Workbook English

INSTITUTO POLITÉCNICO DE COIMBRA
INSTITUTO SUPERIOR DE ENGENHARIA DE COIMBRA

Licenciatura em Engenharia Mecânica
Ano Letivo 2020-2021
Department of Mechanical Engineering
ENGLISH – 2nd SEMESTER
2020/2021
Contacts:
Lecturer: Berta Costa (berta.costa@isec.pt)
Programme:
1. Language
Grammar revisions such as the tense system, spelling rules, question form, among other language features
according to the students’ needs and difficulties.
2. Technical language
Sub-technical terms and common non-technical lexis, syntax, linking expressions and words, word formation
(suffixes and prefixes), grammar links, phrasal verbs, expressions to describe reason and contrast and verb-
noun-adjective changes.
3. Technical vocabulary
Specific technical lexis related to mechanical engineering including materials engineering, mechanisms, gears,
air-conditioning and refrigeration, forces in engineering, internal combustion engine and computer science.
4. Reading / Comprehension
Scientific literature, graphs and tables and understanding unknown vocabulary.
5. Listening / Comprehension
Lectures and interviews.
6. Writing Skill
Genres including description and explanation of cycles and processes, letter of presentation and translation
Portuguese to English (simple sentence).
7. Oral Skill
Pronunciation practice through oral drills, introducing and presenting oneself, an oral presentation about a
technical topic and general class discussions.
Assessment - Presential
Continuous Assessment
• Theoretical component: 2 written evaluations – 70% (35% each). The minimum mark for each is
7.00.
• Practical component:
✓ oral evaluation - 15% (weekly evaluation, oral debates, small presentations, among others).
✓ research project (it includes the project oral presentation) – 15%.
Notes:
- Minimum mandatory class attendance of 75% of the taught lessons, except for working students, mobility students, students
with special needs, and students with other special statuses defined by law.
- Working students should contact the teacher to clarify any questions there may be concerning the mandatory oral
component.
Mechanical Engineering - English

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Exam Assessment
• Theoretical component – Written exam (80%)
• Practical component – Research project - oral presentation (20%)
Assessment - Online
Continuous Assessment
• Oral presentation – 70%
• Class participation – 15%
• Oral expression – 15%
Exam Assessment
• Oral exam – 100%
Tests:
1st – 26.04
2nd – 14.06

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1 – ENGINEERING – What is it all about?
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrT1_TuvZmQ
Tuning-in
1. List the main branches of engineering. Then read the following text to find out how many of
the branches listed are mentioned.
2. Complete the blanks in this diagram using information from the text.

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3. Study these illustrations. They show some of the areas in which engineers work. Can you
identify them? What kinds of engineers are concerned with these areas – electrical,
mechanical, or both?
a) c)
b)
d)
e)

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4. Now read the following texts to check your answers to exercise 3. Match each text to one of
the illustrations above.
5. Match each item in column A with an appropriate item from column B and link the two in a
sentence.
A B
1. marine a) air-conditioning
2. aeronautical b) roads and bridges
3. heating and ventilating c) body scanners
4. electricity generating d) cables and switchgear
5. automobile e) communications and equipment
6. civil f) ships
7. electronic g) planes
8. electrical installation h) cars and trucks
9. medical i) power stations

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6. Fill in the gaps in the following description of the different branches of engineering using
information from this diagram and language you have studied in this unit.

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LISTENING
1. Listen to these short extracts. To which branch of engineering do these engineers belong?
2. Listen again. This time note the words which helped you decide on your answers.
Source: Glendinning, E. (1995). Oxford English for Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
VOCABULARY
1. Read the text. The underlined words are probably familiar to you in general English. But can
you think of a different meaning for each word in business English? Change the form if
necessary (e.g., change a noun into a verb).
2. Read these sentences from engineering texts. Complete each sentence with one of the
words underlined in exercise 1. Change the form if necessary.
a) Allow each _______________of paint to dry thoroughly before applying the next.
b) Always clean the ___________________ of the saw after use.
c) Check that the ____________________ of the machine are level.
d) ______________________ the well immediately and check the pressure on the gauge.
e) ______________________ the engine on the board using four large bolts.
f) Use the handle to tighten the ______________________ of the vice.
g) There are four _____________________ in the operation of an internal combustion engine.
h) Do not raise the ___________________ of the crane above 45 degrees.
i) ______________________ the two sections together with the pin and secure.
j) Insert the control box in the metal ______________________ .
3. Study the words in box a.

a) What is the connection between all the words?
b) What is the base word in each case?
c) What do we call the extra letters?
d) Can you think of another word with each prefix?

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4. Study the words in box b.
a) What is the connection between all the words?
b) What is the base word in each case?
c) What do we call the extra words?
d) Can you think of another word with each suffix?
5. Discuss the following pictures.

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LISTENING
1. You are a student in Engineering Faculty of Hadford
University. The title of the first lecture is What is engineering?
a) Write e definition of engineering.
b) What other ideas will be there in this lecture? Make some
notes.
2. Listen to Part 1 of the talk. What dose the lecturer say about
engineering? Tick (√) the choice.
a) It is about machines. _______________
b) It is about building bridges. _______________
c) It is about making something. _______________
d) It is more basic than this. _______________
3. In Part 2 of the talk, the lecturer mentions collar and hand.

a) What do these words mean in general English?
b) What do they mean in engineering?
c) Listen and check your ideas.
4. In Part 3 of the talk, the lecturer describes different branches

of engineering.
a) How many branches can you think of?
b) What are the main products of each brand?
c) Listen and check your ideas.
d) What will the lecturer talk about next?
5. In the final part of the talk, the lecturer gives a definition of

engineering, and some examples. Listen and mark each word
in the box D if it is part of the definition and E if it is part of an
example.

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6. In an engineering context, what can you…
a) tighten or loosen?
b) strengthen?
c) weaken?
d) widen?
e) lengthen?
f) engineer?
g) mechanize?
h) assemble?
Source: Dunn, M. et al (2010). English for Mechanical Engineering in Higher Education Studies. Reading, Garnet Education.
LANGUAGE STUDY – Present Simple and Present Continuous

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SPELLING RULES
STRUCTURE
Present Simple Present Continuous

subject + main verb + object subject + verb to be (simple present) +
main verb (-ing form) + object
Affirmative Ex.: I like sports.
Ex.: I am listening to music.
subject + auxiliary verb (to do – simple subject + verb to be (simple present) +
present) + main verb (infinitive) + not + main verb (-ing form) + object
Negative object
Ex.: I am not listening to music.
Ex.: I don not / don’t like sports.
auxiliary verb (to do – simple present) Verb to be (simple present) + subject +
+ subject + main verb (infinitive) +
main verb (-ing form) + object
Interrogative object
Ex.: Do you like sports? Ex.: Are you listening to music?

