Updates to this blog are currently on hold.
Students interested in practicing their English language skills are encouraged to review previous postings in the archive tab.
1 October 2017
18 May 2017
WELCOME!
Welcome to the English Skills blog!
It is also open to students in ENGL155, ENGL177, and ENGL189 who wish to develop their English language skills.
The goal of this blog is to increase communication between students and instructors, and to provide students with an opportunity to communicate with each other and to practice the skills taught in these courses. If you post general questions about the assignments or the course, they will be addressed in the blog. If you have detailed questions you want answered, then it is probably better to e-mail your instructor directly.
Feel free to post comments and suggestions on how to improve this site!
WELCOME NEW STUDENTS!
A hearty welcome to all the new students joining these courses. We hope you enjoy your studies and have fun participating in this blog.
Assignments marked with asterisks (*.*) are mandatory for ENGL140 students (Assignment 9).
For information on how to participate, please visit the instructions page or contact the administrator.
IMPORTANT: This blog site is open to the public; do not post personal information that could identify you--first name and the initial of your last name are the only personal information you should post. Please watch this video from the Canadian Government explaining privacy issues and social networking.
Also, be sure to let your tutors know the nickname you have chosen for this blog; otherwise, they will not be able to give you the marks/bonus marks that you have earned for your participation.
PREVIOUS GRAMMAR QUESTION
Please ask her where is she going over the week-end and is her boyfriend going to but don’t tell her that I ask for the informations.
1. Embedded question:
When a question clause (i.e., a clause introduced by a question word) is embedded within a longer clause, you should use the declarative sentence word order (i.e., the subject followed by the verb) unless you want to use direct speech, in which case you need to change the pronouns to match the original speech participants.
2. Preposition:
In this context, “over” seems a little too informal. It is better to use “for”.
3. Word form:
“Weekend” is one word. There is no hyphen.
4. Embedded question:
Here, too, we need to maintain the declarative sentence word order.
5. Conjunction required:
We need to add a conjunction to connect the implied clause (“Please ask her”) with the second question clause. “Whether” is preferable here, but “if” is also frequently used in this situation.
6. Word confusion:
We want to say “too” (meaning “also” or “as well”) rather than “to”.
7. Verb tense:
The questioning occurs in the past, so we probably want to put the verb in the past tense (“asked”). Alternatively, if we construe that question as something that continues in the speaker’s mind, we might use the present progressive (“am asking”), or the present perfect (“have asked”).
8. Word form:
Information is uncountable, so there is no plural form.
9. Internal punctuation:
There are several ways of doing this. The simplest is to use a comma after “too” to separate the two independent clauses.
Possible solution:
Please ask her where she is going for the weekend and whether her boyfriend is going too, but don’t tell her that I asked for the information.
When a question clause (i.e., a clause introduced by a question word) is embedded within a longer clause, you should use the declarative sentence word order (i.e., the subject followed by the verb) unless you want to use direct speech, in which case you need to change the pronouns to match the original speech participants.
2. Preposition:
In this context, “over” seems a little too informal. It is better to use “for”.
3. Word form:
“Weekend” is one word. There is no hyphen.
4. Embedded question:
Here, too, we need to maintain the declarative sentence word order.
5. Conjunction required:
We need to add a conjunction to connect the implied clause (“Please ask her”) with the second question clause. “Whether” is preferable here, but “if” is also frequently used in this situation.
6. Word confusion:
We want to say “too” (meaning “also” or “as well”) rather than “to”.
7. Verb tense:
The questioning occurs in the past, so we probably want to put the verb in the past tense (“asked”). Alternatively, if we construe that question as something that continues in the speaker’s mind, we might use the present progressive (“am asking”), or the present perfect (“have asked”).
8. Word form:
Information is uncountable, so there is no plural form.
9. Internal punctuation:
There are several ways of doing this. The simplest is to use a comma after “too” to separate the two independent clauses.
Possible solution:
Please ask her where she is going for the weekend and whether her boyfriend is going too, but don’t tell her that I asked for the information.
*GRAMMAR QUESTION*
Correct the errors in the following sentence:
The solution will be posted in the next edition of the blog.
The exotic imported sports dark red car has been driving to fast when it'd skid of the road and the passenger too young women is injured serious.
PUZZLE
Solution to the previous puzzle:
1. BOARD
2. BORED
3. BORN
4. ABOVE
5. BONUS
6. BORROW
7. BOILED
8. SYMBOL
New Puzzle:
Find the words that fit the definitions below. The two words will be the same except for the extra letter at the beginning of the first word.
Example: Begin --> Sour
Answer: Start --> Tart
1. Barrier --> Everything
2. Full amount --> An opening
3. Season --> Bury
4. Roll around in mud --> Permit
5. Females --> Prophetic sign
6. Twist forcibly --> Circular band
7. Being victorious --> Baseball game division
8. One of the five W's --> Head covering
*Note, the first person with the correct answer gets the bonus point.
1. BOARD
2. BORED
3. BORN
4. ABOVE
5. BONUS
6. BORROW
7. BOILED
8. SYMBOL
Find the words that fit the definitions below. The two words will be the same except for the extra letter at the beginning of the first word.
