Ielts speaking preparation From this page of IELTSdocument, You are going to have a lot of documents, examples questions with answers, past questions with their several answers and tips about IELTS Speaking part one. Three short dialogs for vocabulary, listening, and speaking practice. Extension activity on attached Page 2. Answer Key attached on Page 3 Level: Elementary to Intermediate Audio and Answer Key are also available in video format below (3:04) for your students!
Management: Introduction to Computer 2
A computer can be defined as an electronic device, which manipulates data or information and has the capability and ability to process, store, and retrieve data. It can be used for document typing, internet searching, surfing, and emailing. Computer can also be used in handling accounting, spreadsheets, database management, games, and presentations. The development and production of the present-day computer is credited to the result of advances and progress in technologies and need for quantification. Abacus, which was one of the first counting machines, paved the way for the production and manufacture of computer (Kopplin, 2002).
The first freely coded and programmable computer was invented in the year 1936, since then, different men and women have come up with new diverse researches, opinions, and finds that has propelled computers to their current state of functionality. There are many pioneers in this field, but in this paper, I am going to write a biographical piece of William Henry Bill Gates, as one of the key contributor, to the development and advancement in computers.
William Henry Bill Gates otherwise commonly known simply as Bill gates is known worldwide as the founder of Microsoft. He was born on 28 October 1955 in Seattle, Washington in the United States of American to William H. Gates, Sr. and Mary Maxwell Gates (Burlingame, 2004, p178). He is an accomplished philanthropist, business magnate, author, and the chairperson of Microsoft foundation. He founded the software foundation and company with Paul Allen, who is also elite in the world of computers. Bill Gates is enjoyed a consistent ranking as one of the world’s richest people, who stood as the wealthiest from the year 1995 to 2009. In the course of his career and operations at Microsoft, Bill Gates held both the Chief Executive Officers (CEO) positions and the chief software architect’s position. He has also holds the largest shares of more than 8% of common stock in the company. Bill is not only a computer gig, but is also known to have coauthored or author several computer and leadership books.
Bill Gates has grown to transform into one of the best-known and world leading entrepreneurs of a self-initiative computer revolution project. Although many admire him, a number of business and company insiders have rose up to criticize his tactics in business (Schuman, 2001, p. 100). In these present and later stages of his momentous career, Bill has played a key role in the aid and donation sector. He has involved himself in a series of philanthropic endeavors, contributing and donating hefty amounts of cash to a number of orphanages in Africa, charitable organizations and schools and scientific research programs in various institutes through his Foundation, which was established in the year 2000. In January of the same year, he stepped down as the CEO of Microsoft, but remained as chairperson and chief software architect of the company. Gates announced his intentions of him relieving himself from full-time job to a part time one at the company (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) in June 2006. He slowly relinquished his duties and tasks as chief software architect to Ray Ozzie, and appointed Craig Mundie as strategy and chief research officer. He stopped his full-time day duties at Microsoft on 27 June 2008, but he remains and acts as a non-executive chairperson of the Microsoft Company (Solomon, 2009, p. 29).
Bill Gates was born and raised in an upper middle class family. His dad was an established lawyer, and his mother was a member of the board of directors for the United Way and First Interstate BancSystem. In his early life, his parents had a law career option for him in mind. When he was 13 years, his parents enrolled him in an executive preparatory school known as the Lakeside School. During his eighth grade, a Club (Mothers Club) at his school bought for the school’s students a block of computer time on a General Electric (GE) computer an ASR-33 Teletype terminal. Gates developed an interest in the General Electronic (GE) system programming and got an exemption from mathematics classes to study and pursue the subject of his interest. Deploying all his energy and skill to the interest, he managed to write his first running computer program on the GE machine. It was a tic-tac-toe implementation, which allowed operators to play games on the computer, against the computer. He was greatly fascinated by his writing and the machine because of the perfect execution of software code. Upon the exhaustion of Mothers Club’s donation, Gates and other students searched for time on other systems such as DEC PDP minicomputers. Later on during the studies, one of the systems providers (PDP-10) banned Gates and other students from Lakeside school, from using it services, because they were caught exploiting bugs installed in the computer’s operating system to gain access to free computer time.
