BUSINESS ENGLISH
LESSON 001 – LAYING A FOUNDATION
TEACHER: GERRY HANNAN
ABOUT THE COURSE
CLASS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
UNIT
SUBJECT
UNIT 1: LAYING A FOUNDATION
UNIT 2:
UNIT 3:
UNIT 4:
UNIT 5:
UNIT 6
PART
1
2
3
KNOWING THE NAMERS
1
2
3
4
SHOWING THE ACTION
1
2
3
MODIFYING AND CONNECTING WORDS 1
2
3
PUNCTUATING SENTENCES
1
2
3
WRITING WITH STYLE
1
2
TOPIC
REFERENCE SKILLS
PARTS OF SPEECH
SENTENCES: ELEMENTS, VARIETIES,PATTERNS & TYPES
NOUNS
POSSESSIVE NOUNS
PERSONAL PRONOUNS
PRONOUNS AND ANTECEDENTS
VERBS: KINDS, VOICES, MOODS AND VERBALS
VERB TENSES AND PARTS
SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT
MODIFIERS: ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS
PREPOSITIONS
CONJUNCTIONS
COMMAS
SEMICOLONS AND COLONS
OTHER PUNCTUATION
CAPITALISATION
NUMBERS
OBJECTIVES
• When you have completed the materials in this lesson, you will be able to do
the following:
• Understand the content of business English and its relevance to you and your
career.
• Describe several types of dictionaries, including print, electronic and online.
• Use a dictionary confidently to determine spelling, meaning, pronunciation,
syllabication, accent, word usage, and word history.
• Select a dictionary to suit your needs.
• Anticipate what information is included in dictionaries and what information is
not.
• Understand the value of reference material.
Pretest.
• Each lesson begins with a brief pre-test. Answer
the questions in the pre-test to assess your prior
knowledge of the lesson content and also to give
yourself a preview of what you will learn.
Compare your answers with those given later.
When you complete the lesson, take the post test
to measure your improvement.
Write the number of each statement followed by T
(True) or F (False)after the following statements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Online dictionaries have made printed dictionaries obsolete.
Dictionary diacritical marks help readers pronounce words correctly.
The usage label “colloquial” means that a word is no longer in use.
Some online dictionaries provide audio pronunciations of words.
Reference manuals provide information about punctuation and hyphenation.
Good communication skills can help you succeed in your job.
To be considered an expert, you must know all of the answers to questions in your
field.
8. A college level dictionary contains no more than 75,000 entries.
9. A print dictionary should be no older than five years to be considered up to date.
10. The “etymology”of a word refers to its history.
Business English
• Business English is the study of the language
fundamentals needed to communicate effectively in
today’s workplace. These basics include grammar, usage,
punctuation, capitalization, number style, and spelling.
Because business people must express their ideas clearly
and correctly, such language basics are critical.
Why study business English?
• What you learn in this class will help you communicate
more professionally when you write and when you speak.
These skills will help you get the job you want, succeed
in the job you have, or prepare for promotion to a better
position. Good communication skills can also help you
succeed in the classroom and in your personal life, but
we will be most concerned with workplace applications.
Increasing Emphasis on Workplace
Communication
• In today’s workplace you can expect to be doing more communicating than ever
before. You will be participating in meetings, writing business documents, and using
technologies such as email and instant messaging to communicate with others.
• Communication skills are more important than ever before and the emphasis on
writing has increased dramatically. Business people who never expected to be doing
much writing on the job find that email and the Web force everyone to exchange
written messages.
• As a result, business people are increasingly aware of their communication skills.
Misspelled words, poor grammar, sloppy punctuation – all of these faults standout
glaringly when they are in print or displayed online.
• Not only are people writing more, but messages travel farther. Messages are seen by
larger audiences than ever before. Because of the growing emphasis on exchanging
information, language skills are more relevant today than ever before
What does this mean for you?
• As a business person or professional, you want to feel confident about
your writing skills. This course can sharpen your skills and greatly
increase your confidence in expressing ideas. Improving your language
skills is the first step towards success in your education, your career, and
your life.