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2 – THE MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocqceS7KlzE
1. Before you read the passage, talk about these questions.

a) What are some of the responsibilities of a mechanical engineer?
b) What qualifications does a mechanical engineer need?
2. Read the article. Then, complete the table.
Type of Gear Features

Responsibilities 1 _________________________
___________________________
Qualifications 2 _________________________
___________________________
3 physics, kinematics, testing

__________________________ manufacturing, machine
__________________________

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3. Vocabulary - Match the words or phrases (1-7) with the definitions (a-g).
1. test a) The transfer of energy from one place to another to perform work.
2. broad b) a person who studies, builds, and works with machines.
3. assess c) machinery or mechanical components.
4. hardware d) to observe a machine’s operations in order to determine its
functionality.
5. manufacture e) to build something in a factory.
6. power transmission f) involving a wide variety of topics or disciplines.
7. mechanical engineer h) to study and evaluate something.
4. Read the sentences and choose the correct words or phrases.

a) Mechanical engineers sometimes specialise in / assess a particular sub-field.
b) The design doesn’t work, so the engineers need to improve / manufacture it.
c) The client asked the engineer to test / design a nearly silent engine.
5. Read the article again. Why do mechanical engineers need college degrees?
6. Listen to a conversation between an engineer and an interviewer. Mark the following

statements as true (T) or false (F).
a) The company is looking for someone to design engines.
b) The man’s experience includes assessing older engine models.
c) The woman offers the man the position.
7. Listen again and complete the conversation.
1. _________________________
2. _________________________
3. _________________________
4. _________________________
5. _________________________
6. _________________________

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8. Use the article and the conversation to
fill in the engineer’s job application.
Source: Dearholt, J. (2015). Career Paths: Mechanics. Express Publishing

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3 – ENGINEERING ACHIEVEMENTS
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_0s1nPg8Es
1. What are the greatest engineering achievements of

all time?
2. Study the text on the right of this page.
a) Define each achievement.
b) How did it change human life?
c) Which is the greatest achievement?
3. You are going to read a text about a great

achievement of the 20th century: refrigeration and air
conditioning.
4. Study these topic sentences from the text and

answer the questions below.
a) Which achievement is the text about?

b) Where do you expect to find the answer to each
question in the Hadford University assignment?
Write 1,2 or 3 next to the topic sentence.
c) What do you expect to find in the other paragraphs?

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4 – TECHNOLOGY IN USE
Describing technical functions and applications
1. Think about two or three products you use

regularly and discuss the following questions.
a) What are the main functions of the products
? (What do they do?)
b) What are their different applications? (What are they used for?)
c) What do you think about Global Positioning System (GPS) devices? Describe their main
function, and give some examples of different applications of GPS devices.
2. Paula, a designer engineer for a GPS manufacturer, is discussing product development with
José, a senior manager new to the company. Listen to the conversation and complete the
following notes.
• the primary application of GPS (1) __________________________________

• associated applications Tracking systems for (2)__________________
Tracking systems for (3)__________________
• more creative features (4) ________________________ alarms
(5) ________________________ buttons
• not technical innovations (6) ________________________ the technology
3. Complete the following extracts from the discussion with words that come from use.
a) Then you’ve got associated applications, ________________ that are related to navigating…
b) … tracking systems you can ____________ for monitoring delivery vehicles …
c) … from the end-____________ point of view, accuracy is no longer the main selling point. Most
devices are accurate enough. The key is to make them more ____________ .
4. Match the GPS applications (1-6) to the descriptions (a-f).
1. topographical surveying a) navigation and safety at sea

2. geological exploration b) setting out positions and levels of new structures
3. civil engineering c) mapping surface features
4. avionics equipments d) applications in mining and the oil industry
5. maritime applications e) highway navigation and vehicle tracking
6. GPS in cars and trucks f) air traffic control, navigation, and autopilot systems

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5. Complete the following extracts from the following conversation by underlining the
correct words.
a) … there’s a setting on the GPS that allows / prevents it to detect the movement…
b) … an alarm sounds to warn you, and allows / prevents the boat from drifting unnoticed…
c) … and enables / ensures that you don’t lose track of where you were, which then enables /
ensures you to turn round and come back to the same point…
6. Match the words in exercise 6 to their synonyms.

a) ____________________ = makes sure
b) ____________________ / ______________________ = permits
c) ____________________ = stops
7. Complete the following extract from the user’s manual of a GPS device using the verbs in
exercise 6. Sometimes, more than one answer is possible.
8. In pairs, explain the main functions and applications of a product made by your company
or a product you know about. Student A, you are an engineering manager; student B, you
are a new employee. Use the language from this section and the phrases in the boxes.

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❖ EXPLAINING HOW TECHNOLOGY WORKS
1. Look at the picture and discuss the following questions.

a) How do you think a space elevator would work?
b) What could it be used for?
c) What technical challenges would it face?
d) How seriously do you think the concept of space elevators is being taken at present?
2. Read the following article and compare it to your

answers in exercise 1.
3. Match the verbs (1-9) from the text in exercise 2 to the definitions (a-i).
1. connecting a) carried (objects, over a distance)

2. raise b) hold something firmly / bear its weight
3. transported c) climb down
4. support d) provided with energy
5. attached e) joining
6. ascend f) driven / have movement directed
7. descend g) fixed
8. powered h) climb up
9. controlled i) lift / make something go up

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4. James, an engineer, is giving a talk on space elevators. Complete his notes using the
correct form of the verbs (1-7) in exercise 3.
5. Some space elevator designs propose an offshore base station. Discuss how such a
system might work using words in exercise 3. What advantages might an offshore have
compared with a land base?
6. James goes on to discuss offshore base stations. Listen to the talk and answer the
following questions.
a) How would an offshore base station be supported?
b) What would the function of its anchors be?
c) How would payloads reach the base station?
d) What problem would a mobile base station help to prevent?
e) What would the procedure be if there was an alert?
7. You are members of a space elevator research team designing a concept for offshore base
stations. Analyse the note below, which were made during a briefing given by your manager.
Imagine you are giving a presentation. Begin by reading out the abbreviated notes in full.

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8. In pairs, discuss the questions raised in the notes and think of some suitable solutions for
the anchoring system and the propulsion system. At this stage, these should be overall
concepts, not detailed designs. Remember to make notes.
9. In small groups, take turns to give a short talk using your notes to explain how the systems
work, in general terms. Imagine you are speaking to a small group of colleagues, including
your manager.
10. Write two or three paragraphs to summarise your talk. These will be included in your
manager’s longer report on offshore base stations.

