COMMISSSION LMD–UL

Domaine : CT (Conducteurs des Travaux)

Parcours : Licence
Etablissement : Ecole Polytechnique de Lomé (EPL)
Code et Intitulé de l’UE : ANG1220 : Lire et Ecrire
Crédits : 2
Public cible : Etudiants en génie civil, électrique et mécanique
Semestre : 2
Pré-requis : Doit être inscrit au deuxième semestre de génie civil, électrique ou mécanique
Enseignant responsable de l’UE : MIHAM Koffi, Docteur, Littérature américaine
Tel : 92401527
Email : kofficongo1er@gmail.com
Disponibilité : Jeudi de 7h à 9h 15

DESCRIPTION DE L’UNITE D’ENSEIGNEMENT

OBJECTIFS DE L’UNITE D’ENSEIGNEMENT
Objectif général : Cette UE vise à développer chez les étudiants en génies civil, électrique et
mécanique la capacité de lire et d’écrire l’anglais relatif à leur domaine de
formation
Objectifs spécifiques : Les apprenants seront capables de :
- Lire et comprendre les passages ayant trait aux génies civil, mécanique et électrique
- Ecrire l’anglais avec des terminologies relatives aux génies civil, mécanique et électrique
- Ecrire des petits essais sur des thèmes relatifs aux génies civil, mécanique et électrique
- Traduire des passages relatifs aux génies civil, mécanique et électrique du français en anglais
et vice versa
CONTENU DE L’UNITE D’ENSEIGNEMENT

ANG1220 est un cours d’anglais de spécialité. Il est divisé en douze chapitres. Chaque
chapitre porte sur l’étude d’un texte ayant trait soit au génie civil, mécanique ou électrique
avec des questions à l’appui. L’étude de ces textes permet de renforcer la capacité des
apprenants à bien lire et écrire l’anglais. Aussi chaque chapitre porte-t-il sur des points
grammaticaux, des vocabulaires spécialisés, des exercices de rédaction et des traductions. Les
échanges et les travaux pratiques meublant ce cours amènent les apprenants à s’améliorer et à
acquérir des automatismes leur permettant de faire des recherches en Anglais.

1
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

Plan du contenu d’enseignement

Séance n° Rappel des objectifs spécifiques Titres des chapitres

1 – répondre aux questions sur le texte Civil Engineering
– utiliser les adverbes et adjectives
– traduire un texte en français
– écrire un petit essai
2 –répondre aux questions sur le texte Electrical Engineering
–utiliser la voix active et passive
–traduire en Anglais
–écrire un petit essai
3 – répondre aux questions sur le texte Mechanical Engineering
– utiliser les quantificateurs
– traduire un texte en français
– écrire un petit essai (le génie
mécanique seulement)
–écrire un petit essai (les génies civil
et électrique seulement)
4 –répondre aux questions sur le texte Engineering and Sustainability
–utiliser les pronoms relatifs
–traduire en Anglais et en Français
–écrire un petit essai
5 –répondre aux questions sur le texte Crack Formation
–utiliser le discours direct et indirect
–traduire en Anglais et en Français
6 –répondre aux questions sur le texte Grid Technology
–utiliser la forme correcte des mots
–traduire en Anglais et en Français
7 –répondre aux questions sur le texte Innovation Research
–former le comparatif et le superlatif
–traduire en Anglais et en Français
–écrire un petit essai
8 –répondre aux questions sur le texte Building Materials
–mettre la forme correcte des verbes
–traduire en Français et en Anglais
9 –répondre aux questions sur le texte Metals
–former des noms à partir des verbes
–traduire en Français
10 –répondre aux questions sur le texte Sulfur Production
–utiliser les ‘question tags’
–traduire en Français
11 –répondre aux questions sur le texte Definitions of Innovation
–former des verbes à partir des noms
–traduire en Français
–écrire un petit essai
12 –répondre aux questions sur le texte Ferrocement
–former des mots avec des préfixes et
de suffixes
–traduire en Français
–écrire un petit essai

2
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

Modalités d’évaluation :

Contrôle continu : les types d’activités sont des questions sur l’un des textes, la compétence
linguistique, et la traduction. Ces activités comptent pour 50% dans la validation de l’UE.

Examen final : un examen écrit ou un travail pratique. Il compte pour 50% dans la validation de l’UE.

Bibliographie

1. Anthony, Ibe O. et al. (2017). Introduction to Electrical Engineering. Enugu: Odus Press.

2. Dong, Heyun et al. (2016). “Engineering Project Real-time Objective Monitor Based on Grid
Management and Buffer Analysis.” The Open Civil Engineering Journal 10: 794-806.

3. Harris, Cyril M. (2006). Dictionary of Architecture & Construction. New York: McGraw-Hill.

4. Khitab, Anwar et al. (2015). “Future of Civil Engineering Materials: A Review from Recent
Developments.” Mirpur University of Science and Technology 42: 20-27.

5. Rezvani, Vahid et al. (2015). “Characteristics and Preparation Method of Sulfur Extended
Asphalt Mixtures.” American Journal of Civil Engineering 3(2-2): 69-74.

6. Rosen, Marc A. (2012). “Engineering Sustainability: A Technical Approach to Sustainability.”

Sustainability 4: 2270-2292.

7. Shaheen, Y. B. I. et al. (2013). “Experimental and Analytical Investigation of Ferrocement Water

Pipe.” Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction Technology 4(4): 157-167.

8. Zavadskas, E. Kazimieras et al. (2018). “Sustainable Decision-Making in Civil Engineering,

Construction and Building Technology.” Sustainability 10 (14): 1-21.

