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Note to teachers:

As most of the other resources that I have placed in this site, they have been devised for specific French students who have heir own requirements More specifically, units 1, 6 and 8 start with texts in French so that the students can read and understand the main ideas quickly before proceeding to the exercises.  Should you decide to use this writing course, you would have to replace these French texts (and their exercises) by others in yourstudents’ L1 (design the corresponding exercises)  In  a few other cases, students are asked to translate or adapt French phrases; explanations, comments, examples, etc. may be given in French . Again you would have to re-write all this in your L1, but I have included an English translation of all theses little phrases for you to see clearly what I am mean in French.. For instance, Unit 1, exercise 3: “Sentences 1 and 2: transform with a relative clause (un nouvel atelier qui fait partie…[ a new paint shop which is part…]).”

 

 

 WRITING COURSE

 

 

 

Technology is fast changing everybody’s role in the enterprise and, more than in the past, technicians have to use English to write notes and reports, or perhaps simply email messages. Moreover exams also often require the students to answer questions and write essays.

Training students to the use of written technical English is therefore a necessity but also a difficulty that these exercises try to ease.

 

 

A few pieces of advice

 

 

A- Select some vocabulary and patterns

The topic of the question or essay will impose a certain kind of vocabulary and language / grammar patterns. Jot down on a paper the first elements that come to your mind.

Here are two examples:

 

Essay 1 :  Imagine you have to sell this equipment. How would you explain in English:

a/ its technical advantages? b/ its advantages in terms of the quality of the finished product?

You will certainly require phrases to express your point of view ( e.g. : in my opinion, as far as I am concerned), phrases  to talk about advantages (see below, unit 5) as well as the vocabulary related to this specific product.

 

Essay 2 : What is the main difference between direct thrust linear drives and the more conventional solutions using rotary motors ?

Among the useful words and phrases, we can note linking words expressing opposition, comparatives, how to express use (see below, unit 5) and especially how to express similarities and differences (see below, unit 4)

 

 

B - Write down a sketchy plan of what you want to say

 

C - Write very simple sentences.

 

D - Improve your first draft

  

UNIT 1

 

1 - Read this text

 

Atelier de laques

 

1   Introduction

Dans le cadre du gigantesque plan de modernisation de son centre de production de Sochaux, Automobiles Peugeot a construit un nouvel atelier de laques et en a fait une "salle blanche" grandiose.

 

D'un investissement de 1,3 milliards et d'une capacité de production de 1850 véhicules par jour, cet atelier assure en flux tendu l'application des laques et des vernis sur les carrosseries déjà traitées anti corrosion de tous les véhicules de tourisme de la gamme Peugeot et suivant les 20 teintes catalogue.

 

L'automatisation de l'ensemble de l'atelier a été réalisée, en partenariat entre Automobiles Peugeot et Télémécanique, du cahier des charges jusqu'à la mise en production.

 

2  L'installation

 

D'une surface développée de 78000 m² sur 3 niveaux, cet atelier occupe une surface au sol de 25 000 m² sur une longueur de 362 m. Pour préserver la qualité du laquage, il comporte 30 000 m² de 'salles blanches" en surpression d'air, à empoussièrement, hygrométrie et température contrôlés. Quatre lignes principales d'application et de cuisson des laques et vernis composent cet atelier, 3 sont totalement automatiques, la quatrième est semi automatique.

 

Pour la personnalisation de certains véhicules, deux lignes d'application et de cuisson de la peinture dite "de style" sont situées en aval des lignes principales.

 

 

3   Les objectifs

Définis par Automobiles Peugeot, ils portent sur :

-         l'amélioration de la qualité d'application de la peinture et de la productivité,

-         l'adaptabilité de l'atelier, tant en mécanique qu'en automatisme, pour recevoir tous les actuels et futurs types de carrosserie ainsi que les nouveaux types de peinture,

-         l'amélioration de la fiabilité et de la maintenabilité de l'outil de production.

Télémécanique

 

2 - Part 1 -  Adapt (or translate) the words / phrases between brackets so as to write simple but correct sentences.

1.      Peugeot (to build / present perfect) (paint shop / new).

2.      This (to be / present) part of a programme of modernisation.

3.      (Investment : 200 million Euro).

4.      (Capacity of production : 1850 vehicles / day).

5.      The shop (to ensure ) (to lacquer and to varnish, to be transformed into gerunds)  of car bodies.

6.      This ( to concern) all (article ?) cars and all (article ?) colours in the (gamme= range]) of Peugeot.

7.      Peugeot and Télémécanique ( to carry out / present perfect) automation of the plant.

 

3 - Part 1 -Improve the first draft.