After the ban, Gates chose to go to CCC’s offices to study the source code for different programs that operated on the system, including machine language, FORTRAN, and LISP programs. He continued with the CCC’s arrangement until the year 1970, when the company collapsed. Information Sciences, Inc. hired four of the best Lakeside students to help it in the writing of programs for payroll in COBOL. It provided them with computer royalties and time. Gates good work and abilities, earned him recognition amongst many people in the business. His administrators had much delight and assurance in him that they gave him the opportunity to write the school’s computer program that would schedule students’ in classes. He took up the task and executed it perfectly. At age 17, he ventured into writing traffic counters programs for Traf-O-Date. The programs were based on the processor, Intel 8008 and he did the work with some help from Allen, a coworker at the company. Gate’s overwhelming good work managed to earn him a service as a congressional page in the United States House of Representatives in early 1973.
1. Using a computer every day can have more negative than positive effects on your children. Do you agree or disagree?
Sample Answer
I tend to agree that young children can be negatively affected by too much time spent on the computer every day. This is partly because sitting in front of a screen for too long can be damaging to both the eyes and the physical posture of a young child, regardless of what they are using the computer for.
However, the main concern is about the type of computer activities that attract children. These are often electronic games that tend to be very intense and rather violent. The player is usually the „hero‟ of the game and too much exposure can encourage children to be self-centred and insensitive to others.
Even when children use a computer for other purposes, such as getting information or emailing friends, it is no substitute for human interaction. Spending time with other children and sharing nonvirtual experiences is an important part of a child’s development that cannot be provided by a computer.
In spite of this, the obvious benefits of computer skills for young children cannot be denied. Their adult world will be changing constantly in terms of technology and the Internet is the key to all the knowledge and information available in the world today. Therefore it is important that children learn at an early age to use the equipment enthusiastically and with confidence as they will need these skills throughout their studies and working lives.
I think the main point is to make sure that young children do not overuse computers. Parents must ensure that their children learn to enjoy other kinds of activity and not simply sit at home, learning to live in a virtual world.
(273 words)
2. Some people believe that computers are more a hindrance than a help in today’s world. Others feel that they are such indispensable tools that they would not be able to live or work without them. • In what ways are computers a hindrance? • What is your opinion?
Sample Answer
The advanced ‘Mind machines’ so called ‘the Computers’ are no doubt the best products of latest technology. One cannot imagine the advancement of life and Sciences without these machines.
But like other achievements; they have their own good and bad effects as seen with experience and passage of time. In my opinion they are good if used for educational and beneficial uses for health and living etc.
Basically twentieth century had been famous for its latest Computer techniques and their application on our lives. Datas shown on Computers help us to assess how much education is conducted through this media. The assessment ways as well as examinations are improved. Moreover personal skills of reading and writing are far more improved through Computers.
Moreover Science and technology progressed immensely with computers. Researchers like cloning and transplants are only possible with modern computerized skills.
Good question comes to ones mind … where will this Computer would take us next? Certainly no one knows! We might explore new planners. May be we will buy houses on Moon, Mars or Jupiter. Or we might loose our own identity. One cannot forget the end of 2000 millennium when everybody was in chaos to think what will happen if the computers crash? The aeroplanes were going to crash and the trains would colloid. That Show we are forced to think that one should not be dependent on these machine after all we are humans. We are here to command computers not them to order us.
(249 words)
3. As the world becomes technologically advanced, computers are replacing more and more jobs. Describe some job positions that may be lost because of computers, and discuss at least one problem that may result.
Sample Answer
When computers first made their way into the business sector, everyone believed that they would make people’s jobs easier. What was not expected was that computers would eliminate jobs. Besides contributing to unemployment, these automated workers often exhibit inadequate job performance.
A number of jobs have been lost as a direct result of new computer technology. Ticket agents in various transportation facilities, from subway/underground stations to airports are virtually nonexistent these days. Bank tellers have been greatly reduced due to automated bank machines. In addition, many call centers that have help lines are almost entirely computerized. A few years ago I worked as a helper in our local library. Today this position does not exist, because six new computers have been installed. The number of positions lost to computers grows exponentially, and unemployment continues to get worse.
While a computer may easily achieve the main tasks of these jobs, most computers fall short when customers have a unique request or problem. A pre-paid ticket booth does not have insight about the entertainment district and cannot offer friendly directions to a tourist. Similarly, an automated bank machine cannot provide assistance and reassurance to a customer who has just had his credit card stolen. And, more often than not, automated telephone operators cannot answer the one question that we have, and we end up waiting on the line to speak with someone anyway. Every time I go into the library where I worked I notice elderly people who don’t know how to use the computers and can’t find anyone to help.