• One of the goals of your education is to know where to find answers. You
should also know how to interpret the information you find. Experts do
not know all the answers. Attorneys refer to case books. Doctors consult
their medical libraries. And you, as a student of the language, must
develop skill and confidence in using reference materials. You can
become a language expert not only by learning from this course but also
by learning where to find additional data when you need it.
Dictionaries
• Using reference materials should become second nature to you.
Dictionaries and online resources are invaluable when you must verify
word spellings and meanings, punctuation style, and usage. If you have
your own personal library of reference materials, you can find
information quickly.
• At the minimum you need a current desk or College dictionary and a
good reference manual.
• Another helpful reference book is at his sonorous. This is a collection of
synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with
opposite meanings).
• Many helpful resources are now available digitally, whether online or in a
software program such as MS Word.
Dictionaries
• A dictionary is an alphabetical list of words with their definitions. Most dictionaries contain
pronunciation guides, parts of speech, etymology (Word history), labels and other
information, which you will learn about in this lesson.
• You can purchase dictionaries in almost every language. Bilingual dictionaries, such as English–
Chinese and Italian–French, are increasingly popular in today’s global marketplace.
Dictionaries dedicated to topics such as American sign language (ASL), slang, and acronyms
also available.
• In addition, many fields such as law and medicine, have specialized dictionaries to contain
vocabulary specific to that field.
• Business people today make use of both print dictionaries and online dictionaries. Even with
the availability of online dictionaries, many prefer to have a print dictionary handy to look up
words quickly and easily.
• First, you will learn about print dictionaries, including how to select one and how to use it.
Then, you will learn about using an electronic dictionary, such as the one the Commons which
a word processing software. Finally, you will learn how to use online dictionaries.
Selecting a Print Dictionary
• Not all print dictionaries are the same, as you will
notice when you shop for one. To make a wise
selection, you should know how to distinguish
among three kinds of print dictionaries: pocket,
desk, and unabridged. You should also know when
your dictionary was published (the copyright
date), and you should examine its special
features.
Pocket Dictionary
• As its name suggests, a pocket dictionary is small.
Generally, it contains no more than 75,000 entries,
making it handy to carry to class and efficient to use.
However, a pocket dictionary doesn’t contain enough
entries to be adequate for a post secondary or college
reference homework. In addition, the information
provided about each word in a pocket dictionary is
generally limited.
Desk or College-Level Dictionary
• A desk or college-level dictionary generally contains 170,000 entries plus
extra features. The college work you should own a current desk or
college-level dictionary. The following list shows some of the best-known
dictionaries in this category. Noticed that the titles of two dictionaries
contain the name Webster. Because names cannot be copyrighted, and
the publisher may use the word Webster on its dictionary.
• Line definitions and usage in this course are based on Merriam-Webster
Collegiate Dictionary. Publishers often rely on this dictionary as to
standard. Many readers, however, preferred the American Heritage
College Dictionary. It provides more to the spellings, more usage labels
more readable entries, and more opinions about appropriate usage than
most other dictionaries. However, any of the following dictionaries is a
good choice for poor secondary and college students:
Desk or College-Level Dictionary
1. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (The
standard dictionary for definitions and usage on
this course).
2. The American Heritage College Dictionary
3. Random House Webster’s College Dictionary
4. Websters New World College Dictionary
5. Oxford American College Dictionary
Unabridged Dictionary
• An unabridged dictionary is a complete dictionary. Abridged dictionaries, such
as pocket and desk dictionaries, are shortened or condensed. Because
unabridged dictionaries contain nearly all English words, they are large, heavy
volumes.
• Schools, libraries, newspaper offices, and organisations concerned with editing
or publishing use unabridged dictionaries. One of the best-known unabridged
dictionaries is Websters Third New International Dictionary. It includes over
450,000 entries and claims to be America’s largest dictionary.
• Another famous unabridged dictionary is the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).
This 20 volume set shows the historical development of all English words it is
often used by professional writers, scholars of the language, and academics.
CD-ROM versions are available for easy computer searching.
Copyright Date
• If the copyright date of your current dictionary shows that was
published five or more years ago, consider investing in a more
recent addition. English is a responsive, dynamic language that
admits new words and recognizes changes in meaning, spelling,
and usage of familiar words. These changes are reflected in an upto-date dictionary.