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❖ EMPHASISING TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
1. Discuss the term technical advantage.
2. Read the first paragraph of some promotional literature from Otis, a leading elevator
company. What is the Gen2TM system?
3. Match the words (1-6) from the text in exercise

2 to the synonyms (a-f).
4. Complete the following text using the correct

form of the words (1-6) in exercise 3. You will
need to use some words more than once.
5. Summarise the advantages of the flat belt system. Discuss durability, wear, noise, space,
cleanliness, efficiency, automation, maintenance, and cost.
6. Complete the following tips on emphasising technical advantages using the words in the
box.

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When describing technical advantages, it is useful to emphasise…
a) (1) ______________________ performance, compared with the older model of the same
product.
b) negative issues that have been (2) __________________, or completely (3) ______________.
c) special features that differentiate the technology from (4) ___________________ systems.
d) Performance levels that make the technology (5) _____________________ to the competition.
7. Stefan, an engineer, is briefing some sales colleagues on the advantages of a new pump
design. Listen to the briefing and match the tips (a-d) in exercise 6 to the extracts (1-4)
8. Complete the following sentences from the briefing by underlining the correct emphasising
word.
a) We’ve come up with a completely / significantly unique profile.
b) It completely / dramatically reduces vibrations.
c) Machines like these can never be entirely / highly free from vibration.
d) The new design runs dramatically / extremely smoothly.
e) Another advantage of the new profile is that it is considerably / entirely lighter.
f) So compared with our previous range, it’s highly / totally efficient.
g) Trials so far suggest the design is completely / exceptionally durable.
h) We expect it to be entirely / significantly more reliable than rival units.
9. Match the words in exercise 8 to their synonyms.
a) _____________________ / __________________ = completely

b) _____________________ / __________________ = significantly
c) _____________________ / __________________ = extremely

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10. You are Otis engineers back in the 1850s, when
elevators were new. In pairs, prepare a short talk to
brief your sales colleagues on the advantages of
elevators for lifting people and goods. Emphasise
the points below, using the phrases and techniques
from this section. Remember that people at this time
are sceptical about the technology.
Elevators are…
• safe – a reliable braking system eliminates the danger of
a car falling if a cable fails;
• simple – they’re controlled from the car and are very
easy to operate;
• convenient – they’re easier on the legs that the
conventional alternative (stairs);
• valuable – they enhance the value of land by allowing taller building on smaller areas.
Source: Dunn, M. et all. (2010). English for Mechanical Engineering in Higher Education Studies. Garnet Education.
5 – MATERIALS ENGINEERING

a) What materials go into making a car?
b) What are the strengths and weaknesses of different materials?
2. Read the magazine article. Then, complete the table using information from the article.
Material Use in car manufacturing

rubber
cast iron
plastic
glass

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3. Match the words (1-5) with the definitions (a-e).
1. leather a) a brittle material used to make windows
2. cast iron b) a durable metal used to make engine blocks
3. glass c) low in mass relative to volume
4. lightweight d) material composed of fine filaments
5. fiberglass e) a flexible material made from animal skin

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4. Read the sentence pair. Choose when the words best fit the blanks.
a) Rubber / plastic
• The body of this car is made of _______________ .
• Tire manufacturers use much of the world’s __________________ .
b) Steel / aluminum
• The frame of the truck is made of ___________________ .
• The wheel rims are made of lightweight ___________________ .
LISTENING
1. Listen to a conversation between two mwchanics looking at a new car. Mark the following
a) The car body is made mostly of steel. ___________
b) Plastic is less expensive than steel. ___________
c) The safety cage is made of fberglass. ___________
1. _________________________
2. _________________________
3. _________________________
4. _________________________
5. _________________________
6. _________________________

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3. Writing – Use the article at page 24 and the conversation at page 25 to fill out the car body
makeup chart.
Source: Dearholt, J. (2015). Career Paths: Mechanics. Express Publishing
❖ MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY
Describing specific materials
1. Describe the benefits and problems of recycling.

Use the following examples and your own ideas.

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2. Read the following web page and complete the missing headings using the words in the
box.
3. Match the materials from the web page (1-8) in exercise 2 to the definitions (a-h).
4. Complete the following sentences using from, with, of.

a) Bronze contains significant amounts of copper.
b) Galvanised steel is steel coated ___________________ zinc.

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c) Steel is an alloy derived ________________ iron.
d) Pure metals can usually be recovered __________________ alloys.
e) To produce stainless steel, iron is mixed _______________ other metals.
f) Stainless steel contains quantities ________________ chromium and nickel.
g) Glass tableware contains traces ______________ metals, such as lead.
h) When new metal is extracted ______________ ore, the costs can be high.
5. Ask and answer questions about different materials using the following phrases.
6. Irina, an ecological adviser, is talking to a

group od engineers on a training course
about environmentally friendly design.
Discuss the ideas from her slide and give
some examples.
7. Listen to an extract from the talk and

compare your ideas with what Irina says.
What examples does she use to illustrate her
main point?
8. Irina asks the engineers to do a simplified

environmental audit. Their task is to compare
steel and aluminium car bodywork from an
ecological perspective. Listen to Sophia and
Pete, two engineers, discussing the topic and make notes of their ideas.
9. In pairs, do an environmental audit for the following applications and materials. Use the
words and phrases in the box.

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❖ CATEGORISING MATERIALS
1. What do you know about braking systems? Discuss the following questions.
a) Generally speaking, what do brakes do and how do they work?
b) What kinds of material are used in brake discs in different vehicles?
2. Read the article on braking systems. In the title of the article, what do the colours green and
red refer to?
3. Answer the following questions.

a) Why do most braking systems waste energy?
b) What are regenerative braking systems, and how do they save energy?
c) What characteristics are required of materials used for the brakes on racing cars?
d) What is meant by heat soak, and why is it a problem in racing cars?

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4. Match the materials from the text (12-7) to the descriptions (a-g).
5. Take turns to describe an object using the words from exercise 4 and the phrases in the
box. Ask your partners to guess what it was.
6. Imagine you are presenting a product or appliance you know well to a potential client.
Describe the categories of material used to make the different parts.
❖ SPECIFYING AND DESCRIBING PROPERTIES
1. Discuss what you know about the properties of Kevlar® and how it works.
2. Read the following extract from DuPont™’s technical guide to Kevlar®.
DuPont™ and Kevlar® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours Company or its affiliates.

