5. Reading and listening

5.1 Read the text and answer the questions.

1. Who has to study longer, a technologist or an engineer?

2. Which is higher in educational context, a diploma or a degree?

3. Can you get BEng at college in the UK?

Can ‘sandwich’ course students work and study at the same time? What is the difference between a technologist and an engineer? The main difference is in level of education and training. Engineers have advanced training and normally hold university degrees. In training contexts, a technologist is normally someone usually trained for 2-3 years. You can progress from technologist to engineer by following courses at colleges and universities. Colleges offer certificates and diplomas (a diploma is a higher level qualification than a certificate). Universities offer degrees. As an example, in the UK system, most young people who want a career in technology start by studying at a college of further education or university. They would normally follow the scheme: HNC (Higher National Certificate), HND (Higher National Diploma), BEng (Bachelor of Engineering degree). Some universities allow students to transfer to a degree course early, after completing only one year of a diploma course. It is also possible for students to leave school at sixteen and work as an apprentice with a company. The company can then release them from work for some time every week to study at a college. This is called a part-time, or ‘sandwich’ course.

5.2 In the text find the words which mean the following.

1. a person who learns through work

2. to develop in a positive way

3. more complex, high level

4. profession, life occupation

5. to move from one course to another

6. to let someone go

7. post-school education, but not at university

5.3 Alex is a college student from Scotland. He takes an HND course in Civil Engineering. Civil engineers work in the planning and construction of buildings, airports, bridges, highways etc. Listen to him and mark the sentences True or False. Listen again and check your answers.

1. The course takes two years.

2. Alex is in the second year.

3. There are no girls in his group.

4. Alex wants to do a degree at university.

5. He wants to take Structural Engineering.

6. A BEng takes three years.

7. Alex is interested in building roads.

8. He wants to travel in his job.

6. Conversation patterns

6.1 Which reply is the best in these situations? Listen to the conversations and check.

a. Student: Can you say that again, please? Teacher: 1) No, thanks. 2) Yes, it’s ‘uncle’.	b. Student: Can you write it on the board, please? Teacher: 1) Yes, sure. 2) I don’t understand.
c. Student: Can you play the recording again? Teacher: 1) Yes, please. 2) Yes, of course.	d. Friend: Can I use your phone? You: 1) Go ahead. 2) Yes, please.

6.2 Listen and copy the rhythm.

1. Can you say that again, please?

2. Can you write it on the board, please?

3. Can you play the recording again?

4. Can I use your phone?

5. Can I have a pen?

6. And can I send a fax, please?

6.3 Practise asking politely for more things. Work in pairs. Let your partner reply.

1. You want the bill in a café.

2. You want to use a computer.

3. You want to send an email.

4. You want to have a glass of water.

5. You need some paper.

6. You ask to open the door for you.

7. You want to know the time.

8. You want to use the toilet.

9. You want someone to take your photo.