Summary: Principles
Every day a lot of things happen all over the world. But time is short and there isn't enough space to cover all the details in newspapers or TV magazines. Like reporters, like everybody else, you must try to save time and keep reports as short as possible. To cut a long story short:
"to sum up"
Summing-up is a technique that follows strict rules:
1. The original text is cut to about one third.
2. Only the main ideas are mentioned; that means that no examples or repetitions are allowed.
3. Specific statements are combined to form general statements.
4. Direct or reported speech are changed into statements, with the exception of very important quotations.
When you have to sum up written texts follow these hints:
1. Read the text quickly in order to find the main ideas (skimming)
2. If necessary look at special passages of the text in order to make clear that you've got all the main ideas (scanning).
3. Take a pencil and underline the most important words (marking).
4. Write down key-words, i.e. words that sum up the meaning of the text, but which needn't necessarily occur in the text (making notes).
5. Sum up the key-words in simple sentences (summing up in simple form)
6. Combine the simple sentences by using conjunctions like "as, though, because, since" etc or participle constructions or infinitives (summing up in complex form).
7. Compare the original text with your text to find out that you've got the essential information (check).
Preparation
First of all, you should have read the text / watched the film (of course). Make notes of the most important facts.
Introduction - Give a brief overview.
Content - Tell the main points of the plot / content in your own words.
Important Tenses
The most important tense for a summary is the simple present. Actions happening one after the other are in simple present. Note, however, that you have to use different tenses for everything happening at the same time or before.
Word List on Summaries (fiction)
Introduction
(Title) is a novel by (author).
(Title) was written by (author).
The story is about (topic).
The novel tells the story of (hero/topic).
(Title) tells of (hero), who ...
In (title) by (author), the reader is taken
into (place/time of story).
(Title) is the story of (hero/action/...)
(Title) is set in the period of (event).
Content
As the story begins, ...
During ...
While ...
As/When ...
Since/As ...
Just then ...
After ...
Before ...
Before long ...
Soon ...
Soon afterwards ...
As soon as ...
One day/evening ...
The following day ...
Some time later ...
Hours/Months/Years later, ....
By morning/the next day/the time ...
Meanwhile ...
However, ...
Again/Once again ...
At this point ...
To his surprise ...
This incident is/was followed by ...
To make matters even worse ...
Eventually, .../Finally, ...
Word List on Summaries (non-fiction)
Introduction
In (title), author (author) discusses (topic).
In (title), (author) explains the principles of (topic).
(Title) offers a detailed and practical introduction to (topic).
(Title) is a detailed account of (topic).
(Title) is an essential guide to (topic).
(Title) is a classic handbook on (topic).
Content
(Author) provides the reader with (details).
(Title/Author) shows how to (details).
(Author) begins by explaining how ...
Then (author) ...
Chapter (number) focuses on (details).
The (number) chapters/sections of the book encourage (aim) through a series of steps: (steps/details)
Word List on Summaries (film)
Introduction
(Title) is a film by (director).
(Title) is based on a novel by (author).
The story is about (topic).
(Title) tells the story of (hero/topic).
(Title) is the story of (hero/action/...).
(Title) is set in the period of (event).
(Title) tells of (hero), who ...
Content
As the story begins, ...
During ...
While ...
As/When ...
Since/As ...
Just then ...
After ...
Before ...
Before long ...
Soon ...
Soon afterwards ...
As soon as ...
One day/evening ...
The following day ...
Some time later ...
Hours/Months/Years later, ....
By morning/the next day/the time ...
Meanwhile ...
However, ...
Again/Once again ...
At this point ...
To his surprise ...
This incident is/was followed by ...
To make matters even worse ...
Eventually, .../Finally, ...
понедельник, 25 января 2010 г.
Useful Essay Words and Phrases
Certain words are used to link ideas and to signpost the reader the direction your line of reasoning is about to take, such as adding more emphasis, or introducing an alternative point of view.
Below is a selection of words used to link ideas, depending on the direction of your argument.
Adding more to a point already made
moreover; furthermore; again; further; what is more; in addition
besides; above all; as well (as)
either; neither…nor; not only…but also; similarly; correspondingly; in the same way; indeed
in fact; really; in reality, it is found that…
as for; as to; with respect to; regarding
Writing in lists
first(ly); second(ly); third(ly)
another; yet another; in addition; finally
to begin with; in the second place
moreover; additionally; also
next; then; and to conclude; lastly; finally
Putting the same idea in a different way
in other words; rather; or; better; in that case
to put it (more) simply
in view of this; with this in mind
to look at this another way
Introducing examples
that is to say; in other words
for example; for instance; namely; an example of this is
and; as follows; as in the following examples; such as; including
especially; particularly; in particular; notably; chiefly; mainly; mostly
Introducing an alternative viewpoint
by contrast; another way of viewing this is; alternatively; again; rather; one alternative is; another possibility is
on the one hand…on the other hand
conversely; in comparison; on the contrary; in fact; though; although
Returning to emphasise your earlier viewpoint
however; nonetheless; in the final analysis; despite x; notwithstanding x; in spite of x
while x may be true, nonetheless
although; though; after all; at the same time; on the other hand; all the same; even if x is true; although x may have a good point
Showing the results of something
therefore; accordingly; as a result
so, (then,) it can be seen that
the result is; the consequence is
resulting from this; consequently; now
we can see, then, that; it is evident that
because of this; thus; hence; for this reason; owing to x; this suggests that; it follows that
in other words; otherwise; in that case; that implies
Summing up or concluding
therefore; so, my conclusion is
in short; in conclusion; to conclude; in all; on the whole
to summarise; to sum up briefly; in brief; altogether; overall; thus; thus we can see that
Useful phrases to introduce quotations
• as X points out,…
• According to X,…
• To quote from X, ‘…’
• X states/suggests that…
• X tells/shows us that…
• In an article entitled ‘Name of Text’, X makes the point that…
• Referring to …, X argues that
• As X stated/wrote/argued/discussed/expressed the concern, …
• In Name of Text, X primarily suggests …
• Whilst acknowledging … X makes the significant claim that …
• Writing in 1926, X argued that …
Useful phrases to follow quotations
• However, Y suggests that
• Yet this does not go far enough
• This seems untenable because
• This theory best fits the known facts, since…
Below is a selection of words used to link ideas, depending on the direction of your argument.