Sentences 1 and 2 : transform with a relative clause ( un nouvel atelier qui fait partie…[ a new paint shop which is part…]).

Sentence 2 :transform «a programme of modernisation » into a compound noun..

Sentence 5: Add ‘just-in-time’ ( = en flux tendu).

Sentence 6 : transform ‘the range of Peugeot’ into a compound noun..

Sentence 7 :  turn into the passive  (but keep the same tense)..

4 - Part 2 - Adapt (or translate) the words / phrases between brackets so as to write simple but correct sentences.

1. (The workshop : length : 362m ; ground area : 25,000m²).
2. It (to include) 30,000m² of clean rooms
3. They (to pressurise / passive) and dust, hygrometry and temperature (to control / passive).
4. There (to be) 4 main lines.
5. They are used for (applying ? to apply ?) the lacquer and varnish.
6 For (article ?) customisation of certain models, 2 lines for painting and stoving (=cuisson)  (to be located) after (article ?) main lines.

 

5 - Part 2 – Improve your first draft.

Sentences 1 and 2:transform with a relative clause (L’atelier qui fait 362m² (etc.) … comprend …[the workshop which is 362m long includes…]).
Sentences 3 and 4 Turn ‘dust, hygrometry and temperature  are controlled’ into a compound adjective and  use the wxhole sentence 3 as an adjective of ‘clean rooms’.

Sentences 4 and 5 : transform with a relative clause ( 4 lignes principales qui servent à …[4 main lines that are used …])

Sentence 6 : Transform  ‘2 lines for painting and storing ‘into a compound noun.

 

 6 - Part 3 - Adapt (or translate) the words / phrases between brackets so as to write simple but correct sentences.

1.The objectives ( to define / present perfect / passive) by Peugeot.
2. They include :
3. a/ (article ?) improvement in quality of painting and in productivity ;
4. b/ flexibility of (article ?) paintshop.
5. Aim : to accept (models / current and future)
6. and new types of paint.

 

7 Part 3 - Improve your first draft.

Sentences 1 and 2 : transform with a relative clause.

Sentence 3 : turn  ‘quality of painting and  productivity’ into a compound noun.

Sentence 4 : use a compound noun.

Sentences 4 and 5 : link the two sentences expressing purpose.

Sentence 6 : use a linking word to add a new idea.

 

 

 

UNIT 2

1 Look at the following diagram.

Fig. 1 Fluorescent tube and starter circuit

 

2  Adapt (or translate) the words / phrases between brackets so as to write simple but correct sentences.

1.      The circuit ( to connect / passive) ( preposition ?) a power supply of 240V.

2.   A switch ( to operate) the on/off function.

3.   (article ?) switch (to activate) a starter mechanism.

4.   The starter mechanism (to consist) (preposition) a bimetal strip.

5.   The starter ( to help / passive) by a choke.

6.   The two electrodes at the ends of the tube (to glow / future).

7.  The lamp ( to light up / future).

 

3  Improve the first draft.

Sentence 1 : recast  ‘power supply of 240V’ with a compound noun..

Sentence 2: turn into the passive.

Sentences «  and 4 : Avoid repeating  ‘switch’ by means of a relative clause.

Sentence 4 : Avoid repeating ‘starter mechanism’ by transforming ‘consist’ into an ING form. (equivalent to a relative clause).

Sentence 6 : express cause with ‘The current will make the two electrodes…’(+ glow? / to glow?).

Sentence 7: express consequence.

UNIT 3 - PRODUCTION PROCESS

 

1 Look at the following diagram:

Fig. 2


2    Describe the various production steps.

Write complete sentences adapting  the words / phrases between brackets

 1 The plastic (to heat up / passive).

2. The (material / heated).

3. Very high pressure ( to apply / passive).

4. This (to cause) the plastic (to ? Ø ? )  fill the mould.

5. The plastic (to take) the shape of the die.

6. A short pause ( to allow) the material (to cure ? curing ? Ø cure ?).

7. The mould ( to open).

8 The component ( to remove / passive).

 

3 Improve your first draft.

Sentences 1 and 2 : Link them together by using  ‘after’ (= après que).

Sentences 3 and 4 :Link them together expressing consequence with  ‘thus’ + ing.

Sentences 4 and 5:Link them together expressing consequence..

Sentence 6: introduce it with ‘then’..

Sentences 6 and 7: Link them with ‘before’ ( = avant que).