In the future, I believe a new business trend will evolve. As computers eliminate jobs, new positions will have to be invented. More and more people will go into business for themselves, and hopefully put the personal touch back into business. I believe that the human workforce will demonstrate that it is more valuable than computers.
(315 words)
4. Some people say that computers have made life easier and more convenient. Other people say that computers have made life more complex and stressful. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Sample Answer
Some people say that the invention of computers is one of the greatest humankind’s inventions. However, other people think that computers make their life more stressful. I agree with those people who think that computers brought many benefits and play a very important role in our modern life.
First of all, every company nowadays uses a computer to store its data and make different kinds of operations. It is very difficult to imagine life without computers. A company would have to store millions of papers and documents. Moreover, a customer would have to wait hours to check his balance or get a piece of information about his transactions at his bank, while an employee was looking through those papers. Another important aspect of this is that people are able to type all their information, make corrections, print or send documents using computers. It makes life much easier. One can spend the rest of the time watching TV with his family or working on something new.
We use computers every day sometimes even not knowing it. When we go to a store and use our credit cards many computers process our information and perform transactions. When we need to get some cash we use money access machines that are computerized too.
Second of all, computers provided a great means of communication – the Internet. I think it is the easiest and cheapest way to get in touch with relatives, friends, business colleagues, etc. Nowadays the world becomes smaller and smaller. When I was a little girl, I could not imagine that it would be possible to communicate with people from all around the world in so easy way. A person can get latest news, become friends with someone from another country, find his old friends, ask for a piece of advice, etc.
Finally, in addition to these practical benefits people can shop without leaving their house. They just use an Internet access, a computer and their cards to make a payment. It is kind of difficult to imagine that a few years ago people had to spend their time in lines buying tickets. Now, a person can choose a destination, company, date and time and get tickets delivered to his door. I think it is amazing.
To sum up, I believe that computers made our lives easier. They change our attitude towards life. I think with the invention of computers people became closer and friendlier.
(404 words)
5. We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in businesses, hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes. What things will they be used for in the future? Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we be more auspicious of their benefits?
Sample Answer 1
Computers are a relatively new invention. The first computers were built fifty years ago and it is only in the last thirty or so years that their influence has affected our everyday life. Personal computers were introduced as recently as the early eighties. In this short time they have made a tremendous impact on our lives. We are now so dependent on computers that it is hard to imagine what things would be like today without them. You have only got to go into a bank when their main computer is broken to appreciate the chaos that would occur if computers were suddenly removed world-wide.
In the future computers will be used to create bigger and even more sophisticated computers. The prospects for this are quite alarming. They will be so complex that no individual could hope to understand how they work. They will bring a lot of benefits but they will also increase the potential for unimaginable chaos. They will, for example, be able to fly planes and they will be able to co ordinate the movements of several planes in the vicinity of an airport. Providing all the computers are working correctly nothing can go wrong. If one small program fails disaster.
There is a certain inevitability that technology will progress and become increasingly complex. We should, however, ensure that we are still in a position where we are able to control technology. It will be all too easy to suddenly discover that technology is controlling us. By then it might be too late I believe that it is very important to be suspicious of the benefits that computers will bring and to make sure that we never become totally dependent on a completely technological world.
(287 words)
Sample Answer 2
In the last two decades cybernetics have experienced a major breakthrough. This led to the utilization of computers at nearly all parts of our daily life, from personal computers to complicated surgery performing. Surely the uptake of this technology facilitates a lot of difficult tasks but is this excessive dependance ripping the warmth of our lives? In this essay, I will outline how the availability of computers affects our lives.
Most of the daily tasks an individual experiences are time and effort consuming. These two fundamental qualities could be tremendously saved by the use of computers. The average period required to prepare a decent meal for a middle-class family is around an hour to and hour and a half when using traditional methods. This time could be literally reduced to half if computerized devices are used instead. Moreover, a busy businessman is enabled to easily close a profitable deal just with a touch on this highly programmed laptop while enjoying his family vacation and not having to exert an extra effort of traveling long distances just to sign a deal.
On the other hand, new generations are growing remarkably dependent on these modern utilities, which make them handicapped when it comes to preparing a cup of tea. In addition, psychologists suggest that one of the main reasons for suicidal rate increase is recent electric inventions. This is due to that humans by nature stay emotionally healthy through socializing, but due to the importance of modern technology to maintain a financially satisfying standard of life they gradually insulate themselves. As time passes by each of these individuals gets stuck in a vicious circle of loneliness that eventually leads to suicidal attempts specially among youngsters.