Adding more to a point already made
moreover; furthermore; again; further; what is more; in addition
besides; above all; as well (as)
either; neither…nor; not only…but also; similarly; correspondingly; in the same way; indeed
in fact; really; in reality, it is found that…
as for; as to; with respect to; regarding
Writing in lists
first(ly); second(ly); third(ly)
another; yet another; in addition; finally
to begin with; in the second place
moreover; additionally; also
next; then; and to conclude; lastly; finally
Putting the same idea in a different way
in other words; rather; or; better; in that case
to put it (more) simply
in view of this; with this in mind
to look at this another way
Introducing examples
that is to say; in other words
for example; for instance; namely; an example of this is
and; as follows; as in the following examples; such as; including
especially; particularly; in particular; notably; chiefly; mainly; mostly
Introducing an alternative viewpoint
by contrast; another way of viewing this is; alternatively; again; rather; one alternative is; another possibility is
on the one hand…on the other hand
conversely; in comparison; on the contrary; in fact; though; although
Returning to emphasise your earlier viewpoint
however; nonetheless; in the final analysis; despite x; notwithstanding x; in spite of x
while x may be true, nonetheless
although; though; after all; at the same time; on the other hand; all the same; even if x is true; although x may have a good point
Showing the results of something
therefore; accordingly; as a result
so, (then,) it can be seen that
the result is; the consequence is
resulting from this; consequently; now
we can see, then, that; it is evident that
because of this; thus; hence; for this reason; owing to x; this suggests that; it follows that
in other words; otherwise; in that case; that implies
Summing up or concluding
therefore; so, my conclusion is
in short; in conclusion; to conclude; in all; on the whole
to summarise; to sum up briefly; in brief; altogether; overall; thus; thus we can see that
Useful phrases to introduce quotations
• as X points out,…
• According to X,…
• To quote from X, ‘…’
• X states/suggests that…
• X tells/shows us that…
• In an article entitled ‘Name of Text’, X makes the point that…
• Referring to …, X argues that
• As X stated/wrote/argued/discussed/expressed the concern, …
• In Name of Text, X primarily suggests …
• Whilst acknowledging … X makes the significant claim that …
• Writing in 1926, X argued that …
Useful phrases to follow quotations
• However, Y suggests that
• Yet this does not go far enough
• This seems untenable because
• This theory best fits the known facts, since…
Using Measure Words
Food
A bowl of rice
A dish of spaghetti
A pound of meat/cheese
A piece of cake/pie
A can of soup
A box of cereal
A bag of flour
A carton of ice cream
A jar of peanut butter
A loaf of bread
A slice of bread/pizza
A package of pasta
A dash of salt
A cube of ice
A pack of gum
A head of lettuce/cabbage
An ear of corn
A kernel of corn
A grain of wheat/salt
A stalk of celery
A spear of asparagus
A clove of garlic
Liquid
A teaspoon of medicine
A tablespoon of vinegar
A glass of water
A cup of coffee
A pint of blood
A quart of milk
A half gallon of juice
A gallon of punch
A tank of gas
A jug of lemonade
A bottle of wine
A keg of beer
A shot of vodka
A drop of rain
Personal items
A bar of soap
A tube of toothpaste
A container of shampoo
A stick of deodorant
A bottle of perfume/cologne
A roll of toilet paper
A ball of cotton
Sewing items
A spool of thread
A skein of yarn
A yard/meter of ribbon
A (square) foot/meter of fabric/cloth
Stationery
A piece of paper
A pad of paper
A roll of tape
A stick/piece of chalk
A bottle/tube of glue
A jar of paste
A pair of scissors
Notes:
1. Measure words can also be counted:
one slice of toast, two slices of toast, etc.