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3. Find words in the text in exercise 2 to match the following definitions.
4. Match the automotive parts (1-5) to the descriptions (a-e).
5. Read the following information from DuPont™ explaining some of the automotive
applications for Kevlar®. Complete the text using the automotive parts in exercise 4.
6. Discuss why the properties of Kevlar® are especially important for each application
described in the text.
7. Listen to a conversation about the properties of materials used in a specific type of tool and
answer the following questions.
a) Where does the conversation take place?

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b) What tool is being discussed?
c) Which materials can be used for its different parts?
8. Complete the following extracts from the conversation using the properties in exercise 4.
Listen again and check your answers.
a) The handle mustn’t be heavy. Ideally, you want it to be ______________________ .
b) Resisting friction is essential. The key requirement is ___________________________ .
c) The bur has to be built to last. Obviously, they need to be very _____________________ .
9. Match the words and phrases (1-5) from exercise 7 to the synonyms (a-e).
10. You work for a manufacturer of

hand tools and have been asked
to investigate using alternative
materials in your products. Read
the notes and discuss the main
properties required of the
materials used to make the tools.
11. Think of a product you know well. Discuss the materials used in it and what properties make
the materials suitable. Discuss whether alternative materials could be used.
❖ DISCUSSING QUALITY ISSUES
1. Answer the following questions.

a) In advertising, what hi-tech, high-performance situations
are often used to promote watches?
b) What messages are they intended to send about the
quality of the products?
c) What quality issues differentiate higher-quality watches from lower-quality ones?
d) What is the difference between describing something as water-resistant and waterproof?

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2. Louisa, a marketing executive for a watch manufacturer, is discussing material selection
with Tom, one of her engineering colleagues. Listen to the discussion and complete the
four quality issues that are mentioned in the meeting.
a) _____________________ resistance
b) _____________________ resistance
c) _____________________ resistance
d) _____________________ resistance
3. Discuss what is meant by each of the quality issues in exercise 2.
4. Listen again and answer the following questions.
a) What point does Tom make about the reasons for selecting materials?
b) What does he say about submarine-grade steel to exemplify the above point?
c) What problem does he describe with regard to the marketability of many materials?
d) What hard commercial fact does Louisa give?
5. Mark the following statements true (T) or false (F) according to the views expressed in the
conversation.
a) Often, exotic-sounding materials are not that suitable, technically.
b) People think that a submarine steel watch must be tremendously water-resistant.
c) The corrosion resistance of submarine steel is exceptionally good.
d) Submarine-grade steel looks fairly good.
e) Tom thinks submarine steel is particularly suitable for watches.
f) The firm has often used materials that are not adequately durable.
g) Often, the compositions of good watch materials are relatively complex.
h) Materials with complicated names are pretty good for marketing.
6. Discuss the properties and different types and grades of the following materials. Give
examples of the properties that make each material good or bad for watch-making, from a
quality perspective.

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7. In small groups, choose a well-known consumer product or appliance and discuss it from
a quality perspective. How suitable are the materials used? How good is the product,
compared with others sold by competitors?
Source: Ibbotson, M. (2008). Cambridge English for Engineering. Cambridge University Press.
❖ FORCES ON MATERIALS
1. Discuss these questions.
a) What materials do mechanical engineers
commonly use?
b) Why do they use different materials for
different purposes?
2. Study the pictures on the opposite page. Answer the following questions using words
from box a.
a) What material is each object made of?
b) Why is it made of that material?
3. Put the words in box a into three groups.
4. Complete each sentence with a word or words from box a. Change the form if necessary
(e.g., change singular to plural). Some words can be used more than once.
a) An _________________________ is a mixture of metals. AIZnMgCu is used in aeroplane
wings.
b) The tracks of a railway line must be___________________________ .
c) A hammer has only two ____________________ : the handle and the head.
d) The parking places are shaded by a ________________________ roof.
e) Water pipes are often made of _________________________ because the metal does not
oxidize in contact with water.
f) The roof is supported by several steel ________________________ .
g) Some modern guns are made from strong ________________________ which means they
do not show up on airport X-ray machines.
h) A spring needs to be made from a ______________________ and ________________
material.

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5. Study box b.
6. Complete each sentence with a word from box b. Change the form if necessary.
a) Most cars have an ____________________ combustion engine.
b) If a car crashes into a wall, the bumper or the bodywork is _____________________ .
c) A big difference between US and USSR space vehicles was that the USSR didn’t have
microtechnology, so they had to ______________________ their machines.
d) If a machine vibrates badly, it means the components are not in ___________________ .
e) The front wheels of a vehicle are ________________________: that is, they have the same
axis.
7. Look at the picture of a car.

a) Make a list of components.
b) State some materials used to make each
component.
c) Give a reason for using each material.
8. How can force be applied to a mechanical component?

a) Make a list of ways.

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❖ PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS
Materials Properties Applications
Metals
Aluminium light, soft, ductile, highly foil, cooking utensils,
conductive, corrosion-resistant aerospace industry for
structural components,
aircraft and rockets and
racing bicycles
Copper very malleable, tough and electric wiring, PCBs
ductile, rather soft and (printed circuit boards),
corrosion-resistant; high lightning rods, tubing, heat
thermal and electrical exchangers, refrigeration
conductivity and air-conditioning
equipment
Brass very malleable, very corrosion- Valves, gears, locks,
resistant and highly conductive; doorknobs, hinges, taps,
casts well, easily machined and castings, pipe fittings,
can be work hardened; good electrical contacts, musical
acoustic properties instruments, horns,
trumpets, etc.
Bronze hard brittle, durable, corrosion- boat and ship fittings, ship
resistant, and good heat and propellers and submerged
electrical conductor bearings, springs and
sleeve bearings
Mild steel high strength, ductile, tough building structures
and fairly malleable; cannot be
hardened and tempered; low
cost; poor corrosion-resistance
High carbon steel hardest of the carbon steels but cutting tools such as drills,
less ductile and malleable; can files, saws
be hardened and tempered
Stainless steel corrosion-resistant and storage tanks used to
durable; high resistance to transport orange juice;
water and air environments, low cookware, cutlery, surgery
maintenance, low cost and instruments and building
antibacterial properties façades
Polymers (plastics)
Thermoplastics
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) high impact strength and protective headgear such as
toughness, scratch-, resistant, safety helmets; club golf
light and durable: high weather heads, car components,
resistance telephones, kitchenware
and toys such as Lego
bricks

