Text 4. How Did the Computer Mouse Come into Being?

The development of the computer mouse as an essential input device followed on the heels of numerous changes to the operating environment of personal computers. Initially, there was no need for a mouse, because there was nothing to point to on a computer screen. Early computers had primitive interfaces that used crude methods to receive data, like punch cards or teletype machines. Once graphical user interfaces were created, however, and pointing became an essential part of interacting with a computer, the mouse soon became the input device of choice in personal computing. The first mouse to have commercial success debuted with Apple’s Macintosh computer in 1984.

Speech Patterns

There is (was)	nothing	to rely on.	Нема на що покластися.
	nobody		Ні на кого покластися.

Choose one of the options.

1. A mouse is ___.

a) a computer virus b) a system software c) an input device

2. Early computers used ___ cards to receive data.

a) punched b) playing c) credit

3. The mouse appeared only after ___ was created.

a) a keyboard b) a graphical interface c) a mouse pad

Text 5. What Are the Negative Social Effects of Computer Addiction?

Like any other addict, computer addicts can suffer from a variety of harmful side effects from their obsessive behavior. The most common and evident negative side effect revolves around the addict’s social life. Most computer addicts will completely withdraw from their friends and family so they can have more time to spend on the computer, whether e-mailing, chatting, viewing pornography or playing games. Ultimately, the addicts will almost always completely withdraw from their real social world and delve deeper into their cyber world. Gamers, especially, can begin to consider things happening in their virtual gamer’s world as more important than anything in their real lives. Many times these addicts will end up having trouble navigating real social situations.

Speech Patterns

will + Verb	(іноді) для посилення
Most computer addicts will completely withdraw from their friends ...	Більшість комп’ютерозалежних часто повністю відсторонюються від своїх друзів ….
In difficult situations he will always support his friends.	В скрутних ситуаціях він завжди підтримує своїх друзів.

Choose one of the options.

1. A computer addict is a person who ___.

a) writes computer programmes b) spends most of his time at a computer

c) can add well

2. The most important things for computer gamers are those which happen ___.

a) in their virtual world b) at their home c) with their football-team mates

Text 6. What Is Lava?

Lava is the molten or melted rock that is forced from volcanoes and cracks within the Earth’s surface, as well as what is left behind once it cools and hardens. Cooled lava has formed many mountains and island chains, and much of it eventually becomes lush and productive soil. Lava is made up of mostly silicon dioxide, and geologists believe magma (the term used to describe the molten rock deep within the Earth) is created under extreme pressure and temperatures at great depths below the Earth’s crust. When a volcano erupts, molten rock is forced up through the Earth’s crust and expelled out as lava, which can reach temperatures as high as 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,200 degrees Celsius).

Speech Patterns

as well as …	а також
He studies physics as well as other natural sciences.	Він вивчає фізику, а також інші природничі науки.
as high as …	висотою аж до
This tree is as high as a five-storey building.	Це дерево висотою аж з п’ятиповерховий будинок.

Choose one of the options.

1. Cooled lava formed many ___.

a) cities b) islands c) continents

2. Molten rock deep below the Earth’s crust is called ___.

a) enigma b) sigma c) magma

3. Volcanic explosion is called ___.

a) corruption b) eruption c) extrusion