Technical drawings are useless if the project team can’t discuss torque, tolerances or three-phase faults in English. Oxford English For Electrical And Mechanical Engineering solves that language gap for non-native technicians and engineering undergrads. First published by Oxford University Press in 1995 and now reprinted many times, the 190-page student’s book by Eric H. Glendinning and Norman Glendinning blends industry-authentic texts with vocabulary drills, listening tasks and speaking projects.
Table of Contents
Book at a Glance
| Full Title | Oxford English For Electrical And Mechanical Engineering – Student’s Book |
| Authors | Eric H. Glendinning & Norman Glendinning |
| Publisher / Year | Oxford University Press • 1995 (reprints through 2006) |
| Length | 190–192 pp. (paperback) |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0194573924 |
| Typical Price | US $25 used; ~US $45 new (when in stock) |
| Series | Oxford “English for Careers / ESP” |
| Target Readers | B1–B2 learners in electrical, mechanical or mechatronics programmes |
Why the Book Still Matters in 2025
- Real-world context – Every unit starts with a genuine spec sheet, schematic, or maintenance report, so learners meet the vocabulary in its natural habitat.
- Integrated skills – Reading, listening (via downloadable MP3s), speaking and writing tasks build toward situational goals: giving a toolbox talk, writing a service report, or explaining a fault find.
- Bridges classroom and shop floor – Pair-work role-plays (“commission a motor-control centre”) mirror everyday apprentice communication, shrinking the theory–practice gap.
- Globally recognised – Many Erasmus and Gulf polytechnic syllabi still list the text as the core ESP reader for first-year technicians.
Unit-By-Unit Highlights
| Unit | Theme | Communication Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Measuring & Units | Describe dimensions, tolerances & SI prefixes |
| 2 | Hand & Power Tools | Give safety instructions, identify tool features |
| 3 | Materials & Properties | Compare steel grades, plastics & composites |
| 4 | Electric Circuits | Explain series/parallel circuits, Ohm’s Law results |
| 5 | Motors & Drives | Discuss efficiency, starting methods, nameplate data |
| 6 | Production Processes | Sequence CNC steps, report on machining errors |
| 7 | Fault-Finding | Use cause-and-effect language during diagnostics |
| 8 | Maintenance Schedules | Draft and justify preventive-maintenance plans |
| 9 | Future Technologies | Debate robotics, additive manufacturing & IoT |
| 10 | Project Presentation | Deliver a 5-minute technical briefing with slides |
Strengths
- Technical accuracy – Authenticated by practising engineers, diagrams and terminology won’t make lecturers cringe.
- Task-based progression – End-of-unit projects (e.g., designing a small photovoltaic system) motivate learners more than traditional gap-fills.
- Flexible add-ons – Optional maths focus boxes and pronunciation drills let tutors differentiate within mixed-ability groups.
Limitations
| Limitation | Practical Impact | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| References 1990s tech (e.g., floppy-disk drives) | Some examples feel dated | Supplement with current datasheets or YouTube plant tours |
| British units occasionally creep in (psi, inches) | Metric-only regions need conversion | Have students convert as a learning exercise |
| Audio formerly on cassette; now MP3 download only via OUP Extra | Requires LMS upload for easy access | Host files in your VLE or shared drive |
How It Compares
| Feature | Oxford English For Electrical And Mechanical Engineering | Cambridge English For Engineering (2008) | Pearson Technical English – Level 2 (2020) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pages | 190 | 128 | 160 |
| CEFR band | B1–B2 | B2–C1 | A2–B1 |
| Grammar focus | Light | Moderate | Stronger |
| Listening tasks | Factory-floor recordings | International conference clips | Mixed workplace |
| Teacher resources | Student + answer book | Teacher’s book + CD | PPTs + online MyEnglishLab |
| Best for | Polytechnic / apprenticeship | University engineering faculties | Pre-apprentice foundation year |
FAQ
Is Oxford English For Electrical And Mechanical Engineering suitable for self-study?
Yes, though you’ll need the answer book for self-checking and the MP3 audio files from OUP’s site.
Does the book cover modern topics like EVs or Industry 4.0?
Unit 9 introduces robotics and automation, but EV powertrain vocabulary is minimal. Teachers often add a supplemental worksheet.
Can I use it with A2-level students?
It may be challenging; consider Technical English Level 1 first, then bridge to this title at B1 level.
Where can I buy it in 2025?
New copies are sporadic; Amazon Marketplace and AbeBooks list used versions around US $25–35.
