María de Marcos González – r090112English for Professional and Academic CommunicationExercises from “Aula Virtual”Week 1 Exercise 1.1………………………………………………………………………………………………1

Exercise 1.1………………………………………………………………………………………………1Week 2 Exercise 2.1………………………………………………………………………………………………5

Exercise 2.2………………………………………………………………………………………………6Exercise 2.3………………………………………………………………………………………………7Exercise 2.4………………………………………………………………………………………………9

Week 3 Exercise 3.1………………………………………………………………………………………………10

Exercise 3.2………………………………………………………………………………………………10Exercise 3.3………………………………………………………………………………………………10

Week 4 Exercise 4.1………………………………………………………………………………………………11

Exercises sent by email1. Add punctuation and capitalization to the following

paragraph………………………………….122. Commas after

Introductions………………………………………………………………………………………..123. Commas vs. Semicolons - Compound

Sentences……………………………………………………..….144. Dangling modifiers………………………………………………………………………………………………..……165. Decide which is the best topic

sentence…………………………………………………………………..…176. Subject-Verb Agreement………………………………………………………………………………………….…287. Comma Exercise 1……………………………………………………………………………………………………….218. Exercises on paragraphs………………………………………………………………………………………………229. Exercise on writing numbers…………………………………………………………………………………..

…..2310. Exercises on the Passive

Voice…………………………………………………………………………………….2411. Recognizing academic

writing……………………………………………………………………………………..2912. Faulty comparison……………………………………………………………………………………………………….31

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13. Impersonal Passive………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..33

14. Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers………………………………………………………………………….…..34

15. More misplaced modifiers…………………………………………………………………………………….…….38

16. Omission of the relatives. Exercises………………………………………………………………….…………40

17. Underline the sentences that are irrelevant in the paragraphs………………………………..….42

18. Exercises on parallelism…………………………………………………………………………………………..…..43

19. Read the sentences to decide whether the verbs should be singular or plural…….……..47

20. Rewrite the following paragraphs in better style……………………………………………….………..48

21. Scrambled sentences……………………………………………………………………………………….………….48

22. Singular or plural subject? ……………………………………………………………………………..……………49

23. Subject and Verb Agreement Exercise…………………………………………………………..…………….51

24. Subject-verb agreement exercises…………………………………...……………………………………..….52

25. Exercises on agreement between subject and verb…………………………………………………….53

26. Supporting sentences………………………………………………………………………………………………….55

27. Word Formation…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5628. Writing topic sentences…………………………………………………………………………………………….

…7129. Writing Numbers 2……………………………………………………………………………………………………….72

EXERCISES OF ‘AULA VIRTUAL’WEEK 1Exercise 1.1 - Individually read the following texts and decide whether they were written for a high tech, low-tech or lay audience. Use the table provided to reach a reasoned

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answer. Then, compare your answers with those of your peersto spot any significant difference.

(Only is copied the answer of the exercise)

Exercise 1.2 – Types of text. Find at least 6 texts(3+3) belonging to different academic and professional genres andexplain the characteristics of each, that is, their readers, content, style, organization, grammar and vocabulary

Example 1

Is a technical text for high-tech audience because is an academic text that explains the concept of ‘line integral’, a particular case of integration. Technical vocabulary is used, and also defined acronyms. The text has a structured organization with an introduction.

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Line integral

The concept of an integral can be extended to more general domains of integration, such as curved lines and surfaces. Such integrals are known as line integrals and surface integrals respectively. These have important applications in physics, as when dealing with vector fields. A line integral (sometimes called a path integral) is an integral where the function to be integrated is evaluated along a curve. Various different line integrals are in use. In the case of a closed curve it is also called a contour integral.

The function to be integrated may be a scalar field or a vector field. The value of the line integral is the sum of values of the field at all points on the curve, weighted by some scalar function on the curve (commonly arc length or, for a vector field, the scalar product of the vector field with a differential vector in the curve). This weighting distinguishes the line integral from simpler integrals defined on intervals. Many simple formulas in physics have natural continuous analogs in terms of line integrals; for example, the fact that work is equal to force, F, multiplied by displacement, s, may be expressed (in terms of vector quantities) as:

For an object moving along a path C in a vector field F such as an electric field or gravitational field, the total work done bythe field on the object is obtained by summing up the differential work done in moving from s to s + ds. This gives the line integral

EXAMPLE 2

Is a general text about the Roman Empire to lay audience. It is defined every word that can be understood. Acronyms are used without definition, but people can understand them (BC, before Crist).

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Roman Empire

The Roman Empire (Latin: Imperium Romanum) was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings around the Mediterranean in Europe, Africa,and Asia.[6] The 500-year-old Roman Republic, which preceded it,had been destabilized through a series of civil wars. Several events marked the transition from Republic to Empire, including Julius Caesar's appointment as perpetual dictator (44 BC); the Battle of Actium (2 September 31 BC); and the granting of the honorific Augustus to Octavian by the Roman Senate (16 January 27 BC).

The first two centuries of the Empire were a period of unprecedented stability and prosperity known as the Pax Romana ("Roman Peace").[7] It reached its greatest expanse during the reign of Trajan (98–117 AD). In the 3rd century, the Empire underwent a crisis that threatened its existence, but was reunified and stabilized under the emperors Aurelian and Diocletian. Christians rose to power in the 4th century, during which time a system of dual rule was developed in the Latin Westand Greek East. After the collapse of central government in the West in the 5th century, the eastern half of the Roman Empire continued as what would later be known as the Byzantine Empire.

