Text c People with a Strong English Vocabulary

Have you ever noticed that people who have a strong English vocabulary receive more attention and respect from their peers, colleagues, subordinates and authority figures? This is because speaking with a strong vocabulary indicates that you take yourself seriously. 

Language and the way we use words conveys intelligence and authority. A person who is a mathematical genius or an expert software developer may be highly respected for technical skills, but if the words that come out of mouth consist of a poor vocabulary, it will, unfortunately, communicate a lack of intelligence. 

A number of studies have consistently demonstrated that those who have an advanced knowledge of the English language are much more likely to advance in their careers. These studies have also demonstrated that a strong command of the English language will lead to higher pay. 

If you are like many people, there may have been times when you talked to someone who had poor English skills. While you might have been polite, you were probably thinking that this person wasn’t very intelligent. You may also have thought that this person was rude. 

There are a number of reasons why International English has become so important in the 21st century. Perhaps one of the most important is globalization and outsourcing. Since many of the world's most powerful corporations are based in countries such as the United States and Great Britain, there is a high demand for people in foreign countries who can speak English. 

Globalization is an element that is bringing about change in the world. While many people criticize it, you must prepare for it. Not preparing for change will only cause you to get left behind. Whether you agree with globalization or not, a failure to prepare for it can lead to disaster. Whether you are living in China, or the United States, gaining a strong command of the English language will allow you to separate yourself from your peers, and you will increase your chances of success.

EXERCISE 5

Prepare a written report on the topic “Why do you study English?”

Use the following phrases:

As for me, ... To my mind, ... In my opinion ...

I guess ... I think ... I consider ... I believe ...

First, ...

Second, ...

Third, ...

Moreover ...

In addition ... Besides ...

In conclusion ... So ... Therefore ... That’s why ... Personal information

EXERCISE 1 Who are you?

Time: 20 min.

Procedure: Choose from the provided geometry figures one figure which you like best (a square, a circle, a rectangular, a triangle, a zigzag), and draw it in your copy-book.

Unite into groups with the students who have chosen the same figures, and do the following task:

Task for small groups of students:

Read attentively the key to the test about your figure.

Match the information in the key with your own idea about yourself.

Do you have the features which are typical for people who chose this figure?

Would you like to have the features which are typical for people who chose this figure?

Exchange your ideas with the students in your small group.

Chose a speaker who will tell all the students about the results of your work of your small group and make the conclusions.

“WHO ARE YOU?” – KEY TO TEST

A square is hard-working, diligent, persistent. He/she needs to go through with a deal. He/she usually achieves the completion of work. A patient, restrained and systematic «square» is, as a rule, a highly qualified specialist in his or her field. A «square» likes order most of all: everything must be in its place and in its time. A «square ’s» ideal is a planned, predictable life. He or she dislikes surprises and changes in the usual course of events.

A rectangular means the temporary form of life of a certain person. These people are not satisfied with their present way of life, that’s why they are constantly seeking for better one. Thus, the main features of “rectangulars” are love of knowledge, active interest to everything and courage. They are open to new ideas, values, ways of thinking and life. They easily learn everything new.

“A triangle symbolizes leadership. The most typical feature of a “triangle” is ability to concentrate on the main goal. “Triangles” are energetic, uncontrolled, powerful persons who set clear goals and, as a rule, achieve them! They are ambitious and pragmatic, are able to present significance of their work to their authorities in favorable light. They are good team-players. They need to be right and control state of play. It makes a “rectangular” a quite controversial person who is able to compete successfully.

A circle is the most friendly among the five figures. He/she is highly tactful, able to sympathize, to respond emotionally to feelings of other people. A “circle” feels somebody’s joy and pain as his/her own. He/she is happy when other people are on good terms. That’s why when “a circle” is in conflict with somebody, he is most likely to give in first. A “circle” seeks to find common even in opposite points of view.

A zigzag symbolizes creativity. Combination of absolutely different ideas and creation of something new and original on this basis – that is what “zigzags” like. They dislike conventional ways of problem solving, they look for original and unusual ways. A “zigzag” is the most enthusiastic about new ideas. When he/she has a new and interesting idea he/she is absolutely absorbed with it and is ready to tell the whole world about it. “Zigzags” propagate their ideas and can captivate many people.

After the speakers’ reports, discuss the following questions:

1. Which personal features can be helpful in your career?

2. Which personal features can be helpful in your family?

3. Why do you think is it important to know yourself?

4. How can you get to know yourself?

5. Write down your positive features which can persuade an employer to hire you.

EXERCISE 2

Fill in the job from the list below.

software and computer engineer, electrical engineer, civil engineer, industrial engineer, engineer of computer-controlled systems, ecology engineer, telecommunication engineer

1. I’ve always wanted to protect environment, so I’m going to be a ……………………………………………………

2. I want to work at the computer-controlled enterprise, so I’m going to be a ……………………………………..

3. I like working with computers, so I’m going to be a …………………....

4. I enjoy working with electricity, so I’m going to be a ……………………..

5. I love constructing, so I’m going to be a …………………………………..

6. I don’t mind working with machine parts, so I’m going to be a ……………

7. I’ve always wanted to invent a new way of connecting people, so I’m going to be a ………………………………

EXERCISE 3

Choose adjectives to characterize yourself.

hard-working, diligent, persisting, patient, energetic, uncontrolled, powerful, lazy, ambitious, pragmatic, controversial, friendly, tactful, creative, sociable, goal-oriented

EXERCISE 4

Read the text and decide which part of the text belongs to the following headings.

Introduction Early life Later life Character Likes Plans