STROKOVNA TERMINOLOGIJA V ANGLEŠČINI ZA MEHATRONIKE

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STROKOVNA TERMINOLOGIJA V ANGLEŠČINI ZA MEHATRONIKE

NIKA ZALAZNIK

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izraz

Višješolski strokovni program: Mehatronika

Učbenik: Strokovna terminologija v angleščini za mehatronike - The Mechatronics Zone Gradivo za 1. letnik

Avtorica:

Nika Zalaznik, prof. angl.

Izraz

Višja strokovna šola

Strokovna recenzentka:

mag. Bernarda Kosel, prof. angl. in fran.

Lektorica:

mag. Bernarda Kosel, prof. angl. in fran.

CIP - Kataložni zapis o publikaciji

Narodna in univerzitetna knjižnica, Ljubljana 811.111'373.46:681.5:007.52(075.8)(0.034.2) ZALAZNIK, Nika

Strokovna terminologija v angleščino za mehatronike [Elektronski vir] : gradivo za 1. letnik / Nika Zalaznik. - El. knjiga. - Ljubljana : Zavod IRC, 2011. - (Višješolski strokovni program Mehatronika / Zavod IRC)

Način dostopa (URL): http://www.impletum.zavod-irc.si/docs/Skriti_d okumenti/Strokovna_terminologija_v_angleščino_za_mehatronike-Zalazn ik.pdf. - Projekt Impletum

ISBN 978-961-6857-41-3

258306304

Izdajatelj: Konzorcij višjih strokovnih šol za izvedbo projekta IMPLETUM Založnik: Zavod IRC, Ljubljana.

Ljubljana, 2011

Strokovni svet RS za poklicno in strokovno izobraževanje je na svoji 132. seji dne 23.9.2011 na podlagi 26. člena Zakona o organizaciji in financiranju vzgoje in izobraževanja (Ur. l. RS, št. 16/07-ZOFVI-UPB5, 36/08 in 58/09) sprejel sklep št.01301-5/2011/11-2 o potrditvi tega učbenika za uporabo v višješolskem izobraževanju.

Gradivo je sofinancirano iz sredstev projekta Impletum Uvajanje novih izobraževalnih programov na področju višjega strokovnega izobraževanja v obdobju 2008–11.

Projekt oz. operacijo delno financira Evropska unija iz Evropskega socialnega sklada ter Ministrstvo RS za šolstvo in šport. Operacija se izvaja v okviru Operativnega programa razvoja človeških virov za obdobje 2007–2013, razvojne prioritete Razvoj človeških virov in vseživljenjskega učenja ter prednostne usmeritve Izboljšanje kakovosti in učinkovitosti sistemov izobraževanja in usposabljanja.

Vsebina tega dokumenta v nobenem primeru ne odraža mnenja Evropske unije. Odgovornost za vsebino dokumenta nosi avtor.

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I CONTENTS

1 MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING ... 5

1.1 THEFIELDOFMECHATRONICSENGINEERING ... 7

1.2 COMMONVERBSINENGINEERING ... 8

1.3 FIVETIPSFORLEARNINGNEWWORDS ... 9

2 CAREER AWARENESS ... 12

2.1 AMECHATRONICSENGINEERINGSTUDENT ... 12

2.2 JOBSANDCAREERS ... 15

2.3 CAREEROUTLOOK ... 17

2.4 APPLYINGFORAJOB ... 20

3 C0MPANY OF THE FUTURE: INNOVATION & COMMITMENT 25

3.1 EXPLAININGSTRUCTUREOFACOMPANY ... 26

3.2. COMPANYPROFILE ... 28

3.3 ITALLSTARTEDWITH… ... 30

4 TECHNICAL TALK ... 36

4.1 LINES, SHAPES, ANGLES ... 36

4.2 GIVINGDESCRIPTIONSANDEXPLANATIONS ... 39

4.3 READINGNUMBERS,MATHEXPRESSIONS,FORMULAE,SYMBOLS ... 44

4.4 MEASUREMENTSANDQUANTITIES ... 45

4.5 PRESENTINGGRAPHICALDISPLAY ... 49

5 ELECTRONICS ... 57

5.1 COMPARINGANDCONTRASTING ... 58

5.2 DC&ACMOTORS ... 62

5.3 USESOFLASERS ... 69

5.4 WORDCOMBINATIONS ... 72

6 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ... 76

6.1 DESCRIBINGAPROCESSES ... 78

6.2 UNDERSTANDINGINSTRUCTIONS ... 80

6.3 INFORMATIONSYSTEMS ... 82

6.4 PREPOSITIONSANDITVOCABULARY ... 83

7 COMPUTER AIDED SYSTEMS ... 85

7.1 EXPRESSINGNECESSITYANDABILITY ... 86

7.2 SPECIALISTREADING ... 88

7.3 TIMERELATIONS ... 90

8 THE AUTOMATED SYSTEMS ... 94

8.1 MONITORINGANDCONTROLSYSTEMS ... 94

8.2 INDUSTRIALROBOTICS ... 96

8.3 USEOFROBOTS ... 99

9 CONTROL YOUR SYSTEMS WITH EASE ... 104

9.1 WHATMATTERSISINSIDE ... 104

9.2 FUNCTIONALITYANDFLEXIBILITY ... 107

9.3 SAFETYANDINSTALLATIONDEVELOPMENT ... 109

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II

10 WANTING TO KNOW MORE ... 113

10.1 TELEPHONEENQUIRIES: I‘DLIKETOSPEAKTO… ... 113

10.2 WRITING2: E-MAILS ... 115

10.3 LETTERSOFENQUIRY ... 116

11 BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES ... 119

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PREDGOVOR

Danes, ko je večina sodobne tehnične literature v angleščini, je namen učbenika »The Mechatronics Zone« nadgraditi splošno jezikovno znanje s terminologijo s področja mehatronike za študente na višješolski ravni.

