Basic HTML Version
1
6
Read this passage using the search-reading technique, in order to identify the formal and informal
ways of communicating technical information. When you have finished reading, check your answer
with the rest of the class.
SEARCH READING See
Reading strategies
on page 14
TEXT 2
Communication in the World of
Engineering
A
ll organizations need to communicate
with people inside the organization and
there are various ways in which this can
be done. For example:
- verbal instructions;
- written instructions;
-
drawings
/designs;
- sketches;
- bulletins/notice boards;
- electronic mail.
Technical information can be very difficult
to pass on using only words, especially
engineering information which must be very
accurate, so it is often much easier to use
drawings and symbols with clearly defined
meanings as well as, or instead of, words.
However,
sketches
are also used as an
informal means of communication. These
are basically freehand drawings, that are
not meant to be accurate but rather aim
to give a general idea which can be very
useful in certain situations, for example,
when a supervisor has to explain a new way
of working to a trainee
1
.
1
trainee
: a person undergoing training for a particular task,
job or profession
drawing
disegno
sketch
bozzetto
TECHNICAL ENGLISH
7
Can you think of other ways in which information can be conveyed? Compare your ideas with those of
your classmates.
8
Brainstorming
Use a monolingual dictionary to look for the meaning of two verbs:
to draw
and
to
design
. As they have various meanings, decide which meaning will be relevant for engineering. Then
find other words, (nouns, adjectives etc.) that derive from these two verbs (always in the context of
engineering). Translate them.
9
Read in detail and answer the following questions.
a
What is the principal means of communication in engineering?
..........................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
b
What is a drawing?
..........................................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Progetto FOR MECHANICALS_unit_1.indd 11
24/01/