2. Some items can be either count or non-count, depending on composition or arrangement. For example,
A bar of chocolate (non-count [perceived as one solid item])
A box of chocoloates (count [perceived as several individual items])
A bowl of rice
A dish of spaghetti
A pound of meat/cheese
A piece of cake/pie
A can of soup
A box of cereal
A bag of flour
A carton of ice cream
A jar of peanut butter
A loaf of bread
A slice of bread/pizza
A package of pasta
A dash of salt
A cube of ice
A pack of gum
A head of lettuce/cabbage
An ear of corn
A kernel of corn
A grain of wheat/salt
A stalk of celery
A spear of asparagus
A clove of garlic
Liquid
A teaspoon of medicine
A tablespoon of vinegar
A glass of water
A cup of coffee
A pint of blood
A quart of milk
A half gallon of juice
A gallon of punch
A tank of gas
A jug of lemonade
A bottle of wine
A keg of beer
A shot of vodka
A drop of rain
Personal items
A bar of soap
A tube of toothpaste
A container of shampoo
A stick of deodorant
A bottle of perfume/cologne
A roll of toilet paper
A ball of cotton
Sewing items
A spool of thread
A skein of yarn
A yard/meter of ribbon
A (square) foot/meter of fabric/cloth
Stationery
A piece of paper
A pad of paper
A roll of tape
A stick/piece of chalk
A bottle/tube of glue
A jar of paste
A pair of scissors
Notes:
1. Measure words can also be counted:
one slice of toast, two slices of toast, etc.
2. Some items can be either count or non-count, depending on composition or arrangement. For example,
A bar of chocolate (non-count [perceived as one solid item])
A box of chocoloates (count [perceived as several individual items])
MAKING UP A GREAT SUMMARY
введение:
The story is headlined / entitled…...
подробнее о главной мысли:
This article…..
tackles the problem /the issues of ……
highlights / raises the problem of …..
comments on/
centers its attention on/ consecrates on/ focuses upon /
is concerned with …..
deals with the problem of…
covers ….
In the center of attention is the (current) situation with…..
еще подробнее…
The story makes one ( two) key / main points:
the first one is concerned with...
the other …
ссылка на статью:
According to the story...
The story stresses / emphasizes /points out that...
The paper describes ...
отношение автора статьи (если оно есть):
The author
makes it clear that...
disapproves of
approves of
denounces / condemns
criticizes
welcomes
ссылка на цитату в статье:
The story ( reporter) author quotes Mr X as saying that...
Если статья дискуссионная и вызывает полемику:
The article presents the contradictory points of view on the problem of...
The supporters of ...claim that...
Their opponents affirm that ...
With a great degree of probability we may assume that the general public attitude is ...
заключение автора статьи:
The author concludes by pointing out / emphasizing that
The reporter's point of view on this matter is ...
заключение «от себя»:
In the light of what's been said, we can draw a conclusion that...
Turning to the final point…
As for my own opinion on the problem, I am convinced that...
To my mind ...
I believe that ...
Furthermore ...
In addition I’d like to say that ...
To sum it up, it may be said that ...
The story is headlined / entitled…...
подробнее о главной мысли:
This article…..
tackles the problem /the issues of ……
highlights / raises the problem of …..
comments on/
centers its attention on/ consecrates on/ focuses upon /
is concerned with …..
deals with the problem of…
covers ….
In the center of attention is the (current) situation with…..
еще подробнее…
The story makes one ( two) key / main points:
the first one is concerned with...
the other …
ссылка на статью:
According to the story...
The story stresses / emphasizes /points out that...
The paper describes ...
отношение автора статьи (если оно есть):
The author
makes it clear that...
disapproves of
approves of
denounces / condemns
criticizes
welcomes
ссылка на цитату в статье:
The story ( reporter) author quotes Mr X as saying that...
Если статья дискуссионная и вызывает полемику:
The article presents the contradictory points of view on the problem of...
The supporters of ...claim that...
Their opponents affirm that ...
With a great degree of probability we may assume that the general public attitude is ...
заключение автора статьи:
The author concludes by pointing out / emphasizing that
The reporter's point of view on this matter is ...
заключение «от себя»:
In the light of what's been said, we can draw a conclusion that...
Turning to the final point…
As for my own opinion on the problem, I am convinced that...
To my mind ...
I believe that ...
Furthermore ...
In addition I’d like to say that ...
To sum it up, it may be said that ...
Phrases for Conversation (part 2)
Conversation Starters
General greetings and inquiries
How's it going?
How's everything?
How's life?
(This means "How are you?" not "Where are you going?")
Asking about present activities
What's up?
What's happening?
(What are you doing now?)
Asking and telling about recent events
What's new?
Guess what?
(What interesting has happened since I last saw you?)
(I want to tell you something. Ask me about it.)
(The appropriate response to this is "What?")
A: Guess what?
A: I just got a new job.
B: What?
B: Congratulations!
Bringing up a serious topic
Can I talk to you for a minute?
Do you have a minute?
Got a minute?
Agreeing and Disagreeing
Here are some phrases for agreeing and disagreeing in English.
Agreeing
I agree.
So do I.
Me too.
Me neither.
I don't either.
(Agreeing about a negative idea.)
(Agreeing about a negative idea.)
You're right.
That's right.
Good idea.
I think that's a good idea.
Disagreeing
I disagree.
I don't think so.
(No.) That's not right.
Yes, but...
(I'm sorry, but) I don't agree.
Asking Permission
Modals are commonly used for asking permission
Can I ask you a question?