Because of the Empire's vast extent and long endurance, the institutions and culture of Rome had a profound and lasting influence on the development of language, religion, architecture, philosophy, law, and forms of government in the territory it governed, particularly Europe, and by means of European expansionism throughout the modern world.

EXAMPLE 3

Is a general text that describes a mobile phone. The vocabulary used is technical. Acronyms are not defined. It is not destined to technical audience.

Mobile phone

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A mobile phone (also known as a cellular phone, cell phone, and a hand phone) is a phone that can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link while moving around a wide geographic area. It does so by connecting to a cellular network provided bya mobile phone operator, allowing access to the public telephonenetwork. By contrast, a cordless telephone is used only within the short range of a single, private base station.

In addition to telephony, modern mobile phones also support a wide variety of other services such as text messaging, MMS, email, Internet access, short-range wireless communications (infrared, Bluetooth), business applications, gaming and photography. Mobile phones that offer these and more general computing capabilities are referred to as smartphones.

The first hand-held cell phone was demonstrated by John F. Mitchell[1][2] and Dr Martin Cooper of Motorola in 1973, using ahandset weighing around 2.2 pounds (1 kg).[3] In 1983, the DynaTAC 8000x was the first to be commercially available.

EXAMPLE 4

This example is a technical text destined to a high-tech audience. It is about a complex subjet. The vocabulary is technical and requires knowledge about physic.

Gravitation and general relativity

In general relativity, the effects of gravitation are ascribed to spacetime curvature instead of a force. The starting point for general relativity is the equivalence principle, which equates free fall with inertial motion, and describes free-falling inertial objects as being accelerated relative to non-inertial observers on the ground.[7][8] In Newtonian physics, however, no such acceleration can occur unless at least one of the objects is being operated on by a force.

Einstein proposed that spacetime is curved by matter, and that free-falling objects are moving along locally straight paths in curved spacetime. These straight paths are called geodesics. Like Newton's first law of motion, Einstein's theory states that

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if a force is applied on an object, it would deviate from a geodesic. For instance, we are no longer following geodesics while standing because the mechanical resistance of the Earth exerts an upward force on us, and we are non-inertial on the ground as a result. This explains why moving along the geodesicsin spacetime is considered inertial.

Einstein discovered the field equations of general relativity, which relate the presence of matter and the curvature of spacetime and are named after him. The Einstein field equations are a set of 10 simultaneous, non-linear, differential equations. The solutions of the field equations are the components of the metric tensor of spacetime. A metric tensor describes a geometry of spacetime. The geodesic paths for a spacetime are calculated from the metric tensor.

EXAMPLE 5

This text is academic and destined to a lay audience. It describes the life of Charles II of Spain. The vocabulary is formal but not technical. Also, it includes chronological references.

Charles III of Spain

Charles III (Spanish: Carlos; Italian: Carlo; 20 January 1716 – 14 December 1788) was the King of Spain and the Spanish Indies from 1759 to 1788. He was the fifth son of Philip V of Spain, but eldest by his second wife, Elisabeth Farnese. In 1731, the 15-year-old Charles became the Duke of Parma and Piacenza, as Charles I, on the death of his childless granduncle Antonio Farnese.

In 1734, as Duke of Parma, he conquered the kingdoms of Naples and of Sicily, and was crowned king on 3 July 1735, reigning as Charles VII of Naples and Charles V of Sicily. In 1738 he married Princess Maria Amalia of Saxony, an educated, cultured woman who gave birth to 13 children, eight of whom reached adulthood. Charles and Maria Amalia resided in Naples for 19 years; she died in 1760.

Upon succeeding to the Spanish throne on 10 August 1759, Charles, a proponent of enlightened absolutism, on 6 October

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1759 abdicated the Neapolitan and Sicilian thrones in favour of Ferdinand, his third surviving son, who became Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies.

As king of Spain Charles III tried to rescue his empire from decay through far-reaching reforms such as weakening the Church and its monasteries, promoting science and university research, facilitating trade and commerce, modernizing agriculture and avoiding wars. He never achieved satisfactory control over finances, and was obliged to borrow to meet expenses. His reforms proved short-lived and Spain relapsed after his death, but his legacy lives on to this day.[1]

EXAMPLE 6

This is an academic text destined to a technical audience. It uses technical vocabulary and also visual and mathematic format.In addition, acronyms are defined.

Coefficient of frictionThe coefficient of friction (COF), often symbolized by the Greekletter µ, is a dimensionless scalar value which describes the ratio of the force of friction between two bodies and the force pressing them together. The coefficient of friction depends on the materials used; for example, ice on steel has a low coefficient of friction, while rubber on pavement has a high coefficient of friction. Coefficients of friction range from near zero to greater than one.

For surfaces at rest relative to each other  , where   is the coefficient of static friction. This is usually larger than its kinetic counterpart.

For surfaces in relative motion   , where   is the coefficient of kinetic friction. The Coulomb friction is equal to   , and the frictional force on each surface is exerted in the direction opposite to itsmotion relative to the other surface.

Arthur Morin introduced the term and demonstrated the utility of the coefficient of friction.[6] The coefficient of

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friction is an empirical measurement – it has to be measured experimentally, and cannot be found through calculations.[citation needed] Rougher surfaces tend to have higher effective values. Both static and kinetic coefficients of friction depend on the pair of surfaces in contact; for a given pair of surfaces, the coefficient of static friction is usually larger than that of kinetic friction; in some sets the two coefficients are equal, such as teflon-on-teflon.