Example: Begin --> Sour
Answer: Start --> Tart
1. Barrier --> Everything
2. Full amount --> An opening
3. Season --> Bury
4. Roll around in mud --> Permit
5. Females --> Prophetic sign
6. Twist forcibly --> Circular band
7. Being victorious --> Baseball game division
8. One of the five W's --> Head covering
*Note, the first person with the correct answer gets the bonus point.
IDIOMS
There are three idioms that use the word bee:
Try not to use the same idiom as the other participants.
Watch this video, and then write a sentence that uses one (or more) of these three idioms.
Try not to use the same idiom as the other participants.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theteacher/2009/03/090311_teacher_animal_bee.shtml
*ALL CHANGE!*
Change the words in the sentence below as indicated.
For instance, if the original sentence is "Benson hurriedly told the bad news to his friends":
participant 1 could write "#1 Subject Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad news to his friends";
participant 2 could then write "#2 Direct Object Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad joke to his friends";
participant 3 could then write "#3 Indirect Object Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad joke to his wife";
etc.
You are free to make as many changes as you wish. Just remember to number each change (and indicate the part of speech) so it is clear to everyone where we are on the list.
Participants who make all 7 changes will receive 2 bonus marks for their efforts.
When all 7 changes have been made, do not repeat the original sentence; return to the top of the list, but keep building on the changes made by the previous participant.
Here is the sentence:
I often give interesting books as gifts to my friends.
Changes:
1. subject noun
2. direct object noun
3. indirect object noun
4. adjective(s)
5. adverb(s)
6. verb name
7. verb tense
Please change only the exact word in the sequence given. Each participant should build on the changes made by the previous participant.
For instance, if the original sentence is "Benson hurriedly told the bad news to his friends":
participant 1 could write "#1 Subject Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad news to his friends";
participant 2 could then write "#2 Direct Object Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad joke to his friends";
participant 3 could then write "#3 Indirect Object Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad joke to his wife";
etc.
You are free to make as many changes as you wish. Just remember to number each change (and indicate the part of speech) so it is clear to everyone where we are on the list.
Participants who make all 7 changes will receive 2 bonus marks for their efforts.
When all 7 changes have been made, do not repeat the original sentence; return to the top of the list, but keep building on the changes made by the previous participant.
Here is the sentence:
I often give interesting books as gifts to my friends.
Changes:
1. subject noun
2. direct object noun
3. indirect object noun
4. adjective(s)
5. adverb(s)
6. verb name
7. verb tense
AFFIXES
The word stem tele- (meaning "far") occurs in many words.
1. Add an affix to this stem to make another word.
2. Explain the meaning of the word and use it in a complete sentence.
Each participant should add a different word to the list.
2. Explain the meaning of the word and use it in a complete sentence.
Each participant should add a different word to the list.
*COMPLETE THE SENTENCE*
Follow the instructions below to create three different sentences from the following clause:*
… Spring seems to have arrived late this year …
Sentence 1. Add a phrase
Sentence 2. Add a dependent clause
Sentence 3. Add an independent clause
*Add your words to the beginning or end of the clause (but not both) and do not use a semi-colon to join your independent clause.
… Spring seems to have arrived late this year …
Sentence 2. Add a dependent clause
Sentence 3. Add an independent clause
*Add your words to the beginning or end of the clause (but not both) and do not use a semi-colon to join your independent clause.
*NUMBER CHANGE*
If the sentence is singular, change it to the plural; if it is plural, change it to the singular.
The first participant to make the correct changes will receive the bonus mark.
The first participant to make the correct changes will receive the bonus mark.
After completing his chores, the youth went to the store to pick up a "small" snack. He bought a bag of chips, two chocolate bars, an ice cream sandwich, and a bottle of root beer to wash it all down!
*VOCABULARY*
Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing.
Use the following two words in one sentence (note the parts of speech).
incredulous (adjective) and exasperating (noun).
To further improve your vocabulary, remember to check out the Word of the Day.
The site also has word games and puzzles.
http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/
You can also test your skills while contributing to the World Food Programme here:
http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1498
You can also test your skills while contributing to the World Food Programme here:
http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1498
SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS
We can describe being uncertain about something as feeling complacency.
First, write a sentence that uses this word.
Then rewrite the sentence, first using a synonym and then using an antonym for this word.
Each participant should suggest a different synonym and antonym.
Example: easy.
Answer:
This exercise is easy.
First, write a sentence that uses this word.
Then rewrite the sentence, first using a synonym and then using an antonym for this word.
Each participant should suggest a different synonym and antonym.
Example: easy.
Answer:
This exercise is easy.
Synonym: simple. This exercise is simple.
Antonym: difficult. This exercise is difficult.
*ACTIVE vs. PASSIVE*
Write two sentences using the verb forgive.
In the first sentence, use the word in the active voice; in the second sentence, use it in the passive voice.
*TIME CHANGE*
Change the time in the following sentences by using a different verb tense and replacing any necessary time clues. Each student should choose a different verb tense.
