Exercises to develop speaking skills

18. Compare different kinds of networks. Use the following phrases.

Contrast (сопоставление)	Comparison (сравнение)
· However · Although/even though · Though · But · Despite/in spite of (несмотря на) · While · Whereas · On the one hand... · On the other hand…	· Similarly · Likewise · UnlikeY, … (В отличие от....,..) · On the contrary · Vice versa · X is better than Y · The best device is X · Also · Just as · Just like · Similar to · Same as · Not only... but also....

19. Learn the following dialogue between a global network provider and an employee.

- Hi how can I help you?

- You know my boss gave me a new task to set up a network. So I would like to know how I can do this. Can you explain it to me please?

- Sure. First you need to know that it requires a lot of efforts. Are you prepared for this?

- Of course. My job is important to me. So I will give it a try then.

- OK. The next thing to know is what global network is.

- What is it?

- It includes IP networks and the GSM network, mobile communication networks.

- As I understand, this knowledge helps me decide what equipment I need to set up a network. Am I right?

- Exactly! You need to purchase switching and routing devices.

- Are they costly?

- They might be. Check it up in various stores and compare prices.

- I can do this.

- Then make an agreement with the telecommunications company.

- Will the telecoms provider be able to recommend switching and cabling devices to me?

- It seems to me it may. But I would advise you to check them up yourself so as to get prepared for the meeting with this company more efficiently.

- Thanks a lot.

20. Learn the following dialogue between a trainee and employer.

- Hi, how can I help you?

- I have just been accepted to the company as a trainee. But I have some questions to ask about networks.

- Fire away!

- Can you explain what the difference between wireless and cellular networks is?

- Sure. A wireless network uses wireless data connections for connecting network nodes whereas a cellular network uses radio frequencies from neighboring cells.

- Oh I see. How is a wireless network managed?

- Radio communication helps it to be implemented and administered.

- I see. Can you give examples of a wireless network please?

- Of course. It includes cell phone networks, Wife local networks or terrestrial microwave networks.

- What about a mobile network? I did not quite understand what it is.

- Well, There are several interconnected cells that provide radio coverage over a wide geographic area. Base stations serve each cell. These base stations and cells help mobile phones transmit data and telephone conversations between each other and to fixed transceivers and telephones anywhere in the network.

- So if I am moving between cells when talking to a friend in Germany, a certain base station in a certain cell picks up a signal and makes our call possible. Right?

- Exactly!

- Thanks a lot for your help.

- You are welcome!

21. Learn the following dialogue between a customer and a sales assistant.

- Hi, can I help you?

- Sure, I would like to purchase a cell phone but I have no idea what certain characteristics (features) mean. Can you explain some to me please?

- Fire away!

- What is the GSM network exactly?

- It is the most common standard that is used for cell phones.

- I see. What does it stand for?

- It stands for Global System for Mobile Communications.

- I see. What does it include?

- Well, it consists of the switching system, the base station system and the operation and support system.

- How is a call made via this network?

- Well, the base station picks up a signal from your cell phone and then sends it to the operation and support station which in turn sends it to the switching station. The switching station then transmits your call to its destination.

- So the switching station is like a connecting unit between my cell phone and the base station then?

- Sure.

- I see. Thanks a lot.

- You are welcome!

22. Work in pairs.

Student A. Explain to your partner how telecommunication between terminals operates with the help of the text provided.

Student B. Listen to Student A and then explain how the switched telephone network (PSTN) operates with the help of the text provided.

23. Work in pairs.

Group/Pair A: list all the advantages of networks.

Group/Pair B: list all the disadvantages of networks.

Then consider how the disadvantages can be minimized.