WEEK 2

Exercise 2.1 - Writing paragraphs I. Position of topic sentences. Identify the topic sentences in the following paragraphs.

Paragraph 1

The maintenance of order in prestate societies is rooted ina commonality of material interests. The greater the amountof common interests, the less need there is for law-and-order specialists. Among band-level cultures law and order stem directly from the relations between people and the natural habitat from which subsistence is derived. All adults usually have open access to this habitat: the rivers, lakes, beaches, oceans; all the plants and animals;the soil and the subsoil. In so far as these are basic to the extraction of life-sustaining energy and materials theyare communal "property."

Paragraph 2

Though the United States has spent billions of dollars on foreign aid programs, it has captured neither the affectionnor esteem of the rest of the world. In many countries today Americans are cordially disliked; in others merely tolerated. The reasons for this sad state of affairs are many and varied, and some of them are beyond the control ofanything this country might do to try to correct them. But harsh as it may seem to the ordinary citizen, filled as he is with good intentions and natural generosity, much of the

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foreigners' animosity has been generated by the way Americans behave.

Paragraph 3

Anthropology is the study of humankind, especially of Homo sapiens, the biological species to which we human beings belong. It is the study of how our species evolved from more primitive organisms; it is also the study of how our species developed a mode of communication known as languageand a mode of social life known as culture. It is the studyof how culture evolved and diversified. And finally, it is the study of how culture, people, and nature interact wherever human beings are found.

Exercise 2.2 – Writing paragraphs II. Identifying topic sentences. Look at the following text about Leonardo da Vinci. The first sentence of each paragraph has been removed. The sentences are listed in the box below the text. Match them with the correct paragraphs

(Only the answer is copied)

The Genius of Leonardo.

1. Leonardo da Vinci was born in 1452 in Vinci, a small village in Tuscany. He was the illegitimate son of a Florentine lawyer and property owner. His artistic bent obviously appeared at an early age for when he was 15 he was apprenticed to the painter Verocchio. In 1472 he was accepted in the painters’ guild in Florence, where he remained until 1481.

2. By then Leonardo’s expertise with paint brush and palette, pen and pencil was already well advanced. And among his early drawings were many sketches of mechanical apparatus and weapons,evidence of his interest in, and knowledge of things mechanical.

3. Between 1482 and 1499 he was employed in the service of the Duke of Milan, to whom he was painter, sculptor, musician and technical adviser on military and engineering matters. His artistic achievements in Milan reached their peak with the mural‘The Last Supper’ completed in 1497.

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4. But his creative energies now were turning more and more to scientific and literary pursuits. In the 1490s he began monumental treatises on painting, architecture, human anatomy and mechanics. He set down his observations on these themes in voluminous notes and sketches, which he would later assemble in his notebooks. There remain of his notebooks a prodigious 7000 pages, all in characteristic ‘mirror-writing’.

5. Leonardo returned to Florence in 1499, where he painted that most famous painting ‘The Mona Lisa’ (1503). He then went back to Milan and entered the service of the French King Louis XII. Later he was to work in Rome with Raphael and Michelangelo on designs for the new church of St Peter. In 1516 he settled in France, at Cloux, near Amboise, where he died three years later.

6. In whatever subject he studied, Leonardo laid absolute faith in the evidence of his eyes. He was no mere theorist advancing fanciful ideas. He was a practical man, who designed things thatwould work, because he could see how they would work.

7. And it is in his ‘things’, his machines, that we are interested in this book. There is no evidence that Leonardo actually built the machines and mechanical devices he sketched and described. And in many cases their practical importance remained unrealised and unrealisable for centuries. There was neither the demand for them nor the technology.

Exercise 2.3 – Rhetorical Functions.

Identify the functions of the following paragraphs. Underline the vocabulary usually found in these types of text.

Sample 1. Comparing and contrasting.

Vocabulary: were compared, the cheapest of the three, the same size as , whereas X is the largest, are similar, faster.

Three personal computers, the Evesham Axis 1.33 SK, the Armani R850 P4 and the Mesh Elite 1.7 GT Pro, were comparedwith respect to the following factors: price, processor speed and size of hard disk. The Evesham Axis, which costs £1,174, is by far the cheapest of the three, the Armani and

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the Mesh Elite costing £2,467 and £1,938 respectively. The Evesham Axis has the same hard disk size as the Armani, 40 MB, whereas the Mesh Elite is the largest at 57 GB. Regarding the processor speed, the Armani and the Mesh Elite are similar - the processor speed, at 1.7 GHz, being 0.37 GHz faster than the Evesham Axis.

Sample 2. Function .

Types of food and their function. Function/what are they for

Before going further into the question of energy supply anddemand, and its relationship to food, the major constituents of man's diet must be listed. These are: carbohydrates, the major energy-supplying foods; proteins, body building materials; fats, energy-rich food stores; vitamins, vital components of cell chemistry; mineral salts, raw materials of all metabolism; water, an obvious and essential compound required for internal cell pressure,the basic medium of cell chemistry and major constituent ofblood and hence the transport system; and roughage, the mass of food, mainly composed of plant cellulose, that gives the solid bulk to food and thus enables the gut muscles to grip it and move it along by peristalsis.