Sentence8 : Define ‘component’ with a compound adjective meaning ‘qui vient juste d’être façonné [newly-formed]’. Use ‘newly’ and ‘formed’.

UNIT 4

 

EXPRESSING SIMILARITIES and DIFFERENCES

 

1 Similarities.

a.      Both X and Y have [similarities / many points in common.]

X and Y [have / display] [the same / similar / comparable] features / elements, etc…

In many ways X and Y are [the same / similar / parallel / comparable.]

X [resembles / parallels] Y in terms of …

In many ways X is [the same as / similar to / comparable to / like] Y

e.g. :Sun energy and wind energy have comparable features : indeed both are natural, clean, inexhaustible and free.  Sun energy resembles wind energy in terms of lack of pollution.

b.      Express some similarities between :

·        TVs ; VCRs ; computers >> household appliances ; they contain microprocessors.

·        light passenger planes ; helicopters >> they carry few passengers, they are reserved for short flights.

·        aluminium ; copper >> ductile metals ; good electrical conductors.

 

2 Differences ;

a.      X [differs from / is different from / is in contrast with] Y in terms of …

X and Y [are dissimilar / are different / differ]

[Unlike / in contrast with / in comparison with / compared to ] X, Y is expensive / heavy, etc…

X is [larger than / more accurate than/ not as strong as] Y.

Use of linking words expressing contrast ;

e.g. : internal combustion engines differ from fuel cells in terms of  the  fuel they require - Unlike petrol-powered engines, the fuel cell alternative is practically pollution-free.

 

b.      Express  the differences between : a light passenger plane ; a jetliner >> few passengers ; light ; simple to build ; fly  short distances ; fly short hours ; simple to fly ; cheap to buy and to fly.

 

3  Similarities and  contrasts.

a. Write a paragraph to compare and contrast the properties of copper and of silver. Begin with : «The elements copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) have numerous similarities and differences.»

 

Silver

Copper

type of element

atomic number

aspect

density

melting point

electrical conductivity

uses

metal

47

brilliant white

10

1230°C

excellent

jewellery

metal

29

reddish

9

1350°C

excellent

electrical industry

 

b.  Write a paragraph to compare and contrast two welding machines for  band saw blades.

 

 

Name

Sandvik 5017

Sandvik 5010

Type

semi-automatic MIG welding machine

fully-automatic MIG welding machine

Blade width (mm)

up to 260

up to 420

Blade thickness (mm)

0.8 or more

0.8 or more

Preheating

thermostat- controlled

thermostat- controlled

Welding

manual

automatic

Welding speed

N.A. (= non applicable)

thyristor-controlled

Tempering

thermostat- controlled

thermostat- controlled

Technical data

width (mm)

length (mm)

height (mm)

power supply

 

300

1400

900

380V, 50Hz, 3-phase, 16 amps

 

300

1400

900

380V, 50Hz, 3-phase, 16 amps

 

 

 

UNIT 5 - DESCRIBE A PROCESS and EVALUATE ITS QUALITIES

 

You are often asked to answer such questions as :What is this device/ process  for ?What are its advantages and drawbacks ? Describe a machine / process that you know well.

 

Here are a few useful phrases

.

1  What is this device/ process  for ?

·        Its is used for + ing / it is used to + infinitive

·        It is designed for + ing  (il est conçu pour)

·        It is intended to + verb (il est prévu pour)

·        It is aimed at + ing

·        It serves to + infinitive

·        It allows / permits to + infinitive

·        It enables me/ the system/ operators to + infinitive

·        The job / the basic purpose of  a … is to + infinitive

·        Its function is to + infinitive

·        It serves  /  acts as a means of + ing

·        It serves / acts  as + nom

 

Exercise :

Explain the use / function of the following devices : a gearbox -  a voltmeter – a sensor – a logic gate  - a metal detector – a thermostat

 

2 What is it made of ?

It has (+ nom)

·        It is made up of (+nom)

·        It features (+ nom) (Sa caractéristique principale est d’avoir)

·        It is equipped / fitted with (+ noun)

·        It includes (+ noun)

·        It comprises / it is composed of (+ noun)

·        (These two parts)  make up / constitute (+ noun)

·        It is divided into two parts

·        It is (also) part of  (+ noun)

·        XXX is also included

 

Exercice :

Explain what the following circuits / devices are composed of.

