Basic English for Engineering Students. Учебное пособие

Today English is the language of the world. English isn’t only the national or official language of some thirty states, which represents different cultures, but it is also the major international language of communication in such areas as science, technology, sport, business and mass entertainment. English is one of the official languages of the United Nations Organization and other political organizations. It is the language of literature, education, modern music and international tourism.

I learn English because I understand that I can use it. As I’m going to work in the sphere of engineering, I think that it is very important for a specialist of high qualification to speak at least one foreign language. English is extremely necessary as it is the most popular language of international communication. Besides, basic characteristics of English also contribute to the situation that nowadays it is the most spread language on the Earth. These characteristics are: simplicity of forms (very few endings); flexibility (the same word can operate as some different parts of speech); openness of vocabulary (English words are frequently admitted by other languages). At present English is the language of aviation and aviation radio traffic. There are four working languages in ICAO – English, French, Spanish and Russian. But all meetings, conferences and assemblies are conducted in English and then all materials are translated into other languages.

I learn English because I want to read foreign literature in the original. Moreover, the English language is the language of the great literature. A lot of modern literature and many new films in English come out every year. If you know English, you can understand them without translation. No wonder, that most educated people speak English fluently.

I like to travel, but it is difficult to visit new places, when you don’t know the language of these countries. And it is much easier to travel when you know English, because people speak English everywhere.

Today there are many people all over the world studying English. Most of people think that maybe English becomes their second language. English helps you to improve friendship and maybe broaden your knowledge about the world. Nowadays many people have a wider friendship around the world. So learning English is an important way to communicate with friends from other countries. It goes without saying, learning English can help you to make more friends, we can exchange with a lot of people, improve our relationships. From that we can learn more, develop our intelligence. Every year there are lots of teenagers who go overseas to learn, to improve every important thing, to bring every new thing from other countries to our country.

English helps you to connect our country to the world or we can learn more about other countries' traditions. Learning English we can introduce every beautiful thing, place, to international friends from other countries. Foreigners will be curious and they will travel to our country. On the contrary, we can understand more special traditional foods, cultures from other countries. I think it's great, so we need to learn English.

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Finally, we can find jobs more easily. Today all companies need their workers to know at least one language, especially English. In some international companies every person has to know English well. So we need to learn English in order to have a good job. You can see learning is very important way to climb on our future stepladder. I hope that people will learn English for themselves and for their future.

https://www.native-english.ru/topics/learning-languages/

5. Answer the questions.

1.Why is learning English important for communication with friends from other countries?

2.How can learning English help to improve relationships with other

people?

3.What are the advantages of exchanging information with people from different countries?

4.In what ways is knowledge of the English language beneficial for traveling abroad?

5.What are basic characteristics of English?

6.Why is it important to be able to talk about beautiful places and things to your foreign friends in English?

7.How can describing traditional dishes and culture of your country interest foreigners?

8.Why do many companies require their employees to know English?

9.What is the standard level of English proficiency for employees international companies?

10.How can knowledge of English be useful for job hunting?

11.What role does learning English play in career growth?

12.How can learning English contribute to personal development?

13.Why is learning English considered a pathway to success and high

positions?

14.Why is learning English a valuable skill that can open up many opportunities in the job market?

15.Do you recognize the importance of continuous learning and personal development? Why?

16.Why is investing in your language skills the way to self-development? Will your efforts pay off in the future if you keep up the hard work to learning the English language?

17.Are you on your way to mastering English and advancing in your

career?

6. Match the words (1–30) to their definitions (a–E).

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7. Match the parts of the sentences (1–13, A–N), write them down in your copybooks and translate them.