Biology by J. M. Hard, p. 14

Sample 3. Example. Vocabulary

A key experiment shows this. A hole is made in the shell and a small cube of cells is carefully cut out from the posterior margin containing the polarizing region and grafted into the anterior margin of the limb bud of anotherembryo.

Sample 4. Comparing and contrasting

Belief in the cyclical nature of the universe found its apotheosis in the concept of the Great Year, which the Greeks may have inherited from the Babylonians. The idea had two distinct interpretations. On the one hand, it was simply the period required for the sun, moon, and planets to attain the same positions in relation to each other as

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they had at a given time. This appears to be the sense in which Plato used the idea in the Timaeus . On the other hand, for Heraclitus it signified the period of the world from its formation to its destruction and rebirth.

Sample 5. Defining

Lava is the name applied to the liquid rock material, or magma, when it reaches the surface, as well as to the solidrock formed by consolidation due to cooling. The temperature of lava as it comes to the surface may exceed 2000°F, for copper wire with a melting point of 2200°F was melted in the lava from Vesuvius, and at Kilauea a temperature of 2300°F. has been observed.

This earth of ours by Victor T Allen, p. 3

Sample 6. Giving instructions.

Sentences appear in numbered order. Use of imperative, the title explains the purpose of the instruction. Calculating the standard deviation

1. Put the scores in order down the page.

2. Work out the mean.

3. Now calculate how much each deviates from the mean.

4. Now square each of these deviations.

5. Add them all up.

6. Now divide by the number of scores.

7. Lastly find the square root.

8. This is the standard deviation.

Sample 7. Description of a battery and how it works.

A 12-volt car battery has six two-volt cells connected in series. The cells have anodes of brown lead oxide and cathodes of porous grey lead immersed in sulphuric acid. Anelectric current flows if the electrodes are connected through a conductor. When the battery supplies current, thesulphuric acid converts the anode to lead sulphate, thus

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reducing the strength of the acid. This process is reversedduring recharging. Each cell of the battery is made of several anodes and cathodes separated by porous insulators.The cells are housed in a hard rubber case and the various cells are interconnected with lead bars.

Exercise 2-4. Writing paragraphs. Divide the following textinto paragraphs. Remember that each paragraph should develop a particular theme

How to stop yourself snoring.

Snoring is caused when the airway at the back of the nose and throat becomes partially obstructed. This is usually due to the loosening of the surrounding oropharyngeal muscles, but the reasons why this should occur are varied. The most common are smoking, obesity and the consumption ofrelaxants such as alcohol and sleeping pills.

As with any common ailment, there are a host of "miracle" cures advertised - but you should first try a few simple steps to see if you can halt the snoring before adopting more drastic measures. Lifestyle changes can be the most effective. If you are overweight, a loss of weight will help to reduce the pressure on your neck. You should also stop smoking and try not to drink alcohol at least four hours before you go to bed.

Beyond this, try to change your regular sleeping position. Raise the head of your bed with a brick, or tie something uncomfortable into the back of your pyjamas to encourage you to sleep on your side. Both of these will help to alterthe angle of your throat as you sleep, and may thus make breathing easier for you.

It is also important to keep your nasal passage clear and unblocked. Allergies, colds and hay fever can temporarily cause you to snore; nasal decongestants may help, but you are not advised to use such remedies for long periods. Nasal strips, as worn by sportspeople, have been proven to reduce nasal airway resistance by up to 30 per cent, so consider these as a long-term alternative.

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If this fails, then you may wish to look at the varied snoring aids that are on the market. They range from neck collars that stop your neck tilting, through to mandibular-advancement devices (such as gumshields) which reduce upperairway resistance, and tongue-retaining devices. You can also buy essential-oil products that are added to warm water and infused or consumed before bedtime. They claim totone up your palate and unblock your nasal passage.

Finally, if your symptoms persist, visit your GP or contactthe British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association (01737 557997) for advice. If you do not, your partner might.

WEEK 3

Exercise 3.1 - Flow of information. Identify the ways of organising the information in the the following paragraphs.

The inventor of the diode valve was Fleming. He made use ofthe fact, first noticed by Edison, that an electric currentcould be made to flow across the empty space between the hot filament of an electric lamp and another metal electrode placed inside the evacuated bulb. This effect depends upon the thermionic emission of electrons from the heated metal filament.

(W. P. Jolly, (1972). Electronics, p. 61)

Hemp's environmental credentials are indisputable. It growsbetter in organic systems than in conventional ones. It smothers weeds and controls pests, clearing the land for other crops. It improves the structure of the soil, with strong roots to prevent erosion. If processed in the field,it returns nutrients to the land and purports to 'clean up'soil contaminated with heavy metals. It is one of a minority of textile-fibre crops that can be grown in

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temperate climates. So why, given its potential, is so little hemp used today?

(New Internationalist, June 1998, p. 14)

Exercise 3.2 – Connectors. Identify the connectors in the following paragraph.

Because language plays such an important role in teaching, Bellack and his colleagues chose to examine in some detail the "language game" in the classroom. They contended that "teaching is similar to most games in at least two respects. It is a form of social activity in which the players (teachers and students) fill different but complementary roles. Furthermore, teaching isgoverned by certain ground rules that guide the actions or movesmade by the participants" (p. 4). By studying the language game,then, Bellack et al. intended to identify the various types of verbal moves made by teachers and students and the rules they followed in making these moves. As a result, they could investigate the functions these verbal moves served and examine the meanings that were being communicated.

