Tasks for the text:
1) Read and translate the text (in the written form)
2) Answer the questions in the written form (according to the text):
- How does philosophy help the engineers to solve the ethical dilemmas?
- Why is seeing the generality of the process through discussion within a specific philosophical context is a better learning mechanism?
- What characteristics are necessary for engineers nowadays?
3) Make up the sentences in Indefinite (3 sentences), Continuous (3 sentences) and Perfect (3 sentences) forms, using words in bold from the text and time phrases which justify the usage of the verb form. (Total: 9 sentences)
The words: underappreciate, acknowledge, diversity, gratify, enable, apply, ensure, influence, responsibility, appropriate, issue.
4) Put the following sentences into negative (1 sentence) and interrogative (4 sentences) forms
1. Engineers have been confronted by the ethical dilemmas that require well-reasoned decisions.
2. Ethical decision making requires defining the moral dilemma, developing alternative solutions, obtaining relevant information about each alternative, evaluating the alternatives, and implementing the selected alternative.
3. Understanding the general process will enable a person to apply it to a broad array of problems.
4. We are associating decision making with business management.
5) Write a short essay (150 - 200 words) on the topic:
Civil Engineer of the 21st Century
Test 2 Version 4
Text
The first impression that someone might have when the issue of language is raised is the importance of knowing a foreign language. Obviously, an engineer who knows a foreign language may have more opportunities for assignments in foreign countries. However, the importance of language has gone well beyond the study of foreign languages. Specifically, language is the means of communicating thoughts and feelings. Language helps to persuade a client that your firm is the best one to complete the job, express reasons why your design solution is best, refute irrational reasons of competitors, motivate subordinates to work toward organization goals, and most obvious, make oral and written communications more effective.
To a professional and especially to a leader, persuasion, motivation, and transmitting knowledge are extremely important elements of language. The study of language involves both grammar and vocabulary, both of which can be applied to learning a foreign language. Understanding a foreign language, like the Tzeltal language of the Maya in Mexico, which has twenty-five words for the idea “carry,” provided perspective to how important carrying was to the Mayan society. In the same way, foreign language studies can provide understanding of the differences in the way people categorize their experiences. Facility in a foreign language can also allow work in a globalized environment and the possibility for a design career in a foreign country. Foreign language studies can also enhance understanding of other cultures and business relations with foreign businesses.
Persuasion is the process of changing the attitudes, behavior, or beliefs of another person through the use of language. The benefits of being skilled at persuasion are many, both in one’s personal and professional life. For example persuading a procrastinator to complete his or her part on a team project or persuading a potential employer that you are the right one for the job. Language skills are central to persuasion, and someone who lacks the ability to persuade is unlikely to rise to a leadership position.