39
Poly (methyl methacrylate) (Acrylic) stiff, hard, very durable and glass substitution; aircraft
clear; can be polished easily canopies, double glazing,
and can be formed easily; spectator protection in ice
shatter-resistant hockey rinks, automobile
taillights motorcycle helmet
visors, windshields, and
aquariums; signboards
Polyamide (Nylon) hard, tough, wear resistant and bearings, gears, and
self-lubricating casings for power tools
Thermosetting Plastics
Epoxy resin high strength when reinforced, adhesives, encapsulation of
good chemical and wear- electronic component,
resistance; a good insulator generators, transformers,
bushings and insulators;
used to bong copper foil to
circuit board substrates
Polyester resin stiff, hard, brittle; good chemical moulding, boat and car
and heat-resistance bodies
Urea formaldehyde stiff, hard, strong, brittle, heat- electrical fittings, adhesives,
resistant, and a good electrical finishes and to glue wood
insulator together
Elastomers
Elastomers elasticity and relatively soft seals and adhesives; seals
in plumbing systems
containing pressure, or to
exclude contamination;
coatings, gaskets, lids for
containers and piston rings
Ceramics
Ceramics brittle, hard, strong (in industries; mining –
compression); very good components to dig relatively
chemical and heat resistance; soft soils; aerospace;
very good wear resistance medicine – bone and teeth
prostheses; food and
chemical industries;
electronic tools for cutting,
spark plugs, inner pats of of
dies, ceramic lining and
coating in valves, inner part
of taps to seal
Traditional ceramics
Whiteware imperviousness to fluids, low porcelain, sanitary ware,
conductivity of electricity, bone china and faience;
chemical inertness, and an table kitchen and decorative
ability to be formed into wares; objects of art;
complex shapes insulating parts and high

40
tension electrical cable
assemblies
Building ceramics hardness and compression bricks, earthenware, wall
strength, ability to withstand tiles, roofing tiles, and
chemical erosion and stoneware
resistance to extremely high
temperatures; brittle and weak
in shearing and tension
Technical ceramics
Technical ceramics hard and strong; low thermal cutting tools for cutting
conductivity grinding and polishing other
materials of lower hardness
such as metals; tiles used in
space shuttle programmes,
gas burner nozzles, ballistic
protection, bio-medical
implants and jet engine
turbine blades; jewellery –
diamond simulator such as
cubic zirconium
Glass
Glass hard, strong (in compression) windows, bottles and
and brittle; corrosion and eyewear
chemical resistance and good
insulator; optically transparent
Composite Materials
Composite materials a combination of different Example: a bathtub made of
➢ Glass fibre materials resulting in a material polyester and glass fiber; a
with new properties; thus, no leisure boat body made of
➢ Carbon fibre
clear definition; made from polyester resin (which is
distinct parts of two or more light) and combined with
constituents fiber glass (which has high
impact strength); reinforced
concrete is result of
concrete and steel; other
examples: plywood – a
plastic/ wood composite;
aerospace components
such as wings, and
propellers; frames in racing
car bodies; fishing rods and
baseball bats, orthopedic
surgery
Authors: Prof. Doutora Deolinda Simões, Prof. Carlos Rebelo, Prof. Doutor Luís Borrego (ISEC)

41
PROPERTIES – terms to describe properties.
1. brittle 6. friction 11. soft
2. clear 7. hard 12. stiff
3. conductive 8. insulator 13. strong
4. ductile 9. light 14. tough
5. durable 10. malleable
PROPERTIES – Resistant to…

1. chemical-resistant
2. corrosion-resistant
3. heat-resistant
4. scatter-resistant
5. scratch-resistant
6. wear-resistant
Exercises:
1. Scan the table above to find…
a) A metal used to make aircraft.
b) Plastics used for adhesives.
c) Steel which can be hardened.
d) An alloy suitable for castings.
e) A plastic with very low friction.
f) A material suitable for safety helmets.
g) A metal suitable for a salt-water environment.
h) A metal for general construction use but which should be protected from corrosion.
i) A plastic for car bodies.
j) The metal used for the conductors in printed circuit boards.
WRITING ACTIVITY
1. Read the following example about how to define something and add extra information to a
text.
A conductor is a material that allows heat or current to flow easily. An example of a very highly
conductive material is aluminium, which is light, soft and corrosion-resistant. It can be used to make
aircraft, engine components – for example, cylinder heads – and many items for the kitchen, such as
pots and other cooking utensils.

42
2. Choose a material and write a text about it. Define and describe it, explaining its properties and
giving examples of the different uses of the material. Add all the information that you are familiar
with to the text.
Source: Glending, N. (1995). Oxford English for Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Oxford University Press.
6 – TOOLS
❖ HAND TOOLS 1
1. Before you read the passage, talk about these

questions.
a) What are some common hand tools?
b) What repairs and tasks do you use hand tools
for?
2. Read the advice column. Then, choose the correct answers.

a) What is the column mostly about?

43
• an expensive repair man
• a recommendation for tools
• a local hardware store
• a description of how long tools last
b) What are NOT included in tool kits?

• tape measures
• adjustable wrenches
• Philips screwdrivers
• flathead screwdrivers
c) According to the columnist, what is true about utility knives?

• The blades break frequently.
• They are included in tool kits.
• The blades are not always out.
• They cost less than hammers.
3. Match the words (1-5) with the definitions ((a-e).
1. wrench a) a manual device used for home improvement projects

2. retractable b) being able to pull back in
3. adjustable c) a small cutting device
4. utility knife d) a hand tool that tightens and loosens nuts and bolts
5. hand tool e) being able to change sizes
4. Read the sentence pair. Choose where the words best fit the blanks.
a) Philips screwdriver / flathead screwdriver
• A screw with a flat slot needs a ___________________ .
• A screw with a cross-shape on the head needs a _________________ .
b) slip joint pliers / long nose pliers

• _______________ are adjustable.
• _______________ have needle-like pincers.
c) claw hammer / tool kit

• A _________________ can drive in or remove nails.
• Many tools are included in a _____________________ .

44
5. Listen to a conversation between a sales associate and a customer. Mark the following
a) The customer needs Philips and flathead screwdrivers.
b) They do not sell hand tools individually.
c) Buying tools in a set is less expensive than buying them one at a time.
7. Use the conversation above to fill the customer feedback form.

45
❖ HAND TOOLS 2
1. Before you read the passage, talk

about these questions.
a) What tool can be used to cut pipes?
b) What are some different types of
wrenches?
2. Read the tool manufacturer’s website. Then, choose the correct answers.
a) What is the purpose of the website?
• to advertise an upcoming sale
• to explain product functions
• to compare hand and power tools
• to take online customer orders
b) What tool should be used to cut wood?

• wire cutter

46
• hand saw
• hacksaw
• ball pein hammer
c) Which tool CANNOT work on different sizes of bolts?

