What is engineering?

:
Before you start
1 Work with a partner. In your own language, think
of four words to describe engineering. Compare
your words with another pair and agree on four
words. How do you say these words in English?
Write down four English words to describe
engineering.
eading
! ead the headings of the paragraphs "1#$% below.
&nderline any new words and look them up in
the glossary or your dictionary. What do you
think each paragraph will be about?
' ead the paragraphs "1#$% below and check.
I Engineering is e(erywhere
Almost everything we use in modern life is made
by engineers. For example, if )* ++,+E--H
wants a faster car, a smaller personal stereo, or a
better pen, they will ask a design engineer to find a
practical |
ead the four paragraphs again and decide if the
sentences "1#$% below, are true ".% or false (F).
!ots of things are made by engineers. "#F
$ %ngineering isn&t practical. "#F
' %ngineers must think carefully. . "#F
( )nly engineers can solve problems. "#F
Vocabulary
! Engineering is both theoretical and practical
%ngineers use theory (ideas about engineering) to
produce practical answers. "he design solution
must be a reasonable price, safe, and reliable. A
new idea that is expensive, dangerous, or doesn&t
always work is not a good solution.
Engineers use a method
*enerally, engineers solve problems in a
%+$+%$%,
wa
-. %ngineers/
1 *+i-i
tne
problem,
! -,'!
a
solution,
' test the solution,
,f the solution isn&t right, the process is repeated.
0hen a good solution is found, the next step is to/
1 communicate the solution.
$ /nyone can use engineering ideas
"his method of problem.solving is useful in
2233' life. For example, you can use the five
steps next time you prepare for a test.
4efine the problem/ , want to pass my test
next week.
$ 4esign a solution/ , will study for three hours
a day.
' "est the solution/ +tudy for three hours a day
and take the test.
( %valuate the solution/ 5ave , passed the test
with a good mark6 -es 7 a good solution.
8o 7 a bad solution, so think of a better one.
1 9ommunicate the solution/ "ell your friends
about your test.passing techni:ue.
0 ;atch the li.t#-flH-i1Efn words from the text with
the meanings "1#2% below.
plan 1 careful
$ say exactly < assess the success of
' a business = normal
( answer
Writing and -peaking
3 ead the paragraph headings again. 4o you
agree with them?
2 Work with a partner. Choose one of the problems
below or your own problem. -ol(e it using the
fi(e steps. 5ake notes.
> -ou want to go away for a weekend with your
friends but your parents want you to study.
> -ou want to buy a 94 player but you haven&t
got any money.
6 E7plain your problem and the solution to
another pair of students.
8 9ook at the four words you wrote to describe
engineering at the beginning of the unit. 4o you
want to change them?
2 Engineering
Get real
Find an example of a new, improved design,
for example, a new model of car, household
appliance, or personal stereo. 9ompare the
original and the new one. 0hich features are
different6 ,s the new one better6
The right person in the right job
Before you start Vocabulary
What sort of person are you? :irst, answer the ;uestions below. .hen
compare your answers with the rest of the class. 4o you all like the
same things?
In your spare time, do you prefer<
> being alone or with other people6
> being inside or outside6
> being busy or relaxing6
> playing sport or watching television6
> wearing smart or casual clothes6
9ook at the types of engineers
"1#0% below. :irst, underline
any new words and check the
meaning in the glossary or
your dictionary. .hen write
whether the *obs are indoor
or outdoor, and dirty or
clean.
petroleum
Reading $ sanitation
ead the te7t A job in Engineering. =ut the main ideas "/#4% in the
same order as they are in the te7t.
/ -ou need to think carefully about your personality.
? "here are lots of different @obs in engineering. 9
"hink carefully about what you are interested in. 4
%ngineering is a big sub@ect.
' textile
( computer
A job in Engineering
1 chemical
Q There are lots of different types of engineering. The one thing they have in
common is that they all use Maths and Science to improve industry and
manufacturing. The whole science of engineering can be broadly divided into
three main areas:
civil engineering !buildings" roads" etc.#
mechanical engineering !machines" including tool$ma%ing#
electrical engineering !electricity" lighting" etc.#
&f Each of these three main area can be divided again into specialist
sub'ects: civil engineering covers mining and bridge building" mechanical
engineering covers aeronautical and automobile engineering" electrical
engineering covers electricity generation and wiring.
d (learly there is a big difference between building a road and designing a
computer system so the best advice for students is:
thin% carefully about which area of engineering interests you most. )t is
difficult to study if you are not interested $ and you may do the 'ob until
you are *+ years old.
thin% about what sort of person you are. ,ill you be happiest wor%ing in
an office" in a factory" or outdoors- .o you mind getting dirty- .o you
want to wor% with other people or alone- )f you li%e wearing high heels
and beautiful clothes" you may not be happy on a building site.