• For example, the following words were added to the MerriamWebster’s Collegiate Dictionary in 2008: infinity pool,
kiteboarding, malware, mental health day, pretexting, and
webinar.
Features
• In selecting a dictionary, check the features it
offers in addition to vocabulary definitions. Many
editions contain biographical and geographical –,
abbreviations, standard measurements, signs,
symbols, foreign words and phrases, and
information about the language. Some also
contain CD-ROMs and access to special online
features.
Using a Print Dictionary
Whether you purchase a new one or you are using a family dictionary, take a few
moments to become familiar with it so that you can use it wisely.
• Before using the dictionary, take a look at the
instructions located in the pages just before the
beginning of the vocabulary entries. Pay
particular attention to the order of definitions.
Some dictionaries show the most common
definitions first. Other dictionaries develop
meanings historically; that is, the first known
meaning of the word is shown first.
Using a Print Dictionary: Guide Words
• In boldface type at the top of each
dictionary page are two words that indicate
the first and last entries on the page. When
searching for a word, look only at these
guide words until you locate the desired
page. Using this technique will save you a
lot of time.
Using A Print Dictionary: Syllabication
• Most dictionaries show syllable breaks with a centered
dot, (as in Figure 1.1.) for the word signify. Compound
words are sometimes troublesome to dictionary users. If
a compound word is shown with a centered dot, it is one
word, as in work* out (workout).
• If a compound word is shown with a hyphen, it is
hyphenated, as in old-fashioned. If two words appear
without a centered dot or a hyphen they should be
written as two words, as in work up. If you find no entry
for a word or phrase in a college-level dictionary, you
may usually assumed that the words are written
separately, for example ball field. From newer terms
such as homepage spyware, you should check an online
dictionary.
Using A Print Dictionary: Pronunciation
• Diacritical marks are special symbols that
help you pronounce words correctly.
• A detailed explanation of pronunciation
symbols is found on the front pages of the
dictionary.
• A summary of the symbols may appear at
the bottom of each set of pages.
• If two pronunciations are possible, the
preferred one is usually shown first.
Using A Print Dictionary: Accent
• Accent refers to the syllable of a word that gets
the most emphasis or stress when you pronounce
it.
• Most dictionaries show accents with a raised stress
mark immediately following the accented syllable,
as seen for the syllable sig in Figure 1.1.
• Other dictionaries use a raised stress mark
immediately preceding the accented syllable (‘sig
ni ‘fy).
• Secondary stress may be shown in the light print
(as illustrated on the syllable fi in Figure 1.1), or it
may be shown with a lowered accent mark (‘sig ni
,fi)
Using A Print Dictionary: Etymology
• Etymology shows the history of a word.
College-level dictionaries often provide a
brief word history in square brackets [ ].
For example, the word signify has its roots
in Middle English, old French, and Latin.
• Keys to etymological abbreviations may be
found in the introductory notes in your
dictionary.
• Do not confuse the etymological definition
shown in brackets with the actual word
definitions.
Using A Print Dictionary: Part of Speech
• Following the phonetic pronunciation of an entry
word is an italicized or bold face label indicating
what part of speech the entry word represents.
The most common labels are the following:
Adj
adjective
prep
preposition
adv
adverb
pron
pronoun
conj
conjunction
v or vb
verb
inter interjection
j
vt or v tr
verb transitive
n
vi or v int
verb
intransitive
noun
Using A Print Dictionary: Part of Speech
• Spelling, pronunciation, and meaning
may differ for a given word when that
word functions as a different part of
speech.
• Therefore, check its grammatical label
correctly.
• If the parts of speech seem foreign to
you at this time, do not worry. In our
next lesson and future lessons we will
help you to learn more about the parts
of speech.
Using A Print Dictionary: Labels
• Not all words listed in dictionaries are
acceptable in business or professional
writing.
• Usage labels warn readers about the use
of certain words. Into dictionary entry
shown In Figure 1.1, noticed that one
meaning for the words signify is labelled
slang. The following list defines slang
and other usage labels.