Tehnična angleščina je zelo svojska in bogata. Tematski in jezikovni koncept učbenika pokriva splošno tehnično besedišče, vendar je prilagojen študiju mehatronike v dveh pogledih:

Tu je vključenih deset poglavij, ki pokrivajo osnovne potrebe za nadgraditev jezikovnih spretnosti. Tehnični jezik se osredotoča na aktivnosti, kot so na primer opisovanje tehničnih lastnosti, reševanje težav v mehatroniki, pogovarjanje o službi in delu ali razmišljanje o najnovejših tehnologijah.

Jezik je funkcionalno povezan s stroko in vključuje tiste glavne izraze tehnične discipline, ki so del študijskega programa. V učbeniku je zato zelo malo jezikovne teorije, večina besedil in vaj pa je izbrana z namenom razumevanja in uporabe strokovnega jezika. Cilj pri delu z besedili je postavljen tako, da študente postopno vodi od razumevanja definicij in tehničnega angleškega besedila, potem pa k osvajanju osnovnih oblik prenosa informacij, kot so na primer opis procesa, dajanje navodil in iskanje informacij.

Upam, da bo učbenik v pomoč in spodbudo.

Ljubljana, januar 2011 Nika Zalaznik

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1 MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING

 Background information

The word engineering comes from the Latin word ingeniare, which means to design or to create. The field of engineering includes a wide variety of activities. For example,

engineering projects range from the construction of huge dams to the design of tiny electronic circuits.

The term mechatronics was first coined by Mr. Tetsuro Mori, a senior engineer of the Japanese company Yaskava, in 1969.

The first unit will give you some information about engineering in general. You will learn how to:

- describe different branches of engineering and discuss the field of mechatronics - form words in English

- build your own mechatronics-related vocabulary

Mechatronics is centred on mechanics, electronics, and computing which, combined, make possible the generation of simpler and more economical, reliable systems. Mechatronics may also be called electromechanical system or sometimes control and automation engineering.

Mechatronics has a great impact in many industrial activities as it is integrated in information technology in all kinds of mechanical systems. The impact ranges from consumer goods (DVD-players, video recorders) to high-precision production machines, robots and automobiles. The value of the electronics in cars (motor management, safety systems like air bags and electronic stability control, and a little bit further ahead, the automated highway) is already higher than those of the classical mechanical components.

Fig. 1: Mechatronics united Source: Own

Do you agree with the following statements:

1. Mechatronics engineering as a profession puts knowledge to practical use.

2. Engineering is the process of inventing, creating and building the world around us.

Different branches of engineering require different equipment and are based on different processes.

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The Mechatronics Zone

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Branches of engineering

The following words/ phrases are followed by ―engineering‖

chemical  civil  electrical  electronic

highway  industrial  mechanical  mining petroleum production  production  structural Equipment in engineering

boiler  crane  gas engine  machine tool pump  turbine  electrical motor

Fig. 2: Equipment and tools in engineering

Source: http://www.resourcesgraphics.com/...; (online). 2011 Processes in treating metals

annealing electroplating forging founding rolling galvanizing grinding hardening softening plasma-jet / ultrasonic machining chemical etching Language work: Word forms

When you are reading, you will come across unknown words. It is always possible to guess the meaning of these words if you understand the way words in English are generally formed.

Forming new words is a process which cannot be learned entirely by heart; a good (technical) dictionary may be of great help. Practice can help as well.

An ending is what is attached to the root of the word, and it can change the word from one part of speech to another. For example, -ly added to the adjective ―quick‖ gives the adverb

―quickly‖.

Now try this exercise. Look at the nouns in the list below and form corresponding verbs.

For example:

- annealing is a gerund and can be treated as a noun; an ending –ing is typical for gerunds; an noun or a gerund is used to describe an object or a process

- to anneal is verb and it describes an action

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Noun Verb Slovenian noun/verb

forging to forge kovanje / kovati

founding ________________ ________________

galvanizing ________________ ________________

grinding ________________ ________________

rolling ________________ ________________

inventing ________________ ________________

creating ________________ ________________

building ________________ ________________

Study this chart and do the exercises below.

There are many words that have noun, verb, adjective, and adverb forms. A few of these word form ‗families‘ are given in the chart below as examples. Any good dictionary will give you the various forms of a word.

noun verb adjective adverb

thing action describes noun describes verb

creation create creative creatively

notice notice noticeable noticeably

significance signify significant significantly

nature naturalise natural naturally

Study the list and add some more words to complete it.

ADJECTIVE VERB NOUN or GERUND -al: chemical, -en: harden -ing: machining -ial: industrial -ize: anodize -y: machinery -ic: electronic

-ing: mining -ed: mixed

1.1 THE FIELD OF MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING Review of endings

Read the following paragraph and as you read it, underline the endings and complete the list below.

Mechatronics unites the principles of mechanics, electronics, and computing. Mechatronics is cantered on mechanics, electronics, computing, control engineering, nano-chemistry, biology, and optical engineering. Engineering cybernetics deals with the question of control engineering of mechatronic systems. It is used to control or regulate such systems . The mechatronic modules perform the production goals and inherit flexible and agile manufacturing properties in the production scheme. Modern production equipment consists of mechatronic modules that are integrated according to control architecture. Hybrid systems important to mechatronics include production systems, synergy drives, planetary exploration rovers, automotive subsystems such as anti-lock braking systems and spin-assist, and every- day equipment such as autofocus cameras, video, hard disks, and CD players.

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Noun Adjective Adverb Verb

____________ ________________ _______________ ___________

collaboration collaborative collaboratively collaborate Language work: Deals with/is concerned with

Mechatronics engineering deals with control systems.

