- •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.
1. Translate the sentences paying special attention to the words in bold.
Japanese visitors comprised/made up 70% of the hotel's guests last year.
These two approaches can be subsumed under one heading.
The book embraces a number of issues, from economic to religious ones.
Her philosophy is difficult to categorise.
Rewrite these sentences using the verb in brackets and making any other necessary changes.
70% of the landmass is mountain ranges. (comprise)
……………………………………………………………………………………..
A wide variety of subjects are dealt with in the book. (embrace)
……………………………………………………………………………..
I think these three sections can all come under one heading. (subsume)
………………………………………………………………………………….
Poems are not easily amenable to being put into different types. (categorise)
…………………………………………………………………………………….
Language awareness 3
Nominalisation
Nominalisation helps compress more information into a sentence. Use of noun groups instead of verbs or adjective groups is especially typical of formal, scientific and academic English.
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Example
He had an insatiable appetite for adventure and because of this he became involved in a pioneering expedition to Antarctica.
↓
His insatiable appetite for adventure led to his involvement in a pioneering expedition to Antarctica.
After several days they eventually reached the summit of the mountain. The ascent left them tired and exhausted. ( = Here the ascent summarises the whole of the process in the previous sentence)
Nominalisation makes it easier to be impersonal.
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Compare:
They looked at the evidence and realized that there had been a miscarriage of justice. → The evidence revealed a miscarriage of justice.
It’s always painful when people criticize you. → Criticism is always painful.
1. Underline the nominalised phrases in these examples.
A sharp fall in the value of sterling followed speculation about the Government’s economic policy.
The total eradication of smallpox was the direct result of an intensive programme of immunization.
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. (Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen)
2. Rewrite each sentence using all the prompt words.
Example: You needn’t pay anything until you’ve received the goods.
There / payment / before / of
There is no need of payment before your receipt of the goods.
A lot of people have complained in writing to us about how bad the food was.
Received / number / written / standard
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
I’m shocked that most members have responded so negatively to what we proposed.
Shock / response / proposals / majority
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
The mayor is reputedly proud of the way he looks.
Reputation / pride / appearance
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
A soldier must be brave, level-headed and obedient.
Qualities / paramount importance
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
What we spend doesn’t always tally with what we earn.
Sometimes / discrepancy / outgoings / earnings
………………………………………………………………………………………………….