Beginnings: 1. Learning English is necessary for communicating … 2. Learning English can help to …3. There are many advantages in exchanging … 4. Knowledge of the English language is … 5. Learning English will make the … 6. The standard level of English proficiency…7. Learning English can contribute to… 8. Learning English is considered a pathway to… 9. Many people want to study English for their… 10. Learning English plays a significant role in cultural… 11. It is important to be able… 12. Describing traditional dishes… 13. Many engineering companies require their employees… 14. Learning foreign language is recommended for expanding…

Endings: A. job search process easier in the future. B. future prospects, self-confidence growth and career success. C. success high social status in life and material wealth. D. improve relationships with other people. E. for employees in international companies is high. F. to talk about beautiful places and things to your foreign friends in English. G. with friends from other countries. H. and culture of your country may interest foreigners. I. beneficial for traveling abroad. J. horizons and better understanding the world for people of different ages and professions. K. information with people from different countries. L. personal and intellectual development. M. background and personal growth. N. to have a good command of English.

8.Prepare a short speech, express your opinion on the following topic: “Knowledge of English is useful for job hunting.”(min 10 sentences)

9.Translate the sentences from Russian into English.

1. Английский язык является международным языком. Он широко распространен. На нем говорят в Великобритании, США, Канаде, Австра- лии и Новой Зеландии. Он также является языком бизнеса, науки и культу- ры. 2. Давайте начнем с фонетических упражнений. Пословицы и скорого- ворки помогают улучшить произношение и развить скорость речи. 3. Пере- водя текст с английского языка на русский, если вы не знаете значения слов, посмотрите в словаре. Для студента технической специальности очень важ- но уметь работать со словарем. 4. Я люблю составлять диалоги, но я не люблю учить их наизусть. 5. Всегда сложно запомнить много новых слов.

6.Вы любите писать диктанты и контрольные работы по грамматике?

7.Я усердно занимаюсь в классе и дома, потому что не хочу отстать от группы и хочу читать английские книги в оригинале. 8. Чтобы иметь хо- роший уровень владения языком и улучшить свое произношение, я слу- шаю радиопередачи на английском языке. 9. Я делаю домашнее задание вовремя и готовлюсь к контрольной работе заранее, поэтому я хорошо ус- певаю по английскому. 10. Изучение английского языка необходимо для общения с друзьями из других стран. 11. Изучение английского может по-

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мочь улучшить отношения с другими людьми. 12. Есть много преиму- ществ в обмене информ ацией с людьми из разных стран. 13. Знание анг- лийского языка полезно при путешествиях за границу. 1 4. Важно уметь рассказывать о красивых местах и вещах своим иностранн ым друзьям на английском. 15. Описан ие традиционных блюд и культур ы своей страны может заинтересовать и ностранцев. 16. Изучение английс кого предостав- ляет возможность изучить важные культурные аспекты и традиции других стран. 17. Все больше компаний требуют, чтобы их сотрудники знали анг- лийский. 18. Знание английского языка помогает при поиске работы.

и лучшего понимания мира. 23. Многие люди хотят изучать английский для своих будущих карьерн ых перспектив. 24. Изучение английс кого – это путь к успеху, материальном у благосостоянию и высокому социальному статусу.

25.Владение английским языком будет полезным и в повседневной жизни.

26.Основная цель изуче ния иностранного языка – улучшить навыки обще- ния. 27. Каждый культурный и образованный человек должен владеть хотя бы одним иностранным языком. 28. Какой из способов изучения иностранно- го языка считается наиболее эффективным? 29. В этом году он начнет учить китайский, не так ли? 30. Наш преподаватель по анг лийскому языку в университете очень строгий, но мы ее обожаем.

10.Listening . Listen to the recording (URL: https://disk.s ibsau.ru/index.php/ apps/files/?dir=%2FListening ), complete the statements. Answer the que stions below.

THE HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

English in some way is the _______ of many diff erent languages. 2. English is related to the group of________ languages. 3. People who moved from Germany and the Netherlands to England in ancient ti mes were called

_______. 4. Many words that begin from letters “sk” have _______ origin. 5. English absorbed a lot of ______ words after a “hundred-yea rs” war between England and France. 6. Many scientific and technical words derived from______and _______ _. 7. Some words have come from ___ ____ languages, spoken in Ireland, Scotlan d and Wales.

1.Why English has so many words for one idea?

2.What makes the English language so interesting?

3.What group of p eople was called Anglo-Saxon?

4.What happened a fter the year 1066?