May I have a piece of cake?
Could I get you to turn off the lights
Some other common phrases are
Do you mind if I smoke?
Would you mind if I asked you something?
Is it okay if I sit here?
Would it be all right if I borrowed your lawn mower?
Giving Permission
Sure.
Go ahead.
No problem.
Asking for and Giving Advice
Asking for Advice
What do you think I should do?
What do you suggest?
What would you do (in this situation)?
Giving Advice
I think you should get a lawyer.
Maybe you should try someplace else.
Why don't you call the company?
If I were you, I would tell her.
General greetings and inquiries
How's it going?
How's everything?
How's life?
(This means "How are you?" not "Where are you going?")
Asking about present activities
What's up?
What's happening?
(What are you doing now?)
Asking and telling about recent events
What's new?
Guess what?
(What interesting has happened since I last saw you?)
(I want to tell you something. Ask me about it.)
(The appropriate response to this is "What?")
A: Guess what?
A: I just got a new job.
B: What?
B: Congratulations!
Bringing up a serious topic
Can I talk to you for a minute?
Do you have a minute?
Got a minute?
Agreeing and Disagreeing
Here are some phrases for agreeing and disagreeing in English.
Agreeing
I agree.
So do I.
Me too.
Me neither.
I don't either.
(Agreeing about a negative idea.)
(Agreeing about a negative idea.)
You're right.
That's right.
Good idea.
I think that's a good idea.
Disagreeing
I disagree.
I don't think so.
(No.) That's not right.
Yes, but...
(I'm sorry, but) I don't agree.
Asking Permission
Modals are commonly used for asking permission
Can I ask you a question?
May I have a piece of cake?
Could I get you to turn off the lights
Some other common phrases are
Do you mind if I smoke?
Would you mind if I asked you something?
Is it okay if I sit here?
Would it be all right if I borrowed your lawn mower?
Giving Permission
Sure.
Go ahead.
No problem.
Asking for and Giving Advice
Asking for Advice
What do you think I should do?
What do you suggest?
What would you do (in this situation)?
Giving Advice
I think you should get a lawyer.
Maybe you should try someplace else.
Why don't you call the company?
If I were you, I would tell her.
Useful Phrases for Conversation
Supporting Opinions
Giving your opinion
I think that . . .
I don't think that . . .
In my opinion . . .
Asking for support or details
Why do you think that?
Could you elaborate?
Could you give (me) an example?
Can you illustrate that?
What evidence do you have?
Could you explain it in more detail?
Could you provide some details?
Supporting your opinions
Let me illustrate,
For example,
For instance,
To give you an example,
Let me give you an example,
To elaborate,
First, (second), etc.
(These phrases can be followed by details, examples, elaboration, or a summary of your main points).
Exploring Options
Asking for input
What do you think (about . . . )?
How do you feel (about . . . )?
Any ideas?
What are the alternatives?
Exploring Options
Let's look at Option 1.
What (do you think) about Plan B?
How about the third alternative?
Let's consider Bob's proposal.
Moving on
Let's move on to Option 2.
What about Plan C?
Let's look at the fourth choice.
How about Mary's idea?
Should we move on to the next point?
Before we move on, we need to consider . . .
Contrasting
On the other hand,
However,
Yes, but . . .
You may be right, but . . .
I may be wrong, but . . .
Correct me if I'm wrong, but . . .
On the contrary,
(Be careful with this one!)
It appears to be a direct negation of what was just stated,
but it can actually be an emphatic reaffirmation of one's own opinion.
For example: It's not hot. On the contrary, it's cold.
("Not hot" and "cold" mean the same thing).
Classifying
Here are some phrases for classifying in English.
There are five kinds of . . .
There are two types of . . .
There are three categories of . . .
We can divide (this) into three parts:
1)
2)
3)
This can be broken down into four sections.
They are:
A)
B)
C)
D)
Discussion Techniques
To begin with,
We need to discuss . . .
determine
find out
Let's start by (V ing)
We'll start by (V ing)
The problem here is . . .
issue
question
The important thing (here) is . . .
The main thing we need to discuss is . . .
Let's look at . . .
It looks like . . .
It appears that . . .
Asking for input
What do you think?
How about you?
How do you feel about that?
Any ideas on that?
Responding
(That sounds like a) good idea.
Sounds good.
The problem with that is . . .
That raises the issue of . . .
brings up
Elaborating
Could you elaborate (on that)?
Could you tell me a little more about it?
Could you give (me) some details?
Could you fill me in on that?
Could you expound on that?
What else can you tell us (about that)?
Is there anything else you can tell us?
Is there more to it?
Elaborating
To elaborate,
To give you more information,
Let me explain.
Let me elaborate.
Let me tell you a little more (about it).
Let me give you some details.
What's more,
Clarifying
Here are some phrases for clarifying and checking for clarification.
Clarifying your own ideas
In other words,
What I mean is . . .
What I'm trying to say is . . .
What I wanted to say was . . .
To clarify,
Asking for Clarification
What do you mean (by that)?
What are you trying to say?
What was that again?
Could you clarify that?
Clarifying another's ideas
You mean . . .
What you mean is . . .
What you're saying is . . .
