Professional English for Computer
Engineering
Week 1 Expanded Packet – Introduction & English in Computer
Engineering
This packet provides detailed lecture notes, vocabulary lists, grammar explanations, reading
texts, and various practice activities designed to cover a full 3-hour session.
Part 1: Lecture Notes
English plays a critical role in Computer Engineering. It is the dominant language in
programming languages, system interfaces, technical documentation, and research articles.
International companies such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM use English as their working
language.
Examples:
- The C function 'printf()' comes from 'print formatted'.
- Git commands such as 'commit', 'push', and 'merge' are all English verbs.
- Most programming languages (Python, Java, C++) use English keywords such as 'if', 'else',
'while'.
Without English, engineers may struggle to read documentation, understand research
papers, or collaborate in global teams. For this reason, mastering English is essential for
future computer engineers.
Part 2: Vocabulary Expansion
Word Meaning Example Sentence
Analyze Examine carefully Engineers analyze system
performance.
Implement Put into effect The company implements
new security measures.
Optimize Make the best use of We optimize code to
improve speed.
Compile Convert code into machine The program compiles
language without errors.
Execute Run a program or command The computer executes the
instruction.
Debug Find and fix errors Students debug their
programs in lab.
Encrypt Convert data into a secure Passwords are encrypted
form for safety.
Framework A base structure for Developers use the Django
development framework.
Storage Place where data is kept Cloud storage is popular
today.
Bandwidth Amount of data transferred The video requires high
bandwidth.
Interface Point where two systems The user interface is
connect friendly.
Algorithm Step-by-step procedure Google uses algorithms for
search results.
Network System of connected The office network connects
devices 50 PCs.
Router Device directing network The router connects devices
traffic to the internet.
Cache Temporary storage for The browser cache saves
quick access images.
Loop Repeated execution of code A loop runs until the
condition is false.
Condition Requirement in If-condition controls
programming program flow.
Schema Database structure The schema organizes
tables.
Transaction Database operation A bank transaction is stored
in the database.
Firewall Security system for The firewall blocks attacks.
networks
Part 3: Grammar – Present Simple vs. Present Continuous
Present Simple: used for routines, habits, and general facts.
Examples:
- 'A server stores data.'
- 'The program runs on Linux.'
Present Continuous: used for actions happening now or temporary actions.
Examples:
- 'The system is updating its software.'
- 'I am debugging the program right now.'
Activities:
1. Fill in the blanks:
a) The CPU ______ (process) millions of instructions every second.
b) The server ______ (run) an update at the moment.
c) Engineers usually ______ (test) their programs before release.
d) Look! The program ______ (crash) again.
e) Students often ______ (use) Python in their projects.
2. Error correction: Find and correct the mistake.
a) The system are running now.
b) She debug code every day.
c) They is compiling the file.
3. Multiple choice: Choose the correct form.
a) The network (works / is working) fine right now.
b) He usually (writes / is writing) code in Java.
c) The compiler (converts / is converting) source code into machine language.
Part 4: Reading Comprehension
Text:
English is the international language of technology. In computer engineering, English is
used in programming languages, technical documentation, and international teamwork. For
example, most programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++ use English keywords.
Documentation for operating systems, databases, and frameworks is usually written in
English. Engineers who cannot understand English may face serious difficulties in their
studies and careers.
Questions:
1. Why is English important in computer engineering?
2. Which programming languages use English keywords?
3. What difficulties may engineers face without English?
4. True/False: All programming languages are written in Turkish.
5. Choose the best title:
a) Programming in Python
b) The Role of English in Computer Engineering
c) History of Computers
Part 5: Integrated Practice & Review
1. Case Study Mini-Reading:
Ali, a Turkish computer engineer, joins an international team at Google. During meetings,
everyone speaks English. He must read technical documentation in English and write
reports in English. Without strong English skills, Ali would not be able to understand
instructions or explain his ideas.
Questions:
a) What company does Ali work for?
b) Why does he need English?
c) What problems might he face?
2. Gap-fill Dialogue:
Engineer A: What program ______ (you / run) right now?
Engineer B: I ______ (compile) the new code.
Engineer A: Oh, good. It usually ______ (take) 2 minutes.
3. Revision Quiz (15 Questions):
A) Vocabulary (5 MCQs)
1. Which word means 'finding and fixing errors in code'?
a) Compile b) Execute c) Debug d) Encrypt
2. A 'loop' in programming is:
a) A device that stores data
b) A repeated execution of code
c) A program error
d) A database operation
3. Which term means 'temporary storage for quick access'?
a) Router b) Cache c) Bandwidth d) Schema
4. What does 'compile' mean?
a) Convert data into secure form
b) Convert code into machine language
c) Run a program
d) Connect devices
5. A 'firewall' is mainly used for:
a) Improving speed
b) Storing data
c) Securing networks
d) Debugging code
B) Grammar – Fill in the blanks (5)
1. The system ______ (store) all the data on the server.
2. Right now, the database ______ (update).
3. Engineers usually ______ (use) debugging tools.
4. Look! The router ______ (blink).
5. She always ______ (write) clean code.
C) Reading Comprehension – True/False (5)
Read the text in Part 4 again and answer:
1. English is important in computer engineering. (T/F)
2. Programming languages such as Python and Java use Turkish keywords. (T/F)
3. Documentation is usually written in English. (T/F)
4. Without English, engineers may face difficulties. (T/F)
5. The text says English is optional for engineers. (T/F)
Answer Key
Vocabulary Matching: Provided in table.
Grammar:
1a) processes, b) is running, c) use, d) is crashing, e) writes.
2a) The system is running now. b) She debugs code every day. c) They are compiling the file.
3a) is working, b) writes, c) converts.
Reading Comprehension:
1) Because English is used in programming, documentation, and teamwork.
2) Python, Java, C++.
3) They may not understand documents or communicate.
4) False.
5) b) The Role of English in Computer Engineering.
Case Study:
a) Google. b) Meetings, documents, reports. c) He may not understand or explain ideas.
Dialogue:
Engineer A: are you running, Engineer B: am compiling, Engineer A: takes.
Revision Quiz Answers:
A) Vocabulary:
1) c. Debug
2) b. A repeated execution of code
3) b. Cache
4) b. Convert code into machine language
5) c. Securing networks
B) Grammar:
1) stores
2) is updating
3) use
4) is blinking
5) writes
C) Reading Comprehension:
1) True
2) False
3) True
4) True
5) False