Q ,hen you have decided which area you are interested in and thought
realistically about what sort of person you are" then you can decide what sort
of engineer you want to be.
' ead the te7t again. Choose the correct words to complete the
sentences "1#$% below.
%ngineering is/isn't a small area.
$ %ngineering is/isn't about +cience and ;aths.
' )ffice buildings and bridges are/aren't examples of civil engineering.
"ool. and machine.making are/aren't examples of electrical
engineering.
Writing and Speaking
0 Write your name and the type
of engineer you want to be on
a small piece of paper. =ut
your paper in a bo7 and take
out another student>s paper.
Write three ;uestions to check
if that person is choosing the
right type of engineering.
For example/
Mining engineer
> Do you like working indoors
or outdoors?
> Do you mind getting dirty?
> Do you like going
underground?
3 :ind the student and ask
them the ;uestions. Ha(e
they chosen the right type of
engineering?
Get real
Find examples of @ob
advertisements for
engineers in your town.
0hat type of engineers are
employers looking for6 Find
out the %nglish words.
Engineering
The starting point
Before you start
1 :irst, answer these ;uestions about your studies.
.hen discuss your ideas with the rest of the class.
> 0hich sub@ects do you study6 Are there any
sub@ects you would like to drop6
> ,s your course practical6 4o you like this way of
working6
> 5ow are you assessed6 4o you think this is fair6
Reading
! ead the te7t ;uickly and choose the correct
answers to ;uestions 1#' below.
1 0here is the text from6
a a textbook b a leaflet
$ 0ho is the information for6
a new students b teachers and parents
' 0hat is the text about6
a one course b lots of courses
Who is the First iplo!a for"
' ead the te7t again and decide if the sentences
"1#3% below are true ".% or false ":%.
"he First 4iploma is a beginner level
course.
$ +tudents learn general things about
engineering.
' "he course isn&t practical.
( +tudents take one big exam at the end of
the year.
1 At the end of course, you can apply for
a @ob as a trainee.
#t is a ig$Ea$% & for students with a general
interest in engineering. /ou will learn about the
different types of engineering0 you do not 1
in one area.
What #W'#(%s)(BTT#l do # need"
/ou must be at least si2teen years old with an interest
in Engineering. /ou need at least three 3(SEs including
Mathematics" Science" and .esign and Technology.
What *ill # learn on the course"
/ou will learn:
practical s%ills in manufacturing and maintenance
about engineering materials" (omputer 4ssisted
.esign !(4.#" engineering measurement
+,-&-,++& i
n
)nformation Technology
%o* *ill # learn"
The course is full$time for one year. /ou will spend
some time in the classroom but most of your time will
be spent doing practical tas%s in the wor%shop" in the
laboratory" or on computer screen.
%o* *ill # be assessed"
continuous assessment
Each pro'ect is mar%ed
there are tests at the end of each term.
,hat can ) do when ) finish the course-
/ou can use your 5irst .iploma to help you to find a
'ob as an E,,&EE& 4lternatively" you can continue
your studies and speciali6e in the area that interests
you most.
$ Complete the definitions "1#3%
below with the I words in the te7t.
means to know a lot about one
1 "oAAAAAA
part of a sub@ect.
$ AAAAAAAAAAmeans all your work on the course
is part of the final mark.
' AAAAAAAAAAare the most important things to
learn.
( AAAAAAA
. teaches you general things about
is someone who works with an
experienced person to learn the @ob.
< -ou getAAAAAAAAAAwhen you pass exams.
Writing
/nswer the ;uestions "1#3% about your course
and write a leaflet for it.
0ho is the course for6
$ 0hat :ualifications do , need6
' 0hat will , learn on the course6
( 5ow will , learn6
1 5ow will , be assessed6
< 0hat can , do when , finish the course6
Get real
Find a leaflet for your school or college, or a
course at a college you are interested in.
9ompare it with the one you wrote. 9an you
improve either of them6
T/F
T/F
T/F
T/F
T/
F
Vocabulary
and
highlighted
a sub@ect.