(I think) what she means is . . .
What he's trying to say is . . .
If I understand you, (you're saying that . . . )
If I'm hearing you correctly,
So, you think (that) . . .
So, your idea is . . .
Interrupting
Interrupting politely
Excuse me,
Pardon me,
Sorry to interrupt,
May I interrupt (for a minute)?
Can I add something here?
I don't mean to intrude, but . . .
Could I inject something here?
Do you mind if I jump in here?
Getting back to the topic
Anyway,
Now, where was I?
Where were we?
What were you saying?
You were saying . . .
To get back to . . .
Giving Instructions
Asking for Instructions
How do you (do this)?
How do I . . . ?
What is the best way to . . . ?
How do I go about it?
What do you suggest?
How do you suggest I proceed?
What is the first step?
Giving Instructions
Sequencing
First, (you) . . .
Then, (you) . . .
Next, (you) . . .
Lastly, (you) . . .
Starting out
Before you begin, (you should . . .)
The first thing you do is . . . .
I would start by . . .
The best place to begin is . . .
To begin with,
Continuing
After that,
The next step is to . . .
The next thing you do is . . .
Once you've done that, then . . .
When you finish that, then . . .
Finishing
The last step is . . .
The last thing you do is . . .
In the end,
When you've finished,
When you've completed all the steps,
Simple Presentations
Introduction
(Good morning, afternoon, evening)
I'm happy to be here.
I'm glad to have this opportunity to . . .
Today, I'd like to talk (to you) about . . .
My topic today is . . .
The focus of my remarks is . . .
I'd like to share some thoughts on (topic)
Main points
Let me start by . . .
First, let me tell you about . . .
I've divided my topic into (three) parts: (They are . . .)
Giving examples
For instance,
Let me illustrate,
To illustrate,
Conclusion
In conclusion,
To conclude,
To summarize,
To sum up,
Checking for Understanding
(Do you) know what I mean?
Do you know what I'm saying?
Do you understand?
Are you following me?
Are you with me (so far)?
Have you got it?
Any questions?
Got it?
Showing Understanding
I see.
I understand.
I get it./I got it.
Gotcha. (Informal)
Expressing Lack of Understanding
I don't get it.
(I'm sorry.) I don't understand.
What do you mean?
I'm not following you.
I don't quite follow you.
I'm not sure I get what you mean.
What was that again?
Conceding to Make a Point
That may be true, but . . .
I may be wrong, but . . .
You might be right, but . . .
You have a good point, but . . .
You could say that, but . . .
Correct me if I'm wrong, but . . .
I don't mean to be rude, but . . .
I hate to bring this up, but . . .
I don't mean to be negative, but . . .
This may sound strange, but . . .
Analyzing Problems
Focusing on the main problem/issue
What is the main problem?
What is the real issue (here)?
(I think) the major problem is . . .
Our primary concern is . . .
The crux of the matter is . . .
(As I see it), the most important thing is . . .
The main problem we need to solve is . . .
We really need to take care of . . .
It all comes down to this:
Asking for input
What should we do about it?
What needs to be done?
What do you think we should do?
What are we going to do about it?
Do you have any suggestions?
Any ideas?
Making Recommendations
I recommend that . . .
I suggest that . . .
I would like to propose that . . .
Why don't we . . .
Sequencing
First,
Second,
Third,
Last,
First of all,
Then,
Next,
Finally,
To begin with,
Then,
Later,
In the end,
Giving your opinion
I think that . . .
I don't think that . . .
In my opinion . . .
Asking for support or details
Why do you think that?
Could you elaborate?
Could you give (me) an example?
Can you illustrate that?
What evidence do you have?
Could you explain it in more detail?
Could you provide some details?
Supporting your opinions
Let me illustrate,
For example,
For instance,
To give you an example,
Let me give you an example,
To elaborate,
First, (second), etc.
(These phrases can be followed by details, examples, elaboration, or a summary of your main points).
Exploring Options
Asking for input
What do you think (about . . . )?
How do you feel (about . . . )?
Any ideas?
What are the alternatives?
Exploring Options
Let's look at Option 1.
What (do you think) about Plan B?
How about the third alternative?
Let's consider Bob's proposal.
Moving on
Let's move on to Option 2.
What about Plan C?
Let's look at the fourth choice.
How about Mary's idea?
Should we move on to the next point?
Before we move on, we need to consider . . .
Contrasting
On the other hand,
However,
Yes, but . . .
You may be right, but . . .
I may be wrong, but . . .
Correct me if I'm wrong, but . . .
On the contrary,
(Be careful with this one!)
It appears to be a direct negation of what was just stated,
but it can actually be an emphatic reaffirmation of one's own opinion.
For example: It's not hot. On the contrary, it's cold.
("Not hot" and "cold" mean the same thing).
Classifying
Here are some phrases for classifying in English.
There are five kinds of . . .
There are two types of . . .
There are three categories of . . .
We can divide (this) into three parts:
1)
2)
3)
This can be broken down into four sections.
They are:
A)
B)
C)
D)
Discussion Techniques
To begin with,
We need to discuss . . .
determine
find out
Let's start by (V ing)
We'll start by (V ing)
The problem here is . . .
issue
question
The important thing (here) is . . .
