Maritime English Exercises for Ship Engineers and Engine Room Personnel – Part 1

For Ship Cadets, Officers, and Maritime Engineering Students Worldwide
Aligned with IMO SMCP and Model Course 3.17 & 3.18 Standards

Course Structure by Language Skill

These exercises are categorized by language skills: Speaking, Reading, Listening, and Writing. Each task is numbered for clarity and builds competency in technical maritime English, engineering vocabulary, and communication. Some exercises are linked to real-world maritime videos for listening comprehension and contextual learning.

Section A: Reading Comprehension & Vocabulary Matching

Exercise 1: Word Associations (Reading Comprehension – IMO Model Course 3.17)
Instructions: Match each word in Column A with the most suitable word in Column B.

Exercise 2: Match the Correct Verb (Reading Comprehension & Grammar)
Instructions: Match each verb on the left to complete the sentence correctly on the right.

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Section B: Writing and Classification Skills

Exercise 3: Sorting – Engine Construction vs. Operation (Writing Practice – Technical Differentiation)
Instructions: Classify each phrase under the correct category.

Exercise 4: Match Engine Parameters with Data (Writing + Reading – Technical Reference Matching)
Instructions: Match each engine parameter with its corresponding value.

Exercise 5: Match the Technical Term with its Definition (Reading – IMO SMCP vocabulary)
Instructions: Match each term with the correct definition.

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Section C: Listening Comprehension (with YouTube videos)

Exercise 6: Engine Function Verbs in Context

Skill Focus: Listening + Technical Vocabulary
Video Link: Marine Diesel Engine Overview: 6E18L Diesel Engine – Specs, Layout & Safety Guide

Instructions: Watch the video carefully. Listen for verbs that describe how the engine or its components work (for example: rotate, inject, cool).

• Step 1: Identify at least five verbs used in the video that relate to engine functions.
• Step 2: Write a short sentence for each verb, using it correctly in an engine-related context.

Example:

• Verb: rotate
• Sentence: The crankshaft rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the flywheel side.

Exercise 7: Engine Room Equipment Identification and Classification

Skill Focus: Listening + Categorization
Video Link: Marine Diesel Engine Pre-Start & Shutdown Checklist

Instructions: Watch the video and listen closely to all the equipment mentioned during the pre-start and shutdown procedures.

• Step 1: Write down the names of the components you hear.
• Step 2: Organize them into the two categories below:

Note: If you are unsure about a term, try to write how it was pronounced and check it with your instructor or a dictionary.

Section D: Fill-in-the-Blanks (Grammar & Engineering Logic)

Exercise 8: Engine Process Sentences (Writing – Mechanical Sequence Awareness)
Instructions: Choose the correct word to complete each sentence. Words: (injects, powers, heat up, draws, force, convert)

1. Tiny fuel droplets ………… very quickly.
2. The expanding gases ………… the piston down the cylinder.
3. The four-stroke engine  …………almost all trucks and cars nowadays.
4. The piston ………….. a fresh air charge of vaporised fuel-air mixture.
5. Engines ………. the fuel energy into work.
6. The fuel injector …………. fuel into the cylinder.

Exercise 9: Engine Functions & Use (Writing – Sentence Completion)
Instructions: Fill in the blanks using the correct word. Words: (achieve, attach, classify, couple, design, ignite, make, use)

1. Fuel …………. by injecting it into the combustion chamber.
2. Diesel engines………….  into many types.
3. Sometimes both cylinder ends ………….  to produce power.
4. The piston ………….  to the upper end of the connecting rod.
5. Some engines ………….  to run in both directions.
6. Engine power ………….  in four cycles.
7. Sometimes, engines ………….  directly to the propeller shaft.
8. They………….  to run on HFO.

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Section E: Logical Thinking & True/False

Exercise 10: True or False – Technical Understanding (Reading + Reasoning – Engine Basics)
Instructions: Mark TRUE or FALSE.

1. Scavenging clears the cylinder of spent gases.
2. Four-stroke diesels do not have intake valves.
3. A diesel is an external combustion engine.
4. A crankshaft never makes two revolutions in one cycle.
5. A piston sometimes closes exhaust ports.
6. The exhaust port closes before compression.

Exercise 11: Find the Odd Word (Logic & Vocabulary Awareness)
Instructions: Identify the word that does not belong in the group.

Section F: Speaking Exercises (Speaking – Based on SMCP Guidelines)

Exercise 12: Describe an Engine Part
Instructions: Choose any engine component and explain:

• What it is used for
• How it functions
• What happens if it fails (e.g., “The crankshaft converts linear piston movement into rotation. It must be lubricated well to avoid seizing.”)

Exercise 13: Engine Trouble Report (SMCP Reporting Language)
Instructions: Simulate reporting a fault:

• “Main engine not responding.”
• “Fuel pump malfunctioning – request engineer on duty.”
• “Engine room temperature rising – possible ventilation issue.”

This complete exercise pack supports the development of all four maritime English language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—with emphasis on marine engine operations and IMO-aligned communication. Suitable for classroom, simulator, or self-study use.

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