English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

LESSON 1

I DON’T LIKE WORKING ON WEEKENDS!

READING

Engineering and Science

To better understand what engineers do, let’s contrast the roles of engineers with
those of the closely related field of the scientist.
Many students approach both for similar reasons; they were good at math and science in high
school. While this is a prerequisite for both fields, it is not a sufficient discriminator to
determine which the right career is for a given individual.
The main difference between the engineer and the scientist is in the object of each
one’s work. The scientist searches for answers to technological questions to obtain
knowledge of why a phenomenon occurs. The engineer also searches for answers to
technological questions, but always with an application in mind.
Theodore Von Karman, one of the pioneers of America’s aerospace industry, said
“Scientists explore what is; engineers create what has not been.” (Paul Wright, Intro to
Engineering).
In general, science is about discovering things or acquiring new knowledge. Scientists
are always asking, “Why?”They are interested in advancing the knowledge base that we have
in a specific area. The answers they seek may be of an abstract nature, such as understanding
the beginning of universe, or more practical, such as the reaction of virus to a new drug.
The engineer also asks “Why?”But it is because of a problem which is preventing a
product or service from being produced. The engineer is always thinking about application
when asking why. The engineer becomes concerned with issues such as the demand for a
product, the cost of producing the product, the impact on society and the environment of the
product.
Scientists and engineers work in many of the same fields and industries but have
different roles. For example Scientist studies the planets in our solar system to understand
them; engineers study the planets so they can design a spacecraft to operate the environment
of the planet.

1
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

QUESTIONS

1. How does the author define “scientist” and “Engineer” ?

2. Scientists and engineers work in many of the same fields and industries but have
different roles. Find 4 more examples!

2
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

3
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

4
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

5
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

6
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

LESSON 2
APPLYING FOR A JOB

Letter of Application Guidelines

Length: A letter of application should be no more than one page long.

Format: A letter of application should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph. Use
about 1" margins and align your text to the left, which is the standard alignment for most
documents.

Font: Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be
between 10 and 12 points.

How to Organize a Letter of Application

Header: A letter of application should begin with both you and the employer's contact information
(name, address, phone number, email) followed by the date. If this is an email rather than an actual
letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your signature.

Salutation: Begin your letter with "Dear Mr/Mrs Last Name." If you do not know the employer's last
name, simply write, "Dear Hiring Manager." Dear Sir/Madam,

Introduction: Begin by stating what job you are applying for. Explain where you heard about the job,
particularly if you heard about it from a contact associated with the company.

Briefly mention how your skills and experience match the company and/or position; this will give the
employer a preview of the rest of your letter.

Body: In a paragraph or two, explain why you are interested in the job and why you make an
excellent candidate for the position. Mention specific qualifications listed in the job posting, and
explain how you meet those qualifications. Do not simply restate your resume, but provide specific
examples that demonstrate your abilities. You can either write about these specific examples in
complete sentences or in a bulleted format.

Closing: Restate how your skills make you a strong fit for the company and/or position. State that
you would like to interview and/or discuss employment opportunities. Explain what you will do to
follow up, and when you will do it. Thank the employer for his/her consideration.

Signature: End with your signature, handwritten, followed by your typed name. If this is an email,
simply include your typed name, followed by your contact information.

7
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

Sample of application letter

Bright Peters
456 Oakwood Terrace
Philadelpia, PA 12121

June 15, 2013

Mrs. Ivy Thompson

HR Manager
24/7 Engineers
Accra Ghana

Dear Mrs.Thompson,

I would like to apply for the role of Graduate Engineer as advertised on JobHouseGhana.Com
(website for Jobs in Ghana).

I have Mechanical Engineering degree including working with CAD and Solidworks and learning
C/C++ programming skills. I also have Electrical Engineering diploma from NVTI. I am looking for a
role where I can help make a real impact in the business and am ready to make the next step into a
career building role. As such I would like to work for an organization where I can be given the
opportunity to expand my knowledge of design and the theoretical knowledge of Lean
Manufacturing and apply it to real life situations.

I have previous experience of working in a System on Chip environment during one of my long vac
internships at an aerospace manufacturer based in Ghana, where I gained a good understanding of
System on Chip design and implementation flow.

I am very willing to relocate as I am keen to gain a full-time position working within an Engineering
department using the above skills and capabilities. I am flexible, and adaptable, and able to pick
ideas up quickly and take action, under instruction, and meet project objectives and deliverables.

I enclose my CV and am available for interview at your convenience. References are available upon
request and I very much look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,

Bright Peters (AMd)

8
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

Curriculum Vitae
How to Format Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The following curriculum vitae sample shows the appropriate format for an international curriculum
vitae.

