UNIT-IV

Technology

Working with words

A. Choose the correct words from the box to complete the following sentences.

        Freight                  levitation         gridlock           pneumatic             predecessor

        envisioned            equivalent       subsonic          turbulence             deceleration

    a.   I think that covering up the facts is equivalent to lying really.

    b.   If there is not a substantial move to public transport, we will have gridlock and the whole regeneration will not work.

    c.   Each new leader would blame his predecessor for all the evils of the past.

    d.   We have, in fact, envisioned a better world and have made it happen.

    e.   The main linear actuators of the pneumatic systems are cylinders.

    f.    The barrel was short, and the bullet emerged at subsonic speed.

    g.   The city is said to receive two-fifths of the total freight delivered in the country.

    h.   It would still take four hours to get down, in a spiral of deceleration.

    i.    Apparently, the magician will be doing some levitation on the stage tomorrow.

    j.  We might be experiencing some turbulence on this flight due to an approaching electrical storm.

B. Add three more words that are formed with the following prefixes.

    a.     hyper-:  Hyperloop, hypertension, hyperlink, hypersensitive

    b.     ultra-:    ultrahigh, ultraviolet, ultrasound, ultralow, ultralight

    c.     up-:       uphill, upgrade, upload, update, upbring

    d.     over-:    overcoming, overrate, overacting, overload, overwork

    e.     multi-:  multibillion, multinational, multipurpose, multicompany

Comprehension

Answer the following questions.

    a.     What is a hyperloop? How does it work?

• A hyperloop is an ultra-high-speed ground transportation system for passengers and cargo. It can travel as fast as 760 mph, carrying freight and passengers in a ‘floating’ pod that shoots through giant, low-pressure tubes, either above or below ground. It is a newer form of transport, currently being explored and developed by a number of companies.

    b.     How is hyperloop more beneficial than traditional trains?

• Hyperloop is more beneficial than traditional trains in a couple of ways. Firstly, the pods carrying passengers travel through tubes or tunnels from which most of the air has been removed to reduce friction, allowing the pods to travel at up to 760 miles per hour. As a result, it may be more affordable, quicker, and less polluting than traveling by train, automobile, or plane. Second, compared to conventional high-speed rail, it can be built more quickly and for less money. Therefore, a hyperloop might be utilized to relieve traffic congestion on congested roadways, facilitating travel between cities and possibly generating significant economic gains as a result.

    c.     Does hyperloop have a successful history? How?

• No, hyperloop does not have a successful history. The original concept of hyperloop was limited to using a wagon and pneumatic tubes to send mail and packages between buildings.

    d.  Write about the contributions of Robert Goddard and Elon Musk to the development of hyperloop.

• Robert Goddard developed the concept of ‘vac-train’ early in the twentieth century, which was followed by the concept of "hyperloop." Many similar ideas have been proposed, however, without much success. Elon Musk, a businessman, was the one who truly reignited interest in the idea with his "Hyperloop Alpha" paper, published in August 2013, which described how a contemporary system would operate and how much it would cost.

    e.     What relation does speed have with air resistance? Explain.

• Pumps remove the most, but not all, of the air from the tubes to reduce friction. Hyperloop encloses the capsules in a reduced-pressure tube to achieve the same effect at ground level, thereby allowing the trains to move at aircraft speeds while staying on the ground.

    f.     What are hyperloop capsules compared with? How are they similar?

• Hyperloop capsules are compared with the hockey puck. Similar to how the puck floats just over the table in an air hockey game, the hyperloop's capsules, pods, or containers also float above the surface of the tube on a pair of 28 air-bearing skis.

    g.  How do the passengers feel while travelling via hyperloop? What will be done to make it                        luxurious?

• The passengers feel about the same as riding in an elevator or plane. As travelling in a concrete pipe in a windowless pod does not allow passengers to look at much, a beautiful landscape will be displayed in the cabin, and they can have access to their own personal entertainment system. However, critics of hyperloop have warned that travelling in the tube might be an uncomfortable experience due to nausea-inducing acceleration and lateral G-force on bends in the route.

    h.     Why does the writer doubt the success of hyperloop? What does success depend on?

