What is engineering?

Warming-up

Task 1 Write down four English words to describe engineering.

Task 2 List the main branches of engineering. Combine your list with others in your group.

Task 3 Study this list of points to consider when deciding to study engineering. Tick (√) the
statements which refer to you. You can add other useful and suitable points on the list
that refer to you.
1. You enjoy practical projects – creating and investigating things.
2. You like finding out how things work.
3. You have good practical skills.
4. You are interested in improving the environment.
5. You like helping people.
6. You enjoy solving problems.
7. You enjoy science programmes on TV.
8. You sometimes read articles on scientific or engineering topics.
9. You have a lot of determination and stamina.
10. What else? (try your own choice)

Reading 1

Task 4 Read the headings of the paragraphs (1-4) below. What do you think each paragraph
will be about?
Task 5 Read the paragraphs (1-4) below and check.

1. Engineering is everywhere
Almost everything we use in modern life is made by engineers. For example, if a manufacturer
wants a faster car, a smaller personal stereo, or a better pen, they will ask a design engineer to find
a practical solution.

2. Engineering is both theoretical and practical

Engineers use theory (ideas about engineering) to produce practical answers. The 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.

3. Engineers use methods

Generally, engineers solve problems in a methodical way. Engineers:
1. define the problem
2. design a solution
3. test the solution
4. evaluate the solution.
If the solution isn’t right, the process is repeated. When a good solution is found, the next step is
to:
5. communicate the solution.

4. Anyone can use engineering ideas

This method of problem-solving is useful in everyday life. For example, you can use the five steps
next time you prepare for a test.
 1. Define the problem: I want to pass my test next week.
2. Design a solution: I will study for three hours a day.
3. Test the solution: Study for three hours a day and take the test.
4. Evaluate the solution: Have I passed the test with a good mark? Yes = a good solution, No = a
bad solution, so think of a better one.
5. Communicate the solution: Tell your friends about your test-passing technique.

Task 6 Read the four paragraphs again and decide if the sentences (1-4) below are true (T) or
false (F).
1. Lots of things are made by engineers. T/F
2. Engineering isn’t practical. T/F
3. Engineers must think carefully. T/F
4. Only engineers can solve problems. T/F

Task 7 Work with a partner. Choose one of the problems below or your own problem. Solve it
using the five steps. Make notes.
 You want to go away for a weekend with your friends but your family wants you stay home.
 You want to buy a CD player but you haven’t got any money.
 You want to get rid of a phobia or to help someone to get rid of it, e.g. spider phobia

Reading 2

Engineering – what’s it all about?

Engineering is largely a practical activity. It is about putting ideas into action. Civil engineering is
concerned with making bridges, roads, airports, etc. Mechanical engineering deals with the design and
manufacture of tools and machines. Electrical engineering is about the generation and distribution of
electricity and its many applications. Electronic engineering is concerned with developing
components and equipment for communications, computing, and so on.
Mechanical engineering includes marine, automobile, aeronautical, heating and ventilating, and others.
Electrical engineering includes electricity generating, electrical installation, lighting, etc. Mining and
medical engineering belong partly to mechanical and partly to electrical.

Task 8 Complete the blanks in this diagram using information from the text.
Reading 3

Task 9 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?

Task 10 Now read the following texts to check your answers to last question. Match each text to
one of the illustrations above.
Transport: Cars, trains, ships, and planes are all production of mechanical engineering.
Mechanical engineers are also involved in support services such as roads, rail track, harbours,
and bridges.
Food processing: Mechanical engineers design, develop, and make systems, and other high-
tech equipment result from mechanical and electrical engineers combining with medical
experts too convert ideas into life-saving and preserving products.
Building services: Electrical engineers provide all the service we need in our homes and places
of work, including lighting, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, refrigeration, and lifts.
Energy and power: Electrical engineers are concerned with the production and distribution of
electricity to homes, offices, industry, hospitals, colleges and schools, and the installation and
maintenance of the equipment involved in these processes.
Language study
What is the link between column A and column B?
A B
mechanical machines
electrical electricity
Column A lists a branch of engineering or a type of engineering. Column B lists things they are
concerned with. We can show the link between them in a number of ways:
1. Mechanical engineering deals with machines.
2. Mechanical engineers deal with machines.
3. Mechanical engineering is concerned with machines.
4. Mechanical engineers are concerned with machines.
5. Machines are the concern of mechanical engineers.
Task 11 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

Writing and Speaking

Task 12 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.

The main branches of engineering are civil, 1________________, 2_________________, and

electronic. Mechanical engineering is 3_________________ 4_________________ machinery of all
kinds. This branch of engineering includes 5__________________, automobile, 6________________,
and heating and ventilating. The first three are concerned with transport: 7_________________, cars
and planes. The last 8__________________ with air-conditioning, refrigeration, etc.
Electrical engineering deals with 9__________________ from generation to use. Electricity generating
is concerned with 10_______________________ stations. Electrical installation deals 11____________
cables, switchgear, and connecting up electrical equipment.
Two branches of engineering include both 12__________________ and 13__________________
engineers. These are mining and 14____________________ engineering. The former deals with mines
and mining equipment, the latter with hospital 15____________________ of all kinds.

Task 13 Read these short extracts and note the words which helped you decide on your answers.
To which branch of engineering do these engineers belong?

1. I work in a power station. I’m responsible for turbine maintenance. I work shifts: midnight to
eight o’clock this month.
2. I design scanners. They give doctors far more information than X-rays and there’s no risk to
the patient.
3. I work on jet engines. Onboard computers record readings every five hours and every twenty-
five take-offs. This information allows us to carry out servicing before defects or reduction in
performance to occur.
4. The best thing about my job is that I get to go on sea trials after the refit is finished.
5. I’m working with the architects of a new hospital. Getting the heating and ventilation right is
important. I have to make sure that the working environment will be comfortable for the
patients and staff.
6. Safety is very important in my job. Everything must be earthed to make sure that no one gets a
shock.
7. My main areas of expertise are fuel consumption and engine emission. International pressures
are really making things difficult for us.

Task 14 Write a job description for your own job and say why you feel you are suitable
for it.