1 AnAAAAAAA
7 Engineering
Before you start
/sk other students in your class the ;uestions below. If they answer yes, ask more ;uestions.
5ave you ever ...
... had an interview6
... filled in an application form6
... written to someone asking for information6
For example
Have you ever had an interview?
Yes, I have.
What for? What haened?
eading
ead the te7t ;uickly and choose the correct answers to ;uestions 1#' below.
1 0hat is the leaflet about6
a %ngineering courses at 9oalport "echnical
9ollege b All courses at 9oalport "echnical 9ollege
$ 0hat does the leaflet describe6
a lots of courses b one course
' 5ow can you get more information6
a by telephoning b by returning the form
ead the te7t again and match the people "/#E% below with a suitable course. ?ne person isn>t suitable for any of the
courses.
=erson A finished !evel last year. 5e wants to
work as a welder on oil rigs. =erson ? got her exam results last week. +he
passed ;aths, 4esign and "echnology, %nglish,
and 5istory. +he wants to work in design. =erson 9 works in her father&s garage. +he hasn&t
passed any exams but she is good at mending
cars and wants to return to studying. =erson 4 left school in $BBB with no exam passes.
+ince then he has worked in a @eans shop and a
hamburger cafe. =erson E has five *9+%s and wants to work as a
telephone engineer.
The course for you
ENGINEERING COURSES
at 9oalport "echnical 9ollege, ?lackstock
All courses are taught at 9oalport "echnical 9ollege, ?lackstock and can be studied full.time or part.time. "he minimum :ualification
for a place on a !evel $ course is four *9+%s or a !evel 9ertificate.
9E1E9 1 Certificate in Engineering
"his course teaches basic, key skills. ,t is suitable for students who left school early or have no :ualifications. +election will be based
on the
9E1E9 ! Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
"his course ra.'@Eraifi students for @obs in radio and electronic F
communications
9E1E9 ! Certificate in :abrication
"his course prepares students for @obs in | sheetmetal work, and general engineering.
9E1E9 ! Certificate in 5echanical Engineering
"his course prepares students for a wide range of @obs including machining, )*,,,!' tool.making, 9A4 and 9A;.
6C.......................................................................................
:or more information please (isit our website or return this form to the departmental secretary.
8a me A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A 2 2
Address
"elephone#e.mail
4ate of birthAAAAA
=lease send me details of<
!%D%! 9ertificate in %ngineering
!%D%! $ 9ertificate in %lectrical and %lectronic %ngineering
!%D%! $ 9ertificate in Fabrication
!%D%! $ 9ertificate in ;echanical %ngineering
, am interested in full.time study part.time study
Vocabulary
Complete the definitions "1#3% below with the
lilf-nA,ii.Efil words in the text.
AnAAAAAAAAAAis a person who wants a @ob or a
place on a course.
$ AnAAAAAAAAAAis a formal meeting.
' "oAAAAAAAAAAis to make something ready.
( AAAAAAAAAAare ways of sending information,
news, etc. from one place to another.
1 AAAis @oining metal by heating.
< AAAmeans putting machinery in place.
Speaking and Writing
0 /sk your partner the ;uestions on the form at the
end of the leaflet.
3 Complete the form for your partner.
Get real
Ese the ,nternet to find college information or
contact a college in your area and ask for
leaflets about their courses. ,s the information
helpful6 5ow do you get more details or apply
for a course6
Engineering 8
What is it !ade fro!"
Before you start
1 9ook at the ob*ects "a#d% below. E7plain which is the best material
glass, plastic, or metal for each one.
eading
! =ut each heading into the correct column "/, B, or C%, in the table
below.
9ses : ;roperties : Material
' ead the information in the table and find out which material "1#1C%
is best for<
a water pipes d a bicycle frame
b a knife for cutting a microscope lens e television casing
c connecting a socket to the electricity supply
Vocabulary
5atcb the properties from
the table "1#3% with their
opposites "a#f%.
&se the glossary
or your dictionary
to help you.
breaks easily
$ clear
' easy to shape
( hard
1 light
< strong
How do you say these
materials in your language?
nylon : cardboard :
asphalt
Writing
3 Choose a material from
E7ercise 0 and write a
description of its properties
and uses.
2 E7change descriptions with
your partner and identify
their material.
a heavy
b tough
c opa:ue
d rigid e
weak f
soft
) :)$

!
