Computer programming

Before you start

1. Work in pairs and discuss the questions.

1 Have you ever seen a chart like the one in Exercise 2?

2 Where have you seen one?

3 What kind of information did it give you?

Reading

2. Look at the algorithmic flow chart below. Answer the questions.

1 Which computer commands does it show? __________and ___________

2 How many decisions does the computer make? __________

3
After the user clicks Save, how many times does the user input data? ___________

3. Read the text about computer programming. Write the number of the paragraph that gives you the information.

a. a description of machine language □

b. the greatest problem for computer programmers □

c. the names of three high-level computer languages □

d. a description of an algorithm □

e. different uses of computers in our lives □

1) The diagram on the right shows part of a simple algorithmic flow chart for the Save command in a computer program. An algorithm is a set of logical rules that we use to solve a problem. Computer programmers often use algorithms to plan their programs, but the only language a computer understands without translation is machine language. This uses the binary system of 1 and 0, which matches the electrical positions ‘on’ and ‘off’. We can also show these numbers in English by Yes/No or True/False.

2) Machine language is a low-level language and is very difficult to write. Over the years, computer scientists have developed many high-level languages, such as BASIC, C++ and Java. These languages use a computer code that is similar to English, which makes them easier to learn. A computer program is just a set of coded instructions. A computer translates the code into machine language to complete a specific task. A computer receives input, processes data and produces results, or output, according to the program code.

3) We use computers in many parts of our lives, and not just in schools or for the Internet. There are computers in all kinds of electrical devices, from mobile phones to washing machines. We can find them in banks, supermarkets and cars. When programmers write programs, they have to plan carefully for every possible kind of error a computer user can input into the computer. It is planning for the random behaviour of humans that makes programming so much fun.

4. Circle the answers yes or no.

1 Programmers use algorithms when writing programs. yes/no

2 Programmers write programs using the numbers 1 and 0. yes/no

3 Machine language is a high-level language. yes/no

4 We only find computer programs in computers. yes/no

5. Answer the questions.

1 What is an algorithm?

2 What does a binary system consist of?

3 Why are high-level languages easy to learn?

4 What do computers do with code?

5 Why must programmers plan carefully?

Vocabulary

6. Complete the sentences (1-6) with the words in the box.

1 _____________ the bank machine, I have no money in my bank account.

2 Video and digital cameras are other _____________________ that use computers.

3 _____________ is any result a computer displays on a screen or prints from a printer.

4 A computer receives ______________ from users when they click on a command.

5 I made too many _______________ in my test so I got a bad grade.

6 Not everyone _______________ logically when things go wrong with a computer.

7. Choose the correct word.

1 Most people can easily learn a______________________ language and become programmers.

a low-level b high-level c binary

2 You can use a mouse or keyboard to_________________________ data into the computer.

a output b input c process

3 Some children_____________ very badly when they can’t have something they want.

a process b solve c behave

4 You can draw_________________ for many simple procedures.

a an algorithm b a code c data

5 Computers___________ programming language into machine language.

a use b develop c translate

6 A computer can______________ large amounts of data at very high speeds.

a process b result c complete

Speaking

8. Work in groups and discuss the questions.

1 What kind of errors do you make with computers?

2 How do you behave when things go wrong with a computer (or any machine)?

3 How do different people you know behave when things go wrong?

Writing

9. Draw a flow chart like the one in Exercise 2.

Follow these steps:

• Choose a simple procedure from the ones in the box below (or a similar one of your own).

• Break the procedure down into all the steps that you have to follow. Think about where the process starts and ends, and the input from you and from the outside. When you make a decision, think of when you say ‘yes’ and when you say ‘no’, and what happens next.

• Write exactly what happens at each stage.

• Draw the flow chart, putting your text into the different shapes in Exercise 2.

• Show your flow chart to another student. Does he /she agree with your steps?

Get real

Make a list of all the devices that use computers in your home, in your school, shops, libraries, banks and offices. During a day, use your list to make a note of every time you use something that contains a computer program. Report back to the class with your list.

Date: 2015-02-16; view: 1760