Describing computer problems

Now and again, you'll encounter technology problems. Here are some words and phrases to
help you describe the issues.

• Oh, no! My computer has crashed.

• You can't log in because your password has expired.

• I can't connect to the internet. Our service must be down.

• If you're having a problem, reboot your computer.

More multipart verbs for computers

There are a number of multipart verbs you can use to describe technology issues.

• I'll sort the problem out.

• I didn't back up my files, and I had to start all over again.

• My computer got too hot and shut down.

• Don't forget to log off from your computer at the end of the day.

Don't let your password ______. You won't be able to log in.

• down
• expire (True)
• reboot

Were you able to ______ the problem?

• log off
• sort out (True)
• back up

Always ______ from your computer at the end of the day.

• log off (True)
• sort out
• connect to

The intranet was ______, so I couldn't do my work.

• down (True)
• reboot
• expire

If you ______ your computer, that might solve the problem.

• reboot (True)
• down
• expire

There's something wrong. I can't ______ the internet.

• shut down
• connect to (True)
• back up

It's a good idea to always______ your work.

• sort out
• back up (True)

Sometimes my computer ______ when it gets too hot.

• shuts down (True)
• backs up
• connects to

Listen with purpose

When you listen to people speak, try adjusting your listening approach based on the purpose of the interaction. For example, if the purpose is to explain how to do something, pay attention to those details.
Listen to the following explanation and think
about the most important information.

<聽力材料>

So, the most important information is how to log in and get started. She also tells you that you can use your email address as your user name.
If the interaction is more focused on what
happened, or how someone feels, listen for the gist. You don't need to be as concerned about the details.

Listen to the man. Is listening for details or gist
more important?

<聽力材料>

In this case, the details are not so important. You just need to catch the gist of the conversation: He is frustrated because the internet was slow and the intranet shut down. Remember to adjust your listening to fit the situation.

Expressing obligations and expectations

Use be required to for rules that must be followed. The expression has the same meaning as have to and have got to, but it is more formal and official.

• All employees are required to change their passwords every month.

Use be supposed to and be expected to when something should be done but is not necessarily an absolute requirement. These phrases are similar in tone to should and ought to.

• You're supposed to back up all the work you do.

• You're expected to tell your manager if you have a computer problem.

Use be responsible for to communicate normal job requirements.

• Employees are responsible for reporting all technical problems to IT.

Use be allowed to to indicate a privilege or right.

• Employees are allowed to work from home one day a week.

Choose the sentence that's closest in meaning
and tone to the first one.

1. You have to change your password once a month.

• You are allowed to change your password once a month.

• You are expected to change your password once a month.

• You are required to change your password once a month. (True)

2. You ought to delete emails from unknown senders.

• You are expected to delete emails from unknown senders.(True)

• You are allowed to delete emails from unknown senders.

• You are required to delete emails from
  unknown senders.

3. No one can use company email for personal use.

• No one is required to use company email for personal use.

• No one is allowed to use company email for personal use.(True)

• No one is expected to use company email for personal use.

4. You should contact IT if you have any problems.

• You are allowed to contact IT if you have any problems.

• You are supposed to contact IT if you have any problems. (True)

• You are required to contact IT if you
  have any problems.