Mechatronics engineers deal with control systems.

Mechatronics engineering is concerned with control systems.

Mechatronics engineers are concerned with control systems.

Control systems are the concern of mechatronics engineers.

Task – make sentences using similar word combinations:

A B

electronics cybernetics control of mechatronics systems

hybrid systems anti-lock braking systems

Language work: Present tenses

Read the text on ―The field of mechatronics‖ and underline the verbs. What tenses are used in the text?

For information on the Present Simple Tense you can visit:

http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/

1.2 COMMON VERBS IN ENGINEERING

Study this list of common verbs in engineering. They all have the sense of ―make something happen‖.

lower make low _______________

raise make higher _______________

heat make hot _______________

release make free _______________

compress make smaller volume stisniti

reduce make smaller ______________

increase make larger ______________

Fill in the blanks in these sentences with suitable verbs from the list above.

1 When thermoplastics are heated they soften.

2 If a gas is ________________, it heats up.

3 A heater _______________ the temperature of the water.

4 The rising piston _________________ the fuel mixture.

5 Designers try to ______________ the weight of a structure.

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9 6 When the push button is ______________, the valve spring pushes up the spool.

7 Pumping fluid into the main cylinder gradually __________ the jack.

8 Aerodynamic design ____________ wind resistance.

9 The motor starts up slowly, then gradually _________ speed.

10 When you __________ the handle, the seat swings back under the weight.

Some verbs (action) and nouns (things) have similar forms. Write the verb forms of these nouns.

1 negotiation _______________ 6 test ____________________

2 inspection ________________ 7 production produce 3 equipment _______________ 8 construction _____________

4 specification ______________ 9 security _________________

5 maintenance ______________ 10 analysis _________________

1.3 FIVE TIPS FOR LEARNING NEW WORDS

In speech and writing, one common problem is learning new words. To learn a new word is one thing, but to learn it correctly and remember it right, that's what you want. Here are 5 tips for learning new words.

READING

When working from a vocabulary list, we often try and create context and associations for words to remember their meaning. From context, you can gather the meaning of a word you're otherwise unfamiliar with.

WRITING

To improve your vocabulary, one way to do so is to write, write, and write. For new vocabulary words especially, find ways to integrate them into your writing.

SPEAKING

After learning a new word, it's always a good idea to use it. Again, to do so will help your brain create context and associations that you'll be able to pull from later on.

WORD OF THE DAY

If you're studying from vocabulary lists, try and learn 20 or so words in every set. By dividing lists into sections, you'll be able to backtrack more easily.

Get into the habit of looking up unfamiliar words when you come across them. It never hurts to look up words you're curious about.

VOCABULARY LIST

And then there's the vocabulary list. If you are focused on learning new words, such lists are the perfect starting point. From the list of unknowns, you can then start to check off those you would like to know.

Don't overload!

It's important to not overload your brain with too many definitions, contexts, and associations at once. You wouldn't want to remember these great new words for a test and then the next day, when there's no pressure to know them, suddenly lose them.

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Word maps may help:

- make connections between words;

- learn familiar words with different meanings in specific contexts;

- learn and use new words independently;

- use words from different word classes, for example, adjectives and adverbs, as well as nouns;

- find relationships between words.

Grouping new words short guide 1. Find key words from the text.

2. Look up the words with different and similar meanings and set a word family = words that relate to the key word.

3. Write that word in a central part and draw the branches to related words 4. Write each word on the appropriate branch (see example below)

5. Learn new words, familiar words and relationships between them.

Fig. 3: Word grouping Source: Own Watch the following video on robot design.

http://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/news/articles/article_685.html

Try to catch 5 words / phrases about mechatronics. Then group the new words according to the illustration above.

How to design robots - or, more specifically, microprocessor-controlled electromechanical systems to produce final computer-controlled electromechanical projects of their own design.

The results, displayed in the lobby of the Technological Institute, include everything from a device that strikes a drum in sync with a person's heartbeat to a can-launching refrigerator.

Source: http://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/...; (online). 2011 associations

• hydtrant

• fire engine

• dangers

• hot

• heat

opposites

• cold

• wet

• extinguish

synonyms

• ignite

• blaze

• burn

word families

• fires

• firing

• fired

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11 Follow up set:

Task 1

Start building your own technical glossary. Start with common verbs in engineering.

Task 2

Make a similar diagram with words associated with mechatronics.

Task 3

Use the texts you have studied so far and explain practical applications of mechatronics.

Summary

In the first chapter we discussed the practical side of being an (mechatronics) engineer. Of the many engineering disciplines, mechatronics engineering is a newer field of specialisation, but provides a wide variety of jobs and many specialties. Vocabulary assignments in this unit require working with a technical dictionary and building one‘s own list of technical terms.

verbs

reduce

heat

lower make

raise

nouns

system

adjectives

control

verbs

control

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2 CAREER AWARENESS

There are many opportunities to build a career in mechatronics. The new vocabulary will help you that mechatronics is not just about big machines and oily rags. The last section introduces and practices skills required to deal with the writing tasks and covers layout and style of a business letter.

In this unit you will:

- be talking about your study and career opportunities - learn about business letters layout

- practice witting a CV

2.1 A MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING STUDENT

The name »mechatronics« comes from mechanical and electronics, and is a relatively new approach to product design and development. Study this list of points to consider when deciding whether to study engineering.

Discuss.

Do you enjoy creating and investigating things? Or do you prefer to find out how things work?

Look at the figure below and answer the questions; discuss them with your partner.

What filed of mechatronics are you particularly interested in?

What is your favourite subject?

