5. Complete and extend the following definitions.

1. Descriptive geometry is _____________________________ which allows ___________________________________, by using _________________________________.

2. VRML is _________________________for representing _______________________________, designed ______________________________________.

3. Computational science (or scientific computing) is _____________________ concerned with ____________________________________ and using computers ____________________________.

4. A complex system is _____________ composed of _______________ that as a whole exhibit ____________________________________________________.

5. Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is _________________ to control _______________________________________________________.

6. CAD is ___________________________ to design ________________________, such as ___________________________________.

7. AL is _________________________ through the use of _________________________________.

4. Discussion

! Many essay titles require the writer to examine both sides of a case and to conclude by coming down in favour of one side. These may be called discussion, for and against or argument essays. For example: Computer simulation– pos & cons? – Discuss.

Discussion vocabulary:

+	--
benefit	drawback
advantage	disadvantage
a positive aspect	a negative feature
pro (informal)	con (informal)
plus (informal)	minus (informal)
one minor benefit of computer simulation … is	a serious drawback to computer simulation is...

6. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of simulation Simulation Pros and Cons

! Presenting your case it is better to use impersonal phrases rather than I think:

It is widely believed that …

Most people consider that …

It is generally agreed that …

It is probable/possible that …

This evidence suggests that …

! However, if you want to defend a minority point of view, you can use the following:

It can be argued that….

It has been suggested that ….

Some people believe that ….

It is important to show that you are aware of counter-arguments, which can be presented first.

7. Study the example and write similar sentences about simulation using ideas from (7).

Counter-argument	Your position
Although it has been suggested that any incorrect key stroke alters the results of the simulation and give you the wrong results,	it is generally agreed that simulation can give you results that are not experimentally measurable with our current level of technology.

! Before giving your own opinion, it is necessary to show that you have read the relevant sources and have studied the evidence. Opinions without evidence have little value. The following paragraph discusses a complete computer model of an organism to cure diseases.

Scientists claim to have developed the world's first complete computer model of an organism, which can use computer-aided design for better diagnosis and treatment of diseases. A team of Stanford researchers, including an Indian, used data from more than 900 scientific papers to account for every molecular interaction that takes place in the life cycle of Mycoplasma genitalium, the world's smallest free-living bacterium. The model represents a stepping-stone toward the use of computer-aided design in bioengineering and medicine, according to the Journal 'Cell'. James M Anderson, director National Institutes of Health Division of Program Coordination, Planning and Strategic Initiatives points out that ‘This achievement demonstrates a transforming approach to answering questions about fundamental biological processes’.

It seems that biology over the past two decades has been marked by the rise of high-throughout studies producing enormous troves of cellular information. A lack of experimental data is no longer the primary limiting factor for researchers. Instead, it's how to make sense of what they already know. Scientists feel that the model will help to demonstrate a number approaches, including detailed investigations of DNA-binding protein dynamics and the identification of new gene functions.

Press Trust of India / Washington July 22, 2012, 13:06

The paragraph has the following structure:

Scientists – paraphrase + quotation

the Journal 'Cell' – paraphrase

James M Anderson– paraphrase + quotation

Writer’s comment on scientists’ + opinion

8. . Write an essay (about 100 words) on a subject from your own discipline, making use of phrases from (7, 8) above.