- •Some words and expressions for ordering and arranging the parts of an essay2.
- •Indicate which of the three linkers is the correct one.
- •2. Add the linking devices in the boxes to each paragraph
- •1. Incorporating one of the sentences below, write a paragraph which demonstrates a range of structures and a range of descriptive vocabulary4.
- •2. Replace each word or phrase underlined with one of the more formal words given.
- •3. Look at the examples of formal language and rephrase the underlined phrases into informal language.
- •Inversion is a useful way of adding emphasis both when you are speaking and when you are writing.
- •1. Match the sentences halves.
- •2. Use inversion to make these sentences more emphatic.
- •1. Translate the sentences paying special attention to the words in bold.
- •Rewrite these sentences using the verb in brackets and making any other necessary changes.
- •1. Underline the nominalised phrases in these examples.
- •2. Rewrite each sentence using all the prompt words.
- •Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. (Do not change the word given.)
- •1. Look at the newspaper snippets and match the words in bold with their explanations.
- •2. Look at the extracts from essays and use the words in bold from the previous exercise to improve their style, making the underlined words more formal.
- •1. Match the words often found in academic writing with their explanation.
- •2. Which of the five verbs from the previous exercise best fits in each sentence?
- •Match the adjectives often found in academic writing with their explanation.
- •Which of the five adjectives best describes each of these things?
- •Answer these questions which use vocabulary from b.
- •1. Give your own examples making use of these phrases
- •2. Here are some phrases we use to show we are undecided and are considering issues. Underline the ones which are typical of academic writing.
- •3. All these gaps, except one, can be filled by the same verb. What is the verb and what is the exception?
- •4. Rewrite each of the following sentences using prompt words so that it is as close as possible in meaning to the printed sentence.
- •Fill each of the numbered blanks with one suitable word.
2. Replace each word or phrase underlined with one of the more formal words given.
-
Abandoned, scrutinized, dismissed, beneficial, investigated, commensurate, discrepancy, rudimentary, inopportune, lucrative
a. George was given the sack yesterday.
b. I am afraid I have only a basic knowledge of physics.
c. The whole matter is being looked into by the police.
d. I am looking for a job on a level with my abilities.
e. The actual voting is carefully watched over by special officers.
f. Terry was left somewhere by her parents when she was a baby.
g. I must apologize if I have arrived at a(n) bad moment.
h. There is a difference between the sum of money sent, and the sum received.
i. Carol’s new catering business turned out to be very profitable.
j. I am sure that a month’s holiday would be good for you.
3. Look at the examples of formal language and rephrase the underlined phrases into informal language.
Jargon is an integral part of the network of occupations and pursuits constituting society. It is the jargon element, which in a job, can promote economy and precision of expression, and thus improve life for the workers. Jargon-users tend to enjoy the in-jokes which shared linguistic experience permits. Moreover, jealousy of this knowledge precipitates our readiness to demean anyone who tries to be part of our group without being prepared to take on its jargon. And we resent it when some other group, sensing our lack of linguistic awareness, refuses to let us it.
Avoid slang or colloquial expressions in formal writing – they can only be included for special emphasizing effect.
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4. These sentences all come from a report which should have been written in a formal style. Improve each one in any way that seems appropriate to you.
It was kind of difficult to collect as much data as we’d originally hoped.
The guys tended to express views that were a bit more conservative than those of the girls.
A number of our respondents brought up some very important things in response to our questions.
Interviewees’ responses depended on how old they were and whether they were male or female, not to mention their occupation and educational background.
I’d like to go a bit more about some important parts of the survey.
Connecting ideas
Match the following sentences and phrase halves. Notice how linkers are used.
1. To keep up with the competition, we have to expand our services arm. 2. So far we have only received three of the five filing cabinets we ordered. 3. She will be responsible for developing existing business leads 4. We don’t think the risk of terrorism is very great. 5. All our retail outlets sell pet foods and gardening supplies 6. They had to pay a postage and packing fee
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a. Besides, item No35-C1was damaged during transport b. in addition to the hefty repair charge. c. as well as a diverse range of agricultural supplies. d. Furthermore, we must get the whole firm back on a steady growth track. e. in addition to searching out new sectors for growth and development. f. Moreover, the government appear to control the area firmly. |