; 2) characteristics; 3) functions. Externally the Novosibirsk Metro Bridge looks less harmonious. It consists of three parts (the right bank overpass, the left-bank overpass, the bridge crossing) and looks as a box-type tapped close-ended double-track structure with 7 spans and windows of 2x2 meters each. The Luzhniki Metro Bridge includes two prestressed concrete decks and the arch connecting them. The upper deck is a motorway; the lower one is the metro passageway. In the end, the Silverpine Forest Bridge is an excellent example of the bright and daring architectural decision. It has one huge arch - a cable truss supporting the beam where cars are moving. The total length of the Novosibirsk Metro Bridge is 2.145 m. 895 m of them is a river part, resting at eight V-shaped piers; the remaining 1249 m is for overpasses. The Luzhniki Metro Bridge consists of three spans (45+108+45). Its total length is 2048 m; its width is 25.8 m. The total length of the Silver Pine Forest Bridge is more than one kilometer. 500-meter beam hangs over the water at a height of 30 m. 72 cable stays of 30 cm by diameter support it. The cable stays fan as per spiral system, creating the effect of a "spilling web coming from the rainbow hanging over the river." The Novosibirsk Metro Bridge is used to transport passengers, connecting the metro station "Rechnoy Vokzal" and "Studencheskaya". The Luzhniki Metro Bridge serves to carriage passengers by metro and motor transport as well. Moscow ring road (MKAD) passes through the Silverpine Forest Bridge and increases the traffic capacity. As we can see, the Novosibirsk Metro Bridge is rather an engineering structure than an architectural work and, like other metro bridges, is utilitarian. Nevertheless, it harmoniously fits into the look of Novosibirsk - the third largest industrial city of Russia. | Новосибирский метромост Волгин В., Леньков В., Маликов М. Факультет «Мосты и тоннели» СГУПС Новосибирский метромост, безусловно, является достопримечательностью Новосибирска. Признание его заслуживающим особого внимания обусловило интерес к проблеме исследования: является ли новосибирский метромост архитектурным произведением, придающим уникальность облику города или же инженерным сооружением, выполняющее исключительно утилитарную функцию. Для решения обозначенной проблемы уточним понятия «архитектурное произведение» и «инженерное сооружение». Архитектурное произведение – совокупность точного инженерного расчета, научных знаний, творческого озарения, выраженных в гармонии его составляющих. Инженерное сооружение – объёмная или плоская строительная система, которая предназначена для выполнения производственных процессов. Далее сравним новосибирский метромост с московскими метромостом «Лужники» и мостом «Серебряный Бор» по трём критериям: внешний вид, параметры моста, функции моста. Внешне новосибирский метромост выглядит менее гармонично. Он состоит из трёх частей (правобережная эстакада, левобережная эстакада, мостовой переход) и представляет собой конструкцию в виде коробчатого нарезного закрытого двупутного 7-ми пролётного строения с оконными проемами 2х2 метра. Лужнецкий метромост - включает два яруса из предварительно напряженного железобетона и соединяющей их арки. Верхний ярус автомобильный, нижний – для прохода метро. Наконец, мост «Серебряный Бор» - великолепный пример яркого и смелого архитектурного решения. Это одна большая арка - ферма, на вантах поддерживающая балку, по которой движутся автомобили. Новосибирский метромост имеет общую длину 2,145м, из них 895м - речная часть, покоящаяся на 8 V-образных опорах, остальные 1249м приходятся на эстакады. Лужнецкий метромост содержит 3 пролёта (45+108+45). Его общая длина – 2048м, ширина – 25,8м. Общая длина моста «Сосновый Бор» более 1 километра. 500-метровая балка висит над водой на высоте 30м и поддерживается 72 вантами диаметром 30см. Ванты расположены веерно по спиралевидной системе, создавая эффект «ниспадающей паутины, исходящей из радуги, повисшей над рекой». Новосибирский метромост служит для перевозки пассажиров, соединяя станции метро «Речной вокзал» и «Студенческая». Лужнецкий метромост также предназначен для перевозки пассажиров метро и автотранспортом. Через мост в Серебряном бору проходит МКАД, увеличивая пропускную способность транспорта. Как видим, новосибирский метромост ближе к инженерному сооружению, чем к архитектурному произведению и, подобно другим метромостам, утилитарен. Тем не менее, он гармонично вписывается в облик Новосибирска – третьего по величине промышленного города России. |
c) Match the English clichés with their Russian equivalents. Which of them can be used in the introduction, the body or the conclusion of an abstract for communication?
| 1. | … is one of the most pressing issues of today | a. | Основная цель работы состоит в том, чтобы описать... |
| 2. | The above-named reasons prove that… | b. | Мы не можем объяснить это явление. |
| 3. | The issue about … has been considered. | c. | Эта проблема требует обсуждения. |
| 4. | Thus, we can make a conclusion (a conclusion can be made) that... | d. | В результате |
| 5. | We cannot explain the phenomenon. | e. | Сегодня одна из наиболее актуальных проблем |
| 6. | The primary aim of the study is to describe... | f. | Можно утверждать, что… |
| 7. | It may be noted (stated) that... | g. | Таким образом, мы можем прийти к заключению, что… |
| 8. | As the result | h. | Таким образом |
| 9. | The problem is suggested for discussion. | i. | Рассмотрен вопрос о… |
| 10. | Thus | j. | Вышеизложенные причины доказывают, что… |
d) Read the abstract for communication and fill in the gaps with the clichés below the passage. Give their Russian equivalents.
