Class Seven, correcting midterms & precise vocabulary

Summary of class 9 nov 2009.

I handed back the articles that you and went over some corrections (though you all have different needs).

Punctuation: When you have a quotation, make sure to put the punctuation inside the quotation marks. http://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/quotes.asp

Review the use of the apostrophe form of the possessive (‘s). http://www.anglaisfacile.com/cours_anglais/possessives

When you write “IT”, what are you referring to?

Make sure to verify your pronouns and the words they refer to. Ask yourself, for example, are they singular or plural? (This/Those, his/their)

The word CRISIS is not particular to economics. So, if you use it, make sure to say “the financial crisis” or the “economic crisis”.

A FEW is NOT the same as FEW (like in French)

These words all have the same root, but have different meanings and uses. Learn the difference between, Critic, Critics, Criticize, Critical, Criticism, Critique.

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We have started a new “chapter” in this semester’s work. We want you to be able to write texts which have different registers and (rather because of their) different target audiences, such as a “news article” or a “promotional text”.

One important element is the extent and precision of your VOCABULARY. Work on using 3 to 5 new words (verbs, adverbs, adjectives) each day or week, depending on how much you can actually remember and appropriate for yourselves. Write these into your journal notes and musings.

HOMEWORK:

What verb describes these sentences best? Now, report the above sentences in full, using the correct reporting verb. (The first one is done for you as an example)

1. I’ll send you the revised figures by the end of the week. (apologise, warn, promise)

She/He promised to send him/her the revised figures by the end of the week.

2. Sorry about the delay (apologise, remind, suggest).
3. I could come in early tomorrow to speed things up, if you like. (admit, promise, offer)
4. Our after-sales service isn’t always up to scratch, let’s face it. (suggest, acknowledge, advise)
5. Don’t forget to bring the sales figures. (remind, deny, insist)
6. If I were you, I’d take a closer look at what our competitors are doing. (advise, insist, promise)
7. You’ll never clinch the deal if you procrastinate. (promise, warn, deny)
8. It wasn’t me who sent you an infected file. (apologise, deny, suggest)
9. We’ve got to launch our new BX2 model by the end of September, it’s crucial. (offer, insist, acknowledge).
10. What about hiring more temporary staff? (suggest, offer, promise)