Using A Print Dictionary: Labels
LABEL
EXAMPLE
archaic: words surviving from a previous period.
twixt (meaning “between”)
obsolete: words no longer in use
darg (meaning “a days work”)
colloquial or informal: words used in casual
writing or conversation but not in formal speech.
how come (meaning why)
slang: very informal words that quickly go out of
fashion.
off the hinges (meaning “great,” “outstanding”)
nonstandard and substandard: words not
conforming to usage among educated speakers.
ain’t
dialect, Brit., South, Scot, etc.: words used in
certain countries or regions
fixing (verb used in the American south to mean
“getting ready to do something”)
Using A Print Dictionary: Labels
• If no usage label appear, a word is
considered standard; that is, it is
acceptable for all uses.
• However, it should be noted that many
lexicographers have substantially
reduced the number of usage labels in
current editions.
• Lexicographers, by the way, are those
who make dictionaries
Using A Print Dictionary: Inflected Forms
• When nouns, verbs, adverbs, or adjectives change form
grammatically, they are said to be inflected, as when child
becomes children.
• Because of limited space, dictionaries usually show only regular
inflected forms.
• Thus, nouns with irregular or unusual plurals (wife, wives) will
be shown.
• Verbs with irregular tenses or difficult spelling (bring, brought)
will be shown.
• Adverbs or adjectives with irregular comparatives or
superlatives (good, better, best) will also be shown.
• But regular noun plurals, verb tenses, and comparatives
generally will not be shown in dictionaries.
• Later lessons will elucidate regular and irregular parts of
speech.
Using A Print Dictionary: Synonyms And Antonyms
• Synonyms, Words having similar meanings,
are often provided after word definitions.
For example a synonym for elucidate is
explain. Synonyms are helpful as word
substitutes.
• Antonyms, words having opposite
meanings, appear less frequently in
dictionaries; when included, they usually
follow synonyms. One antonym for
elucidate is confused. The best place to
find synonyms and antonyms is in a
thesaurus.
Using Electronic Dictionary Programs
• Most wordprocessing programs today come with a dictionary/thesaurus
feature that helps you locate misspelled words as well search for
synonyms and antonyms.
• In addition, most email programs now include a spell check feature that
uses an electronic dictionary.
• You may even be able to program your email program to automatically
spell check your messages when you press the Send button.
• Many web forms (such as online employment applications) completed
online contain built-in spell checkers.
• In addition, blogs, wikis, and social networking sites include
spellcheckers.
• You can even add a spell check to your browser or Google Toolbar.
Locating Misspelled Words
• An electronic dictionary, also called a spell checker, compares your
typed words with those in the computers memory.
• MS Word uses a wavy red line to underline misspelled words as you type
them.
• If you immediately recognise the error, you can quickly key in the
correction.
• If you see the red wavy line and don’t know what’s wrong, you can right
click on the word.
• This displays a drop-down menu that generally shows a variety of options
to solve your spelling problem. If one of the suggested spellings appears
correct, you can click it and a misspelled word is replaced.
Locating Misspelled Words 2
• Many writers today rely heavily on their spell checker; in fact,
many may rely too much on them.
• The real problem is that spell checkers won’t catch every error.
For example, spell checkers can’t always distinguish between
similar words, such as too and two.
• That is why you should proof read every message carefully after
running it through your spell checker.
• In addition, important messages should be printed out for
proofreading.
Searching For Synonyms And Antonyms
• Electronic dictionary programs often include an online Thesaurus showing
alternative word choices.
• Let’s say you were writing a report and you find yourself repeating the same word.
• With MS Word you can right click the word and select Synonyms from the dropdown menu.
• A number of synonyms will appear in a dialogue box.
• If you see an appropriate synonym, simply click the word to replace the original
word.
• You can also select Thesaurus from the dialogue box to access the complete
thesaurus feature.
• A good online Thesaurus can be a terrific aid to writers who want to use precise
language as well as increase vocabularies.
Using Online and Other High-Tech Dictionaries
• An increasing number of electronic resources are available on the web,
on CD-ROMs, and as handheld devices.
• The web provides an amazing amount of information at little or no cost
to users.
• Many excellent online resources, some of which are described in Figure
1.2, are similar to their print counterparts the big difference though are
that most of the online versions are free and many also provide audio
pronunciations of words.
• Some even give you hyperlinked cross-references.
• Online dictionaries are especially useful because they can be updated
immediately when new words or meanings enter the language.