Fig. 4: Mechatronics engineering blending Source: Own

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13 Here are the main areas of study that mechatronics looks into:

Mechatronics engineering

Structure and properties of materials Statics

Circuits

Algorithms and data structures Numerical methods

Mechanics of deformable solids

Sensors and instrumentation

Computer structures & real-time systems Actuators & power electronics

Electromechanical machine design Automatic control systems

1. Write down Slovenian translations for the above terms.

2. Read the following descriptions of the main areas of study and find matches for the above terms. An example is shown in bold type.

A Control design and analysis for linear dynamic systems with emphasis on mechanical engineering applications, digital control systems

B Circuit theory, input-output relationships, operational amplifiers, operational amplifier circuits, diodes, analogue signal detection, transducers and sensors

C Mechatronics engineering include the design process, project planning, control logic, sensors and actuators, engineering graphics, interpretation of technical drawings

D Computer organization, process management, synchronization, file systems

E Basic electromagnetic theory, magnetic circuits, electric circuit elements, DC/DC circuit analysis, diodes, transistors

F Circuit analysis & basic electromagnetics, power, power amplifiers, DC servo &

stepper motors, AC synchronous & induction motors, transformers

G Mechanical response of materials and stress-strain relationships, behaviour of prismatic members in tension, compression, shear, bending and torsion, stress and strain transformations

H Basic concepts of mechanics, vectors, rigid bodies and force systems, equilibrium of rigid bodies, friction

I Number systems and machine errors

J Design of mechanical motion transmission systems (gearing, belts), sensors

K The relationships between physical and causes based on electronic structures, description of the differences in physical properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, semiconductors, and composite materials

L Algorithms, sorting and searching, hashing, and problem-solving strategies Now list some of the subjects you study and try to find the English terms for them.

Language work: Make it + adjective

Look at the example: Digital displays make it easier to read out to the computer.

Now show similar links with: workplace safety regulations poor lighting

composite materials computer aided drawing

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Specialist reading

Read the article about MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING and answer the questions below. Match your answers with your partner.

Mechatronics engineering is a career choice.

Fig. 5-6: A mechatronics engineer's job Images Sources: http://www.miatut.com/...; (online).

2011

http://www.cce.edu.om/...; (online). 2011 A mechatronics engineer designs mechanical devices that incorporate electrical, software and mechanical components.

The combination of these three key areas has resulted in the development and design of mechatronics or smart products. Examples include a more efficient washing machine, automated robotic assembly lines, cameras, laser printers, photocopiers, stair climbing wheelchairs, hybrid autos and garage door openers.

Perhaps the most striking example of mechatronics is the development of the Mars rover used by NASA to take samples and photographs of the Martian surface.

Machine intelligence, or AI, is a key component of mechatronics engineer's design plans. An engineer of this type will manage, maintain, develop and design high tech engineering systems that can automate industrial tasks.

They design and help in the production of video recorders, cameras and other consumer products.

1. What is a mechatronics engineer’s job?

2. Where do mechatronics engineers work?

3. How is IT used in mechatronics?

4. What types of technologies do mechatronics engineers work on?

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15 2.2 JOBS AND CAREERS

"Boldly face all science classes and be stronger than the material.

Always say, 'I CAN DO IT!' "

–Sarah, Layout Designer

If Internet access is available share the “Micron for Students” web site and complete the tasks.

Source: http://students.micron.com...; (online). 2011.

1 Watch a video interview and answer these questions:

What are the attractions of the job of a process development engineer?

What does she do in her job?

What advice did she give to students of engineering?

2 Read the text below, and then state your own opinion on the following statements.

1 Mechatronics engineers design computer-controlled electro-mechanical systems.

2 Examples of mechatronics systems include automotive anti-lock braking systems (ABS), SLR cameras, and aerospace "fly-by-wire" systems.

3 Mechatronics engineering combines mechanical design, computers, software, and electronics with an integrated design approach.

Use some of the phrases below:

The way I look at it is … I believe that …

I think that …. It’s generally believed that …

I strongly (dis)agree (with the idea) … That’s not the way I see …

Mechatronics engineers are problem-solvers who want to make things work more efficiently and quickly and less expensively. From computer chips and satellites to medical devices and renewable energy technologies, engineering makes our modern life possible. In particular, electrical engineers and computer engineers have a wide range of study options and career paths that let them design, build, and bring those ideas into reality.

The engineer's primary role is to develop practical solutions to society's needs.

Engineering work requires creativity, a knack for problem solving, and lots of training;

it is seldom boring and can be highly rewarding. For some engineers, the challenge may be to maintain clean and healthy water conditions. For others, the work they do may be isolated from public view and involves cutting edge technology.

Discuss these questions:

 What kind of work do you do?

 What do you enjoy about your job?

 What do you dislike? What are the most important things for you in your work?

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Language work: Be able to talk about your job

When someone asks you »What do you do?«, they're asking »What's your job?«. You, for example, might answer »I work for an engineering company.«

Someone may then ask for more information using one of these questions:

 What do you do exactly? What does that entail?

 What are you responsible for?

You can give more information using the following expressions:

 Basically, I sell machine parts.

 I am responsible for machine maintenance.

 I take care of an assembly line.

 I usually answer customers' questions.

 I mainly handle claims.

 I'm an engineer.

Match the phrases. An example is shown in bold type.

 I work as

 I‘m responsible for

 My job also involves

 I deal with

 As part of my job I have to

 I‘m based in

 questions people have about machines.

 a mechatronics technician with BBS.

 deal with cables and switchers.

 consider equipment.

 Reading, not far from London.

 giving advice on air-conditioning.

Read the text below and choose the correct word form to fill each gap.

Karin Weich works for Hech Electronics in Tulsa, USA. She works as / like / in Head of the Ocean Pacific Region. She organises / provides / deals with a large number of small and medium-sized businesses in the Ocean Pacific cultures. She advise / advises / advised them on the best products for their needs. She is only in his / her / its office in the morning when she discusses clients with / to / from the Sales Director.

