2) (Reading for an examination)

A. I say, Max, do you think the examination questions to be difficult?

B. Some of them seem to be difficult and some to be rather easy to answer.

A. Do you find it hard to tell me about the computer organization?

B. Oh, this is the easiest question for me to answer. Let me try. Any computer consists of 5 basic units: the input unit, memory unit, the arithmetic logic unit, the control unit, the output unit.

A. That’s right. And now would you explain the notion of programme, please.

B. With pleasure, sir. Programme is a set of instructions prepared by one or more persons for each job a computer is to do. Any more questions?

A. Yes, and this time the question seems to be more sophisticated. I mean the computer range. But don’t try to have a quick look at your note-book.

B. Well, stop moralizing. Don’t you know me to be the cleverest and the most hard-working person in our group?

A. And the most modest one!

B. So as far as the computer range is concerned, we know the computers to be the microcomputers and maxicomputers. And that’s all I can tell you, sir.

A. It’s not so bad. But we have so many questions to clear up before our exam. Let’s better go to the library reading-hall. There is a lot of special literature on the subject being of great help to us.

B. You are right, as usual. Don’ waste time. Time is money, they say.

A. You are always joking. But reading for an examination is no laughing matter.