• The writer has doubts about the success of hyperloop because it requires a huge amount of money to be invested. Destinations, local economies, and geography all play a role in success. 

Critical Thinking

1. Is the hyperloop the future of transportation or just a dream? What do you think? Justify your opinion with suitable reasons.

Hyperloop, one of many attempts, is a dream that can revolutionize the field of transportation. People disagree on whether this is the future of transportation or just a pipe dream. In my opinion, hyperloop is just a dream because of some reasons discussed below.

Hyperloop is not an ordinary transportation system; rather, it is a new form of an ultra-high-speed ground transportation system for passengers and cargo. It is expected to see freight and passengers traveling at speeds as high as 760 mph (1,220 km/h) in a ‘floating’ pod that shoots through giant, low-pressure tubes, either above or below ground. It is a newer form of transport that is currently being explored and developed by a number of companies. Even though the basic concept has been around for many years, hyperloop technology is still in development. The first Hyperloop was expected to be operational by 2020, but most services are already delayed as trials of the technology continue.

However, many doubt that this most anticipated dream project is likely to succeed because, firstly, it requires a huge amount of money, i.e., multibillion dollars. Secondly, the concept of hyperloop has been around for a long time, but until now the technology has been lacking. The success of hyperloop also varies depending on the destinations, local economics, and geography, preventing its success. For instance, trying to build a new line overland across England can prove an expensive and complicated business which can take many years.

2. The number of private vehicles is increasing day by day in Nepal beyond the capacity of our infrastructure. What do you think should be done to curb the ever-growing number of private vehicles? Discuss.

With the development of infrastructure, the use of vehicles is increasing every day in Nepal. However, the number of private vehicles in comparison to public ones is growing more rapidly than the capacity of the available infrastructure.

In the context of Nepal, a variety of factors are to blame for the rise in private automobiles. The biggest reason people enjoy owning their vehicles is that it makes them feel respected and proud of themselves. They feel proud of themselves, for instance, when they own their own cars because people respect them for it. The convenience that comes with owning a private car is another factor. They benefit directly from it since it makes it simpler for them to travel, go to work, attend school, etc. They can easily go where they are going with no problems. Additionally, the policies of banks have made it simple for customers to purchase private vehicles, leading to an increase in private vehicles. More importantly, despite having to make a considerable money in them, individuals are obliged to purchase private vehicles due to the ineffective current public transportation system. The growing number of private vehicles has caused a great deal environmental pollution. It has also forced us to spend a huge amount of money in importing petroleum. It has especially caused traffic jams and road accidents because roads have not been built to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles.

The government of Nepal and concerned authorities like the road division should initiate some initiatives in order to control the rapidly growing number of private vehicles. The current public transportation system should be improved to make it more accessible and reliable. The means of public transportation should be neat and clean. The public should be encouraged to use public means of transportation, such as buses, trains, etc., with affordable fares and maximum facilities. More significantly, the existing roads should be expanded and improved so as to reduce traffic and road accidents. Moreover, importing private vehicles should be discouraged.

Writing

A. Read the press release issued by Bahamasair about their irregular operations. 

B.    Suppose you are the General Manager of Nepal Airlines. Issue a press release on behalf of the airlines about the cancellation of flights to the mountain regions due to the poor weather condition.

                               Contact: Nepal Airlines Corporation

                                                                                            Tel: 01-4225308

                                                                                            Email: info@nac.com.np

                                                                                            

PRESS RELEASE

Cancellation of Regular Flights to Mountain Region 

Kathmandu, 15 December 2022- Nepal Airlines Corporation has canceled all of the scheduled flights in the nation's hilly regions due to the heavy fog and mist in those areas.

Due to limited visibility of 2000 meters in the airport caused on by excessive fog, all flights today to Pokhara, Lukla, Ramechhap, Jomsom, Dolpa, Bajura, Simikot, Jumla, Langtan, Manang, Dolpa, Rolpa, Shyangboche, Tumlingtar, Baglung, Baitadi, Darchula, Dhorpatan, and Jiri airports have been canceled. According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, the thick fog will cover the mountainous regions throughout the day.

We are compelled to cancel flights to areas with poor visibility throughout the winter because of the adverse weather. All the passengers will be informed after the company provides its regular services to its valuable customers and as soon as the weather condition in those areas improves.