• Allen key
• pipe wrench
• combination wrench
• ratchet wrench and socket set
3. Place the words and phrases from the word bank under the correct heading.
4. Fill in the blanks with the correct words and phrases from the word bank.
a) See which _____________________ fits the hexagonal recess in this bolt.

b) Tom used the open end of the ___________________ .
c) The plumber used an adjustable _______________________ .
d) Sue shaped the metal fitting with a _______________________ .
e) Where are the sockets for this ______________________ .

47
5. Listen to a conversation between a customer and a tool company employee. Mark the
following statements as true (T) or false (F).
a) The man calls to get help choosing tools.
b) The man orders several pipe wrenches.
c) The man needs hand saws and hacksaws.
6. Listen and complete the conversation.
Source: Dearholt, J. (2015). Career Paths: Mechanics. Express Publishing.
❖ MACHINE TOOLS (video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9akTfuZoSc )

a) What is the difference between a hand tool and a machine tool?
b) What are some different types of machine tools?
2. Read the following webpage. Then, mark the following statements as true (T) or false
(F).
a) The company sells mills that are run by computers.
b) The webpage advertises several types of band saws.

48
c) According to the webpage, the company’s honing machines are very quiet.
3. Match the words (1-6) with the definitions (a-f).

1. mill a) a machine tool that creates teeth in machine parts
2. lathe b) a machine tool that creates smooth surfaces on metal
3. band saw c) a machine tool that flattens surfaces and adds holes or slots
4. drill press d) a machine tool that rotates materials to shape them
5. gear shaper e) a machine tool that cuts materials with a steel blade
6. honing machine f) a machine tool that creates holes in surfaces
4. Read the sentence pairs. Choose which word best fits each blank.
a) CNC mill / broach
• The engineer used a _______________________ to remove excess material.

49
• With a _____________________, smoothing a surface is easy.
b) Machine tools / lead screws
• The company replaced different parts of ______________________ .
• Since the _________________________ were too small, the engineer returned

them to the hardware store.
5. Listen to a conversation between two mechanical engineers. Choose the correct

answers.
a) What is the conversation mostly about?
• a damaged machine tool
• the differences between machine tools
• which machine tools to order
• how to use a particular machine tool
b) What is the purpose of the woman’s suggestion?

• to improve the speed of a machine process
• to prevent damage to a machine tool
• to provide safer guidelines for using equipment
• to reduce the costs of maintaining machines
Source: Evans et al. (2014). Career Paths: Mechanical Engineering. Express Publishing.

50
7 – GEARS
1. Before you read the passage, talk about
these questions.
a) What are some different types of gears?
b) What is the purpose of a rack and a
pinion gear?
2. Read the encyclopaedia entry. Then, complete the table.

Type of Gear Features
1____________________________ has teeth projecting towards or away from the
_____________________________ centre
Helical Gear 2_____________________________
______________________________
Rack and Pinion Gear 3_____________________________
______________________________

51
3. Match the words or phrases (1-6) with the definitions (A-F).
1. worm gear a) a regular protrusion cut into a gear
2. mesh b) the driving gear of a gearset
3. tooth c) a gear that meshes with a screw-like gear
4. worm d) to come together and interlock
5. pinion e) a gear with teeth that project radially
6. spur gear f) a type of gear with one continuous tooth
4. The sentence pairs. Choose which word best fits each blank.
a) rack / gear
• A ____________________ is usually a round part with teeth.
• A ____________________ and pinion turns rotational motion into linear motion.
b) helical gear / bevel gear

• A ___________________ meets its partner at an angle, usually 90º.
• A ___________________ has teeth that are cut in a spiral pattern.
5. With a partner, write the following dialogue.
Source: Evans et al. (2014). Career Paths: Mechanical Engineering. Express Publishing.

52
8 – Refrigeration
Tunning-in
1. Study this diagram. It explains how a refrigerator works. In groups try to work out the function
of each of the numbered components using the information in the diagram.
2. Reading – dealing with unfamiliar words.

You are going to read a text about refrigerators. Your purpose is to find out how they operate. Read
the first paragraph of the text below. Underline any words which are unfamiliar to you.

53
3. You may have underlined words like micro-organisms, bacteria, or enzymes. These are
words which are uncommon in engineering. Do you need to know the meaning of these
words to understand how refrigerators operate?
4. Now read the text to check your explanation of how a refrigerator works. See if the
unfamiliar words will or not help you to achieve this purpose.

54
Language Study – Principles and Laws
5. Study these extracts from the text above. What kind of statements are they?
a) If a liquid is heated, it changes to a gas or vapour.
b) If a gas is allowed to expand, it cools down.
c) If a gas is compressed, it heats up.
Each consists of an action followed by a result. For example:
Action Result
a liquid is heated it changes to a gas or vapour
These statements are principles. They describe things in science and engineering which are always
true. The action is always followed by the same result.
Principles have this form:

If / When (action – present tense), (result – present tense).
6. Link each action in column A with a result from column B to describe an important
engineering principle.
A Action B Result
1. a liquid is heated a) it heats up
2. a gas is cooled b) there is an equal and opposite reaction
3. a gas expands c) it changes to a gas
4. a gas is compressed d) it extends in proportion to the force
5. a force is applied to a body e) it is transmitted equally throughout the
fluid

55
6. a current passes through a wire f) a current is induced in the wire
7. a wire cuts a magnetic field g) it cools down
8. pressure is applied to the surface of h) it sets up a magnetic field around the wire
an enclosed fluid
9. a force is applied to a spring fixed at i) it changes to a liquid
one end
WORD STUDY – Verbs and related nouns

1. Each of the verbs in column A has a related noun ending in -er or -or in column B.
Complete the blanks. Use a dictionary to check any spellings which you are not certain
about.
A Verbs B Nouns
Example: refrigerate refrigerator
1. condense __________________________________
2. __________________________ evaporator
3. compress __________________________________
4. resist __________________________________
5. ___________________________ charger
6. generate __________________________________
7. conduct __________________________________
8. ___________________________ exchanger
9. radiate ___________________________________
10. control ___________________________________
WRITING – Describing a process.

1. Study the following diagram. It describes the refrigeration process.

56
2. When we write about a process, we have to:
a) sequence the stages;
b) locate the stages;
c) describe what happens at each stage;
d) explain what happens at each stage.
For example:
sequence location description explanation
The refrigerator process begins in the compressor. This compresses the gas so that it heats up.
3. Put these stages in the refrigeration process in the correct sequence with the help of the
diagram above. The first one has been done for you.
a) The liquid enters the evaporator. ______________
b) The gas condenses back into a liquid. ______________
c) The vapour is sucked back into the compressor. ______________
d) The gas is compressed. 1
e) The liquid turns into a vapour. ______________
f) The gas passes through the condenser. ______________
g) The liquid passes through a capillary tube. ______________
h) The high pressure is maintained. ______________
4. There are two ways to locate a stage in a process.

a) Using a preposition + a noun phrase.
For example:
• The liquid turns to vapour in the evaporator.
• The gas cools down in the condenser.
b) Using a where-clause, a relative clause with where rather then which or who, to link a stage,
its location and what happens there.
For example:
• The warm gas passes through the condenser, where it heats the surroundings and
cools down.
• The refrigerant circulates around the fridge, where it undergoes changes in pressure
and temperature.

