September 17, 2011

INTRODUCTION


MODULE A3003

ENGLISH FOR TECHNICAL PURPOSES 3


INTRODUCTION and GUIDE



CURRICULUM GRID
UNITS
TOPICS
Time

Allocation

1
Understanding and writing memoranda
5 hrs
2
Introduction to meetings
3 hrs
3
Communication in meetings
6 hrs
4
Understanding minutes of meeting
4 hrs
5
Description of objects and products
3 hrs
6
Describing maintenance of objects and products
3 hrs




    INTRODUCTION


This module is designed for the third semester students taking technical courses at the polytechnic. The learning materials provided in the module will help you improve your language proficiency to handle communication situations in English.

The module is designed for 24 contact hours. This includes assessments and class activities.


    GENERAL AIMS

This module aims to :
  1. equip students with the necessary language skills to perform effectively at the workplace.
  2. help students acquire a command of the English language at a pragmatic level , thus focusing on comprehension and communication skills.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
At the end of the module, you should be able to :
  1. read and understand the contents of memos.
  2. identify the audience and the purpose of the memo.
  3. identify the main points in a memo.
  4. understand the concise and brief language used in memos.
  5. write memos for different purposes such as relay messages, to give instructions, to give brief explanation or to brief summary.
  6. use appropriate format in memo writing
  7. plan, organize and write messages coherently, clearly and with brevity
  8. express ideas in clear and grammatically correct English, with correct punctuations and correct spelling.
  9. participate in an appropriate manner and at appropriate times to convey various information and to ask questions
  10. generally understand the roles of various persons in the meeting such as Chairperson, and secretary of the meeting
  11. understand the general proceedings of meetings from the Chairperson’s address, passing of the minutes to the adjournment
  12. understand the format and content of minutes
  13. take down short notes during a meeting
  14. describe clearly and accurately how a particular object/product is used/works
  15. read and understand instructions on maintenance (care) of a product.
  16. describe how a product is maintained or cared for.
  17. describe shapes, sizes, weight, volume/capacity, measurement, colour, appearance, etc of objects
  18. describe components/parts and their function



    GENERAL GUIDE

  1. This module consists of 6 main units. All the units are compiled in the same booklet.
  2. This module code and unit number is located at the left hand-side and the page number is located at the top right hand corner of each page.
A3003/ UNIT 1/ 5


                 Subject        Unit 1    Page 5
  1. Each unit contains :


    the objectives
    input - this may be in the form of notes, texts and language exponents etc.


    activity – this consists of task-based activities which will assist you in achieving the objectives of the unit. Your lecturers will facilitate the activities and provide feedback on your progress
    assessment – different forms of assessments will be given to evaluate your understanding of each unit.
    *
    feedback to the assessment questions – this will enable you to check if your answers are correct.

    1. Once you have successfully completed a unit and are confident with your achievement, you can then proceed to the next unit.

        REFERENCES

    1. Azar, B S  Fundamentals of English Grammar Second Edition  Prentice Hall Regent 1992
    2. Coe, N., Robin Rycroft & Pauline Ernest, Writing Skills, UK:CUP 1983
    3. Collins Cobuild English Language Dictionary   1988
    4. Jackson, A and Day, D  The Complete Book of Tools and How To Use Them   Treasure Press UK 1985
    5. Lawrence, M The Book of DIY and Home Repairs  Caxton  1989
    6. Macintosh, D.,  English for Business (4th Edition 1985), Book Marketing Ltd.   1975
    7. Mclean, Gary N. & Art Lyons, Writing For Workplace Success, USA: Paradigm Publishing Inc., 1991
    8. Nandy, M   Business English and Communications   Eurasia Pacific Books  1997
    9. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary    2002
    10. Roybal, TJ and Edmondson   Home Maintenance and Repair  USA  1979
    11. Tan San Yee et al English for Occupational Purposes Federal Publications Singapore 1987
    12. Taylor, S., Communication For Business (2nd Edition 1993), UK: Pitman Publishing, 1991
    13. Vargish, Linden-Foo, English For Occupational Purposes, Singapore: Federal Publications, Unit 4, 1987
    14. Wood, B   Small Home Appliances   Tabs Book Inc  USA  1988