Exercise 3.3 - Connectors. Identify and classify the signalling words in the following paragraph.

To begin with, it is necessary to consider the long-term implications of the decision to increase our dependence on permanent staff in our restaurants. For example, let us say we do go ahead. In this case, our reliance on hourly-paid staff will decrease. As a result, costs will reduce, as permanent staff are cheaper than hourly-paid staff. In fact, it is not necessarily the case, especially as there is no way of knowing what the relative costs of hourly-paid staff and permanent staffwill be in ten years' time. However, as a rule hourly permanent staff are more reliable than full-time staff and this is a genuine advantage. As a consequence of these two advantages, permanent staff would seem to be a better option. In other words, they are cheaper and more reliable so they are better. Inthat case, it is not necessary to hesitate. Naturally, nothing is so simple. In short, cost is an unknown factor and the most economical choice is not known.

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WEEK 4

Exercise 4.1 – Types of audience

(Only the answer is copied)

EXERCISES SENDED BY EMAIL

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1. Add punctuation and capitalization to the following paragraph.

People are more likely to live long enough to get old in wealthycountries, than in poor countries. In rich western countries, people have nutritious food, modern medical care, good sanitation, and clean drinking water. But poor countries lack these things, as a result, the mortality rate especially infant mortality is very high citizens of Ethiopia and Yemen, which aretwo of the world’s poorest countries, have an average life expectancy of 35-39 years. Citizens of Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Iceland and Sweden, in contrast, have an average life span of more than 80 years. Japan has the highest, Yemen the lowest one exception is Saudi Arabia one of the world’s wealthiest nations having an average life expectancy of 45-49 years Saudi Arabians live about as longas Bangladeshis andCambodians. Surprisingly, the United States is not among the highest rated nations, having an average life expectancy of only77 years.

Compared to other mammals, humans have a relatively long life span. The average life span of elephants is 70 years, of dogs 18years, of cats 14 years, and of horses 20 years. The life spans of other species are as follows: eagles, parrots, and owls 60 years, parakeets 12 years, guppies 5 years, and box tortoises 100 years.

Some plants, such as trees, live much longer than animals. Redwood trees, for example, live more than 3,000 years, and bristlecone pine trees can live over 4,000 years.

The life expectancy of people who live in industrialized societies is increasing rapidly. In fact, it has doubled in the past hundred years. When comparing males and females, one finds that women generally live longer than men. The oldest person in the world, until recently, was a french woman Jeanne Calment. Ather death, Madame Calment was both blind and deaf, but had not lost her sharp wit, for which she had become quite famous; askedwhat kind of future she expected, she replied a very short one bragging about her smooth skin, she said: "I've only had one wrinkle in my life and I'm sitting on it".

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2. Commas after Introductions

A. If the following sentences are correctly punctuated marka C on the line to the left of the sentence. If there is an error, put an X on the line and circle the error. Do you know why each sentence is correct or incorrect?

1. As the boat turned about a dozen dolphins began to follow it.

X – Incorrect, missing comma after introductory clause

As the boat turned about, a dozen dolphins began to follow it.

2. Since we moved into town, our fuel bill has tripled.

C – Correct, the comma is used after introductory clause

3. Having chosen nursing as a career Susan enrolled in manyscience courses.

X – Incorrect, missing comma after introductory participal phrase

Having chosen nursing as a career, Susan enrolled in many science courses.

4. Usually, I have time to eat breakfast.

C – Correct, the comma is used after introductory adverb

5. From outside the twelve-mile fishing limits off the coast of Maine, a strange phenomenon has been reported.

C – Correct, the comma is used after combination of prepositional phrases

6. When he was in high school he was known only as an athlete.

X – Incorrect, missing comma after introductory clause

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When he was in high school, he was known only as an athlete.

7. Before you decide what courses to take, you should consider the amount of work you are willing to do.

C – Correct, the comma is used after introductory clause

8. Nevertheless I do not want to meet him.

X – Incorrect, missing comma after introductory word

Nevertheless, I do not want to meet him.

B. Add commas where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. To give Jane a good look at the university, Mr. Benson drove up for the Day on Campus.

Adding comma after introductory clause.

2. Since the dog had started to run, a way we had to scramble to catch him.

Adding comma after introductory clause.

3. Of course the movie that I had rushed to see didn't start on time.

Adding comma after introductory word, ‘of course’.

4. Her second hand car was in excellent condition, when shebought it.

Incorrect. No coma after ‘condition’.

5. As I mentioned, the rules can be broken occasionally.

Adding comma after introductory word, ‘as I mentioned’

6. Having decided to eat only natural foods, he had to giveup all of his favorite junk food snacks.

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Adding comma after introductory clause.

7. To estimate the costs, he consulted a repairman by phone.

Adding comma after introductory clause.

8. To succeed in politics, is not necessarily desirable.

Incorrect. No coma after ‘politics’.

9. Making up his mind quickly Jared ordered lasagna while we were still reading the menu.

10. Even though he tried to use the bottle opener it wouldn't work.

C. Write your own sentences with introductory elements, andpunctuate them correctly.

1. After the first part of the exam, you should have answered the first question.

2. To save money, you must find a job.

3. If you go to the beach, you will meet a lot of people

4. Often, my sister would have to help me, especially when I didn't feel well.

5. Hearing your sister, I realize she is very intelligent

3. Commas vs. Semicolons - Compound Sentences

Each of the following sentences needs either a comma or a semicolon. Put in the necessary punctuation.

