Task 12

Expand the following definitions by giving an example showing how the item being defined is used.

1. Glass is a substance which has the property of being transparent.

2. Stainless steel is an alloy which is resistant to corrosion.

3. A thermometer is a device for measuring temperature.

A definition can also be expanded by stating the main characteristics of the object or concept, as in the example below:

Aluminium is a metal which is used in the manufacture of aircraft.

It is very light and resistant to corrosion.

When you expand a definition by stating its characteristics, you may use explicit markers to show the relationship between the definition and its expansion:

Aluminium is a metal which is used in the manufacture of aircraft

because it is very light and resistant to corrosion.

In this case, one is a reason for the other.

Task 13

Expand the following definitions by stating the main characteristics of each item being defined.

1. Tobacco is a drug which is commonly used by human beings.

2. Cloth is a material made by weaving fibres such as wool, silk or cotton.

3. Binocular vision is that type of vision which allows distances to be judged and shapes to be perceived in depth.

In writing expanded definitions, relative clauses are very useful. Relative clauses allow a writer to avoid writing a series of very short sentences. They also allow the writer to show clearly which information she or he thinks is the most important and which is secondary. The information in the relative clause is always the secondary information. Look at these examples:

1. Aluminium, which is light and resistant to corrosion, is used in the manufacture of aircraft.

2. Aluminium, which is used in the manufacture of aircraft, is light and resistant to corrosion.

In the first example the use is the most important aspect for the writer, while in the second example the characteristics are most important.

Task 14

Use the notes, and other information if you wish, to write expanded definitions of each of the items in italics, using relative clause structures.

a) caffeine - substance - addictive - powerful effect on the heart - found in coffee

2. substance - not animal or plant - naturally occurring - includes ores, petroleum, natural gas and coal - often obtained by mining - mineral

3. spacecraft - vehicle - rocket engine - for travelling in space - capable of carrying astronauts - also known as spaceship - may carry missiles

Task 15

Complete the following short texts with the alternative that seems preferable to you.

a) Experimental psychology traditionally was interested in relationships between events.

As a matter of fact. . .

i) the forming of associations between one stimulus and another was defined by such psychologists as learning.

ii) learning was defined by such psychologists as a matter of forming associations between one stimulus and another.

b) People should use potassium bromide only under a doctor's direction because this form of bromide may cause skin rashes. It can also disturb the mind. . . .

i) Silver bromide is a form of bromide used in photography to make plates and film more sensitive to light.

ii) In photography, a form of bromide called silver bromide is used to make plates and film more sensitive to light.

c) Brocade designs are woven by hand or machine into cloth to make fabrics for bedspreads, curtains, etc…

i) Cloth that has designs woven into it with heavy yarns is called brocade,

ii) Brocade is a cloth that has designs woven into it with heavy yarns.

d) Bubble gum (. . .) is a major cause of tooth decay among children. i) bubble gum is a form of chewing gum

ii) a form of chewing gum