Study the list of the following activities. Tick the statements which refer to you

1. You enjoy practical projects – creating and investigating things.

2. You like finding out how things work.

3. You are interested in improving the environment.

4. You like helping people.

5. You enjoy solving problems.

6. You enjoy organizing activities.

7. You enjoy science programs on TV or on the radio.

8. You sometimes read articles on scientific or engineering topics.

(The more statements you’ve ticked the more suitable engineering is for you).

2.2. Read the following text and answer the question, using the notes after the text:

1) What is an engineer?

Text B

The Profession of an Engineer

According to “Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary” the first definition for the word “engineer” is “a skilled person, who designs, builds or maintains engines, machines, bridges, railways, etc”. The importance of having skills in particular fields is proved by the fact that many of early branches of engineering were based mostly on empirical* information.

Speaking about the engineering profession we can’t help noticing that it is one of the most ancient occupations in history. The first toolmakers** who made arrows from rock were the forerunners*** of modern mechanical engineers. The craftsmen**** who discovered metals in the earth were the ancestors***** of mining and metallurgical engineers. And technicians who construct marvelous buildings of the ancient world were the civil engineers of their time.

But at present engineers usually make practical application of theoretical sciences. Nevertheless some principles, used by engineers in their work can be applied for solving everyday problems. For example, the methodical way which helps engineers to solve the problems can be useful in everyday life. This way includes five steps: 1) defining the problem; 2) designing a solution; 3) testing the solution; 4) evaluating the solution (if the solution isn’t right, the process is repeated; when a good solution is found, pass to the next step); 5) communicate the solution. Using this method, you can prepare for the test. And the five steps will be as follows: 1) the problem is to pass the test; 2) possible solution can be to study three hours every day; 3) testing the solution is to study for three hours every day and to take the test; 4) evaluation of the solution: if you’ve passed the test with a good mark, then the solution is good; if your mark is bad, then think of a better solution; 5) communicate the good solution, that is – tell your friends about your test- passing technique.

Summing up the information given above we can say that engineers work in many fields and the range of their activities is very wide. But to be a good specialist is not the same as to be a skilled person. You should have some features in your character which will form the basis for your future profession. You should enjoy creating and investigating things, solving problems, organizing activities. Also it would be good if you were interested in improving the environment. All those personal qualities together with good education will help you to get a deserved, interesting and well-paid job in engineering.

Notes

*empirical (adj) - эмпирический, т.е. основанный на

практическом опыте

**toolmakers (n) - изготовители инструментов

***forerunners of(to)… (n) - предшественники

**** craftsmen [`krα:ftsmən] (n) - ремесленники, мастера, умельцы

специалисты

*****ancestors [`æstnsəz] (n) - прародители, предки