Study the list of the following activities. . Tick the statements which refer to you
Engineering Profession and Course Description
Unit 2
Replace the group of words in bold type by the Infinitive.
Listen to the given extracts. Note the key words for the branches described. And say what branches are mentioned.
Make up the dialogue similar to the previous one.
Read and translate the following dialogue.
Tell about each type of engineering using the list of words from ex.1.13 and the scheme from ex.1.12.
Make the list of key words for each type.
D) electronic.
C) electrical,
B) mechanical,
A) civil,
(You are a first year student. You want to learn more about your future work (speciality). You are introduced to a graduate of your faculty.)
- Hello!
- Hello, my name is Misha.
- Nice to meet you, Misha. My name is Kolya.
- I’d like to know more about my future profession. Could you tell me about it?
- Yes, of course. What are your questions?
- You have graduated from NSTU, haven’t you?
- Yes, I have. I graduated from NSTU last year with Engineer`s Degree.
- Where do you work?
- Now I work at the plant “Electrosignal”.
- What types of engineering is your work concerned with?
- It is concerned mostly with electrical engineering. We produce and maintain electrical installations.
- Do you need to have knowledge in electronics or mechanics for your work?
- It is useful to have knowledge in different branches of engineering, but I can’t say that I deal a lot with electronic engineering.
- Thank you for answering my questions.
- Welcome any time
1.17. Fill in the gaps with particle “to” before the Infinitive where necessary.
1. Let me… help you with the translation.
2. I’d like … read more about my future profession.
3. What made you … think so?
4. The text was planned …be read at home.
5. They saw him…repair this device.
6. Electronic engineering is known … deal with components of computer systems.
7. I would rather …make a plan to the text.
8. You had better … mention the subfields of mechanical engineering.
9. Future engineers must … study different sciences.
1. Engineering includes a lot of areas with which it deals.
2. Engineer has many branches in which he can work.
3. Engineers use theory for producingpractical answers.
4. Electric systems were constructed for generatingelectric signals.
5. All branches of engineering use sciences which can improve our life.
6. We have one more branch about which we want to speak.
7. I was surprised when I heard about the way of translating the word from the exercise.
8. The task of a civil engineer is the design of large buildings.
1. You enjoy practical projects – creating and investigating things.
2. You like finding out how things work.
3. You are interested in improving the environment.
4. You like helping people.
5. You enjoy solving problems.
6. You enjoy organizing activities.
7. You enjoy science programs on TV or on the radio.
8. You sometimes read articles on scientific or engineering topics.
(The more statements you’ve ticked the more suitable engineering is for you).
2.2. Read the following text and answer the question, using the notes after the text:
1) What is an engineer?
Text B
The Profession of an Engineer
According to “Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary” the first definition for the word “engineer” is “a skilled person, who designs, builds or maintains engines, machines, bridges, railways, etc”. The importance of having skills in particular fields is proved by the fact that many of early branches of engineering were based mostly on empirical* information.
Speaking about the engineering profession we can’t help noticing that it is one of the most ancient occupations in history. The first toolmakers** who made arrows from rock were the forerunners*** of modern mechanical engineers. The craftsmen**** who discovered metals in the earth were the ancestors***** of mining and metallurgical engineers. And technicians who construct marvelous buildings of the ancient world were the civil engineers of their time.
But at present engineers usually make practical application of theoretical sciences. Nevertheless some principles, used by engineers in their work can be applied for solving everyday problems. For example, the methodical way which helps engineers to solve the problems can be useful in everyday life. This way includes five steps: 1) defining the problem; 2) designing a solution; 3) testing the solution; 4) evaluating the solution (if the solution isn’t right, the process is repeated; when a good solution is found, pass to the next step); 5) communicate the solution. Using this method, you can prepare for the test. And the five steps will be as follows: 1) the problem is to pass the test; 2) possible solution can be to study three hours every day; 3) testing the solution is to study for three hours every day and to take the test; 4) evaluation of the solution: if you’ve passed the test with a good mark, then the solution is good; if your mark is bad, then think of a better solution; 5) communicate the good solution, that is – tell your friends about your test- passing technique.
Summing up the information given above we can say that engineers work in many fields and the range of their activities is very wide. But to be a good specialist is not the same as to be a skilled person. You should have some features in your character which will form the basis for your future profession. You should enjoy creating and investigating things, solving problems, organizing activities. Also it would be good if you were interested in improving the environment. All those personal qualities together with good education will help you to get a deserved, interesting and well-paid job in engineering.
Notes
*empirical (adj) - эмпирический, т.е. основанный на
практическом опыте
**toolmakers (n) - изготовители инструментов
***forerunners of(to)… (n) - предшественники
**** craftsmen [`krα:ftsmən] (n) - ремесленники, мастера, умельцы
специалисты
*****ancestors [`æstnsəz] (n) - прародители, предки