PIRMĀ SEMESTRA NOSLĒGUMA TESTI
Technology: IT, Robotics, and Engineering Sciences
Technology plays a vital role in shaping our modern world. From the way we communicate to how we work and travel, fields like information technology (IT), robotics, and engineering sciences are at the center of innovation and progress.
Information Technology (IT) focuses on the storage, processing, and exchange of data. It enables global communication, remote work, and access to a vast amount of online information. Many businesses rely on cloud computing, data security systems, and artificial intelligence (AI) to increase efficiency. In everyday life, IT helps us navigate cities, shop online, and manage our finances through smart devices and mobile applications.
Robotics combines engineering, mechanics, and computing to design and operate robots. These machines can perform tasks that are repetitive, precise, or even dangerous for humans. In medicine, robotic arms assist surgeons during delicate procedures. In industries, robots assemble products faster and more accurately than humans. Advanced robots, powered by AI, can even learn from their environment and make independent decisions.
Engineering sciences involve designing, building, and improving physical systems – from infrastructure to energy solutions. Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers work on projects that shape our daily lives: bridges, vehicles, energy-efficient buildings, and clean energy technologies. Innovation in engineering is crucial to solving global challenges such as climate change, urbanisation, and sustainable development.
As technology continues to evolve, professionals in these fields must adapt and learn new skills. For students, developing digital literacy and problem-solving abilities is essential for future careers. Understanding how IT, robotics, and engineering intersect allows us to better prepare for the rapidly changing world.
Key Vocabulary:
cloud computing — [ˌklaʊd kəmˈpjuː.tɪŋ] — using remote servers via the internet to store and manage data; mākoņdatošana jeb datu apstrāde datoru tīkla mākonī, kad lietotāja dati tiek glabāti un apstrādāti dažādos, iepriekš nenoteiktos, tīklam pieslēgtos datoros
data security — [ˈdeɪ.tə sɪˈkjʊə.rə.ti] — protection of information from unauthorized access or theft; datu drošība
delicate procedure — [ˈdel.ɪ.kət prəˈsiː.dʒər] — tasks that require precision and care, often in medicine; smalks, delikāts process
digital literacy — [ˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl ˈlɪt.ər.ə.si] — the ability to understand and use digital tools effectively; digitālā pratība
efficiency — [ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si] — doing something well without wasting time or resources; produktivitāte, efektivitāte
infrastructure — [ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər] — basic systems and structures like roads, bridges, or power lines; infrastruktūra
sustainable development — [səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl dɪˈvel.əp.mənt] — growth that meets current needs without harming future generations; ilgtspējīga attīstība
urbanisation — [ˌɜː.bən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən] — the increase in people living in cities and towns; urbanizācija jeb iedzīvotāju un ražošanas koncentrēšanās lielās pilsētās
efficiency — [ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si] — doing something well without wasting time or resources; produktivitāte, efektivitāte
infrastructure — [ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər] — basic systems and structures like roads, bridges, or power lines; infrastruktūra
sustainable development — [səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl dɪˈvel.əp.mənt] — growth that meets current needs without harming future generations; ilgtspējīga attīstība
urbanisation — [ˌɜː.bən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən] — the increase in people living in cities and towns; urbanizācija jeb iedzīvotāju un ražošanas koncentrēšanās lielās pilsētās
Practice: now that you have learned the key vocabulary, it is time to use it in practice. Think how you would answer the discussion-type questions, which will help you develop the ability to give longer answers and practise how to express your opinion — just as in an English exam or real conversation. For each question, an answer prompt is available to guide you.
Discussion-Type Questions
1. How is artificial intelligence changing traditional jobs in IT, robotics, or engineering?
1. How is artificial intelligence changing traditional jobs in IT, robotics, or engineering?
"Personally, I believe artificial intelligence is transforming traditional jobs in IT, robotics, and engineering by automating many routine tasks and allowing professionals to focus on more creative or analytical work. For example, AI systems can now test software, detect errors, or even design basic components faster than humans. However, in my opinion, this doesn’t mean people will lose all jobs, it means they’ll need to develop new skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making to work alongside intelligent machines."
2. In what ways can engineering contribute to a more sustainable future?
"In my opinion, engineering plays a key role in creating a more sustainable future by developing technologies that use fewer resources and produce less waste. For example, engineers design renewable energy systems like wind turbines and solar panels that reduce dependence on fossil fuels. They also work on eco-friendly materials, recycling systems, and smarter transport solutions. Personally, I think sustainability in engineering is not only about innovation but also about responsibility – finding ways to protect the planet while improving people’s lives."
3. Do you think robots should be allowed to make decisions in hospitals or factories? Why or why not?
"Personally, I think robots can be very useful in hospitals and factories, but they should not make important decisions on their own. In my opinion, technology can help doctors or workers by doing precise, repetitive, or risky tasks, for instance, assisting in delicate surgeries or assembling small machine parts. However, robots don’t have emotions or moral judgment, so humans must always supervise them. I believe the best solution is teamwork between people and machines, where robots support but never fully replace human decision-making."
4. Should digital literacy be considered as important as reading and writing in schools?
"In my opinion, digital literacy should be considered just as important as reading and writing because it’s an essential skill for modern life. Students use technology to learn, communicate, and solve problems, so they need to understand how to use it safely and effectively. For example, being able to find reliable information online or protect personal data is just as vital as understanding a book or writing an essay. Personally, I believe digital literacy helps students become independent learners and responsible citizens in today’s world."
5. What are some ethical challenges that arise from the use of advanced technology?
"Personally, I believe advanced technology brings many ethical challenges, such as privacy, data protection, and fairness. For example, artificial intelligence can collect large amounts of personal information, which might be misused or shared without permission. There are also concerns about bias in algorithms that can lead to unfair decisions in areas like hiring or education. In my opinion, technology should always serve people, not control them, so it’s important to create clear rules and teach users to think critically about how digital tools are used."