1. Many companies make sugar-free soft drinks, which are flavored by synthetic chemicals the drinks usually contain only one or two calories per serving.

2. Mr. Leyland played the viola professionally for many years, and he now conducts a community orchestra.

3. The crab grass was flourishing, but the rest of the lawn, unfortunately, was dying.

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4. The hill was covered with wildflowers; it was a beautiful sight.

5. As I turned around, I heard a loud thump, for the cat had upset the goldfish bowl.

6. The artist preferred to paint in oils; he did not like watercolors.

7. The house was clean, the table set, and the porch light on; everything was ready for the guests' arrival.

8. He looked carefully in the underbrush, but he failed to notice the pair of green eyes staring at him.

9. The foundations of the house had been poured, but, to his disappointment, nothing else had been done because of the carpenters' strike.

10. The computer could perform millions of operations in a split second; however, it could not think spontaneously.

11. I thought registration day would be tiring, but I didn't know I'd have to stand in so many lines.

12. The dog, growling and snarling, snapped at me; I was sofrightened that I ran.

13. The snowstorm dumped twelve inches of snow on the interstate; subsequently, the state police closed the road.

14. Professors are supposed to be absent-minded, and I've seen plenty of evidence to support that claim since I've been in college.

15. The suspect said that he had never met the victim; however, the detective knew that he was lying.

16. In the first place, it was snowing too hard to see the road; in the second place, we had no chains.

17. I have read Soul on Ice, but I have not read The Invisible Man.

18. San Francisco is my favorite city; in fact, I plan to spend two weeks there this summer.

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19. The quarterback made a brilliant pass, and the end crossed the goal line for the winning touchdown.

20. Large supermarkets fascinate me; I can find everything from frozen chow mein to soybean flour in one place.

21. Ron and Mike were both in English class this morning; they gave an interesting presentation on their research.

22. The obstacles are not insurmountable, but they are realand formidable.

23. Riding a bicycle is excellent exercise; I ride mine every day.

24. I am not interested in a trip to Asia this year; however, I would like to go to Europe.

25. Not all highly educated people enjoy traveling, but many world travelers are particularly well educated.

26. Jack worked overtime to pay off his education debts; atleast, that was his explanation for his long hours.

27. Katherine has given up smoking about five times, but she cannot seem to break the habit.

28. His work may be almost totally forgotten, but he would certainly be surprised to see how much current scholarship simply echoes his ideas.

29. Our dog seems to have a built-in alarm clock; he wakes us up at exactly the same time every morning.

30. The passengers on the plane were initially alarmed by the loss of altitude, but the pilot and the crew kept them calm.

31. I realized at once that something was wrong; I was not,however, the only person who was concerned.

32. I had to complete the assignment by Friday; otherwise, I would have failed the course.

33. Ralph decided to be a chemist, but he changed his mind after taking Chem.

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34. I finished reading The Nation, and then I went to bed.

35. We always go to the mountains in the fall; they are at their prettiest at that time of year.

36. Tim went to the candy store quite often; the clerk evenknew his name.

37. Criticism of capitalist expansionism does not surface in most discussions of the worldwide ecological crisis; indeed, proposed solutions rarely deviate from a basic message of further technological "progress."

38. The president has pledged to cut taxes repeatedly, and the public has responded enthusiastically.

39. The office was closed; consequently, I could not pay mybill.

40. The air was beautifully clear; it was a lovely day.

4. Dangling modifiers

Correct any dangling modifiers in the sentences below by changingthe dangling phrase into a clause with its own subject and predicate. 

1. After explaining that I had lost my wallet, the waiter allowed me to pay by check.- After I explained that I had lost my wallet, the waiter

allowed me to pay by check

2. Driving up the long, tree lined driveway, the mansion loomed above us.- As we drove up the long, tree lined driveway, the

mansion loomed above us.

3. Once filled with ink, you can write for hours before the pen runs dry.- Once the pen is filled with ink, you can write for

hours before the pen runs dry.

4. Having done the dishes and vacuumed the floors, my house looked decent again.

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- After I washed the dishes and vacuumed the floors, my house looked decent again.

5. Playing football for the first time, the game was too strenuous for Maxwell.- When Maxwell played football for the first time, the

game was too strenuous for him.

6. Standing on the runway, a plane will hit you.- If you stand on the runway, a plane will hit you.

7. Reading Newsweek, an article on the dangers of ice fishing caught my eye.- As I was reading Newsweek, an article on the dangers of

ice fishing caught my eye.

8. When just two years old, my mother showed me how to dance the polka.- When I was just two years old, my mother showed me how

to dance the polka.

9. While visiting the reptile house, the crocodile frightenedmy friends.- While my friends were visiting the reptile house, the

crocodile frightened them.

10. After showing my ID, the gate opened.- After I showed my ID badge to the guard, the gate

opened.

11. Writing carefully, the essay was finished in time to hand in.- If you write carefully, the essay was finished in time

to hand in.

12. My flesh felt creepy after seeing a monster movie.- Because the student wrote carefully, the essay was

finished in time to hand in.

13. To do well in college, good grades are essential.

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- For you to do well in college, good grades are essential.

14. After clearing his throat, his voice sounded much better to me.- After he clear his throat, his voice sounded much better

to me.

15. Confused by complicated wording, the contract made nosense.- Because we were confused by the complicated wording, the

contract made no sense

5. Decide which is the best topic sentence

Read the sentences below and decide which sentence is the best topic sentence.