Online Dictionary Sites
• Online dictionary sites offer many features.
• Later we will provides a list of some of the most notable
and recommended online dictionary sites.
• Want a quick definition for a word? Simply go to Google
and type the word define, and the word you would like
to find (example, define; supercilious).
• A list of definitions from a variety of online sources will
appear.
CD-ROM Dictionaries
• If you don’t want to bother searching the web to look up a word, you
may purchase one of the many CD-ROM dictionaries that can be installed
on your computer.
• Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary & Thesaurus, electronic edition
and the Oxford English Dictionary on CD-ROM give you access to large
databases of words that can be easily searched electronically.
• Many print dictionaries also come bundled with a CD-ROM version of the
text.
• You can even download dictionaries to your MP3 player or cell phone.
Handheld Electronic Dictionaries
• Handheld electronic dictionaries offer another efficient way to
check spellings, find meanings, and look up synonyms.
• Many students and business people find handheld devices easy to
use.
• They are especially appealing to people struggling with a different
language, such as tourists, interpreters, emigrants, and
immigrants.
• Some of these devices provide audio pronunciations.
• Franklin Electronics, Sharp, and Zelco make some of the most
popular hand held devices on the market.
Notable Online Dictionaries
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Merriam-Webster Online - http://www.m-w.com
Wiktionary - http://www.wiktionary.org
Google Dictionary - http://www.google.com/dictionary
One Look Dictionaries - http://www.onelook.com
Encarta English Dictionary http://www.dictionary.msn.com
TheFreeDictionary.com - http://www.thefreedictionary.com
Dictionary.com - http://dictionary.reference.com
YourDictionary.com - http://www.yourdictionary.com
Reference Manuals
In addition to one or more printed dictionaries, every writer should
have a good reference manual or handbook readily available.
• A reference manual generally contains helpful information not
available in a dictionary.
• Two popular reference manuals are:
• 1.
• 2.
How 12: A Handbook For Office Professionals
The Gregg Reference Manual.
• Most reference manuals provide information such as the following:
Reference Manuals Provide Information on:
1. Punctuation: detailed explanations of punctuation rules are presented
logically. A well-written manual also provides ample illustrations of
punctuation usage so you can readily find solutions to punctuation
dilemmas.
2. Hyphenation: Dictionaries provide syllable breaks. Words, however,
cannot be divided at all syllable breaks. A reference manual supplies
rules for, and examples of, word division. Moreover, a good reference
manual explains when compound adjectives such as up-to-the-minute
should be hyphenated.
3. Capitalisation: complete rules with precise examples illustrating
capitalization styles are shown.
Reference Manuals Provide Information on:
4. Numbers style: deciding whether to write a number as a figure or as a word can be
difficult. A reference manual provides both instruction and numerous examples
illustrating number and Word styles.
5. Commonly confused verbs: do you have trouble deciding whether to use affect our
effect?, its or it’s, then or than, principal or principle? Reference manuals contain
complete lists of commonly confused words to help you choose the right one.
6. Abbreviations: What is the two letter state abbreviation for Arkansas? Can the
abbreviation a.m be written with uppercase letters? Should you add periods to the
abbreviation FBI? A good reference manual can help you answer your questions about
using those tricky abbreviations and acronyms.
Other topics covered in reference manuals are contractions, literary and artistic titles,
forms of address, letter and report formats, employment application documents,
information sources, and file management. In addition, some manuals contain sections
devoted to English grammar and office procedures.
Reference Manuals Versus Your Textbook
• You may be wondering how a reference manual differs from an Academic textbook.
• Although their content is similar, the primary difference is one of purpose.
• A textbook is developed pedagogically - that is, for teaching – so that the student
understands and learns concepts. It includes teaching and learning exercises.
• A reference manual is organized functionally, so that the reader finds accurate
information efficiently.
• A well written reference manual is complete, coherent, and concise.
• Most of the language and style questions to perplex business people and students could
be answered quickly by a trained person using a reliable dictionary and a well written
reference manual.
Spot the Blooper
• A blooper is a mistake. It usually means an embarrassing blunder.
• In this course we will use the word blooper to refer to language
mistakes made in writing and speech.
• At the end of each lesson, you would be presented with a list of
written and spoken bloopers.
