1. Introduction

Unit 1a describes some past inventions and discoveries, including their background. Many of them are vital because they have helped to establish the standard of living we currently have. In other words, they have made our lives easier. And not just that. They have also made some further technological and medical advancements possible, as current scientists and inventors build on them when coming up with their own discoveries. It is clear that the ability to describe and understand past discoveries and inventions is very important even for professional electrical engineers. Unit 1a revises some verb tenses that are necessary in order to do so.


Contents:

Unit 1a revises and introduces some grammar points necessary for describing inventions and discoveries:

  • The Past Simple tense: We started the project in 2010.
  • The Past Continuous tense: When we were constructing the building, an accident happened.
  • The Present Perfect Simple tense: Yes, we have replaced the faulty parts.
  • The Present Perfect Continuous tense: Scientists have been thinking about the problem for years.
  • Wh- questions: Why did you start the project?