5.What most scien tific and technical words are derived from?

6.What do you thin k the future of English is?

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11. Pre-reading task. Vocabulary work: match the English equivalents (1–14) to the Russian ones (a–n).

n)иметь хорошие знания

12.Read text 2 and do the tasks below.

Text 2. THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH FOR

AN ENGINEERING STUDENT

English is one of the widely spoken languages around the world. For an engineer and an engineering student, English language fluency is important both in studies and career. Engineering is one of the largest fields of study and many of the works of research and articles are written in English. Without fluency in English, engineering students may find it difficult to understand the concept being conveyed by the authors. Also, many modules in engineering require writing academic reports. Hence, a good fluency and grasp of English language is necessary. Basic reasons why an Engineer should be fluent in English are as follows: in student's social life English language is most important. It helps to build strong relationship and better understand among fellow students and peers. For success in any field one has to know, understand and communicate effectively. In the time of globalization, communication skills are the key to success. The English language is now a bridge language of international science and engineering. About 1 billion of engineers speak English and the number is still rising. For communication purposes an engineer must bear these things in mind: 1. Most of the theories are taught in the English language. For this reason, an expected level of proficiency in English language would be essential. 2. To study abroad in some of the best universities in the world students have to take up standard tests to prove their English language proficiency. These tests play a

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major role for admissions to most of the universities overseas. These tests are measurements carried out to ensure that the students from nonEnglish speaking countries are able to writ e, listen, and converse in English fluen tly. 3. Engineers today have to communica te with their counter partners across t he globe. Among most of the professionals like the scientists, technologists and business experts who belong to differen t cultural and linguistic backgrounds, English is predominantly considered a language of communication. Moreover, most international scientific a nd engineering are held in English. For professional purposes English may come in very handy. Here are some of the reasons: 1. In today’s world, employers seek graduates with language comm unication skills, along with technical engineering knowledge. 2. Having good communication skills is a valuable ass et for any organization. Professionals with a good command of the English language are set in higher level of standards in the organization. Read more on the ways to improve your English language skills. All in all, English language fluency is a significant aspect o f an engineering student’s academic life an d future career.

https://www.researchgate.net

13. Answer the questi ons.

1.Why is English language fluency important for engineers and engineering students?

2.How does fluen cy in English help with understanding research and articles in the field of engineering?

3.What role does English language proficiency play in writing academic reports in engineering?

4.In what ways can English come in handy for engineers in their professional lives?

5.Why are comm unication skills considered essential for success in any

field?

6.Why do employ ers seek graduates with language com munication skills in addition to technical engineering knowledge?

7.Why are professionals with a good command of Engl ish set at higher standards within organizations?

8.What are some ways engineers can improve their E nglish language skills for academic and ca reer success?

14.Write a summary of the text in your own words, using the m ain ideas.

15.Listening . L isten to the recording (https://disk.sibsau .ru/index.php/apps/ files/?dir=%2FListening) and complete the statements.

ADVISE TO A STUDENT FROM A FOREIGN COUN TRY

1.My advice to a st udent from a foreign country would b e ___________ .

2.Talk to people an d ___________ your new language __ ___________ .

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3.Learn all the funny ___________ and different words that make up their _____________.

4.Talking is the only way to really ___________ ________.

5.If you talk to people, you will also learn about their ________________

6.My friend Nori often comes to see me to ______________

______________.

7.He gets ___________ about the words that sound the same, but mean different things.

8.One day he said: ‘_____________ and kicking’.

9.He is learning English quickly because he spends much time with

____________ .

10.We ask him questions about his homeland and he answers us

____________ .

11.Nori thinks that people are very ___________ .

Now think and give your own advice to foreign students.

16.Write a short essay reflecting on the famous saying: “To have another language is to possess a second soul” (min 12 sentences).

17.Create a presentation “My strategies to learn English”.

Unit 5

TRAVELLING

Vocabulary. Read and remember the following words.

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1. Read texts 1, 2 and make up 5 questions to them.

