Text 2 Engineer

Engineering is an old profession. Engineers use such sciences as physics and mathematics in their work. Engineers work with new and strong materials and different sources of power. The engineer has an analytical frame of mind and imagination.

Engineers design and make machines and equipment. Such work requires creative abilities and working knowledge of scientific principles. The engineer must understand different processes and materials available to him. He can work in any of the following areas: the organization of manufacture, research and development, design and construction.

This profession requires special education. The main agricultural university in our region is Altai State Agrarian University. The university trains agricultural equipment engineers, car servicemen and specialists in the area of agricultural product processing.

An engineer is responsible for good operation of machinery, its preventive maintenance and repair. Some modern agricultural machines are equipped with computers. That's why students study many theoretical subjects, such as theoretical mechanics, resistance of materials, theory of machines and mechanisms, modern computer science, tractors and automobiles, details of machines, agricultural equipment, mathematical modeling and many others.

To become a good engineer students of our university have practice on different farms of our region. Students work on combines, tractors and other agricultural equipment during sowing and harvesting seasons, help technicians and mechanics to repair and maintain machines.

III. Read, translate and reproduce the dialogues: Dialogue 1.

Peter: I have just finished school and I want to work at a plant.

Misha: That's a good idea. You may learn to become a turner like myself. It is a very good specialty.

Peter: What can you tell me about the plant where you work?

Misha: Our plant is very big. It is equipped with modern machines. We produce high-quality goods.

Peter: How much do you work every day?

Misha: We work in two shifts. Every shift lasts about 12 hours.

Peter: What can you say about people working with you?

Misha: Oh, they are different as so often is the case in such matters. Some of them are cheerful and the others are gloomy. A plant is a good school to learn how to be on friendly terms with many people.

Peter: What are your wages?

Misha: My wages are high as I am a qualified turner.

Peter: Please tell me, what do you do after working hours?

Misha: Last year I entered the Altai State Agrarian University. Now I am an external student of the Institute of Technics and Agroengineering researches. I want to become an engineer. So I am busy with my studies.

Peter: I see. But have you time for the cinema, theatre or concerts?

Misha: Yes, I have. I go to the theatre on my days off. I like music very much and I often go to concerts.

Peter: Now I understand that you have a really interesting life.

Dialogue 2.

Interviewer: Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Paul Smith: Sure.

Interviewer: First of all, what do you do for your living?

Paul Smith: I am a motor mechanic. I work in a tire assembly workshop. I remove different defects in cars.

Interviewer: Isn't it rather a dirty work? And a very noisy one?

Paul Smith: Yes, there are difficult moments. We work for about 10 hours a day in every season. We often work in the open air and it is natural that all the advantages and disadvantages of the weather affect us.

Interviewer: And then what is the charm of your profession?

Paul Smith: You know like it can be: a man with a trouble finds help in your workshop and you are happy with it, and of course, money. You've got good money for your good work. I am a qualified specialist and I always have many clients. Everybody knows me in my district. I have a good reputation.

Interviewer: Can you remember your first steps in this field of activities?

Paul Smith: Yes. My father was a fine mechanic. He loved engines. Before I could walk, the workshop was my playroom. My father put me there so that he could keep an eye on me all day long. My toys were springs and pistons that lay around all over the place. So I was to fall in love with engines and automobiles.

Interviewer: Thank you Mr. Smith, it was very interesting to speak to you.