A – Data bank of words and patterns

1 – a/ it enables / allows me/ the user/ the system to + V b/ it makes it possible to + V c/ it provides (something) d/ it provides me / the user / the system with ( something) e/ it ensures ( something).; it ensures that + subject + verb
Examples:
a/ the three-speed motor of the windscreen wipers allows / enables the driver to adjust the speed to the intensity of the rain
b/ the three-speed motor of the windscreen wipers makes it possible to adjust the speed…
c/ rear and side mirrors provide rear views of the traffic
d/ rear and side mirrors provide the driver with views of the traffic behind him
e/The radiator ensures efficient cooling of the engine; it ensures that the engine is efficiently cooled down
2 – It is meant to + V – it is used for + V-ING – the purpose of X is to + V
Examples: headlights are meant to produce enough light to be able to see the road at night – headlights are used for producing enough light … - the purpose of headlights is to produce enough light…
3 a/ First; next; after that; at this stage; later; finally b/ when, after, before + V-ING
c/ when, after, before, once + I / the user / the system does
Examples:
b/ after detecting the fault, you (will) call the maintenance team.- before calling the maintenance team you should try to detect the fault yourself.
c/ after you detect the fault, you ( will) call the maintenance team – before you call the maintenance team you should try to detect the fault yourself.
4 – by means of + noun– thanks to + noun – through – by +V-ING
Examples:
Accurate measurements with a reading n accuracy of 0.01mm can be made by means of a micrometer calliper - accurate measurements of external diameter and of thickness can be achieved by using a micrometer calliper.
 
5 – Use of passive. (This avoids mentioning WHO does the action when such information is not necessary.)
Examples:
We can treat thermoplastics several times >>> thermoplasticscan be treated several times.
IN order to solder a transistor into a printed circuit board, the technician heats and applies solder to both leads, then he allows the soldered joints to cool >>> In order to solder a transistor into a printed circuit board, solder is heated and applied to both leads, then the soldered joints are allowed to cool.

 

B – Exercises

1 – Express use and means
a/ Read this text about barometers and pick up all the phrases that you have just studied.
A barometer is a device that allows the user to estimate what the weather will be. But in fact, it is used for measuring atmospheric pressure: a metal capsule containing air at low pressure is squeezed by an increase in outside pressure. The movements of the movable side of the capsule are registered by means of a spring that keeps an arm pressed against the capsule so that the arm can register a rise or fall in pressure and show it by moving on a dial.
b/ Do the same to speak about a modem ; a scanner; a car battery. Use patterns A1, A2 and A4.
2 – How to start your car.
a/ Re-order the various steps
- turn the ignition key;
- engage the first gear;
- look in the mirror;
- accelerate slowly;
- check that the gear lever is in neutral position;
- declutch (= débrayez)
- flash the indicator;
- engage the clutch (embrayez)
b/ Use pattern A3 to connect the sentences into a coherent set.
3 – Use of passive
Explain what has to be done to disengage the two panels.(Use the passive)
4 – Coffee making
Express the various steps of this industrial process using the phrases and patterns studied in A.
A MANUFACTURING PROCESS – Coffee at Segafreddo DRYING
WEIGHING
TRANSPORT (conveyor belt)
INITIAL CLEANING (to remove wood / stones / pebbles / metal)
STORAGE (20 silos each containing 20 tons)
BLENDING (selection of coffees to make different products)
ROASTING (11 minbutes French roast, 14 minutes Italian roast)
COOLING (cold air vlown through coffee)
WEIGHING (16% volume most during roasting)
FINAL CLEANING and STORAGE
QUALITY CONTROL (colour, humidity, volume)
GRINDING (1h30 for 2.5 tons of coffee for expresso – very fine; 1 hour for filter coffee)
REMOVAL OF GAS (carbon gas released during roasting)
PACKAGING (7 lines for 250g packets, line for individual sachets)
        HESSER 34 MACHINE -  >  Packet shaping
                                               
Source: placement report ( June 1999) of Raphaël Lucas - TS2 MAI student in Dieppe.