Examination Specification Level B2 (Grade 11)

Technology and Science

Read the article and complete the sentences with a short phrase from the text.

Computers in the home and office are a relatively new phenomenon. Before 1980, there might have been a computer in the manager’s office, but other than that, computers were used for specialised jobs only. And it was not until the 1990s that having a PC at home started to become normal. It is, perhaps, a bit surprising then that we have already started talking about the death of the PC. Surely such a revolutionary invention can’t be out of date already?
The main reason people are saying that the PC, or desktop computer, is on the way out is that it is being replaced by more portable devices. In the workplace, just ten years ago, every desk had its own PC, keyboard and monitor. These days you are more likely to see laptops which often come in and leave with the staff due to the fact that many workers tend to take their work home with them. And of course, if your company provides you with a free laptop, you can use it at home and you don’t have to use your own home computer. It’s also more common for young people to be bought a laptop than a desktop, and in many families today, each member will have their own laptop. So the desktop computer gathers dust and is eventually thrown away.
The demand these days is for smaller and more powerful devices, so more and more processing power is being put into tablets and smartphones. In fact, never mind the desktop, people have already started talking about the death of the laptop. Why carry around a huge, heavy bag when you can have the same functions on a device that fits in your pocket?
But smaller is not always better. In reality, the desktop will probably not die out anytime soon. Some people who do a lot of typing find a full-size keyboard is more comfortable to use. And for those people who need a big screen, or more than one screen, the traditional desk set-up is probably going to keep the traditional desktop PC alive for a while yet.

1. 
   Before the 1990s, it wasn’t normal to have a .
   
2. 
   The writer questions how a _ like the PC can be considered out of date so soon.
   
3. 
   People say that PCs are by smaller, more portable devices.
   
4. 
   If your company a free laptop, you can use it at home.
   
5. 
   As well as the desktop, people are already talking about the _.