Define true and false sentences. Then listen and check.

1. While repairing a model Newcomen steam engine in 1764 Watt was impressed by its waste of steam.

2. Watt suddenly came upon a solution – the separate boiler.

3. Watt and Boulton in 1775 began a partnership that lasted 55 years.

4. In 1776 two engines were installed, one for pumping water in a Staffordshire colliery, the other for blowing air.

5. Watt invented a rotary motion for the steam engine to replace the reciprocating action of the original.

6. Watt patented the double-acting engine, in which the valve pushed as well as pulled.

7. The engine required a new method of rigidly connecting the piston to the beam.

8. Sun-and-planet gear produced two revolutions for each cycle of the engine.

9. Watt invented the parallel motion — an arrangement of connected rods that guided the piston rod in a perpendicular motion.

10. Watt had realized that the loss of latent heat was the worst defect of the locomotive.

11. Bored with surveying and with Scotland, Watt immigrated to Birmingham in 1774.

12. Watt in 1766 became a land surveyor.

T	T	T	T	T	T	T	T	T	T	T	T
F	F	F	F	F	F	F	F	F	F	F	F

 

13. Explain while answering the questions. Why:

– was Watt not satisfied with Newcomen’s version?

– did Watt move to Birmingham?

– was the loss of latent heat the worst defect?

– did Watt not work on steam engine from 1766 till 1772?

– did Matthew Boulton take over a share in Watt's patent?

– did Boulton insist on inventing rotary motion?

– did Watt invent sun-and-planet gear?

– did the engine require a new method of rigidly connecting the piston to the beam?

– was an arrangement of connected rods that guided the piston rod in a perpendicular motion in use?

– did Watt describe parallel motion as one of the most ingenious, simple pieces of mechanism he had contrived?

 

SPEAKING

You are present at a scientific press conference on the history of a steam engine invention. Five students can choose an inventor they would like to represent and inform about their inventions (Appendix A, p. 82). The other students are journalists and ask questions about the discoveries. Use the following phrases.

- It is indeed a pleasure to welcome you to the 10th Conference on …

- At the beginning of this meeting allow me to inform you about …

- Your report has been an excellent introduction to our discussion.

- I listened to your comments with great interest.

- I think you have started a very interesting discussion …

- Have you any other comments to make?

- Have you any other questions about this problem?

- I would like to introduce another factor into our discussion.

- So far as is known …

- It is well known that …

- I would simply like to mention that …

- Allow me to place strong emphasis on …

- I would like to clarify what I mean by …

 

Work in pairs. Discuss and list some problems early steam engines might have caused. Make your problem list and share it with your group. Support your ideas. Use the following phrases.

- It can be flammable …

- This failure can cause …

- When using it don’t …

- Avoid getting …

- In case of breakage …

- Take precautionary measures against …

- This … must be disposed of in a safe way …

- Splitting might cause …

- If you heat to much …

- Use appropriate protection to...

16. Work in groups of 3 students. Using the picture from Appendix A (p. 88) compare three the most famous steam engines from three inventors: Newcomen, Savery and Watt. The following points should be included into the discussion:

– principle of work;

– application;

– operation;

– advantages and disadvantages;

– improved parts.

Use the following phrases.

- On one / the other hand …

- Rather similarly …

- On the contrary …

- In addition to …

- It resembles …

- The same way of …

- It is similar to …

- It differs from …

- With the purpose of …

- In order to …

 

WRITING

17. Imagine you are Thomas Newcomen, write a letter of response (200-250 words) to the Cornish Mining Companies. Make sure to include a brief description of the idea you have to help with the flooding of the mines. Use the following phrases.

- Thank you for your letter of … regarding / concerning / in connection with …

- I refer to your enquiry about / relating to …

- I have received your letter of … requesting information about …

- The best choice would be … since …

- I highly recommend … as / due to the fact that …

- It would probably be more suitable because …

- It seems to suit you better although …

- Perhaps you should choose … even though …

- I suggest that you (should) choose …

- I recommend this item since …

- In view of the fact that …, I would strongly recommend … as …

18. Webquest. You are an author of a scientific site. You have to write a short report about famous engineers who worked or improved the steam engine: Denis Papin, Giovanni Branca, Thomas Savery, Thomas Newcomen, Jacob Leupold, Richard Trevithick and others. Search the Web for the biography of these inventors. Write a review (200-250 words) and present it to your group mates. Your report should include the following points:

– general personal information;

– education and career;

– inventions;

– memorials.