Role play-buying a computer

Look at the language functions in the Help box and then correct one mistake in each of these sentences. Decide which functions are being expressed in each sentence.

Language functions in a computer shop

E. Listen again and complete the extract from the conversation.

MacBook

IMac

D. Listen again and complete the product descriptions.

B. You want to buy a computer. Think of three basic features that will make a big difference to your choice. In pairs, compare your choices.

A. Imagine you are in a computer shop. Choose five things that would improve your digital life. In pairs, compare your choices.

UNIT 4 BUYING A COMPUTER

B. In pairs, describe your ideal computer system. Give reasons for your choices.

A. Make notes about the features of the computer that you would most like to have. Think about the features in the box.

1 In a computer shop

C.Listen to two people making enquiries in a computer shop. Do they buy anything?

Processor speed 2.33GHz

RAM____

Hard drive capacity____

DVD drive included? Yes

Operating system ____

Includes internet software

Price ____

Processor speed ____

RAM ____

Hard drive capacity

Operating system ____

Includes internet software

Price £ 1,029

Assistant: Do you need any (1) ____ ?

Paul: Um, yes, we’re looking for a Mac computer. Have you got any fairly basic

ones?

Assistant: Yes, sure. If you’d like to come over here.

Paul: What different (2) ____ are there?

Assistant: At the moment we’ve got these two models: the iMac, which is a desktop

computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor (3) ____ at 2.33 gigahertz, and

the portable MacBook, which has a processor (4) ____ at 2.0 gigahertz. Core

Duo technology actually means two cores, or processors, built into a single

chip, offering up to twice the speed of a traditional chip.

Sue: So they’re both very (5) ____ , then. And which one has more memory? I

mean, which has more RAM?

Assistant: Well, the iMac has two gigabytes of RAM, which can be (6) ____ up to

three gigabytes, and the MacBook has one gigabyte, expandable to two

gigabytes. It all depends on your needs. The iMac is (7) ____ for home users

and small offices. The MacBook is more (8) ____ if you travel a lot.

1. The Ulysses SD is a power, expandable

2. computer that offers high-end graphics at a low price.

3. A laptop is likely to be more expensive than the equivalent desktop, but a laptop is less practical if you travel a lot.

4. Where’s the storage capacity of the hard drive?

5. I’m looking a desktop PC that has good graphics for games.

6. Do you need the help?

7. And how many does the PDA cost?

8. This workstation is a Pentium processor with dual-core technology, 1,024 gigabytes of RAM, and 1 terabyte of disk space.