The globalization of English vs the death of many ofther languages

A fabulous talk on how English is increasingly becoming a dominant language, recognized in all areas from business to science. However, this English teacher in Dubai also bears in mind the reasons why this happens, the consequences to other languages and the relevance that is given to English by its native speakers.

Tips to write well (in English, of course)

The introduction

• Tell the reader the question you’re answering;
• Give your answer upfront;
• Briefly explain the reasonsfor your answer/ explain the reasons for your point of view (‘I have answered this way because/ This is my point of view mainly because …’);

The body

•  Focus each paragraph onone idea that supports your answer;
• Use the first sentence in each paragraph to explain the point of that paragraph;
• Use the rest of the paragraph to amplify your point, support it with evidence, qualify it, or give examples (avoid huge lists, make sure the examples are clear and logical);
•  Link your paragraphs by—opening with words like‘But’, ‘Also,’ and ‘Moreover’; or opening with words like‘This’, ‘That’, ‘These’,‘Those’; or echoing the last words of the preceding paragraph (try not to repeat the same words, unless it's an intention to emphasize some ideas).

The conclusion

•  Keep your conclusion short;
• Summarise your answer, but restate it freshly;
•  End powerfully; consider:

􀂄 suggesting the next step
􀂄 ending with a good quote
􀂄 linking to the introduction
􀂄 listing the reasons your answer is right
􀂄 leaving the reader with a powerful image
􀂄 mentioning the implications of your answer
􀂄 ending with a slightly different angle on your answer

EDITING

• replace repeated words by synonyms;
• vary the beginning of the paragraphs;
• prefer short to longer sentences;
• careful with pronouns (is it clear what they refer to?);
• be coherent in the verb tenses used;
• avoid using similar sounds one after the other.

                                                                                           (adapted from Write Better English)

Sustainability

Clear, objective speech.
Powerful metaphors.

Al Gore on climate changes

Great creativity

Very interesting talk on how creativity is a powerful tool in convincing people to become environmentally-friendly.

Weekday vegetarian

EXERCISES WITH CONNECTORS

JOIN EACH PAIR OF SENTENCES USING THE CONNECTOR IN BRACKETS.
MAKE SURE YOU MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES.

1. Dave smokes. He seems to be in good health. (although)
Although he smokes, he seems to be in good health.
2. I couldn't sleep. I was tired. (although)
Although I was tired, I couldn't sleep.
3. Max didn't notice the sign. It was right in front of him. (even though)
Even though the sign waa right in from of Max, he didn't notice it.
4. Kate never learnt Spanish. She lived in Spain for many years. (although)
Although she lived in Spain for many years, she never learnt Spanish.
5. Joe is a millionaire. He hates spending money. (despite)
Despite being a millionaire, Joe hates spending money.
6. Although he has got an English name, he is in fact German. (despite)
Despite having an English name, he is in fact German.
7. In spite of her injured foot, she managed to walk to the village. (although)
Although she injured her foot, she managed to walk to the village.
8. I decided to accept the job although the salary was low. (in spite of)
In spite of the low salary, she decided to accept the job.
9. We lost the match although we were the better team. (despite)
Despite being the better team, we lost the match.
10. Although she was tired, she went to work. (but)
She was tired but she went to work.


SOLUTIONS AT THE END OF THE WEEK.

Alain de Botton - Philosophy of success

The ARTICLE THE

Exercise 1


Exercise 2

Exercises with a/an/the

Connectors

Here you have some interesting exercises on connectors besides some very useful information

EXERCISE 1 - CONTRAST AND ADDITION

EXERCISE 2 - CAUSE; CONTRAST AND CONSEQUENCE

CONNECTORS (ELEMENTARY)

New Age Travellers