Now introduce yourself and your job. You can use the example below and discuss the topics like: your nationality, home town, company, position in the company, responsibilities, and hobbies.

P R O F I L E

My name is Dane Danes and I‘m Slovenian. I live in Malo mesto, a lovely Slovenian village near Ljubljana, and I work for The Mecha Group, Slovenian largest piping company. The Group‘s activities are divided into five business areas: shipping, aviation, construction &

automotive industries, and trading. Our best-known company is Cathy Eastern PipeLine.

I work at our Ljubljana head office; I‘m head of Quality Control, and I‘m responsible for developing the excellence policy of the Group.

I‘m always very busy and I don‘t have much free time, but when I do, I like fishing and I grow my own vegetables, just for fun.

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17 2.3 CAREER OUTLOOK

Look at this example letter:

Grbina 13

2245 Spodnji grad Slovenia

January 13, 2011

To: Michael Hjelm, President AAA Company

1234 South Street, DK 12357

Re: Provide information on what the letter regards to Salutation: Greet the recipient

This paragraph should briefly explain the intent of the letter.

You can include another 1-3 paragraphs that explain the situation in further detail.

Use a new paragraph for each issue that you want to present.

The last paragraph is the closing paragraph that further identifies your request and invites the receiver of the letter to contact you.

The last sentence may refer to future contacts in general.

Close the letter appropriately:

Best regards, Jan Novak Jan Novak

Appropriate salutations / finishing phrases

Salutation Closing Note

Dear Sir / Madam Faithfully yours if you don't know

the name

of the person you're writing to

Dear Mr / Mrs / Ms Blink Sincerely yours if you know the name of the person you're writing to Dear Jane / Ms Novak Kind / Best regards If the person is a

close business contact or friend

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Reference line With reference to your advertisement / letter of

…, phone call today, …

The reason for writing I am writing to enquire about … apologise for … confirm …

The body I am writing to inform you …/ let you know …

Thank you for your e-mail and for your interest in our products.

In reply to your letter of March 3, 2010 …

Giving bad news Unfortunately, … I am afraid that …

Closing remarks Thank you for your help / time and consideration / assistance.

Please contact us again if we can help in any way / there are any problems / you have any questions.

Future contacts I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Looking forward to doing business with you.

Enclosing documents Enclosures: CV, references / recommendations Please find enclosed a copy of clean driving licence.

I am enclosing a certificate / report on my passed exams.

Avoid common mistakes in writing

Correct  Incorrect 

I am writing to enquire about … I write to enquire about … I am writing to you to ask … I am writing you to ask …

Thank you for your email of /dated May 3. Thank you for your email from May 3.

Look forward to seeing you. Look forward to see you.

Thank you for your interest in our products. Thank you for your interest for our products.

Reminders - correct the mistakes:

Avoid commas, that are not necessary.

Avoid exclamations whenever possible!

Don't use contractions.

Avoid modernisms that sound flaky.

Awayz check you're spelling.

Be avoided by the passive voice.

Every sentence a verb.

Never use no double negatives.

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19 Helpful example

Fig. 7: Formal letter sample Source: Own

Now it is your turn. Write a letter to ask for information on a course of computer aided drawings which interests you. Lay out your letter like this:

Nova ulica 21 1111 Staro mesto SLOVENIA 30 August 2010

CBC Technical Institute Parlow Street, Manchester MA2 2KL, UK

Dear Sir or Madam

Please send me further information on the course Solidworks in Mechanical Engineering.

Yours faithfully,

Pavel Ribnik Pavel Ribnik

Now write a response from an institute, using the information below:

Course on Technical Certificate in CAD for Engineering. One month, full-time. For potential technicians or for those who gain entry to a Higher Diploma in Engineering course.

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20

2.4 APPLYING FOR A JOB

When you apply for a job, consider the following:

What impression do you try to give in an application letter?

Should an application letter be handwritten, or printed?

How important is a well-presented CV or resume?

Do you always tell the absolute truth in application letters?

A CAREER HISTORY

Career resume: A.J. THIERSSEN

1984-95 Employed by Institute of Mechatronics Engineers 1984-96 Consultant in a Lund Power plant

1975-78 University of Stockholm (majored in mechatronics) Recent career moves

August 1995 Became self-employed Set up own consultancy October 1995 Opened an office in Lund

February 1996 Won a major contract with a computer company How about you? Answer these questions about yourself.

1. How long ago did you start your present job?

2. How long ago did you start learning English?

How to write a well presented engineering CV/resume?

Young graduates who are on the job market for the first time need to start by learning to write their first resume. To do this they need to learn the basic rules.

Here is some advice:

Make a list of all work related experiences including:

Volunteering

Running the volley club or similar.

Organising the university magazine.

Any roles in clubs or associations.

Any such experience can be listed on your resume. These qualities will show your motivation and initiative as well as organisational and team work skills.

If you are applying for a specific job:

Read the job advertisement carefully.

Make sure you address each requirement in the graduate resume.

Follow the instructions.

Include your soft skills

Your resume should be a summary of your experience, education and qualifications.

Do not lie on your resume.

Your resume should be one page.

Include only topics related to the job you are applying for.

Employers will be interested in your credentials and experience.

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21 Succeed where others fail. Go to the following web page http://www.ehow.co.uk/video and watch the video.

While listening, insert the missing information below.

Source: http://www.ehow.co.uk/...; (online). 2011 Model CV

CURRICULUM VITAE ________________________details

Name: Jan Novak

Date of birth: 2 August 1975

Address: Huda ulica 12, Veliko mesto 1234 ________________and qualifications

1991-1995 Izraz College of Higher Education, Ljubljana Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering 1985 – 1990 Secondary Technical School, Ljubljana I hold a clean driving licence. I have been driving for three years.

