1. What is the text about? 2. What kinds of power resources were in common use for many years after the introduction of automobiles? 3. What is Locomobile? 4. What characteristics had gasoline-powered cars? 5. When was an electric self-starter introduced? 6. What improvements contributed to the popularity of engine-powered cars during the 1920s? 7. What new automotive features were introduced in the 1950s? 8. Why were catalytic converters introduced? 9. When did digital speedometers and electronic prompts to service parts of the vehicle appear? 10. What kinds of cars surged in popularity in 1980s?
Exercise 3 Translate and memorize the following expressions from the text.
Introduction of automobiles, kinds of power sources, to be in common use, gasoline engine, universal choice, to allow longer trips and faster speeds, improvements in the operating qualities, to develop quickly, similar in design, electric self-starter, to start the engine turning, at the same time, to serve as headlights, to help passengers get in and out of the vehicle, running boards, gear shifting, riding capability, reliable operation, heating and ventilating systems, spark plug.
Exercise 4 Find synonyms among the following words.
Kind, operation, similar, to include, vehicle, quickly, use, universal, to improve, simple, normally, improvement, power, to produce, to increase, type, energy, application, alike, general, control, upgrade, rapidly, to comprise, to amend, usually, to grow, elementary, to generate, carrier.
Exercise 5 Write a summary of the text, presenting the content of each paragraph in 2-3 sentences. Use the expressions:
The main idea of the text is... The text deals with one of the most important (urgent) issues... Much attention (consideration) is given to (classification, description)... It focuses on the matters of … The text gives an overview of... The text is mainly concerned with... The aim of the survey is to show (demonstrate, find)... Particular emphasis is given to the analysis of... The text gives a detailed analysis of (reports on)... To sum up... In conclusion...
Индивидуальное задание для студентов заочного отделения к курсу
«Английский язык»
Вариант № 5/3c
Exercise 1 Read the text and translate it in written form.
New Technologies
Expanded use of computer technology, development of stronger and lighter materials, and research on pollution control will produce better, ‘smarter’ automobiles. In the 1980s the notion that a car would ‘talk’ to its driver was science fiction; by the 1990s it had become reality.
Onboard navigation was one of the new automotive technologies in the 1990s. By using the satellite-aided global positioning system (GPS), a computer in the automobile can pinpoint the vehicle’s location within a few feet. The onboard navigation system uses an electronic compass, digitized maps, and a display screen showing where the vehicle is relative to the destination the driver wants to reach. After being told the destination, the computer locates it and directs the driver to it, offering alternative routes if needed.
Some cars now are equipped with GPS locator beacons, enabling a GPS system operator to locate the vehicle, map its location and, if necessary, direct repair or emergency workers to the scene. Cars equipped with computers and cellular telephones can link to the Internet to obtain constantly updated traffic reports, weather information, route directions, and other data. Future built-in computer systems may be used to automatically obtain business information over the Internet and manage personal affairs while the vehicle’s owner is driving.
Computer control of automobile systems increased dramatically during the 1990s. The central processing unit (CPU) in modern engines manages overall engine performance. Microprocessors regulating other systems share data with the CPU. Computers manage fuel and air mixture ratios, ignition timing, and exhaust-emission levels. They adjust the antilock braking and traction control systems. In many models, computers also control the air conditioning and heating, the sound system, and the information displayed in the vehicle’s dashboard.
During the 1980s and 1990s, manufacturers trimmed 450 kg (1000 lb) from the weight of the typical car by making cars smaller. Less weight, coupled with more efficient engines, doubled the gas mileage obtained by the average new car between 1974 and 1995. Further reductions in vehicle size are not practical, so the emphasis has shifted to using lighter materials, such as plastics, aluminium alloys, and carbon composites in the engine and the rest of the vehicle.
Looking ahead, engineers are devising ways to reduce driver errors and poor driving habits. Systems already exist in some locales to prevent intoxicated drivers from starting their vehicles. The technology may be expanded to new vehicles. Anti-collision systems with sensors and warning signals are being developed. In some, the car’s brakes automatically slow the vehicle if it is following another vehicle too closely. New infrared sensors or radar systems may warn drivers when another vehicle is in their ‘blind spot’.
Catalytic converters work only when they are warm, so most of the pollution they emit occurs in the first few minutes of operation. Engineers are working on ways to keep the converters warm for longer periods between drives, or heat the converters more rapidly. Diesel engines use cheaper fuel, burn it more efficiently, and produce fewer pollutants, but they are noisy. Popular in trucks and heavy vehicles, diesels are only a small portion of the automobile market.