3
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

SEANCE N° 1

TEXT 1 : CIVIL ENGINEERING

Objectifs: – répondre aux questions sur le texte
– utiliser les adverbes et adjectives
– traduire un texte en français
– écrire un petit essai
Contenu et activités

I. COMPREHENSION

The term civil engineering describes engineering work performed by civilians for non-
military purposes. In general, it describes the profession of designing and executing structural
works for the general public and the communal environment. Civil engineering covers the
different areas of engineering, including the design and construction of large buildings, roads,
bridges, canals, railway lines, airports, water-supply systems, dams, irrigation, harbours,
docks, aqueducts, and tunnels.
The civil engineer needs a thorough knowledge of surveying, of the properties and
mechanics of construction materials. Today civil engineering includes the production and
distribution of energy, the development of aircraft and airports, the construction of chemical
process plants and nuclear power stations, and water desalination.
Any major civil engineering project starts with a feasibility study to assess both
financial and engineering aspects. During the feasibility study a preliminary site investigation
is carried out. Once a scheme has been approved, a more extensive investigation is usually
necessary to evaluate the load-bearing qualities and stability of the ground. This field is called
soil mechanics. The design of engineering works may require the application of principles of
hydraulics, thermodynamics and nuclear physics. During the construction phase, a consulting
engineer is often employed to be responsible for design of the works, supplying
specifications, drawings, and legal documents to get competitive tender prices. In a turnkey or
package contract the building contractor undertakes to finance, design, specify, construct, and
commission the whole project. Maintenance is normally carried out by the contractor as part
of the agreement: if there are maintenance problems, it is the responsibility of the contractor
to pay for any necessary work.
Questions
1. What is civil engineering, according to the text?
2. Mention four main fields covered by civil engineering.
3. Name two other engineering disciplines that you know.
4. What is the requirement of the design of engineering works?
5. What is soil mechanics?
6. How do we call someone who:
 makes a contract?
 makes a design?

4
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

 makes a supply?
 finances?
 consults?

II. LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE

A. Use the correct form of the words in parenthesis
1. (Collaborate) Engineering majors should enjoy the process of_______with their peers
in order to prepare for future employment and team-based academic projects.
2. (Lead) _______skills are invaluable for anyone who aspires to become an engineer
3. (Manage) Professional engineers need not only technical abilities, but project_____as well
4. (Know) Technical______ and sound reasoning are good indicators of future success for
aspiring engineering majors.
B. These sentences contain mistakes. Find the mistakes and correct them
1. Sydney Harbour Bridge was building in 1932.
2. The first real road builders in Britain was the Romans.
3. Louis Pasteur was discovering the action of germs while he was studying fermentation in
wines.
4. The system didn’t working because the loudspeaker had been wrongly connected.
5. In the second half of the 20th century, the electronics industry transforming the way we
work in factories.
C. Complete the following sentences with the adjective and adverb in brackets. Use
each word once only.
l. The system will shut down________. There is an________temperature control.
(automatic/automatically)
2. New testing methods have made the process much more______. Quality control now runs
more ______. (efficient/efficiently)
3. Our aim is to ensure________operation at the plant. The manufacturing process should
run________. (smooth/smoothly)
4. Demand for electricity is______ lower in the evening. Statistics show that there is
a________fall in demand after 10 p.m. (general/generally)
5. People are becoming more interested in________friendly products. There is a growing
interest in_______issues. (environmental/environmentally)

III. TRANSLATION
Translate the following short passage into French
The term civil engineering describes engineering work performed by civilians for non-
military purposes. In general it describes the profession of designing and executing structural
works for the general public and the communal environment. Civil engineering covers the
different areas of engineering, including the design and construction of large buildings, roads,
bridges, canals, railway lines, airports, water-supply systems, dams, irrigation, harbours,
docks, aqueducts, and tunnels.

IV. ESSAY

5
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

Think about a project which could improve the welfare of your community. Write a short
essay describing the project.

6
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

SEANCE N° 2

TEXT 2: ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Objectifs: –répondre aux questions sur le texte
–utiliser la voix active et passive
–traduire en Anglais
–écrire un petit essai
Contenu et activités

I. COMPREHENSION

Electrical engineering is a very broad field – it encompasses virtually anything you can
think of that requires electric power to operate! Our society is powered by electricity and
electrical engineering can be found at the core of the rapidly evolving high-tech industry.
Electrical engineers design, build, test, and supervise the manufacturing and operation of a
variety of electrical devices: from the power generation and distribution networks that power
our homes and industries to the microchips that control our computers, video games and
hospital equipment; from mobile phones to the internet and fibre optic and satellite
communications; from robots in spacecraft to cars and industrial systems.
Electrical engineers are versatile and creative thinkers who are good at math and
physics and enjoy applying scientific knowledge to solve problems. Strong communication
skills are very important, since electrical engineers often work in teams with people from
other disciplines, such as biomedical, civil, material and mechanical engineers.
Electrical engineers are employed in many industries, including telecommunications,
aerospace technologies, automotive, robotics, automation and control systems,
microelectronics, energy, biomedicine, and manufacturing and processing.

Questions
1. What is your understanding of electrical engineering?
2. Is electrical engineering important? Why?
1. Give some job expectations of an electrical engineer student.
3. Name some requirements of a good electrical engineer.
4. What makes electrical engineering a broad field?
5. Look from the passage some other branches of engineering.

II. LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE

A. Match one part of a sentence from A and one from B to form sentences of cause and
effect.

A B

1. The reject rate has fallen 5. Computer software has been made easier to use
2. There is now a backlog of orders 6. They have set up a computer network.
3. They want to understand why customers buy a 7. We have to increase our prices
product. 8. This is a very dusty environment,
4. We have developed an improved product 9. He was not following safety regulations.

7
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

That’s why they’re studying customer attitudes.

owing to extensive research and development. That’s the reason he had an accident.
due to more effective quality control. as a result of machinery breakdowns.
Consequently, users can share files and so more people use computers daily.
resources. as a consequence of increased carriage charges.
therefore, all workers should wear masks.
B. State whether the following sentences are in active or passive voice and turn them into
the other voice.
1. Men’s ties are usually made of silk or polyester.
2. Geothermal energy is produced below the earth's surface.
3 The main sources of greenhouse gas emissions include fossil fuel generating plants and
transportation vehicles.
4. Manufacturers choose plastic containers for many different reasons.
5. Oil was formed in underground rocks millions of years ago.
6. Corrosion reduces the life of a material and increases the cost of a structure

III. TRANSLATION
Translate the following text into English
L'industrie de la construction est relativement fragmentée et dominée par un petit nombre
d'acteurs dans la plupart des secteurs, qu'on l'examine par secteur ou par pays. Cette situation
n'évoluera que lentement, faisant apparaître une poignée de très gros entrepreneurs et une
majorité de petites et moyennes entreprises opérant sur des marchés spécialisés.