_______________________________

1995 to present Inspection Technician

Ben & Hugo Electronics (SI) Ltd.

- responsible for checking incoming components and completed products using a wide range of test equipment including computer-based record system.

1990 – 1995 Apprentice electrical technician Sturm & Hafner (SI) Ltd.

1990 – 1991 Office junior

Brend & Brend, Car Shop

- basic mechanical duties, telephone receptionist, in a busy car shop.

___________________and activities

Travel, modern dance, swimming.

______________________________

College: Work

Ms Jelica Car Mr Jon Minas

Head Personnel officer

Phone: 4577-56789 phone: 2388-0098

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22

3 steps to draft an application letter

1^st paragraph: Introduce yourself briefly Give your reasons for applying

2^nd paragraph: Describe your relevant experience – or justify your lack of experience Describe your skills

Describe how you meet the requirements of the job 3^rd paragraph: Say when you‘re available for an interview

Application letter - starting

 I noted with interest your advertisement in today‘s Delo.

 I wish to apply for a place at HSE.

 My reason for applying is that I would like to broaden my experience and also to make a greater use of knowledge of languages.

Application letter – body

 I feel that my qualifications match your requirements. My qualifications are as follows: …

 My educational background enables me to …

 As you will see from the enclosed CV, I have three years experience in marketing.

 My responsibilities have included all types of technical support and contacts with clients.

 I use computer on a daily basis and I have experience with CAD and CAM.

Application letter – ending

 I am enclosing the names and addresses of two references / referees who can testify to my conduct and character.

 I am looking forward to the opportunity of attending an interview at which I can provide any further information you may need.

 Please contact me by phone / mail.

When you read a job advertisement you may find that you don‘t meet all of the qualifications.

But not every requirement listed in the job advertisement is always met so, therefore, if you meet majority of them then submit your resume and cover letter. Leave it up to the employer to make that decision during the interview. You may also have the soft skills that make up the difference as they are looking for the right ―match‖ and not always the most qualified candidate.

So look for key words that stand out and tell you what they are looking for. When applying to the advertisement, please make sure you follow and pay strong attention to the instructions on how to apply.

Look at the following model letter below and do the tasks.

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23 Model letter

Lepa cesta 13 Mirno mesto 1222 SLO

15 March 20__

Mr Yan Yanick Personnel Department Ljubljana 1122, SLO Dear Mr Yanick,

Re: Design Technician

I would like to apply for the post of Design Technician as advertised in today‘s issue of the Delo. I enclose my CV with the names of two referees.

You will note from my CV that I have a diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and considerable experience. My work at B & H means that I am familiar with HVAC plant and systems including electronic system control. As an inspection technician, I have experience of a wide range of systems for product testing and component evaluation.

I enjoy my work at B & H but would like to broaden my experience, especially in the area of aircraft design. I feel that I can bring considerable skill to the post together with the ability to work well in a team. I am also interested in further improving my qualifications by studying part-time.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Jana Novak

Go to the following page http://www.careersinholland.com/ and 1) Write a job summary

2) Apply for a job – use a separate sheet of paper and write a CV and an application letter.

Source: http://www.careersinholland.com/vacancies/...; (online). 2011

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24

Application vocabulary

 student of Vocational College / Community College

 have/obtain a degree in Mechanical Engineering

 have no/little experience of … / in …

 gain practical experience/qualifications

 previous/current/working experience

 knowledge of languages

 computing skills

 duties at the moment

Translate the following sentences into English.

1 Prejšnji teden sem videl vaš oglas v Vestniku.

2 Rad bi se prijavil na mesto vzdrževalca v vašem podjetju.

3 Imam že nekaj izkušenj pri delu s CNC stružnicami.

4 Lansko leto sem delal kot študent v podjetju za urejanje hudournikov.

5 Sem strojni tehnik in znam uporabljati program za računalniško podprto risanje.

Follow up set:

1) Go to the Europass web site, download the English version of Europass CV and fill it in.

Source: http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/...; (online). 2010

2) Read the job advertisement and apply for a job – use a separate sheet of paper and write a CV and an application letter.

Source: http://jobview.monster.com/...; (online). 2011

Electronic/Mechatronics Engineer

Candidates must have a Bachelors‘ degree in Electronics, Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering and a Masters‘ Degree (M.S.) is preferred. 8-10 years experience in research/design/development area of product engineering, including a minimum of 5 years in electronics/mechatronics technology solutions. Knowledge of CAN Bus (J1939, J1708, etc) protocols. Preferred working knowledge of 3-D solid modelling (Solid works) and 2-D drafting software. Proficiency with Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

If your background meets these requirements and you are looking to join an innovative global leader, please send your resume and salary history to aabfall@hroillc.com or fax to 616-719- 5376. Please indicate ―Electronic/Mechatronics Engineer‖ in the subject line. To learn more about our company please check us out at www.safholland.com.

Summary

Looking for jobs can become a challenge. In this chapter you have learnt about job-seeking and revised the rules of writing; it gives practice of writing formal letters, and also gives valuable practice of using the Internet for job opportunities in English. Your new knowledge will be put to the test with a real-world engineering projects, which you will design on your own or with a team.

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25

3 C0MPANY OF THE FUTURE: Innovation & commitment

There may be several occasions when you have to talk about a company you work for. This may be when you‘re showing someone around the place, or you may need to explain someone how your company or your department is organized and who is responsible for different aspects of the business.

Focus of Unit 3:

- talking about your company‘s history, structure, activities and performance - understanding the present and past tense

- dealing with questions

Language work: Describing a company

When you describe your company, these expressions can be useful:

Our company is a family company, subsidiary, joint stock company, a sole trader, private / public limited company, parent/sister company. It is small / medium / large.

Main activities

Producing, buying and/or selling, importing and/or exporting, distributing, offering different services, research, designing, …

History of the company

Our company was founded / set up in 2001. Then it began to grow.

