5 Inside the Computer

W hat's in Your Computer? Get ready!

Q Before you read the passage, talk about
Have you ever wondered what’s under your computer these questions.
case? Don’t take it apart — just read on to find out.
1 What are some parts inside a computer?
The hard drive is the main part that stores data. A disk
2 What is the purpose of a motherboard?
drive is for reading and copying data. The first drives
used floppy disks, but today we use CD drives.
Reading
One of the most important parts is the motherboard.
It contains the central processor and electrical @ Read the magazine article. Then, choose
connections. These receive energy from the power the correct answers.
supply and distribute it. The board also includes other
What is the purpose of the article?
components like ports.
A to explain how to fix a computer
Motherboards generate a
B to describe computer components
lot of heat. To prevent
C to show how devices communicate
heat damage, heat o
sinks and fans D to teach how to construct a computer
are installed.
Which part generates the most heat?
A the hard drive
Li:
B the disk drive
C the motherboard o
D the ports

How are motherboards protected?

A by heat sinks and fans
B by installing power supplies
C by switching to CD drives
D by adding second processors

Vocabulary
@ Match the words or phrases (1-6) with the
definitions (A-F).

fan 4 power supply

disk drive 5 motherboard
heat sink 6 processor

A a part that reduces heat

B a mechanical part used to move air
a part that interprets and runs programs
D the means of providing energy
the central circuit board
a part that allows data to be read and copied
 0 Read the sentence pairs. Choose which Speaking
word or phrase best fits each blank.
© With a partner, act out the roles below
1 hard drive / CD drive based on Task 7. Then, switch roles.
A A _____________ is used for reading and
USE LANGUAGE SUCH AS:
copying data.
I have a problem ...
B A computer with a larger_____________
will have extra storage. Maybe it’s ...
I’ll have t o ...
2 port / case
A A motherboard has at least one USB

B The components of a computer are

contained in a _____________ .

Listen and read the magazine article

again. What are some components of a
motherboard?

Listening
Listen to a conversation between a Writing
computer store employee and a customer.
@ Use the magazine article and the conversation
Mark the following statements as true (T) or
from Task 8 to complete the customer survey.
false (F).

* _ The fan will not turn on.

2 _ The woman suspects the power supply is
broken.
2 _ The woman must open the case.
Computer Express
Customer Survey
Q >« Listen again and complete the
conversation. Please describe your computer problem.
th the
Enptoyee: Good afternoon. How 1 I bought a wew______ _. Whew I got
help you?
iy it home, th e __________ w ouldn't opem
Customer Hello. I have a problem with my
d
computer. The fan is 2 Was the employee helpful? If so, please explain.

Enokyyee: I see. Is it new? Yes, the employee was. v er y __________.

Customer No. I’ve had it 3 avear. Sh e told me what the problem could be. She

s Maybe the heat sink is broken. weeded to operv th e __________, so I left

4 make the fan work
too hard. the computer with her.
5 . Can vou replace it?
copied Was your problem resolved?
=—o*oyee: have to open the case 6
. Can you leave it overnight? Yes. WheiA, i picked up the computer, the
Sjscom er Sjre. I'll be back tomorrow afternoon. d is k __________ was fixed.
Thanks.

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