3.2. Explaining and assessing manufacturing techniques

Vocabulary Presentation of machining operations used in manufacturing involving metalworking:

https://lasallecancun-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/dc0519_lasallecancun_edu_mx/IQCLIUdxNeE3T77qu2ktXMnPAVjDUdddeh5x358YBnDKfbw?e=c7zlsF

Listening Exercise 6a on page 24

Recording for the Listening Exercise 6a on page 24

https://lasallecancun-my.sharepoint.com/:u:/g/personal/dc0519_lasallecancun_edu_mx/IQCg_FJg7AyVQYU7cmOL74v2AY-wxHkCVtiHSxX2U8awJg4?nav=eyJyZWZlcnJhbEluZm8iOnsicmVmZXJyYWxBcHAiOiJPbmVEcml2ZUZvckJ1c2luZXNzIiwicmVmZXJyYWxBcHBQbGF0Zm9ybSI6IldlYiIsInJlZmVycmFsTW9kZSI6InZpZXciLCJyZWZlcnJhbFZpZXciOiJNeUZpbGVzTGlua0NvcHkifX0&e=Ch7XJq

Vocabulary Exercise 6b on page 24

Vocabulary Presentation of Machine Parts for Cutting Operations:

https://lasallecancun-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/dc0519_lasallecancun_edu_mx/IQB_OCO2kc-FTI8w1gCSQHTJAXHYFD1kmxPm6rNj6PQ5iEQ?e=jM7xsR

Exercise c on page 24

3.1. Describing component shapes and features

Vocabulary Presentation

Vocabulary Exercise

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/26315128/electricity-vocabulary

Listening Exercise 2c on page 22

Word formation of Adjectives

🔹 1. Adjectives Formed from Nouns

These describe quality, relation, or composition.

1.1. -al / -ial

Meaning: related to / concerning

• structure → structural
• industry → industrial

1.2. -ous

Meaning: full of / having the quality of

• danger → dangerous
• pore → porous

1.3. -ful

Meaning: full of / having

• use → useful
• power → powerful

1.4.-less

Meaning: without / lacking

• power → powerless
• wire → wireless

1.5. -y

Meaning: characterized by / full of

• noise → noisy
• cloud → cloudy

1.6. -ic

Meaning: related to / characteristic of

• atom → atomic
• energy → energetic

1.7. -ical

Meaning: related to / having the nature of (more formal than -ic)

• logic → logical
• theory → theoretical

1.8. -ary

Meaning: related to / connected with

• revolution → revolutionary
• moment → momentary

1.9. -ish

Meaning: somewhat / having the quality of (often approximate)

• green → greenish
• child → childish

🔸 2. Adjectives Formed from Verbs

These describe function, capability, or result of an action.

2.1. -ive

Meaning: having the quality of / tending to / causing

• act → active
• respond → responsive

2.2. -able / -ible

Meaning: capable of / able to be

• predict → predictable
• access → accessible

2.3. -ed (past participle adjectives)

Meaning: having been / affected by an action

• connect → connected
• program → programmed

Collaborative Online Exercise of Word formation of Adjectives Online Exercise

https://englishsmarts.com/2025/10/09/word-formation-exercise-adjectives-b1/

Individual Exercise d on page 23

Exercise 3b on page 23

Exercise 4a on page 23

2.7. Discussing quality issues

 

Listening Exercise b on page 19

Exercise c on page 19

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/111585923

Vocabulary Presentation

https://lasallecancun-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/dc0519_lasallecancun_edu_mx/IQD9YzwShUqWTZaurYNv6DdpAaT70oaNI96WillQw3QsweE?e=ioCNT9

Exercise 13a on page 20

Adverbs of Degree in Civil Engineering

Adverbs of degree are widely used in civil engineering communication to describe how much, how strong, or to what extent something occurs—especially when interpreting results, discussing performance, or summarizing observations.

In civil engineering writing, adverbs of degree can be arranged on a spectrum—from strong intensifiers (amplifying magnitude) to softeners (reducing or hedging the statement). This helps you control how forceful or cautious your technical language sounds.

🔥 → 🌱 Spectrum: Intensifiers to Softeners

🔴 Strong Intensifiers (maximum emphasis)

These express very high degree or severity.

• extremely
• highly
• severely
• critically
• completely
• totally

Examples:

• The structure is severely damaged.
• The slope is extremely unstable.

👉 Use carefully—these sound strong and sometimes alarming.

🟠 Moderate Intensifiers (clear but controlled)

These indicate noticeable but not extreme change.

• significantly
• considerably
• substantially
• markedly

Examples:

• Stress increased significantly near the joint.
• Load capacity is considerably reduced.

👉 Common in reports and analysis discussions.

🟡 Neutral / Mid-Level Degree

These express balanced or average extent.