Other information about the company: It is one of the leading technology and services companies in the region. We produce parts for internal-combustion engines.

About products/services/turnover

Our company pays attention to the quality of products and services. It has a wide range of products for car … It offers after-sales service for our customers and buyers. Last year, the total business exceeded € 2.5 million. The turnover amounts to €1.8 million.

Philosophy of the company

Its strategy is to improve people's lives. We believe in new technologies. Our long-term objectives are quality, performance and reliability for people and the environment.

Staff policy

In 2009 the number of employees totalled 1,500. We have 45 full-time researchers. Our R&D employs high-qualified staff.

Location

Our company is located / based in Ljubljana, but has branches in Moscow and Freiburg. The firm‘s premises are in 13 Nova Ulica, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Structure of the company

Our company consists of five departments and two overseas divisions.

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26

Departments

Production, quality control, finance and accounts, personnel, marketing, sales, purchasing, export, import, advertising, logistics, research & development.

Management

Supervisory Board/Board of Directors, CEO/general manager / managing director, managers of departments.

3.1 EXPLAINING STRUCTURE OF A COMPANY

Write down the names of two well-known companies in your city or region.

 What do you know about each company‘s activities:

o Where do they operate?

o How important are they?

o If you could choose, which would you like to work for?

Companies are involved in many activities, e.g. buying, selling, marketing, production, in a range of different industries, such as IT, telecommunications, film, car manufacture.

Businesses vary in size, from the self-employed person working alone, through the small or medium sized enterprise to the large multinational with activities in several countries.

Multinationals often have a complicated structure. There is usually a parent or holding company. This company owns other companies or parts of their companies. The other companies are called subsidiaries. Company‘s activities may be spread over different sites.

Organisational chart

Most companies are made up of three groups of people: the shareholders (who provide the capital), the management and the workforce. The management structure of a typical company is shown in this organizational chart.

At the top of the company hierarchy is the Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer (CEO, AmE), who is responsible for the running of the business. Senior managers or company officers or directors head the various departments within the company.

Fig. 8: Typical organizational chart Source: Own

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27 Discuss

 Does your company have a clear structure as in the above organisational chart?

 Do people in your company work in teams?

Try these tasks.

1 Describe the structure of your company.

2 Visit the web site of the PIPISTREL company and present the company in your own words.

3 Look at the organizational chart of and

answer the questions below the chart.

Fig. 9: Omron's organisational chart

Source: http://www.omron.com/...; (online). 2011 1 What are the company's main activities?

2 How many executive officers are employed in the company?

3 What business fields does the company cover?

4 Who is responsible for electronic components division?

5 What does HQ stand for? What are the synonyms?

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28

Look at the chart and answer the questions

 What is Andreja‘s job?

 Which department is Suzana responsible for?

 Who does Suzana report to?

 What is Robert in charge of?

Fig. 10: Staff policy Source: Own Which verbs do not go with the nouns?

o a company: stop, found, take over, set up o a subsidiary: own, found, produce, open o production: continue, stop, begin, make 3.2. COMPANY PROFILE

Read the article about The Bosch Group and answer the questions below the text.

Technologies to improve people’s lives

Our value-adding innovations are ―Invented for life‖ – and they‘re unrivalled in quality, performance and reliability for people and the environment. Our mission is to improve the quality of life with Bosch products. State-of-the-art technology and sustainable growth are our cornerstones. At the same time, we fully embrace our social and ecological responsibility.

That‘s how we make sure we deliver what people need, both now and in the future.

When you work at Bosch, you are part of a leading technology and services company. We operate in over 60 countries around the globe. In fiscal 2009, our sales generated approximately €38.2 billion.

We shape the future

Bosch is a privately held company. That means we can act with financial independence, plan for the long term and invest in the future. To give just one example of how we do that, we spend over

€3.5 billion each year on research and development. The result: over 3,800 new patents filed annually around the world.

In addition to the Bosch brand, we unite under our roof other well-known names such as Buderus, Skil, Dremel, Junkers and Vulcano. The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, we generated the sales of 38.2 billion Euros in fiscal 2009.

The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries.

Robert Novak Customer Services Director

Suzana Spin Call centre

Manager

Andreja Veber Complaints

Manager

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29 If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network are the foundation for growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion Euros for research and development, and applies for some 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.

Adapted from Source: http://www.bosch.com/..., (online). 2010 Answer the questions:

1. What’s the company’s turnover?

2. How many employees are there?

3. What’s the company’s main area of business?

4. What’s happening in the company at the moment?

5. How much does the company invest in new technologies?

6.

Are these statements true or false according to the text?

1. The company believes in innovation.

2. They are building new facilities.

3. They are introducing new technology.

4. The company sells microelectronic products for automobiles.

5. The company is opening a new subsidiary in Brazil.

Grammar Note

1 We use The Present Simple Tense to talk about regular activities

2 We use The Present Continuous tense to talk about actions that are going on at the moment.

Now refer back to the text and find the examples of The Present Simple and Present Continuous Tenses.

For more information on these two tenses, visit: http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/

Remember

The most common verbs for describing company structure are:

consists of contains includes

is composed of is divided into

e.g. The company consists of five main departments.

Other verbs frequently used to describe company organization include:

to be in charge of to be responsible for

to be accountable to

e.g. The marketing department is in charge of the sales force.

The five departments’ heads are accountable to the Managing Director.

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30

3.3 IT ALL STARTED WITH …

A quote from Mr Kazuma, Omron: »Don't say 'I Can't', but rather, 'How can I?’«

Study the Omron's timeline and answer the questions below.

May 1933 Tateisi Electric Manufacturing Co. established in Osaka.

Production of X-ray timers begins.

January 1959

Company motto and "OMRON" trademark established.

