Unit 4.  How does it work?

Lesson 1.  Gadgets. 

Lesson 2.  Cause and effect. 

Lesson 3.  Checking and controlling. 

Lesson 1

Can / Be Able To

Listed below are examples and uses of can / could / be able to for ability and permission

Can / Be Able To

Listed below are examples and uses of can / could / be able to for ability and permission

Dialogue and Multiple Choice Questions: Hooking Up My Computer

By Kenneth Beare, About.com

This dialogue contains a lot of computer jargon. Here is a vocabulary list of the most important related vocabulary, most of which you will find in the dialogue.

Computer Related Equipment

computer
printer
cable modem
hard drive
monitor
keyboard
mouse
SD card
memory reader
cable
Ethernet

Computer Related Verbs

to update
to turn off / on
to switch off / on
to plug in
to unplug
to install
to hook up
to connect
to disconnect
to boot up
to cut
to paste
to copy
to surf
to browse
to fix

Hooking Up My Computer

Peter: Hi Jack. Can you give me a hand?
Jack:Sure. what's up?

Peter: I've just bought a new computer and I'm having some problems hooking everything up.
Jack:... and I'm a geek. Yeah, I know. I'd be happy to help.

Peter: Thanks! I've connected all the cables from my monitor, mouse and keyboard, and I've plugged it in.
Jack: Have you installed the software yet?

Peter: No, I haven't. Do I need to?
Jack: Not always, but it's best to install drivers for your keyboard and mouse, as well as your printer.

Peter: Will the computer boot up without those?
Jack: Of course. Boot up the computer and then we can update the drives.

Peter: OK. What's that thing (points to a computer component)
Jack: Oh, that's a memory reader. You can insert things like SD cards from your camera and mp3 players into it.

Peter: That's handy.
Jack: You've bought a nice system. How big is the hard drive?

Peter: I think it's 750 gigabyte.
Jack: Good... The computer's booted up. Let's install those drivers.

Peter: Before we do that, can I get online?
Jack: Do you have a modem?

Peter: Yes, I do. I think I have a cable modem.
Jack: hmmm... yes you do. Is the Ethernet cable plugged in?

Peter: What's that?
Jack: It's the cable that connects your modem to your computer.

Peter: Let's surf the internet!
Jack: Just a moment... first we need to launch the browser.

Peter: The browser?
Jack: It's the program that allows you to surf the internet.

Peter: oh ... I've got a lot to learn.
Jack: Yes, you do. I can see I'm going to be here all day ...

Lesson 2

Conditional Forms

By Kenneth Beare, About.com

Conditional Forms

By Kenneth Beare, About.com

Conditional 0

Situations that are always true if something happens.

NOTE

This use is similiar to, and can usually be replaced by, a time clause using 'when' (example: When I am late, my father takes me to school.)

If I am late, my father takes me to school.
She doesn't worry if Jack stays out after school.

Conditional 0 is formed by the use of the present simple in the if clause followed by a comma the present simple in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

If he comes to town, we have dinner.
OR
We have dinner if he comes to town.

Conditional 1

Often called the "real" conditional because it is used for real - or possible - situations. These situations take place if a certain condition is met.

NOTE

In the conditional 1 we often use unless which means 'if ... not'. In other words, '...unless he hurries up.' could also be written, '...if he doesn't hurry up.'.

If it rains, we will stay at home.
He will arrive late unless he hurries up.
Peter will buy a new car, if he gets his raise.

Conditional 1 is formed by the use of the present simple in the if clause followed by a comma will verb (base form) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

If he finishes on time, we will go to the movies.
OR
We will go to the movies if he finishes on time.

Conditional 2

Often called the "unreal" conditional because it is used for unreal - impossible or improbable - situations. This conditional provides an imaginary result for a given situation.

NOTE

The verb 'to be', when used in the 2nd conditional, is always conjugated as 'were'.

If he studied more, he would pass the exam.
I would lower taxes if I were the President.
They would buy a new house if they had more money.

Conditional 2 is formed by the use of the past simple in the if clause followed by a comma would verb (base form) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

If they had more money, they would buy a new house.
OR
They would buy a new house if they had more money.

Conditional 3

Often referred to as the "past" conditional because it concerns only past situations with hypothetical results. Used to express a hypothetical result to a past given situation.

If he had known that, he would have decided differently.
Jane would have found a new job if she had stayed in Boston.

Conditional 3 is formed by the use of the past perfect in the if clause followed by a comma would have past participle in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

If Alice had won the competition, life would have changed OR Life would have changed if Alice had won the competition.