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

3. 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.

   
   
   4. 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