2. Speaking: Work in pairs and discussion these questions.
STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS
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What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘software’?
How often do you buy new software?
How much do you know about computer software?
What is your favourite piece of software?
Do you ever have software problems?
Do you keep up to date with the latest software?
Are you surprised that a lot of software is free?
Have you ever bought pirated software? Would you?
Bill Gates said: "A solid working knowledge of productivity
software and other IT tools has become a basic foundation for
success in virtually any career." Do you agree with him?
What do you think of speech recognition software?
STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS
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Do you think software is a good name?
Have you ever downloaded software illegally from the Internet?
Do you think software is good value for money?
What more would you like your software to do?
What do you think of people who design software?
Would you like to design your own software?
What is the greatest piece of software ever created?
Do you think it’d be cool to work for a software company?
Why do you think Microsoft has stuck to software and never went
into producing computers, like Apple?
What questions would you like to ask Bill Gates or Steve Jobs
about software?
3. Delete the wrong word in each of the pairs in italics.
William Henry Gates III was born on October 28, 1955. He is one of the world's richest people and perhaps the most / best
successful businessman ever. He co-founded the software giant / gigantic Microsoft and turned it into the world’s largest
software company. He is the best-known entrepreneur of / for the PC revolution. He has also written two best-selling books
and started his owner / own charity with his wife.
Gates was fascinated with electronics from a young era / age. In 1975 he read about a small technology company. He
contracted / contacted them to see if they were interested in a computer programme he had written. This led to the
creation / creator of Microsoft. Gates later struck a dealt / deal with IBM that put Microsoft's Windows on IBM computers.
This deal made Microsoft a major player in the IT industry.
Gates was in change / charge at Microsoft from 1975 until 2006. He was an active software developer at / on the beginning. He had a vision that computers could
change everyone’s life. He helped make this vision come / go true and developed many products that are now part of modern life. His management style / stylish has
been studied and copied around the world.
Gates stepped down / under as Microsoft CEO in June 2008. He now spends / spent his time with his wife, Melinda, focusing on their charitable foundation. They
provide finds / funds for global problems that are ignored by governments and other organizations. ‘Time’ magazine voted Gates as one of the biggest influences of
the 20th
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