Larbi Tebessi University –Tébessa

Faculty of Science and Technology

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Academic Year: 2020-2021 Full Name

Level: CAD/M / Master 1
Teacher: Dr. Manel MIZAB
Time allotted: 1h 20

First Term Exam of English

Read the text carefully, and then answer the questions
Currently, researches are undertaken to develop a portable, autonomous power
generation system potentially capable of having an order of magnitude improvement in
energy density over alkaline or lithium-ion batteries. Central to the development of this power
generation system are small-scale rotary internal combustion engines fueled by high energy
density liquid hydrocarbons capable of delivering power on the order of milli-Watts. The
rotary engine is well suited for Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) fabrication due to
its planar geometry, high specific power, and self-valuing operation with a minimal number
of moving parts.
A growing area of research within MEMS is energy conversion and generation. As
electrical and mechanical systems are being miniaturized, components used to power these
systems limit the size and weight of the device. Thus, there is a need for a compact, portable
power generation system with a high energy density. Improvements and innovations in
MEMS manufacturing techniques and materials have provided the opportunity to produce
MEMS-scale thermal devices such as engines, fuel cells or thermoelectric devices. Power
generated from a MEMS scale engine could be applied directly via output torque or converted
electrically by an electrical generator. Specific applications include mobile electrical power
supplies necessary for electronic systems or mechanical torque necessary for robotic
I. Reading Comprehension (10 Pts)
1. Give a general idea to the text
………………………………………………………………………………………..............
..................................................................................................................................................

2. Read the text then decide whether the statements are true or false. Rewrite the false
statements if necessary.
 The only growing area of research within MEMS is energy conversion.
………………………………………………………………………………………...................
.............................................................................................................................................
 Components used to power the electrical and mechanical systems limit the size and
weight of the device.
………………………………………………………………………………………..............
..................................................................................................................................................
 Thermal devices are produced by MEMS.
………………………………………………………………………………………..............
..................................................................................................................................................

3. Answer the following questions according to the text

 What are the characteristics of the rotary engine?
………………………………………………………………………………………..............
..................................................................................................................................................
 State two applications of the MEMS scale engine.
………………………………………………………………………………………..............
..................................................................................................................................................

4. Reference: what do underlined words in the text refer to?

this (line 3) its (line 7) these (line 10)
……………… …………….. ……………..

5. Match the following definitions with the exact terms:

 A chemical made up from hydrogen  Density

and carbon only.
 A branch of Mathematics that deals with  Hydrocarbon
the measurements and relationships of
lines, angles, surfaces, and solids.
 The amount of space available on a  Geometry
disk for recording data.

II. Mastery of the language (10 Pts)

1. Find in the text opposites or synonyms of the following words

independent=…………… incapable≠………… external=…………… general≠………...

2. Form all possible words by adding the suffixes or prefixes: in-, -ly, un-, -ment

independent:………. ………… autonomous:………… employ:…………. ……………

3. Put the verbs between brackets into the right tense:

 Now, the scientist.........................(to record) his findings for later use.

 Water...................(to boil) at 100°C
 Yesterday, the mixture..................................(to refine) from impurities

4. Transform active sentences to the passive voice and vice versa

 Researches are undertaken.

………………………………………………………………………………………..............

 Improvements in MEMS manufacturing techniques have provided the opportunity

to produce MEMS-scale thermal devices
……………………………………………………………………………………….............

III. Written expression

Imagine that you have obtained your Master degree, and you want to
pursue higher doctoral studies. Write a letter that shows your motives and
reasons to do so (Motivation Letter).