The flight cancellation is unavoidable. We are making a lot of effort to improve service and take the security of our customers very seriously.

Karishma Shrestha

Managing Director

Nepal Airlines Corporation

Grammar

Subject-Verb Agreement

Subjects and verbs must AGREE with one another in number (singular or plural). Thus, if a subject is singular, its verb must also be singular; if a subject is plural, its verb must also be plural.

In present tenses, nouns and verbs form plurals in opposite ways: 

nouns: ADD an s/es to the singular form,

                      BUT

verbs REMOVE an s/es from the singular form.

Example: 

 

Rules

1. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular too.

Example: She writes every day.

2. If the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural.

Example: They write every day.

Sometimes, however, it seems a bit more complicated than this.

3. When the subject of the sentence is composed of two or more nouns or pronouns connected by and, use a plural verb.

Example:

The doctoral student and the committee members write every day.

The percentage of employees who called in sick and the number of employees who left their jobs within years are reflective of the level of job satisfaction.

4. When there is one subject and more than one verb, the verbs throughout the sentence must agree with the subject.

Example:

Interviews are one way to collect data and allow researchers to gain an in-depth understanding of participants.

An assumption is something that is generally accepted as true and is an important consideration when conducting a doctoral study.

5. When a phrase comes between the subject and the verb, remember that the verb still agrees with the subject, not the noun or pronoun in the phrase following the subject of the sentence.

Example:

The student, as well as the committee members, is excited.

The student with all the master’s degrees is very motivated.

Strategies that the teacher uses to encourage classroom participation include using small groups and clarifying expectations.

The focus of the interviews was nine purposively selected participants.

6. When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are connected by "or" or "nor," use a singular verb.

Example:

The chairperson or the CEO approves the proposal before proceeding.

7. When a compound subject contains both a singular and a plural noun or pronoun joined by "or" or "nor," the verb should agree with the part of the subject that is closest to the verb. This is also called the rule of proximity.

Example:

The student or the committee members write every day.

The committee members or the student writes every day.

8. The words and phrases "each," "each one," "either," "neither," "everyone," "everybody," "anyone," "anybody," "nobody," "somebody," "someone," and "no one" are singular and require a singular verb.

Example:

Each of the participants was willing to be recorded.

Neither alternative hypothesis was accepted.

I will offer a $5 gift card to everybody who participates in the study.

No one was available to meet with me at the preferred times.

9. Uncountable nouns take a singular verb.

Example:

Education is the key to success.

Diabetes affects many people around the world.

The information obtained from the business owners was relevant to include in the study.

The research I found on the topic was limited.

10. Some countable nouns in English such as earnings, goods, odds, surroundings, proceeds, contents, and valuables only have a plural form and take a plural verb.

Example:

The earnings for this quarter exceed expectations.

The proceeds from the sale go to support the homeless population in the city.

Locally produced goods have the advantage of shorter supply chains.

11. In sentences beginning with "there is" or "there are," the subject follows the verb. Since "there" is not the subject, the verb agrees with what follows the verb.

Example:

There is little administrative support.

There are many factors affecting teacher retention.

12. Collective nouns are words that imply more than one person but are considered singular and take a singular verb. Some examples are "group," "team," "committee," "family," and "class."

Example:

The group meets every week.

The committee agrees on the quality of the writing.

However, the plural verb is used if the focus is on the individuals in the group. This is much less common.

Example: The committee participate in various volunteer activities in their private lives.

13.  With compound subjects joined by neither…nor/either…or, the verb agrees with the subject nearer to it.

Example:

Neither the director nor the actors have arrived the location.

Neither the actors nor the director has arrived the location.

Either you or she is guilty for the loss.

14.  Subjects starting with V-ing/Gerund or to +v1 always takes singular verb.

Example:

Smoking is injurious to health.

To pass the MBBS entrance exam is too difficult.

15.  Sentences beginning with ‘Every…and…/No…and…’, use singular verb.

Example:

Every man and woman has the right to a good medical care.

No boy and girl was dancing in the part.

