Cambridge English for Engineering
UNIT 1 : Technology in use
Skills - Describing technical functions and applications
- Explaining how technology works
- Emphasising technical advantages
- Simplifying and illustrating technical explanations
Describing technical functions and applicatíons
(1) ln pairs, think about two or three products you use regularly and discuss the following questions.
What are the main functions of the products? (What do they do?)
What are their different applications? (What are they used for?)
(2) What do you know about Global Positioning System (GPS) devices? ln pairs, describe their main function, and give some examples of different applications of GPS devices.
UNIT 2 : Materials technology
Skills -Describing specific materials
- Categorising materials
- Specifying and describings properties
- Discussing quality issues
Describings pecificm ateriats
(1) ln pairs, discuss the benefits and problems of recycling. Use the following examples and your own ideas.
breaking up ships
demolishing building
recycling electronics
scrapping cars
UNIT 3 : Components and assemblies
Skills -Describing component shapes and features
- Explaining and assessing manufacturing techniques
- Explaining jointing and fixing techniques
- Describing positions of assembled components
Describing component shapes and features
(1) What do you know about the electrical plugs and sockets used in different countries? ln pairs, describe some specific designs
UNIT 4 : Engineering design
Skills -Working with drawings
- Discussing dimensions and precision
- Describing design phases and procedures
- Resolving design problems
Working with drawings
(1) ln pairs, discuss the different types of design information needed on a complex engineering project, such as the construction of a large cruise ship. How many different drawings do you think might be produced for such a project? How would they be organised and categorised?
UNIT 5 : Breaking point
Skills - Describing types of technical problem
- Assessing and interpreting faults
- Describing the causes of faults
- Discussing repairs and maintenance
Describing types of technical problem
(1) In pairs, discuss the technical challenges of endurance car races like the Le Mans 24 Hours sports car race.
UNIT 6 : Technical development
Skills - Discussing technical requirements
- Suggesting ideas and solutions
- Assessing feasibility
- Describing improvements and redesigns
Discussing technical requirements
(1) What is needs analgsis? ln pairs, discuss why the following factors are important in needs analysis, giving examples of products and installations
budget
capacity
dimensions
layout
looks
performance
regulations
timescale
UNIT 7 : Procedures and precautions
Skills - Describing health and safety precautions
- Emphasising the importance of precautions
- Discussing regulations and standards
- Working with written instructions and notices
Describing health and safety precautions
(1) Some engineering or industrial activities are especially dangerous. ln pairs, think of more examples to add to the following list.
Manufacturing processes using dangerous chemicals
Casting and welding involving high temperatures
UNIT 8 : Monitoring and control
Skills - Describing automated systems
- Referring to measurable parameters
- Discussing readings and trends
- Giving approximate figures
Discussing automated systems
(1) ln pairs, discuss the difference between an automated and a manual system. What do you think a Building Management System (BMS) does in intelligent buildings? Suggest some operations that can be monitored and controlled automatically by the BMS in large buildings such as offices.
UNIT 9 : Theory and practice
Skills - Explaining tests and experiments
- Exchanging views on predictions and theories
- Comparing results with expectations
- Discussing causes and effects
Explaining tests and experiments
(1) In pairs, discuss the following tests and experiments and their main advantages and disadvantages.
computer models and simulations
reduced-scale testing
full-scale testing
(2) ln pairs, suggest how the following development tools could be used for aerodynamic testing.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
field testing
a wind tunnel equipped with a rolling road
UNIT 10 : Pushing the boundaries
Skills - Discussing performance and suitability
- Describing physical forces
- Discussing relative performance
- Describing capabilities and limatations
Discussing performance and suitability
(1) ln pairs, answer the following questions about wind turbines.
What function do wind turbines perform?
What are the main advantages and disadvantages of wind turbines?
What types of location are most suitable for wind farms?
(2) ln pairs, discuss the functions and technical characteristics of the following wind turbine components
blades
tower
generator
Reference: Mark, I. (2008). Cambridge English for engineering.