In conclusion, similar to every other invention computers has its benefits and drawbacks, I personally think it all depends upon how we use the given tools. Moderation is the key here to keep the balance and allow us to live in harmony.
(325 words)
6. As computers are being used more and more in education, there will be soon no role for teachers in the classroom.
Sample Answer
There have been immense advances in technology in most aspects of people’s lives, especially in the field of education. Nowadays, an increasing number of students rely on computers to research for information and to produce a perfect paper for school purposes. Others have decided to leave the original way of learning to get knowledge through online schools. These changes in the learning process have brought a special concern regarding the possible decrease of importance of teachers in the classroom.
Some people believe the role of teachers started to fade because computers have been helping some students to progress in their studies quicker than when compared with an original classroom. For example, in the same classroom, students have different intellectual capacities, thus some would be tied to a slow advance in their studies because of others’ incapacity of understanding. In this way, pupils could progress in their acquisition of knowledge at their own pace using computers instead of learning from teachers.
However, the presence of a teacher is essential for students because the human contact influences them in positive ways. Firstly, students realize that they are not dealing with a machine but with a human being who deserves attention and respect. They also learn the importance of studying in group and respect other students, which helps them to improve their social skills.
Moreover, teachers are required in the learning process because they acknowledge some student’s deficiencies and help them to solve their problems by repeating the same explanation, giving extra exercises or even suggesting a private tutor. Hence, students can have a bigger chance not to fail in a subject.
In conclusion, the role for teachers in the learning process is still very important and it will continue to be in the future because no machine can replace the human interaction and its consequences.
(303 words)
7. We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in businesses, hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes. What things will they be used for in the future? Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we be more auspicious of their benefits?
Sample Answer 1
Computers are a relatively new invention. The first computers were built fifty years ago and it is only in the last thirty or so years that their influence has affected our everyday life. Personal computers were introduced as recently as the early eighties. In this short time they have made a tremendous impact on our lives. We are now so dependent on computers that it is hard to imagine what things would be like today without them. You have only got to go into a bank when their main computer is broken to appreciate the chaos that would occur if computers were suddenly removed world-wide.
In the future computers will be used to create bigger and even more sophisticated computers. The prospects for this are quite alarming. They will be so complex that no individual could hope to understand how they work. They will bring a lot of benefits but they will also increase the potential for unimaginable chaos. They will, for example, be able to fly planes and they will be able to co ordinate the movements of several planes in the vicinity of an airport. Providing all the computers are working correctly nothing can go wrong. If one small program fails disaster.
There is a certain inevitability that technology will progress and become increasingly complex. We should, however, ensure that we are still in a position where we are able to control technology. It will be all too easy to suddenly discover that technology is controlling us. By then it might be too late I believe that it is very important to be suspicious of the benefits that computers will bring and to make sure that we never become totally dependent on a completely technological world.
(288 words)
Sample Answer 2
Today computers are used almost everywhere, it is impossible to imagine our life without PCs, Internet, hand phones and other computer devices. It is reasonable that people look to the future of computers. In what field will be computers used for and what role will human has in this world in future?
Besides, computers make our life easier, we can easily get information about any product we plan to buy or place we plan to visit over a second using personal computer and Internet. Scientists predict that in the nearest future it will be possible to smell a new perfume using Internet and watch 3D scenes at home like we do in the theater. According to forecasts of HR agencies machines will replace job of cashiers, civil and military pilots. Some corporations in Japan already selling housewife-robots, which help old people to keep their home clean.
Despite the fact that computers help us, they make us dependent. Apparently, people spend more time behind monitors that ever before. And some of them feel a need for more time to be spent with people in live contact. In addition, fall out of one of the important modules of specific computer can entail serious consequences. Suffice to mention computer problem, occurred in the end of 1990s, problem concerned with coming year 2000 (Y2K) and catastrophes that were predicted. Fortunately imminent disasters did not happen. However, it is difficult to imagine what could be if all the predictions had occurred.
We live in technological era, computers penetrated everywhere with all benefits they provide and all dangers they hide. However we are satisfied with them and sometimes we even thank them because they help us in communicating, studying, doing business, entertaining and saving lives in critical situations.