Chapter 9
Powerpoints for Instructors
Words in news
Exercises
Exercise 1-3: Lexical variation
I. Alternative words:
For each of the words in the Table here, choose an alternative from the list below it.
abundance |
|
instances |
accelerate |
|
jeopardize |
accomplish |
|
locate |
authorize |
|
magnitude |
begin |
|
merchandise |
beneficial |
|
numerous |
buy |
|
obtain |
combine |
|
option |
conceal |
|
perform |
conclusion |
|
place |
customary |
|
preserve |
demonstrate |
|
regulation |
disconnect |
|
request |
disseminate |
|
solely |
dominant |
|
select |
emphasize |
|
solar |
erroneous |
|
undertake |
frequently |
|
utilise |
furnish |
|
visualise |
generate |
|
zone |
- rule
- only
- produce
- main
- size
- wrong
- enough
- speed up
- cases
- allow
- spread
- do
- commence
- send
- purchase
- choice
- give
- many
- see
- mix
- hide
- stress
- usual
- helpful
- promise
- find
- ask
- put
- goods
- end
- often
- usual
- show
- keep
- sunny
- area
- risk
- get
- choose
- use
II. Alternative words: Adverbials and prepositions
For each of the words in the Table here, choose an alternative from the list below it.
as a consequence of |
|
owing to |
|
at the moment |
|
per annum |
|
despite the fact that |
|
prior to |
|
due to the fact that |
|
regarding |
|
for the duration of |
|
subject to |
|
for the purpose of |
|
subsequent to |
|
in case of |
|
thus |
|
in the near future |
|
to date |
|
on behalf of |
|
|
|
on numerous occasions |
|
|
|
- so
- because of
- during
- though
- now
- for
- to
- a year
- so far
- because
- soon
- if
- because
- depending on
- about
- often
- before
- after
III. Alternative words: Adjectives and ‘super’ adjectives
‘Super’ adjectives have the same meaning as basic adjectives but are more emphatic. Match each of the basic adjectives in the Table here with one of the trios of ‘super’ adjectives from the list below it.
wonderful |
appealing |
leading |
best |
new |
different |
easy |
reliable |
cool |
mouthwatering |
safe |
unique |
vivid |
powerful |
handy |
improved |
fabulous |
|
- attractive, alluring, fascinating
- excellent, unsurpassed, paramount
- trendy, fashionable, hip
- unusual, exclusive, special
- effortless, trouble-free, user-friendly
- tremendous, magnificent, remarkable
- functional, ideal, well-suited
- enhanced, superior, refined
- first-rate, top-notch, supreme
- tasty, savoury, succulent
- innovative, fresh, inventive
- forceful, persuasive, compelling
- dependable, steadfast, trustworthy
- secure, fully guarded, guaranteed
- distinctive, rare, matchless
- vibrant, brilliant, stunning
- magnificent, amazing, astonishing
Exercise 4: The language of tabloids
Here is a list of headlines from a number of tabloids. Observe the language used, and underline any slang and/or colloquial expressions. Rewrite the headline using less coloquial language.
Big Bro Paula: I’m nuts about Boris
(Daily Star, January 11, 2013)
Sicko shaved my shih-tzu
(the Sun, January 11, 2013)
Britain’s first hand swap op
(Daily Mail, January 4, 2013)
Nicked, Nicked
(the Sun, January 3, 2013)
Crims ain't what they used to be
(http://www.dailymail.co.uk, September 13, 2011)
I’m no Bully
Councillor denies wrongdoing as probe launched (Daily Post, October 27, 2010)
Family ‘shattered’ by death of bubbly Becca
(Western Mail, October 26, 2010)
Top schools go soft on drugs
(the Mail on Sunday, January 23, 2005)
Obama kicks off second term
(http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca, January 21, 2013)
Hall of shame for juiced athletes
(http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca, January 21, 2013)
Photos: Rihanna’s ‘cheeky’ new tweets
(http://www.nypost.com, January 21, 2013)