"
#$%
aluminium
brass !copper and
6inc#
aircraft" window and door
frames" coo%ing foil
valves" taps
<
2
light" easy to shape
doesn=t rust in contact with
air and water" strong
>
7
8
cement
copper
diamond
mi2ed with water it dries
to a hard material
easily made into wire"
carries electricity well
hardest natural material"
can cut glass and metal
pre$made building
bloc%s" to hold bric%s
together
electrical wire" tubing
industrial cutting and
grinding
*
glass
iron
clear" hard" brea%s easily
windows" bottles
engineering
? hard
@ mild steel !iron A +.<8$
+.>B carbon#
hard" strong" Cuite
easy to shape
bridges" ships" cars
D optical fibre
carries light and coded
messages
lighting" cable TE"
telecommunications
<+ plastic
light" strong" easy to
shape
hard hats" telephones"
boats" computer casing
Engineering
-peaking
6 9ook at the list of materials in
E7ercises ' and 0 again.
4iscuss the ;uestions "1#'%
below. Check any words you
don>t know in the glossary or
your dictionary.
Are any of the materials
found or manufactured in
your country6
$ 0hich materials can be
recycled6
' 4oes the manufacture or
disposal cause
environmental problems6
Get real
0hat material did 9harles
*oodyear develop6 0hat is
it used for6
Before you start
ead the sentences "1#'% below. What does the word smart mean in each one !"lever, &as'ionable, o( &ormal)
*
.
5e wore a smart suit to the meeting.
$ +he&s the smartest girl in her class.
' "hey stayed in a smart hotel in 8ew -ork.
Reading
! 9ook at the title of the te7t, Smart materials. 4o you think the materials are cle(er, fashionable, or formal? ead the
te7t and check.
-5/.
+aterials
+mart . or shape memory . materials are an invention that has changed the world of engineering. "here are two
types/ metal 5lttWd and plastic polymers. "he metal alloys were made first and they are usually an expensive
mixture of titanium and nickel.
+hape memory materials are called &smart& b e c a u s e t h e y 2 2 3 t o c h a n g e s i n t h e i r @, for example/
environment
> plastics that return to their liWIuii5I shape
when the temperature changes. )ne use is in
surgery where plastic threads &remember& the
shape of a knot, react to the patient& s body
temperature and make themselves into
stitches.
> metal alloys that have a & memory& and can
return to their original shape. "hey are used in
medical $$$%$
+
that are F 23 so they
can be put inside the patient&s body through a
small cut. "he implant then 2'%5
+

4ac
k to its
original shape. ;ore everyday uses are for
flexible spectacle frames and teeth braces.
> solids that darken in sunlight, like the lenses in
some sunglasses.
> li:uid crystals that change shape and colour.
"hese have been used in climbing ropes that
change colour if there is too much strain and
weight on them.
"he future of these materials and their possible uses is limited only by human |%$$3|3$$'+ )ne clever idea is that
if cars were made of smart metal, a minor accident could be repaired by leaving the car in the sunG
Bend it like
ead the te7t again and choose the correct answers for ;uestions 1#$ below.
1 +mart materials change when
a the weather changes.
b something affects them. c the light is switched on.
$ Hlastic threads are used for
a sewing.
b stitching. c knitting.
' ;edical implants made from shape memory
alloys are good because
a they save lives.
b they change colour.
c they are easy to put in.
( 9limbing ropes with li:uid crystals change
colour to
a warn you.
b amuse you.
c make you heavy.
Vocabulary
Complete the definitions "1#6% below with the I words in the te7t.
. is something medical put inside
to think of new
are materials made from mixing
. means to become bigger.
. is to change because something
. is everything around a person means to be made smaller.
Speaking
0 Work with a partner. Choose one of the smart materials in the te7t. .hink of fi(e interesting ways it could be used.
Compare your ideas with other students. How many original ideas are there in your class?
Get real
"hink of examples from nature that are like smart materials, for example, things that can change shape or colour, or
repair themselves.
Engineering
highlighted
1 An
the body, e.g. a heart valve.
$ -ou need a goodAAAAAAAAAA
and interesting ideas.
' "heAAAAAAAAAAis the first or earliest.
( AAAAAAA
two metals.
1 "oAAAAAAAA
< "oAAAAAAAA
else happens.
= "heAAAAAAAAA
or thing.
I "o be