I hadn't realize what a multitasker I was becoming. However, last night my wife pointed out that while we were watching a movie on TV, I was using my computer to learn about the cast and director, and then texting the details to my friend.
*SENTENCE COMBINATION*
Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important writing skill. There are many ways to do this. Try to combine the following three sentences. Do not use a semi-colon.
Sentence 1: There is a car parked in the driveway next to my house.
Sentence 2: It is a yellow Ferrari.
Sentence 3: I took a picture of it to show my friends.
Sentence 2: It is a yellow Ferrari.
Sentence 3: I took a picture of it to show my friends.
BUILD-A-SENTENCE
Write a sentence using the vocabulary and grammar indicated. Do not use a semi-colon.
Use the phrase "For Mother's Day" with a dependent clause in the past perfect and an independent clause in the simple past.
4 May 2017
WELCOME!
Welcome to the English Skills blog!
It is also open to students in ENGL155, ENGL177, and ENGL189 who wish to develop their English language skills.
The goal of this blog is to increase communication between students and instructors, and to provide students with an opportunity to communicate with each other and to practice the skills taught in these courses. If you post general questions about the assignments or the course, they will be addressed in the blog. If you have detailed questions you want answered, then it is probably better to e-mail your instructor directly.
Feel free to post comments and suggestions on how to improve this site!
WELCOME NEW STUDENTS!
A hearty welcome to all the new students joining these courses. We hope you enjoy your studies and have fun participating in this blog.
Assignments marked with asterisks (*.*) are mandatory for ENGL140 students (Assignment 9).
For information on how to participate, please visit the instructions page or contact the administrator.
IMPORTANT: This blog site is open to the public; do not post personal information that could identify you--first name and the initial of your last name are the only personal information you should post. Please watch this video from the Canadian Government explaining privacy issues and social networking.
Also, be sure to let your tutors know the nickname you have chosen for this blog; otherwise, they will not be able to give you the marks/bonus marks that you have earned for your participation.
PREVIOUS GRAMMAR QUESTION
Michaels always been borrowing his red stylish sporty-looking newer car to his brother who’s lending it while his old battered rust-spotted white truck is in the garage for repairing.
1. Word form:
There isn't a noun here that would require the possessive, so "Michael" should not have an 's' at the end -- even with an apostrophe -- unless you have chosen a verb form that requires "is" or "has" (e.g., the present progressive or the present perfect).
2. Word confusion:
Lend and borrow: someone lends to you; you borrow from someone else. Note also that "Loan" is a noun, so you should avoid saying that someone has loaned something.
3. Verb tense:
If you construe this as a typical or repeated action, use the simple present tense ("lends"). If you construe it as something that goes on for a period of time, use the present progressive ("is lending"). If you use the present progressive, put the adverb ("always") after the auxiliary verb ("is always lending").
4. Adjective word order:
The convention for adjective word order is opinion, dimension, age, shape, colour, origin, material. This produces "stylish, sporty-looking, newer, red car" and "battered, old, rust-spotted, white vehicle". Some of you might have wanted to group some of the adjectives and combine them with a coordinating conjunction ("stylish and sporty-looking"). That’s another good way to solve the problem. Don't forget to separate these adjectives with commas.
5. Verb tense:
Whether or not the simple present or present progressive tense is used for the verb in the first clause, in the second clause, the verb (which should be "borrow") needs to be in the simple present tense ("borrows"). This means there is no apostrophe 's' attached to "who".
6. Word form:
After "for" do not use the gerund; use the basic noun in the either the singular or plural form.
Possible solution:
There isn't a noun here that would require the possessive, so "Michael" should not have an 's' at the end -- even with an apostrophe -- unless you have chosen a verb form that requires "is" or "has" (e.g., the present progressive or the present perfect).
2. Word confusion:
Lend and borrow: someone lends to you; you borrow from someone else. Note also that "Loan" is a noun, so you should avoid saying that someone has loaned something.
3. Verb tense:
If you construe this as a typical or repeated action, use the simple present tense ("lends"). If you construe it as something that goes on for a period of time, use the present progressive ("is lending"). If you use the present progressive, put the adverb ("always") after the auxiliary verb ("is always lending").
4. Adjective word order:
The convention for adjective word order is opinion, dimension, age, shape, colour, origin, material. This produces "stylish, sporty-looking, newer, red car" and "battered, old, rust-spotted, white vehicle". Some of you might have wanted to group some of the adjectives and combine them with a coordinating conjunction ("stylish and sporty-looking"). That’s another good way to solve the problem. Don't forget to separate these adjectives with commas.
5. Verb tense:
Whether or not the simple present or present progressive tense is used for the verb in the first clause, in the second clause, the verb (which should be "borrow") needs to be in the simple present tense ("borrows"). This means there is no apostrophe 's' attached to "who".
6. Word form:
After "for" do not use the gerund; use the basic noun in the either the singular or plural form.
Possible solution:
Michael always lends his stylish, sporty-looking, newer, red car to his brother, who borrows it while his battered, old, rust-spotted, white vehicle is in the garage for repairs.