57
5. Complete each of these statements.
a) The gas passes through the compressor, where ____________________________________.
b) It passes through the condenser, where __________________________________________.
c) The liquid passes through a capillary tube, where ___________________________________.
d) The liquid enters the evaporator, where __________________________________________.
e) The cold vapour is sucked back into the compressor, where __________________________.
Source: Glendinning, E. (1995). Oxford English for Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
9 – COMPUTERS AND ENGINEERING
1. Study the words and phrases in box a.
a) Which words or phrases relate to

computers and the internet? Which
relate to books and libraries? Find two
groups of words.
b) Find pairs of words and phrases with
similar meanings, one from each group.
c) Check your ideas with the first part of the Computer Jargon Buster.
2. Study the abbreviations and acronyms in box b.
a) How do you say each one?
3. What do the abbreviations and acronyms in box

b stand for?
4. What do they mean?
5. Study the nouns in box c.
a) Make a verb from each noun.

b) Make another noun from the verb.

58
59
6. Discuss these questions.
a) How are computers used in manufacturing
today?
b) How has their use in manufacturing changed
in the last 50 years?
c) How can computers help to reduce the cost
of production?
7. Look at the title of the following text.

a) What does CIM stand for?
b) What exactly does it mean?
c) Write some questions that you would like the
text to answer.
8. One student wrote some ideas about CIM

before reading the text on the opposite page.
a) Write A (I agree), D (I disagree) or ? (I’m not
sure) next to the ideas on the right.
b) Add any other ideas you have.
9. Read all the topic sentences in the text.

a) What is the structure of this text? Choose
Structure A or B on the right.
b) What do you think each paragraph will be
about?
10. Read the text and check your predictions.
11. Answer these questions.
a) What exactly is CIM?

b) How are CIM and CAM different?
c) Why don’t all manufacturing companies use
CIM?

60

61
❖ ROBOTICS (video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW_IXxNJBMU )
a) What are some different technologies
that control robots?
b) What are the components of a serial
robot?
2. Read the engineer’s resumé.

62
3. Complete the table with information from the resumé.
Technology Work performed

Six-joint serial robots 1. ________________________________
________________________________
2.______________________________ designed a robot that operates in multiple
______________________________ configurations
Hydraulic and Pneumatic robots 3._____________________________________
_____________________________________
Four-joint robots 4. ____________________________________
_____________________________________
4. Match the words (1-9) with the definitions (a-i).

1. point a) the arm-like moving part of a robot
2. payload b) powered by moving a fluid
3. robotics c) powered by pressurized air
4. hydraulic d) a point where two parts are connected to allow movement
5. actuator e) the science of developing and manufacturing
6. pneumatic f) a gripping tool or other device at the end of a robot arm
7. automation g) the size or weight of something that a robot is capable of moving
8. manipulator h) the process of using machines to replace human labour
9. end-effector i) a device that supplies power to a robot
5. Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the word bank.
a) The engineer repaired a defective joint on the _____________________ .

b) The team used a(n) ____________________ to program the robot from a distance.
c) When the engineer deactivated the ____________________, the robot stopped.
d) We improved the robot’s _______________________ so it could manipulate objects more
easily.
e) In a(n) ________________________, machines are set up to +perform tasks in a specific
order.
f) The robot’s arm is short, so its _________________ is fairly small.

63
6. Listen and read the engineer’s resumé again. What devices did the engineer design?
7. Listen to a conversation between an engineer and an interviewer. Mark the following

a) The woman has very little experience with serial robots.
b) The woman enjoys developing teach pendants.
c) The woman has experience with hydraulic machinery.
9. With a partner, act out the roles below based on exercise 8. Then switch roles.

64
10. Use the engineer’s résumé and the conversation from exercise 8 to write an engineer’s
cover letter. Include: the position you are applying for, your experience, and why you
are a good candidate for the position.
Source: Evans, V. et all. (2014). Career Paths: Mechanical Engineering. Express Publishing.

65
10 – THE FUTURE OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
1. Before you read the passage, talk about the following questions.
a) What are some of the new fields of mechanical engineering?

b) What is the significance of lab-on-a-chip technology?
2. Read the article. Then, choose the correct answers.

a) What is the purpose of the article?
• to introduce the reader to basic mechanical engineering concepts’.
• to promote a company that develops mechanical engineering technology.

66
• to explain different mechanical engineering applications.
• to describe the challenges of working in the mechanical engineering field.
3. According to the webpage, which technology has widespread everyday uses?

a) Nanotechnology
b) Friction stir welding
c) Mechanosynthesis
d) MEMS
4. Match the words (1-8) with the definitions (a-h).
1. rivet a) an integrated circuit that performs laboratory tests

2. MEMS b) Artificial body parts such as arms and legs
3. rigidity c) a very small mechanical component used in electronic devices
4. BioMEMS d) A very small mechanical device that handles biological matter
5. prosthetics e) stiffness or resistance to deformation
6. nanotechnology f) a branch of engineering that involves microscopic devices
7. carbon fiber g) a permanent metal fastening device
8. lab-on-chip h) a very strong material
5. Read the sentences and choose the correct words.

a) Mechatronics / Mechanosynthesis involves mechanical intervention in chemical
reactions.
b) No donor hearts were available, so the doctors considered a(n) lab-on-a-chip / artificial
organ.
c) The engineer’s combined background in engineering and anatomy led him to the field of
MEMS / biomechanics.
d) The research team invented a composite / carbon fiber that consists of four different
materials.
e) The manufacturer used FSW / BioMEMS as an alternative to rivets.
Source: Evans, V. et all. (2014). Career Paths: Mechanical Engineering. Express Publishing.

