Reading
3 Read the sentences below. What is the difference
between 2D and 3D?
• An image on paper, for example a diagram or
photograph, is two dimensional (2D).
• A model or statue is three dimensional (3D).
4 First, look at the pictures. What do you think this
text will be about? Then read the text and check.
In the past, technical drawings for industry and architecture were drawn by hand, i.e. people worked at drawing boards with drawing equipment. These (2EESEEE3 diagrams provided clear technical information but were slow and expensive to make. Nowadays, working drawings are done on computers, which is much quicker.
^J Computers can also: 1 save, change, and
the drawings
2 make 3D images
3 make drawings bigger or smaller
4 keep an electronic library of standard parts
5 make UJJ ^2S3I ESSS^S °f components
6 
make ^J 339 an<^ E !^SSS3 drawings
A good way to explain the advantages is to think about architectural drawing. Features such as windows and doors can be moved until the |^£j5S33likes me building. Images of the rooms are created in 3D so the B22E3can 'walk' through the rooms. Designers can also experiment with different arrangements of furniture and colours.
5 Read the text and choose the correct answers to
questions 1-4 below.
1What is the text about?
aComputer assisted design bWorking with computers
2 What is paragraph A about?
aThe history and future of CAD systems bThe connection between technical drawing and CAD
3 What is paragraph B a list of?
aThe problems of using computers in design bThe advantages of using computers in design
4 What does Paragraph C describe?
aHow CAD is used in designing machines bHow CAD is used in designing homes
6 Read paragraph B again. Match each point (1-6)
in the text with a benefit from the list (a-d) below.
aYou can draw 50%, then make a mirror image. bYou don't waste time drawing things again and
again.
cYou make fewer mistakes. dYou see the finished shape in 3D.
7 Explain, in your own language, why the word
'walk' is in inverted commas in paragraph C.