Text 1. TRAVELLING

I can hardly imagine a person who hasn’t travelled at least once in his life. Thousands of people travel every day. Some travel on business, others, who can afford it, travel for pleasure. There are many ways of travelling: by car, by plane, by ship, by train, etc. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. Some people prefer travelling by car. They say it is the most pleasant way to travel around, because they can see new sights and stop anywhere they want. Travelling by car they don’t have to worry about tickets, they don’t depend on the time-table and they have no fellow-passengers who can get on their nerves. Travelling by plane is, of course, the fastest way. Modem jet-planes can take you to almost any place of the world very quickly and with great comfort. But if you get airsick, you will hardly enjoy the flight. Travelling by ship is extremely comfortable, especially when you need a rest and a complete change. You can enjoy picturesque scenery, fresh air and a pleasant company. But this way of travelling is very slow, of course.

I personally prefer travelling by train. I usually book tickets beforehand (and a return ticket, too) and don’t worry about them anymore. I always come to the station in time and quietly take my place. I prefer an upper berth, so that nobody could bother me. If I don’t like my fellow-passengers, I can read a book or look through the window at the passing scenery. But most often I enjoy the company of my fellow-passengers and the time flies quickly. The choice of ways of travelling is rather rich, and everybody can choose the one he likes most.

Text 2. TRAVELLING BY CAR

The first cars appeared on the roads at the end of the 19th century. Nowadays there are a lot of cars in the streets. In some cities there are so many cars that it is very difficult to find some place for parking a car. But we cannot imagine our life without a car now.

For many people there is nothing better than to travel by car, and they like to spend part of their holiday on a motor tour. They go to interesting places they have not been to before. If the weather is fine, they think they will have a very pleasant holiday. A fast and comfortable car is a good thing, but the roads are crowded and you must be very careful. You must always remember the traffic rules.

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You just sit down at the wheel; switch on the motor, step on the pedal with your foot and off the car goes. A car gives you the opportunity to travel and see the world around. You can see much more of the country than you do in a plane or in a train. You can see magnificent views on your way – the fields, the woods, the streets of the towns you pass through. You can go as slowly or as fast as you wish, stop when and where you choose; you park your car on the side of the road, get out and go where you like. A car carries your luggage and gives you comfort while travelling.

If there is not enough petrol in the tank, you drive up to a filling station for some more. If you drive carefully, you will enjoy yourself.

2. Read text 3 and the dialogue and do the tasks below them.

Text 3. TRAVELLING BY SEA

Almost all the people like to travel. When you have got holidays you can travel by car, by train, by plane and by sea.

I like to travel by sea best of all. Some years ago we took a cruise along the Black Sea coast, from Sochi to Sukhumi on board the liner “Russia”. We came to Sochi by train. Then we went to the seaport and saw our ship. It was big. We liked it very much. I remember the ship and our cabin. Our cabin was comfortable. It had got two berths, a table, two chairs and one wide window and the warm wind was blowing through it. There was fresh air in our cabin during the entire voyage. We had breakfast, dinner and supper on board the ship. When it was time to have meals we went to the restaurant.

The weather was fine. After breakfast we spent a lot of time on the deck sitting in deck chairs or standing at the rail, watching the ships, passing not far from our ship. It was pleasant to watch the waves too.

I remember the sunrise and the sunset well. It was unforgettable. In the afternoon I took a sunshade because the sun was shining brightly. It was hot in the sunshine.

In the daytime we liked to watch the seascape. At four o’clock we entered the port Adler. There were some ships there. We saw many people on the pier. We had some free time in Adler and we went for a walk while the ship was in the port. The water was clean and it was easy to swim in the sea. I like the Caucasus and that’s why I was pleased.

At 8 o’clock we came back. The liner was going to sail off. In the evening we watched TV, danced or stayed on the deck when the weather was fine.

I enjoyed my trip to the South. This voyage impressed me for all my life.

Dialogue. ON THE BOAT

A:This way for the Dover boat! Have your passports ready, please. Pass up the gangway! First class on the right, second class on the left.

B:Here we are! Would you like to stay up on deck or go down below?

C:Oh, I don’t know. I’m not much of a sailor.

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