IV. ESSAY
Write a short essay showing job opportunities for electrical engineering students in your
country.

8
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

SEANCE N° 3

TEXT 3: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Objectifs: – répondre aux questions sur le texte
– utiliser les quantificateurs
– traduire un texte en français
– écrire un petit essai (le génie mécanique seulement)
–écrire un petit essai (les génies civil et électrique seulement)
Contenu et activités

I. COMPREHENSION

If it needs engineering but it doesn’t involve electrons, chemical reactions,

arrangement of molecules, life forms, isn’t a structure (building/bridge/dam) and doesn’t fly, a
mechanical engineer will take care of it… but if it does involve electrons, chemical reactions,
arrangement of molecules, life forms, is a structure or does fly, mechanical engineers may
handle it anyway.
Although every engineering faculty member in every engineering department will
claim that his/her field is the broadest engineering discipline, in the case of Mechanical
Engineering that’s actually true (I claim) because the core material permeates all engineering
systems (fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, heat transfer, control systems, etc.)
Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest engineering fields (though perhaps Civil
Engineering is even older) but in the past 20 years has undergone a rather remarkable
transformation as a result of a number of new technological developments including
Computer Aided Design (CAD), simulation, sensor and actuators, 3D printing, collaboration
with other fields. These radical changes in what mechanical engineers do compared to a
relatively short time ago makes the field both challenging and exciting.
In almost any accredited Mechanical Engineering program, the following courses are
required:
 Basic sciences - math, chemistry, physics
 Breadth or distribution (called “General Education” at USC)
 Computer graphics and computer aided design (CAD)
 Experimental engineering & instrumentation
 Mechanical design - nuts, bolts, gears, welds
 Computational methods - converting continuous mathematical equations into discrete
equations solved by a computer
 Core “engineering science”
 Senior “capstone” design project

Questions
1. What distinguishes mechanical engineering from engineering disciplines?
2. Summarize in one short sentence the author’s idea in paragraph 2.
3. What have made mechanical engineering challenging and exciting?
4. Are all the required courses mentioned in this text in your mechanical engineering
program?

II. LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE

9
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

A. Complete the sentences with the words given in brackets.

1. There aren’t_______ people working at night._______ of the staff work during the day.
(most, many)
2. _______of the timber which was delivered last week was of very poor quality. We had to
return_______ of the boards. (a few, some)
3. We don’t manufacture________ jackets of pure wool. There isn’t_______demand for
them. (many, much)
4. Fibre optic cabling will be used in the future for_______ land-based communications.
But, today, only________ of these communications use fibre optics. (all, some)
5. At present, only ________a paper is recycled in the UK. In the future, a_______more
paper will have to be collected and recycled. (little, lot)
6. In the UK, _______ electricity is generated from nuclear energy or fossil fuels and
very_______renewable energy sources have so far been developed. (few, most)
B. In the following situations choose the correct sentence, a) or b).
1. You are reminding a colleague about the programme for tomorrow.
a Remember that you'll meet the supplier at 12 o'elock.
b Remember that you're meeting the supplier at 12 o'elock.
2. Two colleagues are discussing the future visit by inspectors.
a The inspectors won't allow us to store chemicals in this cupboard.
b The inspectors are not allowing us to store chemicals in this cupboard.
3. Designers are discussing the car models with airbags.
a The use of airbags is going to save more lives in the future.
b The use of airbags is saving more lives in the future.
4. Two managers need the results from some research before November.
a They won't be able to complete the research before November.
b They aren't completing the research before November.
5. A senior manager isn't looking forward to next week because he's worried about the tests.
a Tests will be carried out next week.
b Tests are being carried out next week.

III. TRANSLATION
Translate the following passage into French
Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest engineering fields (though perhaps Civil
Engineering is even older) but in the past 20 years has undergone a rather remarkable
transformation as a result of a number of new technological developments including
Computer Aided Design (CAD), simulation, sensor and actuators, 3D printing, collaboration
with other fields. These radical changes in what mechanical engineers do compared to a
relatively short time ago makes the field both challenging and exciting.

IV. ESSAY
 1. For mechanical engineering students only
Why have chosen to enroll in mechanical engineering program?
 2. For civil and electrical engineering students only

10
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

What are your reasons of not choosing to specialize in mechanical engineering?

SEANCE NO 4

TEXT 4: ENGINEERING AND SUSTAINABILITY

Objectifs: –répondre aux questions sur le texte
–utiliser les pronoms relatifs
–traduire en Anglais et en Français
–écrire un petit essai
Contenu et activités

I. COMPREHENSION

Engineering is used in almost all facets of living and in all countries, and makes
possible the existence of human civilizations. Different regions and societies adapt to their
environments and determine their own resources and uses for engineering. The standards of
life achieved in countries are often a function of engineering-related factors. Recently, efforts
have increased to make engineering activities more sustainable and, simultaneously, attempts
have been made to describe engineering sustainability and the requirements for it.
In some ways, the concept of engineering sustainability is simply the application of the
general definitions of sustainability to engineering. In other ways, engineering sustainability is
more complex and involved. That is, engineering sustainability involves the provision of
engineering services in a sustainable manner, which in turn necessitates that engineering
services be provided for all people in ways that, now and in the future, are sufficient to
provide basic necessities, affordable, not detrimental to the environment, and acceptable to
communities and people. Although this definition has some circular aspects, it emphasizes
some of the essential points of engineering sustainability. A universal agreement on a
definition of engineering sustainability has not yet been achieved.
Engineering-related sustainability definitions have been presented for some specific
areas, like energy, although universal agreement on a definition has not yet been achieved. In
some ways, the concept of energy sustainability provides a parallel case to engineering
sustainability. Rosen defines energy sustainability as the provision of energy services for all
people in a sustainable manner, i.e., in ways that, now and in the future, are sufficient to
provide basic necessities, affordable, not detrimental to the environment, and acceptable to
communities and people.

