Introduction

This unit deals with the modernisation of printing processes. Traditional processes were largely manual. The pages of a newspaper were cast (formed) in metal. Modern methods do not use metal. They use computers, photographic processes and plastic plates (newspapers are printed by pressing plates against paper).

1 Listening

You are going to hear the editor of a newspaper briefly reviewing the development in printing processes. As you listen, complete the flow charts below:

2 Presentation

During his talk, the editor used both ACTIVE and PASSIVE forms in PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE:

ACTIVE PASSIVE

PAST The journalist typed The story was cast (singular)

The pages were made (plural)

PRESENT The journalist types The type is set

The compositors type Stories are retyped

FUTURE The journalist will type Plates will be made

3 Controlled Practice

Use the information in the flow charts to complete the sentences below:

A. Past

1. The journalist __________the story on_______________.________________

2. The story _____________________in metal by____.________________

3. The metal type________________________________________.

4. The pages_________________________________________________,____ by

5. The complete pages__________ _________in metal ready for_________

B. Present

1. The journalist______________________________________________________-

2. The compositor ___________________________________________the main

computer.

3. The computer ___________________________________________onto paper.

4. Individual articles _____________________on to the page.

5. The pages _____________________and plastic plate _____________________for the press.

C. Future

1. The journalist_______________________________________________________

2. The story______________________________________________________.

3. The computer___________________________________________________

4. The pages ________________________________and _________________on

__________by__________________________________

5. The computer_____________________ the pages and plastic plates______ __

________________________________for_____________.

4 Transfer

GROUP WORK

Present the changes in technology for the following:

1. Telecommunications (telegraph - telephone — videophone)

2. Car manufacture (manual assembly ~ mass assembly lines — robotic and computerized)

3. Energy (wood — coal — oil/gas - nuclear — alternative energy)

And any others you would like to present.

5 Word Check

PROCESS VERBS

to type - to use a typewriter

ro make up (a page) — to put the stories/articles in the right order/position

to set (type) — to cast letters into metal or directly onto paper photographically

to paste — to glue/stick the stories/articles onto the page

to design — see to make up'

WORKERS

a journalist — person who writes the stories/articles

a compositor — a technician who casts the letters in metal or sets type photographically

on paper a printer — a technician who works on the printing press

EQUIPMENT

a manual typewriter — works by hand, no electricity

an electronic typewriter — is driven by electricity and controlled by a microchip

a VDU/Computer terminal — Visual Display Unit, consisting of a screen and a keyboarc

printing press — equipment for printing a newspaper, magazine, etc.

unit 10 Data Communications

(tenses - present)