 

 

Fig.3 Laser

Fig.4 Gas detector

Fig.5 Leclanche battery

  

 

 

3 What are its advantages ?

·        advantages / benefits / a plus

·        It offers great benefits in terms of +noun

·        It offers advantages over + noun

·        It is (outstandingly) suitable for +nom / + ing

·        Another feature is

·        It has a number of advantages

·        It avoids + ing

·        It eliminates the need for +nom / + ing

·        One of the interesting features is that + subject + verb

·        Its stability / effectiveness / accuracy is outstanding

·        Thanks to …, it is now possible to  + infinitive

·        The advantage is that + subject + verb

·        The system features  + nom

·        The net result is …

·        And the vocabulary used for comparing, especially : superior to – inferior to – equal to – the same as – as welle as comparatives and superlatives..

 

4 Whar are its drawbacks ?

·        There are drawbacks / disadvantages / limitations / problems

·        The main drawback is that  + subject + verb

·        The main problem/ another limitation is due to (+ noun)

·        It suffers many drawbacks

·        It is impossible /difficult /costly to + infinitive

·        Maintenance is a problem since + sujet – verbe  / due to + noun

·        The system[’s capability / speed / efficiency] is limited by +nom

·        It is impossible [for the operator] to + infinitive

·        This may prove to be defective / too big/  too small / a disadvantage

·        It fails to meet specifications

·        And the vocabulary connected with  breakdowns, incidents and failures, among which : malfunction – fault – failure – flaw – defect – a lack of  - faulty – defective - damaged

 

Exercises A:

Compare the advantages and drawbacks of the following devices. a/ Decide orally what elements you wish to take into account b/ Write a few lines for each device..

a bicycle and a motor car – a cell phone and a plain (= ordinary) phone – a hand drill and an electric drill – a desktop and a laptop (= un ordinateur portable)

 

Exercise B:

Read the following data concerning two computers, one dated 1989, the other 1999. Compare them and tell about the advantages of the second computer, the drawbacks of the first ( and also of the second (when compared to today’s computers.)

 

.

 

RSC Hi-Line 386 System  (1989)

Time Computer System  (1999)

General data

The new RSC 386T-25 system with a landmark test speed of 41 Mz demonstrates the RSC commitment to true Power Systems…. The tailoring service is available so virtually any combination of Floppy Drives, Hard  Disks, Monitors, Tape Streamers is possible. All systems are complete with £365 worth of Microsoft products FREE, the Microsoft mouse, Window 386 and the latest MS DOS 4.01.

The fastest PC from Time includes the latest Intel 450Mz Pentium II processor, a massive 128 Mb high speed SDRAM … at just £1599 + VAT.

The  specification includes added extras such as free PC-TV system,  Videophone (including colour video camera interface for optional camera), and IBM SS GOLD speech recognition. Customers get the highest performance in the UK.

Processor

80386- 25Mz

Pentium II – 450 Mz

Hard disk

40Mb up to 340Mb

8.4 Gb

Monitor

14’’ VGA mono or VGA colour

15’’ SVGA or 17’’

Floppy drive

1.2 Mb 5.25’’ and 1.44Mb 3.5’’

1.44Mb 3.5’’

CD / DVD – ROM drive

N.A. (= non applicable)

32 * MAX CD ROM or MPEG-2 DVD-ROM

Modem

N.A.

56K Rockwell voice / fax/ internet modem

Software

MS DOS 4.01 – Windows 386

Window 98

On-site maintenance

12 months

N.A.

Prices

from £3,299 to £5,209

from £ 1,189 to £ 1,599 +VAT

 

 

UNIT 6

 

 

1 Read this text.

Le véhicule hybride

 

Le véhicule électrique fait rêver. Malgré les avantages de son moteur (petit, léger, sans entretien, d'un rendement élevé), il a actuellement un gros défaut : ses batteries sont chères et possèdent une faible autonomie. On se dirige donc vers des véhicules, d'un type nouveau qui devraient apparaître sur le marché au début  du siècle prochain : les véhicules hybrides. Ces véhicules utilisent leur moteur électrique en ville et disposent d'une autonomie normale sur route, grâce à un moteur thermique. En cas de forte accélération, les deux modes de propulsion fonctionnent simultanément. Premier prototype Renault : Next, qui est exceptionnellement peu gour mand (3,4 l aux 100 km) et ne pollue quasiment pas. Vitesse maximale: plus de 140 km/h et 167 km/h en mode combiné

Renault, le magazine du centenaire

 

2 - Write simple but complete sentences.