Your Contact Information

Name
Address
Telephone
Cell Phone
Email

Personal Information
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Citizenship
Visa Status
Gender

Employment History/working experiences

List in chronological order, include position details and dates
Work History
Academic Positions
Research and Training

Education
Include dates, majors, and details of degrees, training and certification
High School
University
Graduate School
Post-Doctoral Training

Professional Qualifications
Certifications and Accreditations
Computer Skills

Awards

Publications

Books

Professional Memberships

Interests

9
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

Sample Resume for an Engineer

Contributed by Kenneth R. Zajac

Kenneth R. Zajac
8999 Lantree Dr ~ Howell, MI 48855
Home: (517)555-1111
Mobile: (734)666-1111
Email: krzajac@email.net

OBJECTIVE

To obtain a engineering management or senior engineering position in R&D, controls, test,

continuous improvement or quality at a growing, people-oriented, high-technology consumer,
medical, electrical/electronic or transportation corporation where I can use my strong analytical,
detail-oriented and interpersonal skills along with my exceptional common sense to improve
services and products, reduce costs and lead times, delight customers and help and mentor others.
All the while engaging in new challenges and learning experiences.

SUMMARY of QUALIFICATIONS

Extensive experience in engineering and management, research and development, leadership and
mentoring, test and problem-solving. My engineering forte is in electrical/electronic and automated
test systems. Expert at analyzing and solving the most complex of problems. My solutions have
saved over $23,000,000 in costs to date. Self motivated professional, capable of working
independently or as part of a team.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Advanced Technology & Test 1979 to Present Stark Rd. Livonia, MI. 48150

Chief R&D Engineering Technologist 2001 to Present

 Conduct Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma projects to reduce engineering rework, reduce project lead
times, reduce warranty costs, improve processes, and improve product quality and
manufacturability.
 Research, development and implementation of all technologies, products, standards, procedures
and processes including engines/transmission control, custom data acquisition and NVH testing
systems.

Chief Controls Engineer 1984 to 2001

 Managed a group of 20+ engineers including hiring, performance review, daily supervision, salary
administration, mentoring and training.
 Evaluated work assignments and developed a master schedule for multiple projects to facilitate
proper usage of limited labor resources.

10
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

 Worked as part of a multi-national/multi-site team to develop, document and implement

standards for engineering design and practices.
 Implemented and enforced ISO 9001 engineering procedures.
 Developed and administered engineering concept, preliminary and final design review processes.
 Provided expert contribution to qualify equipment built for CE marking.

Senior Project Engineer 1979 to 1984


Analyzed testing requirements of various products. Proposed and implemented methods and
equipment that would detect defects introduced during the production process.
 Provided expert resolution of the most troublesome of electrical interference issues.
 Designed and implemented custom electronic circuits for signal conditioning, data acquisition and
control functions.
 Control and maintenance of the laboratory. Accountable for the distribution, calibration and
repair of test equipment and laboratory facility.

Ford Motor Company 1977 to 1979 Dearborn, MI.

Electrical Engineer

 Service, repair and design engineering of controls systems for factory automation in the Metal
Stamping Division.
 Specify and approve the purchase of automation equipment from suppliers.
 Designed and implemented custom electronic circuits for signal conditioning, data acquisition and
control functions.

EDUCATION

Ferris State University1973 to 1977 Big Rapids, MI.

 Bachelor of Science Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center 2005 Plymouth, MI.

 Certified Six Sigma Black Belt

11
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

LESSON 3
JOB INTERVIEW

Job interviewing never seems to get any easier - even when you have gone on more interviews than

you can count. You are meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills, and often getting the

third degree about what you know or don't know.

Here are job interview tips to help prepare you to interview effectively. Proper preparation which

helps alleviate some of the stress involved in job interviews and the more you prepare, the more

comfortable you will be interviewing.

JOB INTERVIEW TIPS

 Practice
 Research
 Get Ready
 Be On Time
 Stay Calm
 Show What You Know

COMMON JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Preparing for a job interview can make the difference between success and failure. The 100 common

job interview questions below will help you market yourself more effectively and feel more

confident on that important day. The questions have been organized by topic. Review the questions

carefully and take time to create the best answers for you. You may even wish to write out your

answers so you can refer to them in the future. Good luck!

Personal

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. What are your strengths?
3. What are your weaknesses?
4. What do you see as a major success in your life?
5. Describe a major disappointment in your life.
6. What motivates you?
7. What does success mean to you?
8. What are three of your greatest accomplishments?
9. What are your plans for the future?
10. Have you done any volunteer work?

12
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

11. What are your hobbies?

12. What do you like to do in your spare time / free time?
13. Where do you see yourself five years from now? Ten years from now?
14. Describe a time when you failed.
15. What is your favorite book / movie?
16. What do you do for fun?
17. What would you do if you won the lottery?

Educational

18. Tell me about your educational background.

19. What academic courses did you like the most / the least?
20. Which academic course did you find most difficult?
21. Do you have plans for further education?
22. Why did you choose your major?