Questions
1. What is the meaning of sustainability?
2. What is the key idea in the first paragraph?
3. Sum up the second paragraph in not more than two sentences.
4. Search for the difference between energy sustainability and engineering sustainability.

II. LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE

A. Choose the appropriate relative pronoun in each of the following sentences.
1. A load-bearing wall is a wall that/where supports a vertical load as well as its own weight.
2. An architect is someone whose/who draws up plans for buildings and other structures.
3. An unheated building, a cellar or a basement are examples of places which/where are
11
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

often damp.
4. Manufacturing takes place in factories when/where finished products are made.
5. You are invited to attend the meeting on Tuesday which/when details of the project will
be discussed.
6. The company has opened a new workshop where/which engineering parts will be
produced.
B. Use the information in brackets to complete the following sentences.
For example: (The manufacturers provided some information.) We have used the information
that________.
 We have used the information that the manufacturers provided.

1. (The assembly line produces car parts.) They have automated the assembly line
that________.
2. (Water is stored in a tank.) The water tank where_______is underground.
3. (Circuits can store large amounts of information.) Computers contain many circuits
which________.
4. (WC. Rontgen discovered X-rays by accident.) X-rays have been used since 1895
when_________.
5. (Faraday was born in the south of England.) Faraday, who________, developed process
of electromagnetic induction.
6. (Several people work in this area.) Everyone who________ is responsible for regular
maintenance of the machinery.

III. TRANSLATION
A. Translate the following short passage into French
Last century brought an industrial revolution in the world. Along with its numerous benefits
to mankind, it also brought with it enormous environmental problems. So far civil engineering
is concerned, all its manmade materials like brick, concrete, metals and plastics have also
contributed to the environmental pollution. There is a dire need that the future building
materials must be developed with a serious perspective not to add to human miseries by
posing environmental and health threats.
B. Translate the following sentences into English
1. Il y a une très grande mobilité entre les spécialisations de génie dans les postes de niveau
inférieur.
2. Les ingénieurs travaillent souvent dans un environnement multidisciplinaire et acquièrent
des connaissances et des compétences qui leur permettent d'exercer leur profession dans les
domaines connexes des sciences, du génie, des ventes, de la commercialisation ou de la
gestion.

IV. ESSAY
“Engineering is used in almost all facets of living and in all countries.”
Comment this assertion with regard to your country.

12
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

SEANCE NO 5

TEXT5 : CRACK FORMATION

Objectifs: –répondre aux questions sur le texte

–utiliser le discours direct et indirect
–traduire en Anglais et en Français
Contenue et activités

I. COMPREHENSION

Crack formation in concrete is a commonly observed phenomenon. As far as micro

cracks are concerned, they do not change the structural properties of concrete significantly,
however the ingression of aggressive substances due to increased permeability may
significantly decrease the durability of structures in long term. This risk is even more when
concrete structures are exposed to the moist environment. With the passage of time, these
cracks may enlarge, further increasing the permeability of concrete and causing more damage
to the structures. Another risk is the enlargement of these micro cracks to the position of
reinforcement; this way not only concrete but embedded reinforcement will also be affected
when exposed to the water and oxygen.
Methods usually adapted for the remediation of cracks are often based on the usage of
synthetic polymers that need to be applied repeatedly and are not environment friendly.
Currently, more ecologically friendly methods have been recommended and within this
framework, bacterial induced carbonate mineralization has been proposed as a novel and
environment friendly technique for the healing of cracks: The technique is known as
Autogenic healing. The basic mechanism of autogenic healing is based on several physical,
chemical and mechanical processes. However, the formation of calcium carbonate is the most
contributing factor in this regard.
Several bacteria have the ability to heal micro cracks and these bacteria can be traced
in soil, sand and several other natural minerals. For this purpose, bacterial spores, calcium
lactate and nutrients have been introduced in concrete by embedding them in capsules to
prevent interaction before the development of cracks. When cracks develop, the spores
become active on interaction with water and make limestone out of calcium lactate and
nutrients. This limestone fills up the cracks and prevents further movement of water in the
concrete.

Questions
1. How do micro cracks affect structural properties of concrete?
2. Give two risks from this phenomenon, according to the text.
3. Based on the passage, how can we remediate cracks?
4. What is autogenic healing? And what is its main contributing factor?
5. What happens when cracks develop?

II. LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE

13
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

Change these sentences into indirect (reported) speech

Example: “We saw the Prime Minister at the beach yesterday,” the two girls said
Answer: The two girls said that they had seen the Prime Minister at the beach the day before
or the previous day.
1- “Shut the windows,” the teacher ordered the student.
2- “Don’t call me again,” the lady told the suitor.
3- “Where did you buy this lovely tie?,” the Church Minister asked me.
4- “Can you show me where the police station is?,” the stranger asked the student
5- “We are learning English now,” the students said.
6- “Do you really love me?,” Suzy asked Charley
7- “I fell in love two months ago,” Jessica said.
8- “What are you doing in the room?,” Father asked us.
9- “Shall I wait for you here?,” Jenny asked Robert.
10- “The sun rises at the east and sets at the west,” the geographer confirmed.

III. TRANSLATION
A. Translate this text into English
La deuxième édition de la journée nationale de l’ingénieur avec pour thème : «Les ingénieurs
togolais face aux défis du PND, dans un développement harmonieux et écologique», se
déroulera, durant deux jours et entièrement dans les splendeurs de l’Hôtel 2 Février de Lomé,
depuis la cérémonie d’ouverture, jusqu’à la soirée de gala. Plus que la première édition, elle
verra la participation d’au moins 500 ingénieurs du Togo et de la diaspora, ainsi que des
invités des ordres et associations professionnelles d’ingénieurs de la CEDEAO et de
l’UEMOA.
B. Translate the following into French
Crack formation in concrete is a commonly observed phenomenon. As far as micro cracks are
concerned, they do not change the structural properties of concrete significantly, however the
ingression of aggressive substances due to increased permeability may significantly decrease
the durability of structures in long term. This risk is even more when concrete structures are
exposed to the moist environment. With the passage of time, these cracks may enlarge,
further increasing the permeability of concrete and causing more damage to the structures.

