# Group 410/408 ## Lorries lead cars in the technology race Silicon Valley is just waking up to technology opportunities in buses and lorries, which are ahead of passenger cars in self-driving systems. Martin Lundstedt of Volvo, the Swedish bus and lorry maker, said software companies were taking an interest in both long-haul freight and public transport, as technology developed in these areas will be used in passenger cars. 'Four years ago, nobody was talking about transportation, logistics systems and new technologies,' said Mr Lundstedt at the IAA commercial vehicles show in Hanover. 'But now the focus is on logistics and efficiency.' Volvo says self-driving technology in buses and lorries is easier compared to cars partly because these commercial vehicles can be tested in closed areas far away from humans. Mr Lundstedt said the technology that has been used in lorries to improve predictive cruise control systems will be deployed in other areas, including self-driving cars. German car parts maker ZF said lorries were likely to see big advances in self-driving technology because investments can significantly reduce truck operators' costs. ZF has already designed a self-driving lorry where the driver can step down and rest while the truck is unloaded, and then loaded again. With self-driving technology, drivers can be given new tasks to plan routes or process shipping documents. 'Truckers of the future will be more like logistics managers,' said Markus Hein at Bosch, the world's largest automotive supplier by revenue. At the IAA show, Daimler, the world's biggest manufacturer of commercial vehicles, was showing a battery-powered delivery van that was made by its Mercedes-Benz subsidiary that has neither pedals nor steering wheel, and relies on a joystick controller. It is equipped with drones to be used for the last mile of deliveries. 'In the next 10 years there will be more changes to our trucks than in the last 120 years,' said Wolfgang Bernhard, head of Daimler's buses and lorries unit. ## The IT Crowd 1. How does Jen's initial misunderstanding of her role in the IT department highlight common misconceptions about the field? What does this say about the way IT professionals are often perceived? 2. What do you think of the dynamic between Roy, Moss, and Jen? How do their different personalities and approaches to technology create humor and conflict in the show? 3. The episode humorously explores the concept of "turning it off and on again." In what ways does this simple solution reflect real-world experiences with technology troubleshooting? ## Passive We make past, present and future passive forms using the appropriate form of the auxiliary verb be + past participle of the main verb. We use the passive form when we don't know who or what is responsible for an action (the agent), or the agent isn't important, or when we simply want to emphasise the importance of an action rather than the person/thing responsible for doing it. We often use the passive instead of the active form to describe systems and processes and in formal writing (technical manuals, reports, scientific writing, etc.). When we include the agent we use the preposition by. For example: Agent not known First the goods are packed and then the lorry is loaded. The goods were badly damaged in transit. The shipment will be delivered on Friday. Agent known The paperwork is done by our shipping agent. The invoice was paid by the client last month. The parcel will be sent by courier. Be careful with word order in questions. Was the bill paid last week? (no question word(s)) What time will the shipment be delivered? (what time = question words) How many people were involved in the process? (how many = question words) If you want to be more direct, or simply use fewer words, it's best to use the active form. Who packed this? (rather than Who was this packed by?) ### Present Perfect Simple passive We form the passive of the Present Perfect Simple using the auxiliary verb have + been + past participle of the main verb. This robot has been designed to deliver packages. It hasn't been done properly. Have these invoices been paid? Remember, we often use the adverbs already, just and yet with the Present Perfect Simple. We use already to confirm that something has been done (often earlier than expected), and we use just to show that something has been done recently. We usually use yet in negatives and questions. Be careful with the word order with all three adverbs. These goods have already been sent. Your order has just been sent by courier. I'm afraid the order hasn't been fulfilled yet. Have the goods been delivered yet? ### Passive form of modal verbs We form the passive with modal verbs using have to / can / could, etc. + be + past participle of the main verb. Remember, we use have to, should and must to talk about obligations and can, could and might to talk about possibilities. The orders are processed and then they have to be packed. Packages must be left in collection lockers. Parcels can be delivered by robot or drone. Goods could be damaged in transit if they are not well packed. ## 6 Minute English https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-170105 ## Mind Your Language https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075537/ https://youtu.be/JtKqaQZ2gaQ?si=4xhs0yj3zmtTmWPb ## Homework, 11 Dec Continue the dialogue until you reach an agreement 1 M: We're very busy. We need to cancel all staff holidays in August. E: I don't agree at all. M: We're very busy. We need to cancel all staff holidays in August. E: I'm not sure that's the best solution. 