Vocabulary bank Understanding technical terms
You will often find that explanations of technical terms and concepts can be difficult to follow. It is a good idea to find and draw simple diagrams to help you to understand and remember. It is also a good idea to find several explanations of a term or concept (on the Internet, for example) and then try to write a definition in your own words.
Examples:
Laminar flow When a fluid flows evenly and steadily, often with low flow rates in small pipes.
Turbulent flow When a fluid flows unsteadily and with a great deal of disturbance and fluctuation; it generally happens at high flow rates and with larger pipes, causing pressure loss. Much more usual than laminar flow in both industrial contexts and in the natural world.
Reverse osmosis a method of desalination that uses permeable membranes to filter out salt and other impurities from saline feedwater; the opposite of the process of osmosis found in nature.
pressure pure water
semi-permeable membrane
water flow Linking ideas in a text: Using pronouns to refer back in a text
Text cohesion can be improved by using pronouns to refer back to previously mentioned nouns. This avoids repeating the same noun immediately or soon after the first mention. Example:
Pre-treatment is the most important stage in the case of RO plants, as untreated water would clog the membranes and affect their performance. (their refers back to membranes)
It is important, however, to make clear which noun a pronoun refers back to. It is better not to use a pronoun when the meaning becomes ambiguous or unclear.
Example:
Unclear A typical problem for mechanical engineers is how to accurately predict the flow of fluids, such as water, oil and gas, through piping systems. They include domestic water supply, wastewater treatment and desalination. (What does they refer to?)
Clear
A typical problem for mechanical engineers is how to accurately predict the flow of fluids, such as water, oil and gas, through piping systems. Key water engineering applications include domestic water supply, wastewater treatment and desalination.
Using words with similar meanings to refer back in a text (2)
Text cohesion can be improved by using different words or phrases to refer back to previously mentioned information. Often the connection may be implied within the context rather than direct.
Examples: First mention water engineers Second mention Third mention
the field (of water engineering)
these deposits
water-related studies
pollutants Fourth mention
this branch of engineering
those wishing to specialize graduate students –– microorganisms
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