Tell what sentences are true and what are false. 1) When did the words “automation”, “automatic control” appear on the pages of the press or scientific publications?

1). Soon automatic assembly line was recognized throughout the world to be a new, progressive, independent branch of science and engineering. 2). In fact, automation is the integration of two mingled compounds which have been linked together into a single process. 3). Emphasis should be made that automation is a mere extension of mechanization. 4). With the advent of automation these functions were transferred to the mechanical device. 5). Now machines discharge only physiological functions. 6) The mechanized and automated production lines replace or lighten the work of a tremendous number of workers. 7) Modern means of automation make it possible to link up in a single complex the whole technological chain: machine manufacturing, equipment and rigging, organizing of a technological process, control of the whole production. 8) Thus, now the main trend in automation is developing merely automatic machines and automated processes and systems whose functioning includes the direct involvement of men. 9. They consider the FMS to be the future of the automated factory, or at least the minimally manned factory.

2. Choose the right answer:

1) When did the words “automation”, “automatic control” appear on the pages of the press or scientific publications?

a) yesterday;

b) last year;

c) some decades ago;

d) in the Middle Ages.

2) Where did man remain the principal agent of the technological process?

a) in automation;

b) in science;

c) in manufacturing;

d) in mechanization.

3) What plants in the country have been completely automated?

a) car-building plants;

b) hydro-power plants;

c) metallurgical plants;

d) ship- building plants.

4) What makes it possible to link up in a single complex the whole technological chain?

a) means of transportation;

b) means of engineering;

c) means of automation;

d) means of communication.

5) What does comprehensive automation call for?

a) intensification of production;

b) technological process;

c) automated processes;

d) material inputs and time.

3. Complete the sentences:

1) The principal direction of the present-day scientific and technological progress consists in…. 2) Automation may be defined as …. 3) The integral parts of automation are …. 4) In mechanization the function of the direct effect on the object of labour was transferred to …. 5) The automation of production enables man to …. 6) The mechanized and automated production lines replace …. 7) Modern means of automation make it possible to link up in a single complex …. 8) Comprehensive automation calls for …. 9) Now the main trend in automation is …. 10) Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) are regarded by many experts as ….

4. Answer the questions:

1) What is the principal direction of the present-day scientific and technological progress? 2) Can one imagine technical progress today without automation? 3) What is automation? 4) Did the words "automation", "automatic control" appear recently or long ago? 5) What is the difference between mechanization an automation? 6) What are the integral parts of automation? 7) What does modern automation mean? 8) What is the basis of automation? 9) What is the economic effect of automation?

5. Find as quickly as possible and read out the sentences containing the following important information:

• automatic control;
• integral parts of automation;
• industrial application of automation;
• economic effect of automation.

*6. Try to tell the gist of the text.