1. A lunar eclipse is an omen of coming disaster.2. Superstitions have been around forever.3. People hold many superstitious beliefs about the moon.4. Is made of green cheese.

Answer: The best topic sentence is ‘People hold many superstitious beliefs about the moon’

Do the same as above.

1. The history of astronomy is interesting2. Ice age people recorded the appearance of new moons by

making scratches in animal bones.3. For example, Stonehenge in Britain, built 3500 years ago

to track the movement of the sun.4. Ancient people observed and recorded lunar and solar

events in different ways.

Answer: The best topic sentence is ‘Ancient people observed and recorded lunar and solar events in different ways.’

6. Subject-Verb Agreement

Part I.

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Directions: Choose the correct verb by ticking the appropriate letter.

1 Some members of the teachers’ union (want, wants) to go on strike.

want Correct

Wants

2 Jane’s raincoat, with all the rips and tears, (provide, provides) little protection.

Provide

provides Correct

3 There (is, are) a lot of trees on our block.

Is

are Correct

4 Where (is, are) my keys?

Is

are Correct

5 In the background there (was, were) a big yellow sun.

was Correct

Were

Part II.

Directions: The following sentences contain compound subject. Choose the correct verb for each sentence by clicking on the appropriate letter.

1 A small black cat and a large yellow dog (sit, sits) on the front stairs.

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sit Correct

Sits

2 The boss and her secretary (eat, eats) lunch at the same time.

eat Correct

Eats

3 For a delicious salad, fresh ingredients and a large bowl (is, are) essential.

Is

are Correct

4 Comfortable shoes and loose-fitting clothing (was, were) recommended by the instructor.

Was

were Correct

5 Not only the students but also the teacher (was, were) anxious to finish the lesson.

was Correct

Were

Part III.

Directions: The following sentences contain indefinite pronouns.Choose the correct verb for each sentence by clicking on the appropriate letter.

1 Neither of those hats (suit, suits) your face.

Suit

suits Correct

2 Somebody in the book club always (forget, forgets) to

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bring the book.

Forget

forgets Correct

3 Something in that curry (make, makes) me sneeze.

Make

makes Correct

4 One of those socks (is, are) lighter than the other.

is Correct

Are

5 Everyone (like, likes) Mary’s key lime pie.

Like

likes Correct

7. Comma Exercise 1

Add commas as needed in the sentences below. If the sentence is correct as it is, write C, otherwise write I.

The sentences which are incorrect are already modified.

1. He left the scene of the accident and tried to forget that ithad happened.Correct

2. Oil, which is lighter than water, rises to the surface.Incorrect

3. Madame de Stael was an attractive, gracious lady.Incorrect

4. Nice is a word with many meanings, and some of them are contradictory.Incorrect

5. The contractor testified that the house was completed and that the work had been done properly.Correct

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6. Some people refuse to go to the zoo because of pity for creatures that must live in small cages.Correct

7. Taxicabs that are dirty are illegal in some cities.Correct

8. The closet contained worn clothes, old shoes, and dirty hats.Incorrect

9. The uninvited guest wore a dark blue tweed suit.Correct

10. After surviving this ordeal, the trapper felt relieved.Incorrect

11. Mark Twain's early novels, I believe, stand the test of time.Incorrect

12. December 7, 1941, will never be forgotten.Incorrect

13. The field was safe enough, wasn't it?Incorrect

14. Write the editor of the Atlantic, 8 Arlington Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.Incorrect

15. He replied, "I have no idea what you mean."Incorrect

16. After a good washing and grooming, the pup looked like a new dog.Incorrect

17. Because of their opposition to institutions that force creatures to live in captivity, some people refuse to go to the zoo.Incorrect

18. Men who are bald are frequently the ones who are the most authoritative on the subject of baldness.Correct

19. Vests, which were once popular, have been out of vogue for several years.Incorrect

20. As a celestial goddess, she regulated the course of the heavenly bodies and controlled the alternating seasons.Incorrect

21. I hope that someday he will learn how to be polite.

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Correct

8. Exercises on paragraphs

8.1. - In the following paragraph

Decide where it should be divided into two paragraphs.

Underline the topic sentence of each.

Find sentence(s) that is/are irrelevant and cross it/them out.

Because the Internet makes the world a smaller place, the valueof having a common language is greatly increased. The questionis ─which language? Because the Internet grew up in the UnitedStates, the largest percentage of its content is now in English.Bill Gates, Microsoft president, believes that English willremain valuable for a long time as a common language forinternal communication. His company spends $200 million a yeartranslating software into other languages. He says, “Unless youread English passably well, you miss out some of the Internetexperience.”

Someday, software may be available to instantly translate bothwritten and spoken language so well that the need for any commonlanguage could decline. That day is decades away, however,because flawless machine translation is a very tough problem.Computer spelling checkers also exist for various languages.Software that does crude translations already exists. It isuseful if all you are trying to do is understand the generalidea of something you see on your computer screen. However, ifyou are trying to negotiate a contract or discuss a scientificsubject where details are important, machine translation istotally useless (Gates).

8.2. - In the following paragraph

What is the main idea of the paragraph? Underline the part of the topic sentence that expresses the main idea.

- Red-light running can become a deadly crime

What examples does the writer use to support the idea? Put brackets [ ] around them.

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- The support the idea, the writers uses a survey from Fairfax, Virginia

What words and phrases introduce the examples?