1. Write one or two short sentences to talk about  the advantages os electric cars ?

2. Write one or two short sentences about their drawbacks.

3. Say that the hybrid cars are the future. Use : carmakers / to direct attention to / hybrid car.

4. Say when it will be on the market. Use ‘should’

5. Say when one engine or the other or both will be used.

6. Describe Renault’s prototype: fuel mileage, speed, lack of pollution.

 

3 -  Improve your first draft.

Sentences 1 and 2 : link them together expressing contrast.

Sentence 3 : Introduce it with a link word expressing consequence, then  avoid ‘carmakers’ by turning the sentence into the passive.

Sentence 5 : Recast your  sentence with ‘to run on electricity’ and ‘to function simultaneously’.

Sentence 6 : Express the low fuel consumption with ‘to feature fuel economy’; express the lack of pollution with ‘to be pollution-free”.

 

 

UNIT 7

 

1 - Look at this diagram :

 

 


Fig.6.

2 - Describe the various production steps. Write simple but complete sentences using the vocabulary that is provided.

1.      truck / lorry – to unload – pallet.

2.      a fork lift truck.

3.      to transfer – a conveyor line – a robot – to pick up.

4.      a machine tool – to machine.

5.      parts – to load – transported.

6.      to index – to weld.

7.      to package – to store – to ship.

 

3 - Improve your draft:

·        Turn everything into the passive, if you haven not done it yet.

·        Use the equivalents of ‘après avoir (fait) [after doing]’ or ‘avant de ( faire) [before doing]’ 

·         Insert : at first - then - the next step consists in + ING - finally.

·        Use relative pronouns to avoid repetitions such as ‘The components are transferred by a robot. The robot places them …’

 

 

UNIT 8

1 - Read this text

 

Une machine pour automatiser le tri du plastique.

Avant d’être recyclé, le plastique doit être trié afin de séparer chaque type de plastique des autres. Les emballages en plastique représentent une catégorie de produits particulièrement difficiles à trier et « même avec la meilleure bonne volonté du monde, les gens ne peuvent pas  trier chez eux les plastiques par type avant de les mettre à la poubelle » dit François Tuloup, ingénieur commercial chez SYDEL, entreprise française qui a donné la priorité au tri automatisé du plastique.Il ajoute que  le tri manuel est lent et pas toujours fiable.

Installé sur la côté atlantique à Lorient et connue pour ses activités informatiques, SYDEL a mis au point et breveté une machine originale nommée Dibop qui trie les bouteilles par type de plastique. On place les bouteilles sur la chaîne grâce à une trémie d’alimentation brevetée, puis  trois lampes halogène éclairent les bouteilles les unes après les autres ? Celles-ci sont enfin examinées par un spectromètre qui travaille dans l’infrarouge proche. Le capteur remplace l’œil humain, et, grâce à 5à à 250 mesures par bouteille, fait la différence entre cinq type de plastique : PVC, PET, HDPE, PP et PS. L’installation dispose d’un automate qui contrôle le mouvement des bouteilles et les systèmes d’évacuation. La capacité est de 12.000 bouteilles / heure avec un résultat de plus de 98% , y compris avec les bouteilles écrasées.

«Nous avons déjà vendu des machines aux Ateliers Fouesnantais, société bretonne quyi travaille dans l’environnement, à Techmed à Madrid et à Sumitomo à Osaka », explique Tuloup.

 

Adapted from Global Design News, April 1999.

 

2 - You are working in an environmental company and have just heard of this machine. Write a short report to inform your colleagues.

a/ Tell about:

b/ Write also a short introduction (e.g. explain that waste recycling specialists  have been dreaming of a machine that …) and a short conclusion.

 

 

 

UNIT  9

 

1  Look at the following diagram.

Process line for production of fruit preserves.

 

Note : la stérilisation s’effectue en 3 étapes : le mélange  est placé dans une cuve où il est chauffé à 95°C, puis envoyé dans un réseau de tuyaux dans lequel il circule pendant 5 minutes en conservant cette température. La 3ème étape est le refroidissement à 25°  dans une seconde cuve, puis vient le stockage.


Fig. 7

 

 

2 Write a description of the  production process.

Write simple sentences, but watch basic grammar : in particular be sure that your passive verbs are right  with  to be (very likely in the present + past participle of the required verb, i.e.  verb + ED (except irregular verbs)

 

3  Improve the first draft by :

·        Writing a short introduction ;

·        Using the passive, unless you have already done it ;

·        Using  after + ING  / before + ING ; and other time markers : : at first – then – the next step, finally,  etc.

·        As in previous exercises, you can introduce such phrases as it consists in + ING , this for +ING

 

 

 

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