Professional

23. Why do you want this job?

24. Why should we hire you?
25. Why are you the best person for the job?
26. Explain how you would be an asset to this company.
27. Why do you think you will be successful in this job?
28. What are your qualifications for this position?
29. What can you offer our company?
30. What do you know about this industry?
31. What is your personal mission statement?
32. Why do you think you’re suited for this position?
33. Describe your work ethic.
34. Describe your management style.
35. What are your short-term goals?
36. What are your long-term goals?
37. Why did you choose this field?
38. Please describe your work experience.
39. Why do you want to work for our company?
40. What do you know about our company?
41. What is most important to you in a job?
42. Describe your previous jobs.
43. Why did you leave your previous job?
44. What were your responsibilities in your previous position?
45. What did you like the most about your last job?
46. What did you like the least about your last job?
47. What did you learn in your previous job?
48. Do you work well under pressure?
49. Are you punctual?
50. How long do you plan to stay in this job?

13
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

51. Can you multi-task?

52. Describe your ideal job.
53. How would your co-workers describe you?
54. How do you feel about learning new things?
55. Have you ever had trouble with a boss? How did you handle it?
56. What major problems or challenges have you faced?
57. Why did you resign?
58. Why were you fired?
59. Are you a risk-taker?
60. What have you been doing since your last job?
61. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past year?
62. What’s the most interesting book you’ve read in the past year?
63. How soon can you start work?
64. Do you have any questions?

Job Specifics

65. Are you looking for full- or part-time work?

66. Are you looking for a day or night job?
67. Are you seeking a permanent or temporary position?
68. Can you work weekends?
69. Are you willing to work overtime?
70. Can you work nights?
71. Are you willing to travel?
72. Are you willing to relocate?
73. Do you have a driver’s licence?
74. Do you like working with the public?
75. Do you like working with numbers?
76. How are your writing skills?
77. How’s your spelling?
78. What computer programs are you familiar with?
79. Do you know any foreign languages?
80. Have you worked in a multicultural environment before?
81. How do you relate to people from diverse cultures?

Salary

82. What are your salary expectations?

83. What salary do you want to earn?
84. What kind of compensation are you looking for?

Leadership

85. Do you consider yourself a leader?

86. What leadership or managerial positions have you held?

14
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

Independence

87. Do you like working alone?

88. How well do you work independently?
89. How do you feel about working by yourself?

Teamwork

90. Are you a team player?

91. Do you work well with others?
92. What strengths would you bring to a team?
93. Do you prefer working on a team or by yourself?

References

94. May we contact your previous employers?

95. Can we contact your references?

Questions You Can Ask the Interviewer

96. If you were to offer me the job, how soon would you want me to start?
97. When could I expect to hear from you?
98. Are there any further steps in the interview process?
99. What are the major responsibilities of this position?
100. Are there possibilities for advancement?

Engineer Interview Questions

1. Tell me about the most challenging engineering project that you have been involved with
during past year.
2. Describe the most challenging written technical report or presentation that you have had to
complete.
3. Describe an experience with a difficult client. How did you handle the situation? What would
you have done differently?
4. Tell me about your greatest success in using logic to solve an engineering problem at a
previous job.
5. Give me an example of a time when you applied your ability to use analytical techniques to
define problems or design solutions.
6. What checks and balances do you use to make sure that you don't make mistakes?
7. Do you have any patents? If so, tell me about them. If not, is it something you see yourself
pursuing in the future? Why or why not?
8. What engineering skills have you developed or improved upon during the past year?
9. Which software packages are you familiar with? What is the most interesting thing you know
how to do with one of these packages?
10. What are you doing to stay up-to-date with the latest technology?

15
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

LESSON 4

16
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

 Make a paragraph about “ROBOT and Its uses”. State your main idea and then elaborate
using supporting idea.

WRITING

 Make a short paper about “ An advance in manufacture technology” in 1500 words.

17
English for Mechanical Engineering Semester 5

LESSON 5

STRUCTURE and WRITTEN EXPRESSION

In TOEFL

There are two types of questions in structure and written expression section in TOEFL test.

1. Structure (question 1-15). You must choose the answer that completes the sentences.
2. Written expression (question 16-40). You must choose the underlined word or group of words
that is not correct.

GENERAL STRATEGIES
1. Be familiar with the directions. The directions in the TOEFL test are
the same. It is not necessary to spend time reading the directions.
You should be completely familiar with the directions before the day
of the test.
2. Begin with questions 1 through 15. Anticipate that questions 1
through 5 will be the easiest. Anticipate that questions 11 through
15 will be the most difficult. Do not spend too much time on
questions 11 through 15. Here will be easier questions that come
later.
3. Continue with questions 16 through 40. Anticipate that questions 16
through 20 will be the easiest. Anticipate that questions 36 through
40 will be the most difficult. Do not spend too much time on
questions 36 through 40.
4. If you have time, return to questions 11 through 15. You should
spend extra time on questions 11 through 15 only after you spend
all the time that you want the easier questions
5. Never leave any questions blank on your answer sheet. Even if you
are not sure of the correct response, you should answer the
question.

18