Vocabulary exercise: contractions
Below you will find an interactive task. Couple the full forms with the correct contractions.
Imagine that you are writing the following types of letters:
- an application
- a letter to a colleague
- a letter to your best friend
In which of the letters would you use contractions? Give reasons for your answer.
Synonyms and antonyms:
Below you will find eight words that many Norwegians use too frequently when writing in English.
Work together in pairs or small groups and find:
- five synonyms for each word AND
- five antonyms for each word
You are allowed to use a dictionary. However, start by trying to think of as many as you can without any help.
Place the synonyms and antonyms into a chart with two columns: informal and formal. Where do the different words belong?
Save the chart for later, so that you can use the words to vary your vocabulary when writing.
Verbs: to get, to think, to like, to make
Adjectives: big, nice, good, bad
Discuss:
The sentences below have a varying degree of formality.
As you read the sentences, rate them on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 is completely informal and 5 is extremely formal.
Share your ratings in a group and discuss what makes the sentences more or less formal. Would you use these sentences when talking to your teacher? Your parents? A close friend? A coach? A store clerk? Your employer?
Compare:
Below you will find two e-mails: one formal, and one informal. Compare the two texts and comment on the differences you find. What makes the second e-mail more formal than the first? Consider vocabulary and grammar.
Hi Paul!
Sorry for the late reply. It’s been super busy this week – we had a deadline on Monday, and it stressed us all out.
Anyway, good news: your application for the grant has gone through. I’m attaching the agreement. Can you drop by tomorrow so that we can sign the paperwork? I’m off at 5 pm, so could you come before then? And BTW, don’t forget to bring with you all relevant company documents.
Rgds
Karen
Dear Mr Davies
I apologise for the late reply. Due to a deadline in the beginning of the week, the workload has been larger than normal.
I am delighted to inform you that your application for a grant has been approved. Please find attached the agreement.
Would you please visit our office tomorrow so that we can sign the appropriate paperwork? I am leaving the office at 5 pm, so I would have been most grateful if you had been able to be there before then.
Please remember to bring all relevant company documents.
Kind regards
Karen Johnsen
Write:
The job application below is a bit too informal. Rewrite the application in a more formal style.
Hi!
I saw the ad for the job as bartender in The Daily News yesterday and I’m really keen on the job.
I’ve worked as a bartender for ages before I moved here. My former employer will tell you what a great worker I am. I’m really great with the customers and I have a wicked sense of humour. And I also know how to mix a super drink.
I speak English and French, and I understand Danish, Swedish and German. Not bad, eh?
Pleeeze take a look at my application and my CV - you will find it together with this mail.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Love
Janet Anderson