*GRAMMAR QUESTION*
Correct the errors in the following sentence:
The solution will be posted in the next edition of the blog.
Please ask her where is she going over the week-end and is her boyfriend going to but don't tell her that I ask for the informations.
PUZZLE
Solution to the previous puzzle:
1. Crust -> Rust
2. Cheat -> Heat
3. Chill -> Hill
4. Climb -> Limb
5. Cable -> Able
6. Caged -> Aged
7. Cease -> Ease
8. Clean -> Lean
New Puzzle:
Guess the words below, which contain the following letters in them: "BO"
Fill in the blanks using the list of letters below--use each letter once:
A, A, D, D, D, E, E, E, I, L, L, M, N, N, O, R, R, R, R, R, S, S U, V, W, Y
1. BO_ _ _
2. BO _ _ _
3. BO _ _
4. _ BO_ _
5. BO_ _ _
6. BO _ _ _ _
7. BO _ _ _ _
8. _ _ _ BO _
*Note, the first person with the correct answer gets the bonus point.
1. Crust -> Rust
2. Cheat -> Heat
3. Chill -> Hill
4. Climb -> Limb
5. Cable -> Able
6. Caged -> Aged
7. Cease -> Ease
8. Clean -> Lean
Guess the words below, which contain the following letters in them: "BO"
Fill in the blanks using the list of letters below--use each letter once:
A, A, D, D, D, E, E, E, I, L, L, M, N, N, O, R, R, R, R, R, S, S U, V, W, Y
1. BO_ _ _
2. BO _ _ _
3. BO _ _
4. _ BO_ _
5. BO_ _ _
6. BO _ _ _ _
7. BO _ _ _ _
8. _ _ _ BO _
*Note, the first person with the correct answer gets the bonus point.
IDIOMS
There are three idioms that use the word monkey:
Try not to use the same idiom as the other participants.
Watch this video, and then write a sentence that uses one (or more) of these three idioms.
Try not to use the same idiom as the other participants.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theteacher/2009/03/090311_teacher_animal_monkey.shtml
*ALL CHANGE!*
Change the words in the sentence below as indicated.
For instance, if the original sentence is "Benson hurriedly told the bad news to his friends":
participant 1 could write "#1 Subject Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad news to his friends";
participant 2 could then write "#2 Direct Object Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad joke to his friends";
participant 3 could then write "#3 Indirect Object Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad joke to his wife";
etc.
You are free to make as many changes as you wish. Just remember to number each change (and indicate the part of speech) so it is clear to everyone where we are on the list.
Participants who make all 7 changes will receive 2 bonus marks for their efforts.
When all 7 changes have been made, do not repeat the original sentence; return to the top of the list, but keep building on the changes made by the previous participant.
Here is the sentence:
Mitsuko happily gave her devoted husband a thoughtful birthday gift .
Changes:
1. subject noun
2. direct object noun
3. indirect object noun
4. adjective(s)
5. adverb(s)
6. verb name
7. verb tense
Please change only the exact word in the sequence given. Each participant should build on the changes made by the previous participant.
For instance, if the original sentence is "Benson hurriedly told the bad news to his friends":
participant 1 could write "#1 Subject Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad news to his friends";
participant 2 could then write "#2 Direct Object Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad joke to his friends";
participant 3 could then write "#3 Indirect Object Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad joke to his wife";
etc.
You are free to make as many changes as you wish. Just remember to number each change (and indicate the part of speech) so it is clear to everyone where we are on the list.
Participants who make all 7 changes will receive 2 bonus marks for their efforts.
When all 7 changes have been made, do not repeat the original sentence; return to the top of the list, but keep building on the changes made by the previous participant.
Here is the sentence:
Mitsuko happily gave her devoted husband a thoughtful birthday gift .
Changes:
1. subject noun
2. direct object noun
3. indirect object noun
4. adjective(s)
5. adverb(s)
6. verb name
7. verb tense
AFFIXES
The word stem -pathy (meaning "feeling" or "disease") occurs in many words.
1. Add an affix to this stem to make another word.
2. Explain the meaning of the word and use it in a complete sentence.
Each participant should add a different word to the list.
2. Explain the meaning of the word and use it in a complete sentence.
Each participant should add a different word to the list.
*COMPLETE THE SENTENCE*
Follow the instructions below to create three different sentences from the following clause:*
… I just returned from a visit with my family …
Sentence 1. Add a phrase
Sentence 2. Add a dependent clause
Sentence 3. Add an independent clause
*Add your words to the beginning or end of the clause (but not both) and do not use a semi-colon to join your independent clause.
… I just returned from a visit with my family …
Sentence 2. Add a dependent clause
Sentence 3. Add an independent clause
*Add your words to the beginning or end of the clause (but not both) and do not use a semi-colon to join your independent clause.
*NUMBER CHANGE*
If the sentence is singular, change it to the plural; if it is plural, change it to the singular.
The first participant to make the correct changes will receive the bonus mark.
The first participant to make the correct changes will receive the bonus mark.