2 M: I think we should outsource the IT department. E: I'm afraid I disagree. M: I think we should outsource the IT department. E: I know the IT staff are expensive, but they are also very good at their jobs. 3 M: Karine is the best person to negotiate with these clients. E: That's nonsense! M: Karine is the best person to negotiate with these clients. E: That might not work. ## Linking We can use a range of linking words to introduce differences, but the language structures following them vary. For example: But connects two statements or phrases when the second one adds something different or seems surprising after the first one. Though is like but and adds a fact or opinion that makes what you have just said seem less definite or less important. We visited the offices but/though the manager wasn't there. Although contrasts one clause with another in the same sentence. Although we visited the offices, the manager wasn't there. Even though is used to introduce a statement that makes the main statement coming after it seem surprising. Even though we visited the offices, the manager wasn't there. Nevertheless and However are often used to begin a sentence. They can also be used in the middle of a sentence to join two different ideas. However/Nevertheless, he said he would meet us the following day. Despite and In spite of are used to say that something happens or is true even though something else might have prevented it. Note: You cannot use of with despite. Despite sending the order in early, delivery was still late. Despite the fact that we sent the order in early, delivery was still late. In spite of means the same as despite but is used differently unless you add the fact that. It is usually followed by a noun phrase. In spite of all the problems, we still managed to complete the project. In spite of the fact that we sent the order in early, delivery was still late. Whereas makes comparisons and says that something is true of one person, thing or situation but is different for another. This supplier offers better quality whereas the other one offers better design. ## Letter of complaint Dear Sirs, Re: Order #4587 for 30 dishwashers We ordered 30 dishwashers for our hotel group last week on the understanding that they would be delivered yesterday. Although you indicated that this might be difficult, you assured us that you could manage it. However, only 10 machines arrived and, of those, two were damaged and one did not work at all. Your driver was most unhelpful and told us to call you immediately, which we did. We tried to contact you several times but your customer service department did not answer our calls. Despite sending you several emails asking you to contact us, so far we have had no response from you. We are very surprised by this as we have been customers of your company for many years. However, if you do not respond to this letter immediately, we shall be forced to withhold payment, find another supplier and request that you collect the ten machines already delivered. We sincerely hope that this situation can be resolved to our mutual satisfaction. We look forward to receiving your prompt response. Jacob Besinger Purchasing Manager ## Business situations that might require a letter of complaint Problem: late payments Details: month overdue Demand: immediate payment/court Problem: damaged goods Details: scratched, broken, not working Demand: replacement, refund, different product Problem: wrong goods Details: order for correct goods, reference number, details of goods required and received Demand: collect and replace immediately, need discount/compensation Problem: invoice incorrect Details: wrong goods, agreed price incorrect, discount not applied Demand: won't pay until new invoice received/send correct one immediately Problem: inferior quality Details: cheap and easily breakable, materials used not as good as usual product, product fails to work Demand: if cannot supply quality products, we must find another supplier Problem: late deliveries Details: two deliveries arrived late over last month Demand: if deliveries cannot be guaranteed, will be forced to find another supplier ### Task Use a situation from the list and write a letter of complaint in around 180 words. ## Crowdfunding Ben Fischer's Theatre Company Following our sell-out world tour the actors and crew are now back in our Berlin studios preparing for next year's season. We plan to produce a contemporary version of the musical The Threepenny Opera, first performed in 1928. This is your chance to back our latest venture. We also welcome your feedback on the development of the play. Alison's Tees Exciting news! We wanted you, our backers, to be the first to know that we're expanding into a brand new range of bags for work and leisure. Our design team have come up with some beautiful concepts and you still get to choose your own style, colour and design. To find out more listen to founder Alison Chadwick on Doable. Holidapp By popular demand, we're adding high-quality videos to our travel guide app. Now you will be able to see our expert guides as they share their knowledge of their towns and cities with you. You also view the locations they take you to and have close-up images of major buildings and artwork if you want. Help Holidapp to become even better!