February 1960

World's first non-contact (solid state) switch developed.

April 1964 World's first automated traffic signal developed.

March 1967 World's first unmanned train station developed.

June 1971 World's first online automated cash dispenser developed.

April 1986 North American regional management centre established in the United States (OMRON Management Center of America, Inc.)

September 1988

European regional management centre established in The Netherlands (OMRON Europe B.V.)

October 1988

Asia Pacific regional management centre established in Singapore (OMRON Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.)

January 1990

Company name changed to OMRON Corporation.

1995 Distance warning system for motor vehicles developed.

May 2004 Face recognition technology for mobile phones developed.

May 2006 Global design/production centre for control devices begins operations in Shanghai, China.

March 2007 OMRON ramps up development of safety business (machine safeguarding).

Adapted from Source: http://www.omron.com/...; (online). 2011 1 Who is the founder of the Omron company?

2 When was the company founded?

3 Where is the company located?

4 What was the company’s first technological breakthrough?

5 What did the company focus on in the 1060s?

6 When did the company open its first overseas divisions?

7 Why did the company change its name?

8 What are some recent technology achievements?

Now you ask questions about the company’s history.

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31 Language work: Making questions

Can you ask questions correctly?

Out of these questions, only one is correct. Do you know which one? Can you correct the others?

1. Did you went climbing yesterday?

2. Do you can tell me the time?

3. What does BMW mean? 

4. Is coming your mother tomorrow?

5. How much the room costs?

6. Like you Z3?

These are all frequent mistakes sometimes made even by advanced students. Did you get the correct question? It is number 3. All the others contain mistakes.

There are only four basic rules for forming questions in English. Refreshing them, you will avoid the most common mistakes and speak English better.

QUESTION FORMS : basic rules

1. Questions are made by putting an auxiliary verb before the subject Did you go climbing last weekend?

Is your mother coming tomorrow?

auxiliary subject main verb

did you go

is your mother coming

2. When a verb phrase has no auxiliary its question form is made with do + infinitive

Do you like Z3? What does BMW mean?

3. Do is not used to make questions with can, must, should, may, be

Can you tell me the time? (not Do you can…) Are you ready? (not Do you be…) 4. When who, what or which is the subject of a sentence, it comes directly before the

verb, and do is not used Who left the door open?

If who, what or which is the object of a sentence, the normal rules are followed:

Who do you want to speak to?

Now ask your partner some questions about their job.

For example: Where do you work? What do you do? What is your favourite car?

Use question words.

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32

Specialist reading: Scan for specific information.

Scanning is a technique you often use when looking up a word in a dictionary. You search for key words or ideas. In most cases, you know what you're looking for, so you're concentrating on finding a particular answer. Scanning involves moving your eyes quickly down the page seeking specific words and phrases.

Scanning is a skill that requires that you read quickly while looking for specific information.

To scan a reading text, you should start at the top of the page and then move your eyes quickly toward the bottom. Generally, scanning is a technique that is helpful when you are looking for the answer to a known question. This is especially helpful when taking a test.

Practice scanning before you read the following article. While scanning, underline the key words. Then re-read the article in details and do the exercises below.

From aircraft to fantasy cars

Karl Friedrich Rapp is the name of the founder of BMW - one of the biggest worldwide car manufacturing companies. BMW or Bayerische Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works) was founded in 1916 as a successor to the Rapp Motor. Very few people in fact know that the history of BMW is intertwined with world history, and that the company was in fact closed at the end of World War One as the result of the Treaty of Versailles. Or that BMW origins trace back to the early 1900s when in Bavaria three manufacturing companies joined together to form one business entity.

Many people think that the logo of BMW comes from a spinning white propeller seen in the background of the blue sky.

This may be so but in fact it is known that

it also comes from the white and blue flag of Bavaria – the largest state of Germany

Although BMW's current fame and reputation as one of the greatest automobile manufacturers can be mostly linked to models produced in the last two decades, the history of the mark stretches far back and contains numerous achievements that have established it as a benchmark.

Did you know that BMW started out as an aircraft company?

Luxury cars, high performance cars, and well-crafted cars - these are the accolades given to Bavarian Motor Works, Bayerische Motoren Werke, or BMW. This German-based company is one of the world's most respected automakers, renowned for crafting luxury cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) that offer superior levels of driving enjoyment.

Adapted from source:

http://www.articlesbase.com/cars- articles/...; (online). 2010

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33 Do you understand all the words?

Read the text again and underline the unknown words you don’t understand.

a. Try to guess the meaning of the underlined words from the context.

b. Now use a dictionary and find Slovenian translations.

Answer the questions:

1. What is BMW famous for?

2. Where does the logo come from?

3. What are the main areas of BMW trades?

4. When was the company founded?

5. What happened during the WWI?

Are these statements true/false/no information, according to the text?

1. BMW is focused on the production of luxury cars.

2. They are close to their owners.

3. They promote new technologies.

Grammar Note

We use The Past Simple Tense to talk about finished past events and time periods.

For further explanations of The Past Simple Tense you can visit:

http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/

Now refer back to the text on BMW and find the examples of The Past Simple Tense and complete the list. You can add some automobile-related verbs on your own.

Infinitive Past simple Slovenian

begin began začeti

start started začeti kaj

__________________ ________________ _______________

_________________ ________________ _______________

Language work: Prepositional phrases

Study the phrases in bold type in the article on BMW and translate them into Slovenian.

Then do the following exercise: insert the correct preposition.

Mr Rapp founded the BMW _______ 1916. The origins trace back _____ 1900s.

Everything changed _____ the end of WW II. BMW is involved _____ world history.

BMW is linked _______ the history.

The logo comes ________ the flag of Bavaria. The company started ______ as an aircraft manufacturer. Nowadays it is renowned ______ luxury cars.