The main thing we need to discuss is . . .
Let's look at . . .
It looks like . . .
It appears that . . .
Asking for input
What do you think?
How about you?
How do you feel about that?
Any ideas on that?
Responding
(That sounds like a) good idea.
Sounds good.
The problem with that is . . .
That raises the issue of . . .
brings up
Elaborating
Could you elaborate (on that)?
Could you tell me a little more about it?
Could you give (me) some details?
Could you fill me in on that?
Could you expound on that?
What else can you tell us (about that)?
Is there anything else you can tell us?
Is there more to it?
Elaborating
To elaborate,
To give you more information,
Let me explain.
Let me elaborate.
Let me tell you a little more (about it).
Let me give you some details.
What's more,
Clarifying
Here are some phrases for clarifying and checking for clarification.
Clarifying your own ideas
In other words,
What I mean is . . .
What I'm trying to say is . . .
What I wanted to say was . . .
To clarify,
Asking for Clarification
What do you mean (by that)?
What are you trying to say?
What was that again?
Could you clarify that?
Clarifying another's ideas
You mean . . .
What you mean is . . .
What you're saying is . . .
(I think) what she means is . . .
What he's trying to say is . . .
If I understand you, (you're saying that . . . )
If I'm hearing you correctly,
So, you think (that) . . .
So, your idea is . . .
Interrupting
Interrupting politely
Excuse me,
Pardon me,
Sorry to interrupt,
May I interrupt (for a minute)?
Can I add something here?
I don't mean to intrude, but . . .
Could I inject something here?
Do you mind if I jump in here?
Getting back to the topic
Anyway,
Now, where was I?
Where were we?
What were you saying?
You were saying . . .
To get back to . . .
Giving Instructions
Asking for Instructions
How do you (do this)?
How do I . . . ?
What is the best way to . . . ?
How do I go about it?
What do you suggest?
How do you suggest I proceed?
What is the first step?
Giving Instructions
Sequencing
First, (you) . . .
Then, (you) . . .
Next, (you) . . .
Lastly, (you) . . .
Starting out
Before you begin, (you should . . .)
The first thing you do is . . . .
I would start by . . .
The best place to begin is . . .
To begin with,
Continuing
After that,
The next step is to . . .
The next thing you do is . . .
Once you've done that, then . . .
When you finish that, then . . .
Finishing
The last step is . . .
The last thing you do is . . .
In the end,
When you've finished,
When you've completed all the steps,
Simple Presentations
Introduction
(Good morning, afternoon, evening)
I'm happy to be here.
I'm glad to have this opportunity to . . .
Today, I'd like to talk (to you) about . . .
My topic today is . . .
The focus of my remarks is . . .
I'd like to share some thoughts on (topic)
Main points
Let me start by . . .
First, let me tell you about . . .
I've divided my topic into (three) parts: (They are . . .)
Giving examples
For instance,
Let me illustrate,
To illustrate,
Conclusion
In conclusion,
To conclude,
To summarize,
To sum up,
Checking for Understanding
(Do you) know what I mean?
Do you know what I'm saying?
Do you understand?
Are you following me?
Are you with me (so far)?
Have you got it?
Any questions?
Got it?
Showing Understanding
I see.
I understand.
I get it./I got it.
Gotcha. (Informal)
Expressing Lack of Understanding
I don't get it.
(I'm sorry.) I don't understand.
What do you mean?
I'm not following you.
I don't quite follow you.
I'm not sure I get what you mean.
What was that again?
Conceding to Make a Point
That may be true, but . . .
I may be wrong, but . . .
You might be right, but . . .
You have a good point, but . . .
You could say that, but . . .
Correct me if I'm wrong, but . . .
I don't mean to be rude, but . . .
I hate to bring this up, but . . .
I don't mean to be negative, but . . .
This may sound strange, but . . .
Analyzing Problems
Focusing on the main problem/issue
What is the main problem?
What is the real issue (here)?
(I think) the major problem is . . .
Our primary concern is . . .
The crux of the matter is . . .
(As I see it), the most important thing is . . .
The main problem we need to solve is . . .
We really need to take care of . . .
It all comes down to this:
Asking for input
What should we do about it?
What needs to be done?
What do you think we should do?
What are we going to do about it?
Do you have any suggestions?
Any ideas?
Making Recommendations
I recommend that . . .
I suggest that . . .
I would like to propose that . . .
Why don't we . . .
Sequencing
First,
Second,
Third,
Last,
First of all,
Then,
Next,
Finally,
To begin with,
Then,
Later,
In the end,
Hotel for Dogs (film)
My dear student,
I strongly recommend you to watch the film "Hotel for dogs" .It is a 2009 American children's comedy film based on the 1971 Lois Duncan novel of the same name. The film, directed by Thor Freudenthal and adapted by Jeff Lowell, Bob Schooley, and Mark McCorkle, stars Emma Roberts, Jake T. Austin, Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillon, Kyla Pratt, and Don Cheadle.
