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Chapter 9

Powerpoints for Instructors

Words in news

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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)