My friends come over every weekend to play cards and watch the playoffs on TV. Sometimes the competition becomes very heated, and arguments break out over differences of opinion, but everyone usually has a good time.
*VOCABULARY*
Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing.
Use the following two words in one sentence (note the parts of speech).
feckless (adjective) and veracity (noun).
To further improve your vocabulary, remember to check out the Word of the Day.
The site also has word games and puzzles.
http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/
You can also test your skills while contributing to the World Food Programme here:
http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1498
You can also test your skills while contributing to the World Food Programme here:
http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1498
SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS
We can describe being uncertain about something as feeling ambivalent.
First, write a sentence that uses this word.
Then rewrite the sentence, first using a synonym and then using an antonym for this word.
Each participant should suggest a different synonym and antonym.
Example: easy.
Answer:
This exercise is easy.
First, write a sentence that uses this word.
Then rewrite the sentence, first using a synonym and then using an antonym for this word.
Each participant should suggest a different synonym and antonym.
Example: easy.
Answer:
This exercise is easy.
Synonym: simple. This exercise is simple.
Antonym: difficult. This exercise is difficult.
*ACTIVE vs. PASSIVE*
Write two sentences using the verb shear.
In the first sentence, use the word in the active voice; in the second sentence, use it in the passive voice.
*TIME CHANGE*
Change the time in the following sentences by using a different verb tense and replacing any necessary time clues. Each student should choose a different verb tense.
When you arrive at the airport next week, you should give me a call so I can pick you up and take you to your hotel.
*SENTENCE COMBINATION*
Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important writing skill. There are many ways to do this. Try to combine the following three sentences. Do not use a semi-colon.
Sentence 1: Marian is a graduate of Athabasca University.
Sentence 2: Marian was recently hired by a major corporation.
Sentence 3: She will be lead their international unit.
Sentence 2: Marian was recently hired by a major corporation.
Sentence 3: She will be lead their international unit.
BUILD-A-SENTENCE
Write a sentence using the vocabulary and grammar indicated. Do not use a semi-colon.
Write a sentence using a dependent clause in the simple future tense and an independent clause in the future perfect tense.
20 April 2017
WELCOME!
Welcome to the English Skills blog!
It is also open to students in ENGL155, ENGL177, and ENGL189 who wish to develop their English language skills.
The goal of this blog is to increase communication between students and instructors, and to provide students with an opportunity to communicate with each other and to practice the skills taught in these courses. If you post general questions about the assignments or the course, they will be addressed in the blog. If you have detailed questions you want answered, then it is probably better to e-mail your instructor directly.
Feel free to post comments and suggestions on how to improve this site!
WELCOME NEW STUDENTS!
A hearty welcome to all the new students joining these courses. We hope you enjoy your studies and have fun participating in this blog.
Assignments marked with asterisks (*.*) are mandatory for ENGL140 students (Assignment 9).
For information on how to participate, please visit the instructions page or contact the administrator.
IMPORTANT: This blog site is open to the public; do not post personal information that could identify you--first name and the initial of your last name are the only personal information you should post. Please watch this video from the Canadian Government explaining privacy issues and social networking.
Also, be sure to let your tutors know the nickname you have chosen for this blog; otherwise, they will not be able to give you the marks/bonus marks that you have earned for your participation.
PREVIOUS GRAMMAR QUESTION
The commentator said its the most unique program was skated at the competition and they are skating unbelievable therefore it hasn't been surprised that the audience have given them the standing ovation.
1. Word choice:
We often use the phrase "very unique". But "unique" really means "the only one", so it should not be qualified. Delete the word "most" or change the description to something that can be modified, like "innovative".
2. Pronoun reference:
As a rule, the pronoun should refer to a previous noun. In this case, unless we assume the referent was established in an earlier sentence, we don't know what "it" is. To avoid confusion, it might be better to say something like "...the skaters' program was...".
3. Apostrophe:
If we decide to keep the word "its" in the sentence, we need to keep in mind that it's a contraction of "it is" and that we therefore need an apostrophe to indicate that a letter has been omitted.
4. Passive voice:
The verb form depends on how we construe the subject. If we go with something like "...the skaters' program", we can use the simple past: "...the skaters' program was the most innovative...". Otherwise, we might use the past participle: "...it was the most innovative program skated..."
5. Pronoun reference:
Again, unless we assume that the referent was established in an earlier sentence, we don't know who "they" are. It might be better here to make this clear by saying something like "the pair" or "the skaters".
6. Word form:
"Unbelievable" is an adjective, but we want to modify a verb ("are skating"), so we need an adverb ("unbelievably"). Otherwise, we need to change the verb into a noun and say something like "...their skating was unbelievable..."
7. Verb tense/form:
The action happened over a very short period of time, so it might be better to use the simple past tense ("wasn't") instead of the present perfect ("hasn't been"), and follow it with the present participle ("surprising") instead of the past participle ("surprised").
8. Verb tense:
Again, use the simple past ("gave") instead of the present perfect ("have given").
