Meeting 8

Reading: Discussing dimensions and precision

a. ln pairs, discuss what is meant by precision and accuracy. b. Read the technical advice web page and answer the following questions. 1. How is a superflat floor different from an ordinary concrete floor? 2. What accuracy can be achieved with ordinary slabs, and with superflat slabs? 3. What problem is described in high bay warehouses?

Suggested Answers
a. The words mean how exacts something is, for example how closely the sizes of manufactured items match their designed size. b. The answers are: 1. Superflat floor has a much flatter surface. It's finished more precisely than an ordinary concrete floor. 2. Ordinary slabs can be flat to + /- 5mm. Superflats slabs can be flat to within I mm. 3. Slight ariationsin floor level can cause forklifts to tilt, causing the forks to hit racks or drop items.

Vocabulary
1. which words in the box refer to people and which refer to places?
Professor scientists university technician laboratory workshop 2. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Complete the sentences with the words above. He studied science at the _______ of Heidelberg. We have modern scientific equipment in the new _____ The _______ began their experiments two years ago. The lights were manufactured in a large ______ in Taiwan. A _______ is a skilled scientific or industrial worker. Dr Charles Milton is a _______ of Engineering at Oxford.

Writing
Case study: Merrin Island, Wales Merrin Island makes all of its money from tourism. We had problems with our gas / electricity supply for ten years. In 2005/2007, we decided to have wind turbines on the island. The wind turbines were clean but they weren't noisy / quiet. The cost of our electricity fell by 20 per cent. Most of the people on the island didn't like / liked the wind turbines. The tourists didn't like the machines. Tourism fell by IS / 25 per cent. So the solution wasn't a complete success, but it wasn't a failure. Our electricity is "more/less expensive, but the tourists don't like the wind turbines and that's a problem for the island.
Write a short report to Rathansay Community Projects about which choice is best for the island. Include the information about Merrin Island that helped you decide. The best plan for Rathansay is to have / not to have wind turbine machines. On Merrin Island in Wales ... Useful phrases I think the island should ... It's a good idea because ... It's not a good idea because ...