Plot
The movie begins in Central City. Siblings Andi and Bruce are shown defrauding a pawn shop owner to raise money to feed their dog, Friday. Soon afterwards, the pawn shop owner approaches them with a police officer, pointing Andi out as the culprit. As she tries to talk her way out of trouble, Bruce's backpack falls and its contents spill out, revealing his scamming supplies. They are arrested and taken to the local police station, where their social worker, Bernie, meets them. He scolds them and says that because they have changed foster homes so many times, they may be separated the next time they do so. Bernie then takes them home to their foster parents, aspiring rock stars Lois and Carl Scudder. The two are angry that the children have missed dinner (and delayed band practice) and Bernie takes responsibility. Andi and Bruce are sent to their room for the night, where they have hidden Friday from their guardians.
In the morning, Friday wanders out of the room into the apartment and is almost seen by Lois. The kids attempt to get him back into their room, trying to hide what they are doing, and eventually do so without Lois realizing what is going on. Once back in the room, however, Friday uses a homemade elevator, designed and built by Bruce, to leave the apartment through the window and is picked up by animal control. Andi and Bruce are desperate to find Friday and scour the area looking for him. They enter a pet store and ask the manager, Dave, and employee Heather, whether they have seen Friday. Neither of them has, but they suggest visiting the local pound to see if he is there. At the pound, Andi and Bruce discover Friday is indeed there, but must bribe one of the officers to get him released. On the way home, they encounter a burglary in progress at a store and as the police arrive they flee to a nearby abandoned hotel to avoid being fingered as the culprits. Friday again gets away from them and they search the building to find him. As they do, they hear strange noises which they discover to be two dogs that have taken up shelter. With them is Friday, and Andi and Bruce decide to leave him in the hotel for the night and return home.
The next day, the two kids steal from the refrigerator to take to the hungry dogs. At the hotel, they find that one of the dogs howling because the shades had been drawn. The kids return to the pet store to get more food, and lie to Dave, claiming that their parents are dog rescuers. Heather follows them back to the hotel and announces that she wants to help. They are later joined by another kid, Mark. Bruce builds a number of contraptions to keep the dogs fed and entertained while they are alone in the hotel. They decide to take in all the stray dogs they can find.
Andi is invited to a party. She sneaks out of the apartment and shows up. However, she is recognized by someone who tells Dave and Heather that she is actually a foster child. Upset, she runs from the party to the hotel, where the dogs are running wild. The police storm the hotel, arrest the kids and round up the dogs. Bernie and his wife, Carol, tell them that there is nothing more they can do. The dogs are scheduled to be euthanized and Andi and Bruce are sent to separate foster homes. Dave soon shows up to Andi's house with Mark, Heather, and Friday with a plan to rescue all of the dogs. They pick up Bruce, sneak into the pound, and release the dogs, which they attempt to lead across county lines. As they pass the hotel, however, the dogs run inside and a standoff ensues with the police. Bernie gives an emotional speech and tells Andi and Bruce that he and Carol are adopting them. Pressured by the media at the scene, the police are persuaded to allow the dogs to remain at the hotel, which is eventually restored as a full-fledged canine retreat.
WRITING BUSINESS LETTERS (useful phrases)
Salutation
Dear Mr Brown
Dear Ms White
Dear Sir
Dear Sirs
Dear Madam
Dear Sir or Madam
Gentlemen
Starting
We are writing to inform you that ...
to confirm ...
to request ...
to enquire about ...
I am contacting you for the following reason.
I recently read/heard about . . . and would like to know . . .
Having seen your advertisement in ... , I would like to ...
I would be interested in (obtaining/receiving) ...
I received your address from ... and would like to ...
I am writing to tell you about ...
Referring to previous contact
Thank you for your letter of March 15 ...
Thank you for contacting us.
In reply to your request ...
Thank you for your letter regarding ...
With reference to our telephone conversation yesterday ...
Further to our meeting last week ...
It was a pleasure meeting you in London last month.
I enjoyed having lunch with you last week in Tokyo.
I would just like to confirm the main points we discussed on Tuesday . . .
Making a request
We would appreciate it if you would ...
I would be grateful if you could...
Could you please send me . . .
Could you possibly tell us/let us have...
In addition, I would like to receive ...
It would be helpful if you could send us ...
I am interested in (obtaining/receiving...)
I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.
Please let me know what action you propose to take.
Offering help
We would be happy to ...
Would you like us to ...
We are quite willing to ...
Our company would be pleased to ...
Giving good news
We are pleased to announce that ...
I am delighted to inform you that ...
You will be pleased to learn that ...
Giving bad news
We regret to inform you that ...
I'm afraid it would not be possible to ...
Unfortunately we cannot/we are unable to ...
After careful consideration we have decided (not) to ...
Complaining
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with ...
I am writing to complain about ...
Please note that the goods we ordered on (date) have not yet arrived.
We regret to inform you that our order n°--- is now considerably overdue.
I would like to query the transport charges which seem unusually high.
Apologizing
We are sorry for the delay in replying ...
I regret any inconvenience caused
I would like to apologize for (the delay/the inconvenience) ...
Once again, I apologise for any inconvenience.
Orders
Thank you for your quotation of ...
We are pleased to place an order with your company for ...
We would like to cancel our order n°...
Please confirm receipt of our order.
I am pleased to acknowledge receipt of your order n°...
Your order will be processed as quickly as possible.