14
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

SEANCE NO 6

TEXT 6: GRID TECHNOLOGY

Objectif: –répondre aux questions sur le texte

–utiliser la forme correcte des mots
–traduire en Anglais et en Français
Contenu et activités

I. COMPREHENSION

Grid technology is an important information technology developed in recent years. It

can provide great processing capacity and achieve maximum information integration and
sharing. In 1998, the father of the grid, American scientist Ian Foster believed that grid
technology would fuse the high speed internet, high-performance computer, large database,
sensors and remote equipment together. These features can provide people with more
resources and interactive functions.
In the computer field, grid technology is mainly used in distributed supercomputing,
data intensive computing, tele-immersion and information integration. In addition, high
performance computing grids are also in great demand in many industries such as energy,
transportation, weather, water conservation, agriculture, forestry, education, environmental
protection.
Grid management is an innovative management concept evolved from grid
technology, which divides the managed object into grid cells according to a certain standard.
By using computer information technology or the grid cell coordination mechanism, the
managed object can achieve efficient information communication, share the resources of the
organization transparently, and finally achieve integration of organization resources, thus
improve the efficiency of management. Current researches on grid management have
gradually permeated the fields of computer information management, business management,
market management, urban management and administrative management.

Questions
1. What is the use of grid technology?
2. What does Ian Foster put forward regarding this technology?
3. Mention two main industries from the passage requiring computing grids
4. Grid management evolved from grid technology. What does it mean?
5. Computer information technology is very useful for the managed object. True or false.
Justify your answer.

II. LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE

a. Turn into passive voice or active voice
1. They are catching the thief.
2. They are going to hold the meeting in Lomé.
b. Write correctly the adjective
15
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

1. I am ..............man on earth (wealthy).

2. Someone has brought............. news from the village (good)
c. Use the correct form of the words in parentheses
1. (Reveal) The ………… about his wealth astonished people.
2. (Write) The techniques of ……….. a cover letter should be learnt
d. Fill in this table

Nouns Verbs
Thought
Management
Explanation
Undertaking
Discovery

III. TRANSLATION
A. Translate this passage into English
L’ingénieur est à la base des activités de tous les secteurs socio-économiques. Il œuvre pour le
développement et la création des richesses dans un pays, et donc par la même occasion, à
l’amélioration de la qualité de vie. Apte à apporter des solutions aux problématiques
techniques et technologiques grâce à ses acquis scientifiques, techniques, économiques et
sociaux, l’ingénieur étudie et conçoit, réalise, construit, fabrique, innove et optimise des
ouvrages, équipements, systèmes et solutions.
B. Translate the following into French
Some types of structures can only exert forces along the line connecting the two ends of the
structure, but cannot exert any force perpendicular to that line. These types of structures
include ropes, ends with pins, and bearings. Other structural elements can also exert a force
perpendicular to the line. This is called the moment of force which is the same thing as torque.
Usually the term torque is reserved for the forces on rotating, not stationary, shafts, but there
is no real difference between a moment of force and a torque.

16
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

SEANCE NO 7

TEXT 7: INNOVATION RESEARCH

Objectifs: –répondre aux questions sur le texte
–former le comparatif et le superlatif
–traduire en Anglais et en Français
–écrire un petit essai

Contenu et activités

I. COMPREHENSION

Researchers might have been motivated to pursue investigations into the determinants
of innovation in a construction context as a priority because there is patent and unambiguous
justification for such work. Construction industry peculiarities and institutional factors make
research into specific construction innovation determinants necessary. Moreover, the
usefulness to construction of the existing determinants of innovation theory that is based on
research from other industries has to be questioned. As Barrett et al. have suggested specific
research into innovation in construction must be undertaken and all generic innovation
research be “envisioned, embedded and evaluated in a construction context to form a robust
body of construction innovation knowledge in its own right.”
As well as an obvious justification for research into the determinants of innovation
that the other research streams might not so noticeably possess, there are other reasons to
explain the disparities between the research streams. Conceptual and accessibility issues
might have influenced the deficiency of innovation diffusion studies in a construction context.
For a diffusion of innovation study to be undertaken researchers need to be confident that they
will be studying an actual innovation and that they will be able to obtain considerable
adoption data from a population set.
Accessibility issues might have also influenced the paucity of innovation process work
in construction contexts. Firstly, it might be difficult for researchers to discover innovations to
study and secondly, for reasons of confidentiality and competitive intelligence most
construction companies might be reluctant to cooperate in research and grant study access to
researchers. The most likely explanation for the significant shortage of innovation process
research is however, methodological.

Questions
1. What make research into specific construction innovation determinants necessary?
2. State what affect the shortage of innovation process work in construction contexts.
3. What is the prerequisite of researchers in undertaking a diffusion of innovation study?
4. Why construction companies are reluctant to cooperate in research?
5. Give two words that almost mean the same as shortage in the passage.

II. LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE

17
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

1. Turn into passive voice or active voice

a. The secretary is writing a letter of inquiry
b. Many services are provided by our construction company
c. Have you paid your taxes?
2. Write correctly the adjective. Don’t copy the sentences.
a. I am ............man on earth (rich).
b. Someone has brought............. news from the village (bad).
c. Between Afi and Abla, who is ............ (short)?
3. Complete the following sentences by using the correct form of the words in
parentheses.
a) (think) He has a very………..mind.
b) (Judge)…………was impossible in such darkness.
c) (solve) I didn’t realize that the…………was so simple.
4. Complete the table

Adjective Comparative Superlative

accurate More accurate The most accurate
pure
hard
stable
heavy
thin
far
impractical
bad
resistant
good