• Many of these bloopers appeared in prestigious publications or
were spoken by highly respected individuals.
• Using the skills you are learning in this class, try to identify why
these are bloopers.
Let’s See If We Can Spot the Bloopers Here…..
1. On resumes that crossed the desk of personnel expert Robert half:
“Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chain of stores.” “Here are my qualifications for you to overlook.” - “Hope to hear from you
shorty.”
2. CBS News anchor Dan Rather speaking on CNN’s Larry King live: “cable news is
relevant, of course, but I think network news is, if anything, even more
relevant.”
3. A flyer promoting a square dance weekend in Daytona Beach describes the
location as the Dessert Inn Hotel.
4. Sign in a souvenir shop in York Beach (Maine): “You brake it, you pay for it.”
5. Public meeting notice in the daily express open bracket Newport, Fairmont):
“interrupters will be dearer to help the deaf community.”
Let’s See If We Can Spot the Bloopers Here…..
1. Magazine advertisement for a dentist in Monterey, California: “You wear you
smile everyday. Make it the best!.”
2. Sign at Cambridge University in Great Britain: “Entrance To Collage Car Park
Only.”
3. Photo caption in the News Sentinel (Lodi,California): “Remains of buildings,
including the house George Washington lived in when he was president, are
seen at the site of an archaeological dig in Philadelphia.”
4. Headline in the sports section of the Quad City Times(Davenport, Iowa):
“State Titles Allude Q-C Area Teams.”
5. Article about college football in the San Francisco Chronicle: “Bowl results are
often sited as evidence, but the conference with the best winning percentage
in bowl games the past three years Is the Western Athletic Conference.”
Reinforcement Exercises – A.
A self check exercise is provided so that you will know immediately whether you
understand the concepts presented in this class.
• Are the following statements is true or false?
1.
Because dictionaries contain similar information, it doesn’t matter which type of dictionary you purchase
or use.
2.
Students and office workers would find and on a bridge dictionary handy to carry with them.
3.
The label archaic means that the word is informal and may be used in casual writing and conversation.
4.
Knowing which syllable accented can help you pronounce words correctly.
5.
Dictionaries usually show noun plurals only if they are irregular.
6.
Rules for using abbreviations may be found in a reference manual.
7.
All dictionaries show definitions in historical order.
8.
Today’s spellchecker programs can be used to locate all misspelled words in a document.
9.
Print dictionaries are not needed by college students today.
10.
Some print dictionaries come bundled with a CD-ROM version of the text.
Reinforcement Exercises – B.
Can You Select A Letter That Provides The Best Definition Or
Synonym For Each Word Shown?:
PANDEMIC (ADJ)
A. FAMOUS
B. WIDESPREAD
C. NOTORIOUS
D. PANORAMIC
ENTOMOLOGY (N)
A. STUDY OF WORDS
B. STUDY OF FOSSILS
C. STUDY OF INSECTS
D. LOVE OF OUTDOORS
IMMINENT (ADJ)
A. IMPENDING
B. OLD
C. FAMOUS
D. STUBBORN
INTEGRITY (N)
A. VALUE
B. HONESTY
C. PERSEVERANCE
D. LOYALTY
OSTENTATIOUS (ADJ)
A. ANNOYING
B. RUDE
C. EAGER
D. SHOWY
FEASIBLE (ADJ)
A. POSSIBLE
B. UNLIKELY
C. LIKEABLE
D. DIFFICULT
SUPERCILIOUS (ADJ)
A. LARGE
B. SILLY
C. HAUGHTY
D. CIRCUITOUS
TEPID (ADJ)
A. LUKEWARM
B. FEARFUL
C. FAST
D. LAZY
MEANDER (V)
A. TO FOLLOW A WINDING COURSE
B. TO MISPLACE
C. TO SAY SOMETHING UNFLATTERING
D. TO ARRIVE
INEPT (N)
A. UNPREPARED
B. UNFIT
C. UNAWARE
D. INESCAPABLE
Reinforcement Exercises – C.