67
11 – HEALTH AND SAFETY
Describing health and safety precautions
1. Some engineering or industrial activities are

especially dangerous. Think of more examples
to add to the following list.
• Manufacturing processes using dangerous
chemicals.
• Casting and welding involving high
temperatures.
2. Discuss what is meant by the items on the following Health and Safety meeting agenda.
3. Rosana, the assistant manager at a Dorian Food Processing plant, is chairing the weekly
Health and Safety meeting. Listen to four extracts from the meeting and match each extract
(a-d) to an agenda item (1-7).
a)__________________________ b)__________________________
c)__________________________ d)__________________________

68
4. Listen again and match the words from the meeting (1-8) to the definitions (a-h).
1. confined spaces a) burns the skin
2. CO2 detector b) Contact (with danger)
3. exposure c) sources of ignition
4. irritant d) small areas without ventilation
5. toxic e) measures carbon dioxide
6. corrosive f) poisonous
7. flammable g) causes skin to react
8. naked flames/ sparks h) catches fire easily
5. Which four types of PPE shown I the photos are mentioned at the meeting?
6. Discuss the hazards in the following situations and the precautions that should be taken.
a) Working inside a container with a limited air circulation.

b) Cleaning metal using acid that can burn the skin and which gives off fumes.
c) Using a grinder to cut through a steel plate.
d) Applying paint that can cause painful rashes on the hands.
7. Stephanie, Dorian’s senior safety officer, is attending a meeting on standard procedure for
some engineering work that will be carried out at the several of Dorian’s plants around the
world. Before the meeting she made notes. Read her notes and answer the following
questions.
a) What is meant by hazard analysis?
b) What is another way to say safe
system of work?
c) What type of work is going to be
carried out, and where?
d) What is meant by access to silos?
e) What are the specific hazards
relating to confined spaces in this
situation?

69
8. Stephanie is discussing some of the hazards with Ben, one of Dorian’s engineering
managers. Listen to the conversation and note the hazards that they mention.
a) Access hazards: _____________________________________________________________
b) Confined space hazards:______________________________________________________
9. Listen again and answer the following questions.

a) What safety precautions are discussed?
b) Which precaution might make one of the hazards worse, and how?
10. Discuss suitable health and safety precautions and PPE for the following operations on a
existing steel petrol storage tank at a processing plant. Student A, you are a safety officer;
student B, you are an engineering manager. Use the phrases in the box. Swap roles and
practise again.
a) An opening needs to be cut through the wall.
b) A new steel outlet pipe must then be welded onto the opening.
c) The existing paint must then be removed from the external surface of the tank, by slot-blasting.
d) The tank must then be repaired.
10 EMPHASIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF PRECAUTIONS

1. Dorian Food processing is currently standardising safety procedures at its plants
around the world. Read the following extract from the contents page of the company’s
new safety documentation and answer the following questions.
a) What is meant by LV and HV electrical maintenance operations?
b) What kinds of electrical maintenance might be carried out in a factory?

70
2. Listen to Stephanie explaining the safety procedures to Lin, the plant manager in Beijing.
What is meant by the following phrases.
a) restricted area
b) a permit to work
c) the electrical supervisor
d) the lock-out procedure
3. Complete the following extracts from the conversation by underlining the phrases that
give the strongest emphasis. Listen to the conversation again and check your answers.
a) Restricted areas are places where a serious danger is present. So, it’s essential that these
should be kept locked at all times / all the time.
b) Under no circumstance should anyone / Nobody should under any circumstance be
able to access them…
c) …it’s important that permits are issued each time / every single time someone enters…
d) And it’s crucial that there’s just one / just a single key to each restricted area.
e) Then, while they’re working, it’s vital / it’s advisable that they keep the key on them…
4. Rewrite the following precautions using the phrases in the box to add emphasis.
a) The fire exit should always be kept clear.

The fire exit should be kept clear at all times.
b) It’s important to test that the circuit is isolated.

c) You should reset the alarm routinely when you start the system.
d) It’s a good idea to check that the cable is not damaged.
e) It’s recommended that you should only store non-flammable materials in this zone.
f) Nobody should enter the restricted area without permission.
g) Before pressurising the system, make sure all the connections are tight.
Source: Ibbotson M. (2008). Cambridge English for Engineering. Cambridge University Press.
1. The following picture shows some people who have an interest in health and safety.
a) What is each person’s connection with health and safety?
b) What aspects of health and safety is each person interested in? Why?
c) Match each person with the correct quote (A-F).

71

72
BIBLIOGRAPHY
➢ Dearholt, J. (2015). Career Paths: Mechanics. Express Publishing.
➢ Dunn, M. et all. (2010). English for Mechanical Engineering in Higher Education Studies. Garnet
Education.
➢ Evans, V. et all. (2014). Career Paths: Mechanical Engineering. Express Publishing.
➢ Ibbotson M. (2008). Cambridge English for Engineering. Cambridge University Press.
➢ Glendinning. N. (1995). Oxford English for Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Oxford
University Press.

73

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INSTITUTO POLITÉCNICO DE COIMBRA

INSTITUTO SUPERIOR DE ENGENHARIA DE COIMBRA

Department of Mechanical Engineering

ENGLISH – 2nd SEMESTER

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Mechanical Engineering - English

Mechanical Engineering - English

Mechanical Engineering - English

3. Study the words in box a.

Mechanical Engineering - English

5. Discuss the following pictures.

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3. In Part 2 of the talk, the lecturer mentions collar and hand.

4. In Part 3 of the talk, the lecturer describes different branches

5. In the final part of the talk, the lecturer gives a definition of

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LANGUAGE STUDY – Present Simple and Present Continuous

Mechanical Engineering - English

Present Simple Present Continuous

Mechanical Engineering - English

1. Before you read the passage, talk about these questions.

Type of Gear Features

3 physics, kinematics, testing

Mechanical Engineering - English

4. Read the sentences and choose the correct words or phrases.

6. Listen to a conversation between an engineer and an interviewer. Mark the following

Mechanical Engineering - English

Source: Dearholt, J. (2015). Career Paths: Mechanics. Express Publishing

Mechanical Engineering - English

1. What are the greatest engineering achievements of

3. You are going to read a text about a great

4. Study these topic sentences from the text and

a) Which achievement is the text about?

Mechanical Engineering - English

Describing technical functions and applications

1. Think about two or three products you use

• the primary application of GPS (1) __________________________________

4. Match the GPS applications (1-6) to the descriptions (a-f).

1. topographical surveying a) navigation and safety at sea

Mechanical Engineering - English

6. Match the words in exercise 6 to their synonyms.

Mechanical Engineering - English

1. Look at the picture and discuss the following questions.

2. Read the following article and compare it to your

1. connecting a) carried (objects, over a distance)

Mechanical Engineering - English

Mechanical Engineering - English

Mechanical Engineering - English

1. Discuss the term technical advantage.

3. Match the words (1-6) from the text in exercise

4. Complete the following text using the correct

Mechanical Engineering - English

9. Match the words in exercise 8 to their synonyms.

a) _____________________ / __________________ = completely

Mechanical Engineering - English

a) ___ / = completely