English S4

The first-semester course covers the grammatical concepts essential for oral and written communication (tenses and aspect, asking questions, comparisons and superlatives, passive voice) as well as essential general vocabulary (numbers, measurements, shapes); it also includes an introduction to technical vocabulary (basic building materials, airplane engines, bicycle parts, electronic devices) through themed lessons and videos in the field of mechanical engineering.

Finally, a wide range of activities are offered to develop oral communication skills (presentation vocabulary, simulations, role-playing, and board games) so that students will be able to describe—during an oral presentation in pairs—the specific features, functions, and uses of a piece of technical equipment of their choice.

S4

The grammatical aspects are limited to a review of modal auxiliaries.

The vocabulary focuses much more on the various components involved in the design and operation of different types of internal combustion engines and on emerging technologies (drones, driverless vehicles, 3D printing).

Students must also submit a resume in English and practice writing formal emails, so that they are prepared for situations involving internship or job searches where proficiency in English will be either required or considered an added asset.

The focus is always on practical application, culminating in an individual oral presentation at the end of the semester on their second-year mechanics project.

The goal of this course is to enable students to acquire or strengthen language skills that will be essential in their professional lives. English is now the language of international communication in the scientific and technical fields, both for scientific publications and at conferences and professional meetings.

CEFR Level B1

Vocabulary: 20%

Grammar: 10%

Reading Comprehension: 30%

Listening Comprehension: 20%

Oral presentation: 20%