9. Article use:
“The” refers to something definite, but in this case "standing ovation" is indefinite (there could have been any number of standing ovations during the competition), so we need to use the indefinite article ("a").
10. Punctuation:
We could use direct speech here (putting the comments in quotation marks), but we often report speech indirectly. In that case it might be helpful to put "that" after the reporting verb ("...said that... and that..."). Also, remember to put a comma before the dependent (after "competition").
Possible solution:
We often use the phrase "very unique". But "unique" really means "the only one", so it should not be qualified. Delete the word "most" or change the description to something that can be modified, like "innovative".
2. Pronoun reference:
As a rule, the pronoun should refer to a previous noun. In this case, unless we assume the referent was established in an earlier sentence, we don't know what "it" is. To avoid confusion, it might be better to say something like "...the skaters' program was...".
3. Apostrophe:
If we decide to keep the word "its" in the sentence, we need to keep in mind that it's a contraction of "it is" and that we therefore need an apostrophe to indicate that a letter has been omitted.
4. Passive voice:
The verb form depends on how we construe the subject. If we go with something like "...the skaters' program", we can use the simple past: "...the skaters' program was the most innovative...". Otherwise, we might use the past participle: "...it was the most innovative program skated..."
5. Pronoun reference:
Again, unless we assume that the referent was established in an earlier sentence, we don't know who "they" are. It might be better here to make this clear by saying something like "the pair" or "the skaters".
6. Word form:
"Unbelievable" is an adjective, but we want to modify a verb ("are skating"), so we need an adverb ("unbelievably"). Otherwise, we need to change the verb into a noun and say something like "...their skating was unbelievable..."
7. Verb tense/form:
The action happened over a very short period of time, so it might be better to use the simple past tense ("wasn't") instead of the present perfect ("hasn't been"), and follow it with the present participle ("surprising") instead of the past participle ("surprised").
8. Verb tense:
Again, use the simple past ("gave") instead of the present perfect ("have given").
9. Article use:
“The” refers to something definite, but in this case "standing ovation" is indefinite (there could have been any number of standing ovations during the competition), so we need to use the indefinite article ("a").
10. Punctuation:
We could use direct speech here (putting the comments in quotation marks), but we often report speech indirectly. In that case it might be helpful to put "that" after the reporting verb ("...said that... and that..."). Also, remember to put a comma before the dependent (after "competition").
Possible solution:
The commentator said the skaters' program was the most innovative one at the competition and that their skating was unbelievable; therefore, it was no surprise that the audience gave them a standing ovation.
*GRAMMAR QUESTION*
Correct the errors in the following sentence:
The solution will be posted in the next edition of the blog.
Michaels always been borrowing his red stylish sporty-looking newer car to his brother who’s lending it while his old battered rust-spotted white truck is in the garage for repairing.
PUZZLE
Solution to the previous puzzle:
1. sue
2. cur
3. lies
4. socks
5. pants
6. braces
New Puzzle:
Find the word pairs defined below.
Hint: The two words will be the same except for the extra letter at the beginning of the first word.
Example: Begin --> Sour
Answer: Start --> Tart
1. Outer layer --> Oxidized metal
2. Defraud; violate rules --> energy in transit
3. Sensation of cold --> Local land elevation
4. Go upward --> Jointed appendage; branch
5. Strong metal rope --> Having necessary skill
6. Confined; restrained --> Old; grew older
7. Stop; discontinue --> Freedom from hardship
8. Lacking dirt --> Lacking fat
*Note, the first person with the correct answer gets the bonus point.
1. sue
2. cur
3. lies
4. socks
5. pants
6. braces
New Puzzle:
Find the word pairs defined below.
Hint: The two words will be the same except for the extra letter at the beginning of the first word.
Example: Begin --> Sour
Answer: Start --> Tart
1. Outer layer --> Oxidized metal
2. Defraud; violate rules --> energy in transit
3. Sensation of cold --> Local land elevation
4. Go upward --> Jointed appendage; branch
5. Strong metal rope --> Having necessary skill
6. Confined; restrained --> Old; grew older
7. Stop; discontinue --> Freedom from hardship
8. Lacking dirt --> Lacking fat
*Note, the first person with the correct answer gets the bonus point.
IDIOMS
There are three idioms that use the word fruit:
Try not to use the same idiom as the other participants.
Watch this video, and then write a sentence that uses one (or more) of these three idioms.
Try not to use the same idiom as the other participants.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theteacher/2009/03/090303_teacher_food_fruit.shtml
*ALL CHANGE!*
Change the words in the sentence below as indicated.
For instance, if the original sentence is "Benson hurriedly told the bad news to his friends":
participant 1 could write "#1 Subject Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad news to his friends";
participant 2 could then write "#2 Direct Object Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad joke to his friends";
participant 3 could then write "#3 Indirect Object Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad joke to his wife";
etc.
You are free to make as many changes as you wish. Just remember to number each change (and indicate the part of speech) so it is clear to everyone where we are on the list.
Participants who make all 7 changes will receive 2 bonus marks for their efforts.
When all 7 changes have been made, do not repeat the original sentence; return to the top of the list, but keep building on the changes made by the previous participant.