• moderately
• fairly
• reasonably
• relatively

Examples:

• The soil is moderately compressible.
• The design is relatively efficient.

👉 Useful when comparing conditions.

🟢 Weak Softeners (low degree)

These reduce intensity and indicate minor effects.

• slightly
• marginally
• barely
• somewhat

Examples:

• The beam is slightly deflected.
• Strength is marginally reduced.🔵 Strong Softeners / Hedging (very cautious language)

These are used when uncertainty or approximation is involved.

• almost
• nearly
• approximately
• practically

Examples:

• The project is nearly complete.
• The value is approximately 50 kN.

👉 Common in early-stage analysis or reporting.

⚖️ Key takeaway

• Intensifiers → emphasize risk, severity, or performance
• Softeners → reduce certainty or indicate small effects

👉 In civil engineering, always balance them with quantitative data:

• ❌ The stress is very high
• ✅ The stress is 250 MPa (exceeding allowable limit)

Exercise b on page 21

Exercise d on page 21

2.6. Specifying and describing properties

 What is this glove made of?

What do you know about Kevlar?

Collaborative Reading

Individual Exercise c on page 18

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/111445638

Vocabulary Presentation

Collaborative Exercise 9a on page 18

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/111445942

Individual Exercise b on pages 18 and 19

Listening Exercise of True or False

https://www.topworksheets.com/t/yeU72crJR0x

Vocabulary Presentation for Exercise 10a on page 19

https://lasallecancun-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/dc0519_lasallecancun_edu_mx/IQDyq9W2NknTSYBDDFMzzheDAb9YGpUvnoqNe02k9ACxHYQ?e=gZZKAT

 

🎤 Oral Presentation Task: Composite Materials in Civil Engineering Structures

Task Title

“Material Composition and Origin in a Civil Engineering Structure”

Introduction (for students)

In civil engineering, structures such as beams, bridges, and slabs rely on composite materials to achieve strength, durability, and efficiency. Engineers must clearly describe:

• what a structure comprises (its components), and
• what materials it is made of and made from

This task focuses on applying correct terminology to real civil engineering items.

Task Description

Choose a civil engineering structure or component that uses a composite material and deliver a presentation explaining:

• its structural composition,
• the materials used, and
• how those materials are produced

You must use correct engineering language throughout.

⏱️ Duration

• 5–8 minutes presentation
• 2–3 minutes Q&A

📌 Required Structure

1. Structure Introduction

• What is the structure?
• What is its function?

Example:

“A reinforced concrete beam is a structural element used to support loads in buildings and bridges.”

2. Structural Composition

• What components make up the structure?

✅ Required language:

• “The structure comprises…”
• “It consists of…”

Example:

“The beam comprises concrete and steel reinforcement. It consists of a concrete matrix and embedded steel bars.”

3. Material Description

• What materials are used?

✅ Required language:

• “The structure is made of…”

Example:

“The beam is made of reinforced concrete.”

4. Material Origin and Processing

• How are the materials produced?

✅ Required language:

• “The concrete is made from…”

Example:

“Concrete is made from cement, sand, aggregate, and water, while the steel bars are made from iron ore.”

5. Engineering Application

• Where and/or how is used?

6. References

• Sources

Example Oral Presentation: Material Composition and Origin in a Reinforced Concrete Beam

Introduction

Today I am going to present a reinforced concrete beam, which is a common civil engineering structural element. A beam is used to support loads from slabs, walls, or roofs and transfer them safely to columns or walls. This example is important because a reinforced concrete beam is a composite engineering item: it combines concrete and steel so that the two materials work together.

1. Item Image and Name

Reinforced Concrete Beam

2. Structural Composition

The reinforced concrete beam comprises a concrete body and steel reinforcement.

It consists of concrete, longitudinal steel bars and steel stirrups

The bottom steel bars are placed in the tension zone of the beam, where tensile stresses are highest. The stirrups are placed along the beam to resist shear forces and help hold the main bars in position.

3. Material Description

The beam is made of reinforced concrete.

4. Material Origin and Processing

The concrete is made from cement, sand, coarse aggregate and water

The steel reinforcement is made from iron ore that has been processed into steel and formed into bars.

Conversely, the beam is made of reinforced concrete.

This shows the difference between the final product and the origin of its materials.

5. Engineering Application

This type of beam is used in:

• residential buildings
• commercial buildings
• bridges
• parking structures

It is preferred because it is strong, economical, and practical for construction.

6. References

McCormac, J. C., & Brown, R. H. (2015). Design of reinforced concrete (10th ed.). Wiley.

American Concrete Institute. (2019). Building code requirements for structural concrete (ACI 318-19). ACI.

Callister, W. D., & Rethwisch, D. G. (2020). Materials science and engineering: An introduction (10th ed.). Wiley.

Neville, A. M. (2011). Properties of concrete (5th ed.). Pearson.