Can you say what are the correct forms of the following words:
CO WORKER
COWORKER
IN AS MUCH AS
INASMUCH AS
IN DEPTH
IN-DEPTH
ON LINE
ONLINE
OUT OF DATE
OUT-OF-DATE
WORK PLACE
WORKPLACE
FIRST CLASS (ADJ)
FIRST-CLASS
FIRST CLASS (N)
FIRST CLASS
DAY CARE (N) / (ADJ)
DAY CARE (N) / DAY-CARE (ADJ)
WEB SITE (N)
WEBSITE
REINFORCEMENT EXERCISES – D.
For each of the following words on the left chart, can you say from looking at its
equivalent on the right chart - the syllable which receives the primary accent?:
COMPARABLE
ˈKÄM-P(Ə-)RƏ-BƏL
DESERT (N)
ˈDE-ZƏRT
DESERT (V)
DI-ˈZƏRT
INDEFATIGABLE
IN-DI-ˈFA-TI-GƏ-BƏL
IRREVOCABLE
I-ˈRE-VƏ-KƏ-BƏL
POSTHUMOUS
ˈPÄS-CHƏ-MƏS
CARIBBEAN
ˌKER-Ə-ˈBĒ-ƏN
ELECTORAL
I-ˈLEK-T(Ə-)RƏL
MISCHIEVOUS
ˈMIS-CHƏ-VƏS
CHIMERA
KĪ-ˈMIR-Ə, KƏ-
REINFORCEMENT EXERCISES - E.
Can you select the letter that most accurately completes
the sentence?
The word chauvinism derives from Nicholas Chauvin, a French man known as a (n):
a. Fanatical bomb thrower - b. Excessive patriot – c. extreme misogynist (woman hater) - d. radical
critic of Napoleon.
If Angelica attends a training session and reports that it was superficial, she means that it was:
a. Shallow and without substance - b. Extremely entertaining - c. Super helpful - d. Fun but
worthless.
The abbreviation for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is:
a. O.S.H.A. – b. OSHA – c. Osha – d. OS&HA
Which of the following is correctly written?:
a. American novel - b. American Novel - c. american novel - d. american Novel
When business people talk about malware, there are referring to:
a. Computer equipment - b. Goods that are not durable - c. A Flu like virus - d. Software that
disrupts computer functions.
REINFORCEMENT EXERCISES - E.
Can you select the letter that most accurately completes
the sentence?
If an expression is redundant, it is:
a. Repetitive – b. Clever – c. Obsolete – d. Awkward
The word spam, which now means “unsolicited emails,” derives from:
a. A slang term for an annoying person – b. Monty Python’s Flying Circus – d. Users who hate
receiving it – d. Senders who want to remain anonymous.
Because Sofia wanted to _____ that all of her friends received her new email address, she sent
everyone a special announcement.
a. Assure – b. Ensure – c. Insure – d. Advice
The word irregardless is given what label in the dictionary?
a. Archaic – b. Slang – c. Non-Standard – d. Dialect
What is a lift in British dialect?
a. A rise – b. A type of hair style – c. A forceful, aggressive athlete – d. an elevator
WRITING EXERCISE (6 Minutes)
• All employers seek workers with good writing skills. In this course
you will have an opportunity to develop your writing skills. Each
lesson will include a short writing exercise.
1. Let’s say that a friend asks you to explain what a reference
manual is and why it might be useful. Write two complete
sentences with your explanation. (3 Mins)
2. In two complete sentences, tell whether you prefer a print or an
online dictionary. Explain why. (3 Mins)
Post Test
Write the number of each statement followed by T (True) or F
(False)after the following statements:
1.
2.
The best dictionary for a college students assignments is a pocket dictionary.
When searching for a word in the dictionary, to save time look only at the guide words
until you will locate the desired page.
3. The etymology of a word is usually contained within square brackets.
4. The usage label slang means that the word may be used in certain regions only.
5. A reference manuals can help you determine whether to use capital or capitol.
6. Today’s technology has made writing less important.
7. Most dictionaries show syllable breaks with a centered dot.
8. The abbreviation vb in a dictionary indicates that a word is “very beneficial.”
9. A none standard word is one that does not conform to usage among educated speakers.
10. To determine whether to write a number as a word or figure, it is best to consult a
dictionary.
END OF UNIT 1.
• That brings us to the end of Unit 1.
• In Unit 2 we will focus on PARTS OF SPEECH.
• Thank you very much for your attention.