Here is the sentence:
The learned professor gave an interesting lecture to his class on ancient Rome.
Changes:
1. subject noun
2. direct object noun
3. indirect object noun
4. adjective(s)
5. adverb(s)
6. verb name
7. verb tense
Please change only the exact word in the sequence given. Each participant should build on the changes made by the previous participant.
For instance, if the original sentence is "Benson hurriedly told the bad news to his friends":
participant 1 could write "#1 Subject Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad news to his friends";
participant 2 could then write "#2 Direct Object Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad joke to his friends";
participant 3 could then write "#3 Indirect Object Noun: Michael hurriedly told the bad joke to his wife";
etc.
You are free to make as many changes as you wish. Just remember to number each change (and indicate the part of speech) so it is clear to everyone where we are on the list.
Participants who make all 7 changes will receive 2 bonus marks for their efforts.
When all 7 changes have been made, do not repeat the original sentence; return to the top of the list, but keep building on the changes made by the previous participant.
Here is the sentence:
The learned professor gave an interesting lecture to his class on ancient Rome.
Changes:
1. subject noun
2. direct object noun
3. indirect object noun
4. adjective(s)
5. adverb(s)
6. verb name
7. verb tense
AFFIXES
The word stem cogni- (meaning "know") occurs in many words.
1. Add an affix to this stem to make another word.
2. Explain the meaning of the word and use it in a complete sentence.
Each participant should add a different word to the list.
2. Explain the meaning of the word and use it in a complete sentence.
Each participant should add a different word to the list.
*COMPLETE THE SENTENCE*
Follow the instructions below to create three different sentences from the following clause:*
… April showers bring May flowers …
Sentence 1. Add a phrase
Sentence 2. Add a dependent clause
Sentence 3. Add an independent clause
*Add your words to the beginning or end of the clause (but not both) and do not use a semi-colon to join your independent clause.
… April showers bring May flowers …
Sentence 2. Add a dependent clause
Sentence 3. Add an independent clause
*Add your words to the beginning or end of the clause (but not both) and do not use a semi-colon to join your independent clause.
*NUMBER CHANGE*
If the sentence is singular, change it to the plural; if it is plural, change it to the singular.
The first participant to make the correct changes will receive the bonus mark.
The first participant to make the correct changes will receive the bonus mark.
My old high school friend often comes over for a visit on Saturdays and spends the day with me. He usually brings his dog, who likes to run around while we throw the ball or play Frisbee in the yard.
*VOCABULARY*
Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing.
Use the following two words in one sentence (note the parts of speech).
incognito (noun) and recognize (verb).
To further improve your vocabulary, remember to check out the Word of the Day.
The site also has word games and puzzles.
http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/
You can also test your skills while contributing to the World Food Programme here:
http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1498
You can also test your skills while contributing to the World Food Programme here:
http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1498
SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS
We can describe a general agreement as a cognizance.
First, write a sentence that uses this word.
Then rewrite the sentence, first using a synonym and then using an antonym for this word.
Each participant should suggest a different synonym and antonym.
Example: easy.
Answer:
This exercise is easy.
First, write a sentence that uses this word.
Then rewrite the sentence, first using a synonym and then using an antonym for this word.
Each participant should suggest a different synonym and antonym.
Example: easy.
Answer:
This exercise is easy.
Synonym: simple. This exercise is simple.
Antonym: difficult. This exercise is difficult.
*ACTIVE vs. PASSIVE*
Write two sentences using the verb forget.
In the first sentence, use the word in the active voice; in the second sentence, use it in the passive voice.
*TIME CHANGE*
Change the time in the following sentences by using a different verb tense and replacing any necessary time clues. Each student should choose a different verb tense.
Ever since you started your new job, you have shown more confidence and enthusiasm; and I have noticed that you have made a lot of new friends.
*SENTENCE COMBINATION*
Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important writing skill. There are many ways to do this. Try to combine the following three sentences. Do not use a semi-colon.
Sentence 1: The Immigrant Access Fund provides loans for internationally trained migrants.
Sentence 2: Many immigrant professionals find it hard to pursue their careers in Canada because of accreditation difficulties.
Sentence 3: The loans help pay the costs associated with accreditation, training, or upgrading.
Sentence 2: Many immigrant professionals find it hard to pursue their careers in Canada because of accreditation difficulties.
Sentence 3: The loans help pay the costs associated with accreditation, training, or upgrading.
BUILD-A-SENTENCE
Write a sentence using the vocabulary and grammar indicated. Do not use a semi-colon.
Write a sentence using a dependent clause in the simple past tense and an independent clause in the simple future tense.
6 April 2017
WELCOME!
Welcome to the English Skills blog!
It is also open to students in ENGL155, ENGL177, and ENGL189 who wish to develop their English language skills.
The goal of this blog is to increase communication between students and instructors, and to provide students with an opportunity to communicate with each other and to practice the skills taught in these courses. If you post general questions about the assignments or the course, they will be addressed in the blog. If you have detailed questions you want answered, then it is probably better to e-mail your instructor directly.