🏗️ 10 Civil Engineering Items (Composite Structures)

1. Reinforced Concrete Beam

• Classic composite: concrete + steel
• Easy to explain composition and material origin
• Best beginner example

2. Reinforced Concrete Slab

• Used in floors and bridges
• Clear explanation of load distribution

3. Reinforced Concrete Column

• Focus on compression + confinement
• Good for explaining vertical load transfer

4. Reinforced Concrete Bridge Deck

• Real-world application
• Combines structural + transportation engineering

5. Prestressed Concrete Beam

• Advanced composite system
• Includes steel tendons + concrete
• Great for higher-level presentations

6. Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) Slab

• Composite with fibers instead of bars
• Good for discussing innovation

7. Steel–Concrete Composite Beam

• Combines steel beam + concrete slab
• Common in modern buildings

8. Asphalt Concrete Pavement

• Composite of aggregate + bitumen
• Good for transportation engineering

9. Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Rebar

• Alternative to steel
• Good for corrosion-resistant structures

10. Sandwich Panel (Concrete + Insulation Core)

• Multi-layer composite
• Good for discussing thermal performance + structure

2.4. High-voltage cables

 

Vocabulary Presentation of High-Voltage Cables:

https://lasallecancun-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/dc0519_lasallecancun_edu_mx/IQCxidFjblxRQLORo0y5g3aLAV2iOIN5Hv7QsioAkqw3E5E?e=b8aSRB

Exercises d and e on page 17

2.3. Categorising materials

Categorising materials

Opening Speaking Exercise 4 on page 16

Collaborating Reading

Exercise c on page 16 on Wordwall:

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/110107856

Written Exercise 5b on page 16

Understanding Material Description Terminology in Engineering

Introduction

In engineering—especially in materials science, manufacturing, and design—precise language is essential. Small differences in wording can change the meaning of a technical description, particularly when explaining composition versus material origin. Terms like “comprise,” “consist of,” “made of,” “made from,” and “made out of” are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, but in engineering contexts they convey distinct and important differences.

This guide clarifies how each term is used, focusing on whether you are describing:

• the components of a system, or
• the source and transformation of a material

🧩 1. “Comprise” vs “Consist of”

These describe what components make up a system or material.

✅ Comprise

• Means: to include / be made up of
• Structure: Whole comprises materials
• More formal/technical, common in specifications and academic writing

Engineering examples:

• “The alloy comprises aluminum, copper, and magnesium.”
• “The composite comprises a polymer matrix and carbon fibers.”

⚠️ Avoid in formal writing: “is comprised of”

✅ Consist of

• Means: to be composed of
• Structure: Whole consists of parts
• Slightly less formal but widely accepted

Examples:

• “The circuit consists of resistors, capacitors, and an inductor.”
• “The material consists of two phases.”

👉 Key point: Both terms are very similar, but “comprises” is generally preferred in formal engineering documentation.

🔬 2. “Made of” vs “Made from” vs “Made out of”

These describe how a material or object originates, especially whether its original form is still recognizable.

✅ Made of → Original material is still identifiable

• The material’s identity remains largely unchanged

Engineering examples:

• “The beam is made of steel.”
• “The gasket is made of rubber.”
• “The housing is made of aluminum.”

👉 Use when the material is used directly without transformation

🔥 Made from → Material is transformed

• The original material is chemically or physically altered

Engineering examples:

• “Glass is made from silica.”
• “Polyethylene is made from ethylene.”
• “Paper is made from wood pulp.”

👉 Use when the original material is no longer recognizable

🔧 Made out of → Reconstructed or repurposed materials

• Emphasizes assembly or creative use of available materials
• Often used for prototypes or informal constructions

Examples:

• “The prototype was made out of scrap metal.”
• “The enclosure was made out of recycled plastic panels.”

👉 Less formal; rarely used in academic or formal engineering writing

⚖️ Quick Comparison Table

Phrase	Focus	Transformation	Formality	Example
Comprise	Components of a whole	No	High	“Alloy comprises Cu and Zn”
Consist of	Components of a whole	No	Medium	“System consists of sensors”
Made of	Material identity retained	No	High	“Rod made of steel”
Made from	Material transformed	Yes	High	“Plastic made from petroleum”
Made out of	Assembly / repurposing	Maybe	Low–Medium	“Frame made out of scrap”

🧠 Engineering Rule of Thumb

• Composition (parts) → comprise / consist of
• Material origin (substance) → made of / made from / made out of

✅ Practical Tip for Technical Writing

• Use “comprises” in formal reports and papers
• Use “made of” for solid, directly used materials
• Use “made from” for processed or transformed materials
• Avoid “made out of” in formal engineering contexts unless describing prototypes or informal builds

Collaborative Online Exercise: https://wordwall.net/es/resource/110131473