It will take about (three) weeks to process your order.
We can guarantee delivery before ...
Unfortunately these articles are no longer available/are out of stock.
Prices
Please send us your price list.
You will find enclosed our most recent catalogue and price list.
Please note that our prices are subject to change without notice.
We have pleasure in enclosing a detailed quotation.
We can make you a firm offer of ...
Our terms of payment are as follows :
Referring to payment
Our records show that we have not yet received payment of ...
According to our records ...
Please send payment as soon as possible.
You will receive a credit note for the sum of ...
Enclosing documents
I am enclosing ...
Please find enclosed ...
You will find enclosed ...
Closing remarks
If we can be of any further assistance, please let us know
If I can help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me
If you require more information ...
For further details ...
Thank you for taking this into consideration
Thank you for your help.
We hope you are happy with this arrangement.
We hope you can settle this matter to our satisfaction.
Referring to future business
We look forward to a successful working relationship in the future
We would be (very) pleased to do business with your company.
I would be happy to have an opportunity to work with your firm.
Referring to future contact
look forward to seeing you next week
Looking forward to hearing from you
" " to receiving your comments
I look forward to meeting you on the 15th
I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience.
Ending business letters
Sincerely, }
Yours sincerely, } (for all customers/clients)
Sincerely yours, }
Regards, (for those you already know and/or with whom you already have a working relationship.)
Dear Mr Brown
Dear Ms White
Dear Sir
Dear Sirs
Dear Madam
Dear Sir or Madam
Gentlemen
Starting
We are writing to inform you that ...
to confirm ...
to request ...
to enquire about ...
I am contacting you for the following reason.
I recently read/heard about . . . and would like to know . . .
Having seen your advertisement in ... , I would like to ...
I would be interested in (obtaining/receiving) ...
I received your address from ... and would like to ...
I am writing to tell you about ...
Referring to previous contact
Thank you for your letter of March 15 ...
Thank you for contacting us.
In reply to your request ...
Thank you for your letter regarding ...
With reference to our telephone conversation yesterday ...
Further to our meeting last week ...
It was a pleasure meeting you in London last month.
I enjoyed having lunch with you last week in Tokyo.
I would just like to confirm the main points we discussed on Tuesday . . .
Making a request
We would appreciate it if you would ...
I would be grateful if you could...
Could you please send me . . .
Could you possibly tell us/let us have...
In addition, I would like to receive ...
It would be helpful if you could send us ...
I am interested in (obtaining/receiving...)
I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.
Please let me know what action you propose to take.
Offering help
We would be happy to ...
Would you like us to ...
We are quite willing to ...
Our company would be pleased to ...
Giving good news
We are pleased to announce that ...
I am delighted to inform you that ...
You will be pleased to learn that ...
Giving bad news
We regret to inform you that ...
I'm afraid it would not be possible to ...
Unfortunately we cannot/we are unable to ...
After careful consideration we have decided (not) to ...
Complaining
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with ...
I am writing to complain about ...
Please note that the goods we ordered on (date) have not yet arrived.
We regret to inform you that our order n°--- is now considerably overdue.
I would like to query the transport charges which seem unusually high.
Apologizing
We are sorry for the delay in replying ...
I regret any inconvenience caused
I would like to apologize for (the delay/the inconvenience) ...
Once again, I apologise for any inconvenience.
Orders
Thank you for your quotation of ...
We are pleased to place an order with your company for ...
We would like to cancel our order n°...
Please confirm receipt of our order.
I am pleased to acknowledge receipt of your order n°...
Your order will be processed as quickly as possible.
It will take about (three) weeks to process your order.
We can guarantee delivery before ...
Unfortunately these articles are no longer available/are out of stock.
Prices
Please send us your price list.
You will find enclosed our most recent catalogue and price list.
Please note that our prices are subject to change without notice.
We have pleasure in enclosing a detailed quotation.
We can make you a firm offer of ...
Our terms of payment are as follows :
Referring to payment
Our records show that we have not yet received payment of ...
According to our records ...
Please send payment as soon as possible.
You will receive a credit note for the sum of ...
Enclosing documents
I am enclosing ...
Please find enclosed ...
You will find enclosed ...
Closing remarks
If we can be of any further assistance, please let us know
If I can help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me
If you require more information ...
For further details ...
Thank you for taking this into consideration
Thank you for your help.
We hope you are happy with this arrangement.
We hope you can settle this matter to our satisfaction.
Referring to future business
We look forward to a successful working relationship in the future
We would be (very) pleased to do business with your company.
I would be happy to have an opportunity to work with your firm.
Referring to future contact
look forward to seeing you next week
Looking forward to hearing from you
" " to receiving your comments
I look forward to meeting you on the 15th
I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience.
Ending business letters
Sincerely, }
Yours sincerely, } (for all customers/clients)
Sincerely yours, }
Regards, (for those you already know and/or with whom you already have a working relationship.)
пятница, 15 января 2010 г.
Дополнительные материал к уроку "Great Britain:a Country of Traditions"
В этом разделе представлена подборка видеоматериала к тексту "Great Britain:a Country of Traditions" (учебник английского языка для 7 класса О.В.Афанасьевой,И.В.Михеевой).
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