Technical English for Engineering 2 - 20

The Definitive Explanation

Engineering combines the fields of science and mathematics

and applies it to solve real problems to improve the world around

us. What really distinguishes an engineer is the ability to

implement ideas in the most efficient, practical and cost-effective

approach. This ability to take a thought, or abstract idea, and

translate it into reality is what separates an engineer from other

fields of science and mathematics.

What Does A Typical Engineer Do?

Engineers are problem solvers, organisers, communicators,

calculators and designers. They are capable of clearly defining a

problem and its relevant constraints, such as time, cost, etc.,

proposing a solution, acquiring and managing any relevant

materials or resources required and designing the solution in

complete detail. A senior engineer will usually perform less

technical work, calculations and designs, but instead focus on the

managerial aspects to oversee the development and

implementation of the solution.

Technical English for Engineering 3 - 20

Real Life Example: Constructing A Tunnel
A civil engineer who specialises in structural design,

structural engineer, would calculate the size of the tunnel, how it is

to be constructed and what it is made of (reinforced concrete, etc.).

In order to provide clean air and remove as much of the vehicle

emissions as possible, a mechanical engineer is employed to

design the ventilation system. The mechanical engineer would

plan for the amount of emissions that need to be removed and the

process of removing them. An electrical engineer will design the

lighting as well as any control systems for hazard signs. In some

cases, specialist disciplines such as environmental engineering

are used to conduct an investigation into the sustainability and

environmental effects of building such a tunnel.

Technical English for Engineering 4 - 20

Terms and Definitions
Efficient: performing or functioning in the best possible

manner with the least waste of time and effort.

Practical: being actively engaged in some course of action

or occupation (not theoretical or ideal).

Cost-effective: producing good results without costing a lot of

money.

Approach: The method used or steps taken in doing a task.

Organisers: a person who organizes or schedules work.

Constraint: limitation or restriction.

Senior engineer: A competent, experienced engineer.

(opposite: Junior).

Tunnel: an underground passage.

Ventilation system: the system of providing fresh air.

Hazard signs: danger and steering signs.

Disciplines: fields of study.

Sustainability: ability to be kept going; or keep in existence.

Technical English for Engineering 5 - 20

 Senior engineer Junior engineer

Tunnel Ventilation system

Hazard sign
Sustainability

Disciplines

Technical English for Engineering 6 - 20

Question1
Choose the suitable word from the following and complete the
sentences:
(Thought, Problem, Hazard signs, Senior, Less, Managerial aspects,
Mechanical Engineer, Cooperate, Constrains, Reality)
1. A senior engineer will usually perform _______ technical work,
but instead focus on the ___________________.
2. A _____________ is employed to design the ventilation system.
3. Engineers are capable of clearly defining a ____________ and its
relevant ______________.
4. An electrical engineer will design the control systems for
______________.
5. The ability to take ___________ and translate it into __________
is what separates an engineer from other fields of science and
mathematics.
6. A junior engineer has less experience than a ____________
engineer.
7. In any project, engineers from different specialities ___________
together to execute different tasks.

Question2:
Choose the correct answer in the following:
1. The underground passage is called _________.
A_ bridge b- tunnel c- dam
2. The less experienced engineer is called ________________.
a- Junior b- manager c- Senior
3. ______________ is the ability to exist and survive for ever.
a- Constrains b- Sustainability c- Disciplines
4. The opposite of theoretical is ______________.
a- Practical b- principal c- physical
5. When the worker is __________ he performs with the least waste
of time and efforts.
a- Efficient b- lazy c- inefficient

"Resource: http://whatisengineering.com/engineering-definition"

Technical English for Engineering 7 - 20