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1c Match the GPS applications (1 -6) to the descriptions (a-f).

1 topographical surveying a navigation and safety at sea
2 geological exploration b setting out positions and levels of new structures
3 civil engineering c mapping surface features
4 avionics equipment d applications in mining and the oil industry
5 maritime applications e highway navigation and vehicle tracking
air traffic control, navigation and autopilot
6 GPS in cars and trucks f
systems

2a In pairs, practise explaining the applications of GPS to a colleague who has limited
knowledge of the devices using the following phrases.
used for -ing; used to; useful for; another / a similar use.

3a Complete the following extracts from the conversation by underlining the
correct words.
1 ... there’s a setting on the GPS that allows/prevents it to detect the movement...
2 ...an alarm sounds to warn you, and allows/prevents the boat from drifting unnoticed.
3 ... and enables/ensures that you don’t lose track of where you were, which then
enables/ensures you to turn round and come back to the same point...

3b Match the words in Exercise 3a to the synonyms.
1 = makes sure
2 / = permits
3 = stops

4a Complete the following extract from the user’s manual of a GPS device using the verbs
in Exercise 3b. Sometimes, more than one answer is possible.

The core function of your GPS receiver is to (1) you to locate your precise geographical
position. To (2) the device to function, it receives at least three signals simultaneously
from the GPS constellation - 30 dedicated satellites which (3) receivers can function
anywhere on earth. To (4) extremely precise positioning and (5)
errors from occurring due to external factors, this device is designed to receive four separate.

II Explaining how technology works

5 a Read the text. Space elevators: preparing for takeoff
IN his 1979 novel, The Fountains of Paradise, Arthur C Clarke wrote about an elevator
connecting the earth's surface to space. Three decades later, this science- fiction concept is
preparing to take off in the real world. NASA has launched the Space Elevator Challenge, a
competition with a generous prize fund, and several teams and companies are working on serious
research projects aimed at winning it.
As its name suggests, a space elevator is designed to raise things into space. Satellites,
components for space ships, supplies for astronauts in space stations, and even astronauts
themselves are examples of payloads that could be transported into orbit without the need for
explosive and environmentally unfriendly rockets. However, the altitude of orbital space - a
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