(1) ___________________ of the implementation of Information Technologies (IT) on transport in some EU countries (2) ___________________ similar processes in the transportation industry of the Russian Federation.
(3) ___________________ of the development of high-speed rail transportation in our country within the Strategy for Developing Rail Transport to 2030 is (4) ___________________: to develop technical rules and national standards oriented to positive global experience in high-speed railway management and construction. Some positive experience in the development of IT of the DLR (UK), the SNCF (France), the Deutsche Bahn (Germany) (5) ___________________.
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is an automated light metro or light rail system opened in 1987 to serve the redeveloped Docklands area of London. The DLR trains are monitored by a central computer, which compares the position of each vehicle with a stored schedule. All DLR trains are equipped with Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems. Each train runs within its own safety zone that no other train can enter. ATP also regulates the maximum speed at which trains may operate.
(6) ___________________, the SNCF – a France’s national state-owned railway company – uses Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system. This railway signalling system establishes communication between the track equipment on a train with the traffic management and infrastructure control centre to define the location of a train.
(7) ___________________, a cab signalling and train protection system – the LZB – is used in Germany. It is also applied for Austrian and Spanish railway lines.
(8) ___________________ there are automatic systems which include not only technological, but also human and organizational components in railway traffic supervision, (9) ___________________ modern automatic train supervision systems (ATS).
| a. | will be considered further |
| b. | Among the major tasks |
| c. | The analysis of the problem |
| d. | the following |
| e. | help to improve |
| f. | Finally |
| g. | In conclusion it should be noted that |
| h. | Alternatively |
| i. | for example |
IV. a) 
In pairs, discuss the following questions. Then listen to David Tailor explaining how to write an abstract and check your answers.
1. What is the goal of writing an abstract?
2. What do you need to write a good abstract?
3. How can your supervisor help you with writing an abstract?
4. What is a descriptive abstract?
5. What is an informative abstract?
b) 
Listen again and complete the table with the clichés that David uses in his presentation.
| 1. And today ________________ writing the abstract. | 8. ________________ is in the conferences. |
| 2. There are four essential ingredients. ________________ the purpose (an objective). | 9. ________________ I have posted three links for you. |
| 3. ____________________ is the methods that that the scholar use to study his or her subject. | 10. ________________ is block paragraphing |
| 4. _____________________ is the results. | 11. ________________ from the University of Mississippi. |
| 5. ________________ what did that scholar find when he or she studied. | 12. ________________ this is also in our content section. |
| 6. ____________________ is their conclusions. | 13. ________________ to let you go: Never let your supervisor be the second person to read something you have written. |
| 7. __________, you're going to find those four things in the article that you're going to read. | 14. As usual, ________________. |
V. a) Discuss the questions about a conference presentation:
1. Why do you need to write an abstract for communication before speaking at a conference?
2. How will you interest the audience in hearing your ideas?
3. What is the most effective way to organise your abstract?
b) Read the passage to check your answers:
Abstracts for communication submitted for a conference paper should do two things – tell the audience what you are going to say, and interest people in coming to hear you say it.
To tell the audience what you are going to say means that you:
1. Identifythe topic of your paper (that is the problem it raises).
2. Emphasiseyour position – your central idea regarding the problem.
3. Sketch your two or three points of argument.
To interest the audience in hearing you say means that you:
1. Devisea title that is descriptive and inviting.
2. Findwords that are accessible to both specialists and non-specialists, especially as this is a cross-disciplinary conference.
3. Are concise – your abstract should be no more than 1 page or 250 words. This is two (maybe three) paragraphs that are unified (i.e., one topic) and coherent (i.e., ideas flow continuously).
4. Planyour abstract according to its basic outline:
a) Introduction and thesis statement (Say what you want to do). Before writing you must have a thesis statement. This is one sentence announcing the central idea of the paper. It must be specific.
b) The body of the paper (Do it). It is not enough to simply state ideas, you must support them. By giving evidence, you convince readers of the truth and accuracy of your ideas. If you successfully prove your statements, the reader should agree with your conclusion.As a writer, you must structure the sequence of ideas carefully and logically. Transitions between paragraphs link them together logically.
c) Conclusion (Say what you have done). Restate the thesis statement and main points supporting it. In the conclusion, the writer should give some new ideas or information to challenge the reader to think further.
3. Edityour abstract carefully for grammar, punctuation, typos, etc.
4. Ensurethe abstract conforms to the “house style” of the conference.