III. TRANSLATION
A. Translate the following sentences into French

1. Logistics is the business function which controls the movement of physical materials in a
factory.
2. Our logistics department, which controls the movement of physical materials in the factory,
is headed by Barry Perks.
3. A mine is a place where ores, coal, and precious stones may be obtained.
4. A miner is a person who works in a mine.
5. You need to speak to John Martin, who is in charge of the coal mine.
B. Translate the following text into English
Les purs ingénieurs praticiens seraient fondamentalement des personnes d’action suivant les
valeurs culturelles de l’artisanat. Les purs ingénieurs concepteurs excelleraient comme
visionnaires et intégrateurs, travaillés par leur imagination et leur pensée synthétique et
projective. Les purs ingénieurs scientifiques agiraient comme des penseurs, préoccupés par
l’analyse et l’explication. Les purs ingénieurs-managers brilleraient comme entrepreneurs,
gestionnaires, négociants et communicants.
18
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

IV. ESSAY
Write a short essay telling whether Togolese engineers have made any progress in innovation.

19
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

SEANCE No 8

TEXT 8: BUILDING MATERIALS

Objectifs: –répondre aux questions sur le texte

–mettre la forme correcte des verbes
–traduire en Français et en Anglais
Contenu et activités

I. COMPREHENSION

Building materials are the backbone of civil engineering. They are used in the
construction of buildings, roads, railway lines, airports, dams, water reservoirs in almost all
corners of the planet Earth, keeping also in view that mankind is now planning to colonize the
upper space. They are in use since prehistoric times, when humans used to build shelters
while living in the jungles against natural calamities and the beasts. Earlier human shelters
were simple and therefore lasted for a few days or months. When the humans started
agriculture, they thought to make more durable structures not only for them but also for the
storage of their crops and cattle. At start, bio-materials like leaves, branches etc. were used,
which later on changed to more durable materials like clay, stone and timber.
The pursue for more durability led to the development of manmade materials like
bricks, mortars and concretes, and metals. Then pragmatically, they dreamt for multi-span
and multi-storey buildings. To make their dream come true, they thought of even stronger
materials. Here, a new race came into being i.e. to exploit the material so that they could be
utilized to give greatest benefits. Another research was put forward to make a controlled
environment inside the buildings. This includes the regulation of air temperature, light and
sound levels, humidity, odor and other elements of human comfort. Last century brought an
industrial revolution in the world. Along with its numerous benefits to mankind, it also
brought with it enormous environmental problems. So far civil engineering is concerned, all
its manmade materials like brick, concrete, metals and plastics have also contributed to the
environmental pollution. There is a dire need that the future building materials must be
developed with a serious perspective not to add to human miseries by posing environmental
and health threats.

Questions
1. Why building materials are the backbone of civil engineering?
2. Name some examples of building materials in the passage.
3. State the evolution of humans’ buildings, as mentioned in the passage
4. Explain how humans make a controlled environment inside their buildings.
5. Argue how civil engineering has contributed to human miseries.

II. LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE

A. Complete the following chart

Verb Noun
20
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

construction
absorb
creativity
react
Solvation
depend
oxidation
eliminate
B. Rewrite the following sentences using the proposed prompts
1. a. Unless you come I will not buy the share.
b. If ……………………………………..
2. a. “The earth is round”, said our teacher.
b. Our teacher said ………………………
3. a. This road is 50 miles long.
b. The ……………………………………
C. Put the verbs in brackets in their correct form
1. I (to make) a mistake yesterday.
2. Bob is used to (sleep) early.
3. If I had seen her, I (to give) her money.
4. Steve often (to go) to school on time.

III. TRANSLATION
A. Translate these sentences into French
1. Before the production of sulfur asphalt in industrial scale, it is needed to obtain the
technical parameters such as temperature, optimized percent of bitumen and sulfur, method
of mixing, design of asphalt mixture and so on.
2. Addition of sulfur to pure bitumen will result in modification of some properties of bitumen
such as increasing penetration, viscosity reduction and adhesion improvement.
B. Translate these sentences into English
1. Les travaux de construction de routes sont en cours dans différents endroits du Togo
2. Les ingénieurs togolais sont décidés à appuyer la mise en œuvre du PND.
3. La première assemblée générale des ingénieurs du Togo a été initiée par l’Association des
Professionnels Diplômés de l’Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Ingénieurs de l’Université de
Lomé

21
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

SEANCE No 9

TEXT 9: METALS

Objectifs: –répondre aux questions sur le texte

–former des noms à partir des verbes
–traduire en Français
Contenu et activités

I. COMPREHENSION

Why does man use metals still so much today than there are other materials, especially
plastics, which are available? A material is generally used because it offers the required
strength, and other properties, at minimum cost. Appearance is also an important factor. The
main advantage of metals is their strength and toughness. Concrete may be cheaper and is
often used in building, but even concrete depend on its core of steel for strength.
Plastics are lighter than more corrosion–resistant, but they are not usually as strong.
Another problem with plastics is what to do with them after use. Metal objects can often be
broken down and the metals recycled; plastics can only be dumped or burned.
Not all metals are strong, however. Copper and aluminum; for example, are both fairly
weak—but if they are mixed together, the result is an alloy called aluminum bronze, which is
much stronger than either pure copper or pure aluminum. Alloying is ab important method of
obtaining whatever special properties are required; strength, toughness, resistance to wear,
magnetic properties, high electrical or corrosion resistance.
The properties of a metal can be further improved by use of heat treatment. Heat
treatment is the term given to a number of different procedures in which the properties of
metals and alloys are changed. It usually consists of heating the metal or ally to a selected
temperature below its meting point and then cooling it at a certain rate to obtain those
properties which are required. For example, hardening is used to make a metal harder.
Tempering makes them softer and less brittle. Annealing is carried out to make a metal soft so
that it can be machined more easily. In this way, metallic materials can be produced to meet
every kind of engineering specification and requirement.

Questions
1. What is the main advantage of metals?
2. Can plastics be recycled?
3. Which type of heat treatment makes metal softer and less brittle?
 Indicate whether the following statements are true or false
4. Concrete is a cheaper building material.
5. Plastics are more easily recycled than metals.
6. Aluminum bronze is an example of an alloy
7. Pure copper is stronger than the alloys that are made by mixing copper with aluminum
8. Tempering is a kind of heat treatment
9. It is an advantage for a metal to be soft.