Feel free to post comments and suggestions on how to improve this site!
WELCOME NEW STUDENTS!
A hearty welcome to all the new students joining these courses. We hope you enjoy your studies and have fun participating in this blog.
Assignments marked with asterisks (*.*) are mandatory for ENGL140 students (Assignment 9).
For information on how to participate, please visit the instructions page or contact the administrator.
IMPORTANT: This blog site is open to the public; do not post personal information that could identify you--first name and the initial of your last name are the only personal information you should post. Please watch this video from the Canadian Government explaining privacy issues and social networking.
Also, be sure to let your tutors know the nickname you have chosen for this blog; otherwise, they will not be able to give you the marks/bonus marks that you have earned for your participation.
22 March 2017
PREVIOUS GRAMMAR QUESTION
There were to much peoples at the mall so I was hurried up shopping, I was too hurried that the shirt’s I bought's not big enough and I'm having to return them.
1. Word confusion:
We need to use “too” (not “to”) as an intensifier.
2. Modifier use:
“Much” is used to modify uncountable nouns. Since “people” is countable, you should use “many”.
3. Plural form:
“People” is already plural (unless you are referring to something like a racial group), so it doesn’t need to be pluralized again.
4. Passive or active voice:
Do not use the passive form (“was hurried”) unless you mean to suggest that something was causing the speaker to be hurried. In this situation, use the active voice.
4. Modifier use:
To convey the extent of the modifier, use “so” (not “too”)
5. Apostrophe error:
“Shirts” is plural, not possessive, so there is no apostrophe. “Bought” is the past tense of “buy”, so it should never have an “s” or an apostrophe.
6. Subject-verb agreement:
Since ‘shirts’ is plural, you need the plural form of the verb (“are”).
7. Verb tense:
The present progressive (“am having”) would indicate that the action is happening now. It’s better to use the simple present tense (“have”) or the simple future (“will have”).
8. Punctuation:
When a coordinating conjunction such as ‘so’ separates two independent clauses, use a comma before it. When there is no coordinating conjunction, you need a period or (if the ideas are very closely related) a semicolon.
Possible solution:
We need to use “too” (not “to”) as an intensifier.
2. Modifier use:
“Much” is used to modify uncountable nouns. Since “people” is countable, you should use “many”.
3. Plural form:
“People” is already plural (unless you are referring to something like a racial group), so it doesn’t need to be pluralized again.
4. Passive or active voice:
Do not use the passive form (“was hurried”) unless you mean to suggest that something was causing the speaker to be hurried. In this situation, use the active voice.
4. Modifier use:
To convey the extent of the modifier, use “so” (not “too”)
5. Apostrophe error:
“Shirts” is plural, not possessive, so there is no apostrophe. “Bought” is the past tense of “buy”, so it should never have an “s” or an apostrophe.
6. Subject-verb agreement:
Since ‘shirts’ is plural, you need the plural form of the verb (“are”).
7. Verb tense:
The present progressive (“am having”) would indicate that the action is happening now. It’s better to use the simple present tense (“have”) or the simple future (“will have”).
8. Punctuation:
When a coordinating conjunction such as ‘so’ separates two independent clauses, use a comma before it. When there is no coordinating conjunction, you need a period or (if the ideas are very closely related) a semicolon.
Possible solution:
There were too many people in the mall, so I hurried with my shopping; I was in such a hurry that the shirts I bought are not big enough, and I will have to return them.
*GRAMMAR QUESTION*
Correct the errors in the following sentence:
The solution will be posted in the next edition of the blog.
The commentator said its the most unique program was skated at the competition and they are skating unbelievable therefore it hasn't been surprised that the audience have given them the standing ovation.
PUZZLE
Solution to the previous puzzle:
o … honor (o/or/nor/horn/honor)
i … detail (i/id/lid/idle/ideal/detail)
i … elation (i/it/lit/lint/latin/latino/elation)
Other answers were possible.
New Puzzle:
Each of the following words contains a shorter word with the same meaning.
Example: "rapscallion" contains the word "rascal": RApSCALlion
See if you can find the words hidden below:
1. prosecute
2. scoundrel
3. falsities
4. stockings
5. pantaloons
6. brackets
*Note, the first person with the correct answer gets the bonus point.
o … honor (o/or/nor/horn/honor)
i … detail (i/id/lid/idle/ideal/detail)
i … elation (i/it/lit/lint/latin/latino/elation)
Other answers were possible.
New Puzzle:
Each of the following words contains a shorter word with the same meaning.
Example: "rapscallion" contains the word "rascal": RApSCALlion
See if you can find the words hidden below:
1. prosecute
2. scoundrel
3. falsities
4. stockings
5. pantaloons
6. brackets
*Note, the first person with the correct answer gets the bonus point.
IDIOMS
There are three idioms that use the word tea:
Try not to use the same idiom as the other participants.
Watch this video, and then write a sentence that uses one (or more) of these three idioms.
Try not to use the same idiom as the other participants.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theteacher/2009/03/090303_teacher_food_tea.shtml
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