16.   Use singular verb if sentences begin with:

Ø  One of…

Ø  Either of…

Ø  Neither of…

Ø  Each of…, etc.

Example:

One of the boys is excellent at math.

Either of you has broken the chair.

Neither of them works hard.

17. Use singular verb if the subjects denote to amount, distance, measurement like rupees, miles, minutes, yards, kilometres, dollars, etc.

Example:

Two thousand rupees is not a big amount.

Three hours is not enough to complete the task.

Two hundred metres is a long distance.

Example:

Two thousand rupees is not a big amount.

Three hours is not enough to complete the task.

Two hundred metres is a long distance.

Use singular verb if the subjects denote to amount, distance, measurement like rupees, miles, minutes, yards, kilometres, dollars, etc.

Example:

Two thousand rupees is not a big amount.

Three hours is not enough to complete the task.

Two hundred metres is a long distance.

18. Use singular verb if two nouns are joined by and, giving one meaning.

           Example:

Slow and steady wins the race.

Time and tide waits for no man.

Truth and honesty is a good virtue.

Horse and carriage is…

Fish and chips is…

Bread and butter is…

19. Use singular verb with arithmetic sums like:

             Example:

Two plus two makes four.

Eight minus two is six.

20. If sentences begin with any one of the following, verb is singular:

A bouquet of…

A crowd of…

A herd of…

A team of…

A series of…

A galaxy of…

Example:

A team of players was welcomed at the airport.

A series of books has been published on ‘Bird’.

A herd of cattle is grazing on the grass.

21. Use singular verb with the words ending with ‘s’ like news, physics, measles, politics, athletics, alms, civics, comics, economics, innings, mathematics, linguistics, wages, ethics, etc.

        Example: Politics is a dirty game.

22. Nationality words take plural verbs.

        Example: The Chinese are hard working. 

23. When adjectives are used as nouns, they take plural verbs.

        Example: The poor are helped. (But, ‘A poor man is helped.’ Here ‘poor’ is used as an                                             adjective)

24. The words like pants, shorts, trousers, scissors, tongs, forceps, spectacles, shoes, etc. take plural verbs.

      Example:

My pants are getting dirty.

These scissors are broken.

But,

A pair of shoes is torn.

Look at the following sentences:

Many a man has a duty.

Many men have duties.

No book is on the table.

No books are on the table.

There is a pen in the pocket.

There are some pens in the pocket.

The number of students is 300 in the school.

A number of students are attending the program.

All milk is spilt.

All books are torn.

The principal and the manager are present.

The principal and manager is present.

One of the students is missing.

The information that the students gave us is really important. 

B. Rewrite the following sentences with the correct form of the verbs in the brackets.

a)     The invitation is for one person. I don’t mind whether you or she comes to the party.

b)    Neither the MPs nor the Prime Minister has felt regret for the party split.

c)     I don’t care whether he or she wins the lottery.

d)    Either the Kantipur or the Republica is used for the advertisement.

e)     She speaks in a strange accent. Neither I nor my sister understands her.

f)     I forgot whether the singers or the actress was given the Film Fair Award last year.

g)    Neither the tracksuit nor the pajamas fit me perfectly.

h)    Neither the gas fire nor the electric heaters are suitable for room heating.

C.  This passage contains the agreement errors. Correct the subjects or verbs that don’t agree with each other. Remember to use present tense in your corrections.

Within the state of Arizona, Rob, along with his family, moves frequently, from city to city. After his arrival, one of his first tasks is to find an apartment close to work as he does not have a car. Usually, there are many different places to choose from, and he considers cost, location, and luxury. If one apartment has a washing machine and dryer and costs four hundred dollars a month, he prefers to rent it over another apartment which has significantly less rent located two blocks from a laundromat. Rob's family never wants to live in an apartment on the thirteenth floor since all of them fear heights. He also tries to choose an apartment with landlords recommended by former tenants. Everybody knows that it is important to find a responsible landlord. Rob and his wife love to cook together when both are free, so he needs a spacious, well-equipped kitchen. Rob often also looks for a place with an air conditioner because there are so many scorching days and nights in Arizona. Whenever Rob finds a new apartment, all of his concerns disappear. He feels relieved and calls his mother. Someone understands!