II. VOCABULARY
A. Form nouns from the following verbs
22
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

1. Arrive ; 2. Marry ; 3. Punish ; 4. Add ; 5. Drive ; 6. Meet ; 7. Appoint ; 8. Imagine

B. Form verbs from the following adjectives
1. strong; 2. though; 3. soft; 4. loose; 5. tight. bright; 7. stiff; 8. hard; 9. weak; 10 resistant
C. Choose one of the following words to fill in the gaps
1. The ……….. has been caught (robber/rubber).
2. They know the …….. of the article (price/prize)
3. The boy has won a …….. after the competition (price/prize).

III. LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE

A. Put the verbs in brackets into the tenses indicated in front.
1. The drunk man (to break) two bottles yesterday (simple past).
2. Lomé (to be) the capital of Togo. (simple present).
3. Chris (to write) the business letter (present perfect)
4. Our lunch (to be) ready in 10 minutes (simple future)
5. We (to visit) our father next week (future continuous).
6. Many people (to die) in the accident (conditional perfect).
B. Complete these sentences with the correct form of the verbs in brackets
1. If she reads her course very well, she (pass) her exam.
2. If I had money, I (buy) a brand new navigator.
3. The boss would have travelled if he (meet) the investors on time

VI. TRANSLATION
Translate this short passage into French
Engineering systems contains many components, and for each a material must be selected.
The automobile is our most familiar engineering system and one is that is undergoing a major
change in the materials used for its construction. These trends in materials selection reflect the
great effort that is being made to decrease the fuel consumption of cars by downsizing the
designs and adopting weight–saving materials. Many shifts in materials selection can have
large economic consequences.

23
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

SEANCE No 10

TEXT 10: SULFUR PRODUCTION

Objectifs: –répondre aux questions sur le texte
–utiliser les ‘question tags’
–traduire en Français
Contenu et activités
I. COMPREHENSION

Sulfur recovery from fossil fuel for prevention of air pollution and corrosion in
devices has led to production of huge amount of sulfur in the related industries. Sulfur
production is particularly significant in gas and oil refining industries and many of them have
no use. On the other hand, exportation of this material has its own problems in some of
refineries and in most cases is not economically efficient. Predictions show that annual sulfur
production in Iran and rest of the world is increasing due to environmental limitation and
gradual acetifying of hydrocarbon resources. Therefore studies have been conducted on
application of excess sulfur; among them is its application in road construction.
Application of sulfur in road construction has almost hundred-year history. The first
approach was in the 1970s following the energy crisis which led to construction of tens of
experimental sulfur modified asphalts throughout the world. First sulfur extended asphalts
were made in USA and Canada through the 1970s. Then by 2002, about 4200km of sulfur
asphalts were made and tested in more than 200 countries. Among these countries, USA,
England, France, Poland, Spain, Finland, Belgium, Norway, Iraq, Saudi Arabia could be
mentioned. Experimental construction of sulfur asphalts decreased in the 1980s however, at
the end of the 1990s, it increased again. The reason is the change in relative cost of
sulfur/bitumen in this period of time which provided the economic justification for producing
sulfur extended asphalt. In Iran, research studies were made from the 1970s. The results of
performance investigation of sulfur asphalt all around the world shows that it has equivalent
or better performance in comparison with the ordinary ones.

Questions
1. Which kinds of industries can’t do without Sulphur production?
2. What is the cause of an increase in annual Sulphur production?
3. Why experimental construction of sulfur asphalts decreased in the 1980s and increased
again at the end of the 1990s?
4. Sulfur has been used in road construction for almost a century. True or false.
5 Give the nationalities of these countries: USA, Canada, England, France, Poland, Spain,
Finland, Belgium, Norway, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Iran

II. CHECK YOUR GRAMMAR

1. Put the following sentences into passive voice
a. The electrical engineer is restoring the road lights.
b. They will complete a thorough training before the project starts
24
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

c. They can notice the arrival of their boss

d. Copper conducted well current in the course of the experience
e. People say Haojoue is economical.
2. Add question tags
a. I am a talented Engineer in our school, ……….?
b. Let’s go to the mill,………….?
c. Civil engineering students are very numerous, ………….?
d. Thermometer is an instrument used to measure temperature,…………?
e. Few students enrolled in the engineering program last years,………….?

IV TRANSLATION
Translate the following passage into French
Engineering is largely a practical activity. It is about putting ideas into action. Civil
engineering is concerned with making roads, bridges and airports. Mechanical engineering
deals with the design and manufacture of tools and machines. Electrical engineering is about
the generation and distribution of electricity and its many applications. Electronic
engineering is concerned with developing components and equipment for communications,
computing and so on.

25
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

SEANCE NO 11

TEXT 11: DEFINITIONS OF INNOVATION

Objectifs: –répondre aux questions sur le texte

–former des verbes à partir des noms
–traduire en Français
–écrire un petit essai
Contenu et activités

I. COMPREHENSION

Defining the subjects and issues investigated by research provides precision and
clarity. Definitions of innovation are notorious for diverse conceptualisation between studies
and frequent confusion with related concepts of creativity, invention and organisational
change.
Despite the entire collection of journal articles examined in this research containing
the word innovation in the title of the article and as an article keyword, less than half of them
actually define innovation. The failure of journal articles to clarify the content and dimensions
of innovation does not assist comparing and generalising between studies. Critics might
suggest that some authors simply use the innovation buzzword to attach themselves to a
popular and fashionable research field, when their research is perhaps more relevant to other
areas. Alternatively, it might be argued that some innovation studies are so complex that
attempting to create an appropriate innovation definition for them would be impossible.
Twenty out of the fifty-two journal articles analysed do define innovation. Amongst
these definitions several similarities and distinctions exist. Common throughout all of the
definitions is the notion that innovation involves the implementation of something new or
novel to the unit of adoption. The most popular definition of innovation identified is derived
from the work of Freeman. Koskela and Vrijhoef and Slaughter throughout her work have
used the following: “Innovation is the actual use of a nontrivial change and improvement in a
process, product, or system that is novel to the institution developing the change.”

Questions
1. What is innovation according to this passage?
2. After giving the commonality in the definitions of “innovation,” provide your own
definition of this term.
3. State the related concepts of innovations, as mention in the passage
4. Innovation is not important at all in engineering field. True or false.

II. VOCABULARY
A. Complete the following sentences with a form of the word in brackets.
1. In the__________ industry,___________ develop processes for producing plastics, fibres,
medicines, etc. from simple chemicals (chemistry).
2. Producing steel using the Bessemer process is one of the best-known_______processes
26
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

(industry).
3. Most__________devices need oil as a lubricant (mechanics).
4. Following the earthquake, every building had to be inspected to see whether it had suffered
any__________ damage (structure).
5. Certain chemicals are added to glue to___________ it (hard).
6. Excavators and power shovels are two types of__________ equipment used by
when__________ they are removing rocks from the ground (mine).

B. Form verbs from the following keywords in the passage

Keywords Verbs
Conceptualization
Creativity
Invention
Innovation
Organizational
Implementation
Improvement

III. CHECK YOUR GRAMMAR

A. There is a mistake in each of the following sentences. Underline the mistake and
correct it.
l. All unauthorized personnel are prohibited to entering this area.
2. Building regulations do not allow of the use of asbestos in public buildings.
3. Only fully qualified electricians should be permitted repairing these appliances.
4. Deep pile foundations are capable to support a high building.
5. Water is unable to passing through the vapour barrier.
6. Designers can to design complex structures using computer-aided design tools.
7. Scientists are not yet able of curing cancer.
8. Aspirin is known to prevent people of having a heart attack.
B. Complete the table

Adjective Comparative Superlative

accurate more accurate the most accurate

pure

stable

hard

heavy

thin

impractical

27
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

far

bad

IV. TRANSLATION
Translate the following passage into French

Importance of innovation in construction has been widely advanced. Innovation can be a key
source of competitive advantage for construction companies, offering the means through
which a firm can achieve a client’s objectives in a specific project, or its own objectives over
a range of projects. Innovation also enables firms to successfully contend with major changes
occurring in the industry. These changes include increasingly competitive and global markets,
demand shifts, and client expectations for capital and operating costs to fall.

V. ESSAY
As an engineering student, tell in a few lines innovations needed in the engineering field in
your country

28
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

SEANCE NO 12

TEXT 12: FERROCEMENT

Objectifs: –répondre aux questions sur le texte

–former des mots avec des préfixes et de suffixes
–traduire en Français
–écrire un petit essai
Contenu et activités

I. COMPREHENSION

Ferrocement is type of reinforcement concrete. It commonly composed of hydraulic

cement mortar reinforced with closely spaced layers of continuous and relatively small size
wire mesh. The mesh may be made of metallic or other suitable materials. It is low cost,
durable, weather-resistance, lightweight and particularly its versatility comparing to the
reinforced concrete. Robles-Austriaco et al. indicated that ferrocement is an excellent material
for housing construction. Also Al-Kubaisy and Jumaat studied the possibility of using
ferrocement cover in the tension zone of reinforced concrete slab.
This material is also used in repairing the reinforcement element such as beams, slabs
or walls. Mourad and Shang used ferrocement jacket in repairing reinforced concrete column.
Their test results indicated that using the ferrocement jacket increases the axial load capacity
and the axial stiffness of repairing reinforced concrete column compared to the control
columns. Kaish et al. and Xiong investigated the possibility of using ferrocement jacket in
strengthening of square reinforced concrete short column. Their results indicated that using
this method of strengthening improved the column behavior.
Various researches were carried out to study ferrocement elements (beam, slabs and
column) to investigate its behavior under applied loads up to failure. Ibrahim and Hago et al.
studied the ultimate capacity of wired mesh-reinforced cementations slabs and simply
supported slab panels; respectively with different types of reinforced wired mesh. Nassif and
Najm investigated an experimental and a theoretical model for ferrocement–concrete
composite beams. Various types of reinforced concrete beam overlaid on a thin section of
ferrocement (cement paste and wire mesh) were tested up to failure under two-point loading
system.

Questions
1. What are the components of ferrocement?
2. Give some characteristics of ferrocement based on the passage.
3. Substantiate the importance of ferrocement by three instances of its use in the passage
4. Ferrocement is principally the same as reinforced concrete. True or false.
5. Why researches are conducted on ferrocement elements?

II. VOCABULARY
Fill in the following table

29
MOUSSON 2022-2023
 COMMISSSION LMD–UL

Noun Verb
Design
Product
Significance
Calculation
Connection
Specialization
Instructions
Information
III. LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE
A. Use the following prefixes and suffixes to form new words.
UN- IN- IL- IR- DIS- RE- OVER- MIS-
-MENT -ION -ATION -ING -NESS -ITY
-OUS -AL -Y -IVE -ABLE -IBLE -FUL –LESS
Legal Moral Build Modern
Satisfactory Acceptable Understand Respectful
Convenient Sufficient Appropriate Privileged
Experienced Organized Probable Accurate
Loaded Hospitable Estimate Do
Healthy Complete Number Charge
Value Calculate
B. Rewrite the following sentences using the verb or phrase in brackets.
1. More and more people working from home is a consequence of modern
telecommunications systems. (have resulted in)
2. Cold weather leads to a rise in the volume of electricity required by consumers.
(is caused by)
3. Reduced transportation costs stem from the use of more lightweight parts. (brings about)
4. Increased energy efficiency accounts for an annual saving of electricity. (is attributable to)
5. Friction during drilling causes the production of heat. (results from)
6. Water flowing through the turbines causes them to spin. (due to)

IV. TRANSLATION
Translate the following sentences into French
1. The application of civil engineering techniques has led to more secure structures.
2. Tighter environmental controls have made many companies use cleaner sources of energy.
3. These stains result from the extensive use of dyes.
4. We have moved over to water turbines because they offer significant cost savings.
5. Many accidents in mining happen due to poor security procedures.

V. ESSAY
Make a short comment on bridges and roads in your country as far as engineering work is
concerned.

30
MOUSSON 2022-2023