- The word “for example”.

Red-light running

Although some people think that red-light running is a minor traffic violation no worse than jaywalking, it can, in fact, become a deadly crime. Red-light runners cause hundreds ofaccidents, including deaths and injuries as well as millions of dollars in damages. Each year more than 900 people die, and nearly 200,000 are injured in crashes that involve red-light running. Motorists run red light all the time. For example, [ inFairfax, Virginia, a five-month-long survey at five busy intersections revealed that a motorist ran a red light every 20 minutes. ] Red-light runners are seldom caught. According to theInsurance Institute for Highway Safety, “Communities do not havethe resources to allow the police to patrol intersections as often as would be need to ticket all motorists who run red lights.

Write a topic sentence for the following paragraphs.

a) My brother Paul has many and different hobbies - He has collected stamps and coins ever since he was a child. He is veryproud of his valuable collections. Paul also enjoys painting anddrawing. Recently, he has become interested in gardening. Out ofall his hobbies, Paul’s favourite one is reading. He usually reads at least one book every week. Paul keeps busy with all hishobbies.

b) My new work is wonderful - First and most importantly, the work is very interesting. I learn new things every day and I getto travel a great deal. In addition, my boss is very nice. She is always willing to help me when I have a problem. I have also made many new friends at my job. Last, but not least, the salaryis fantastic.

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Underline the sentences that are irrelevant in the paragraphs.

a) The Japanese automobile industry uses robots in many stages of its production process. In fact, one large Japanese auto factory uses robots in all its production stages. Some Japanese universities are developing medical robots to detect certain kinds of cancer. Another automobile factory in Japan uses them to paint cars as they come off the assembly line. South Korean factories also use robots in their automobile industry. Furthermore, most Japanese factories use robots to weld the parts of the finished car together.

b) The packaging of many products is very wasteful. Packaging information is required by governments . Some packaging is twice as big as the product. Packaging is used to protect things that are breakable. Many food items, for example, have several layers of extra packaging

9. Exercise on writing numbers

Revise the sentences below according to the above guidelines.

1. Nearly 12,000 people attended the concert.

- Nearly twelve thousands people attended the concert

2. With only 5 out of twenty planes cleared for commercial flights, Flap-Your-Wings Airlines was suffering under the newsafety restrictions.

- With only five out of twenty planes cleared for commercial flights, Flap-Your-Wings Airlines was suffering under the new safety restrictions

3. On the 6th of June, the prince gave two of 12 development grants to an agricultural research organization.

- On the sixth of June, the prince gave two of twelve development grants to an agricultural research organization

4. 1000’s of Ruttles fans streamed into the empty stadium on July 2 1966, many running to get places near the stage.

- Hundreds of Ruttles fans streamed into the empty stadium on July 2, 1966, many running to get places near the stage

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5. The ticket to the West Ham game cost fifteen pounds seventy-nine pence.

- The ticket to the West Ham game cost 15,79 pounds

6. The heirs allocated ½ of the estate for charitable organizations.

- The heirs allocated half of the estate for charitable organizations

7. Mr Johnson read two novels, 14 articles, and 5 magazines during his holiday.

- Mr Johnson read two novels, 14 articles, and five magazines during his holiday.

8. Your next appointment has been scheduled for January seventeenth

- Your next appointment has been scheduled for January 17 TH

9. Of the fledgling albatrosses, sixty-two percent will return to the original nesting site.

- Of the fledgling albatrosses, 62% will return to the original nesting site

10. Adrian finishes work at 16:00, but Steve works until eight PM.

- Adrian finishes work at 16:00, but Steve works until 20:00.

10. Exercises on the Passive Voice

Put the following sentences into the passive. Some sentences canbe done in two possible ways.

Exercise 1

1. In the 1960´s it was said that washing machines had played a significant role in women’s liberation.

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- The washing machines were said to have played a significant role in women’s liberation in the 1960’s.

2. They told her not to buy foreign computers even though these were the cheapest.

- They told her foreign computers have not to be bought even though these were the cheapest.

3. They regarded her as an expert on Neural Networks because of the many books she had written on the subject.

- They regarded that an expert on Neural Networks is her because many books had been written on the subject by her.

4. Students doing a master at the Facultad have to carry out research on areas such as AI, ontologies, data mining, etc.

- Research on areas such as AI, ontologies, data mining, etc. have been carried out by the students doing a master at the Facultad.

5. In the near future, all our pets will carry chips not only with the name of their owners but also with their medical records.

- Chips not only with the name of their owners but also with their medical records will be carried by all our pets in the neat future.

6. It is a must for first-year students to have a computer in order to write their assignments.

- To have a computer in order to write their assignments isa must for first year students.

7. The woman in charge of the catering has had an accident, so we will not be able to hold the party.

- An accident has had to the woman in charge of the catering, so the party won’t be able to be hold by us.

8. You should take care of the records because you are the oldest in the group.

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- Records should be token care by you because the oldest inthe group is you.

9. The computers he bought in Singapore cost half of what they cost in Spain.

- The computers have been bought in Singapore cost half of what they cost in Spain.

Exercise 2

1. The activities of a computer system (coordinate) are coordinated by the CPU.

2. A modem (use) is used to exchange data between companies.

3. Nowadays all text documents (send) are sended by e-mail in a matter of minutes.

4. If a document (address) is addressed to someone who does not use the service regularly, it can take days for the message to be read (read )

5. Data (process) is processed by the central processor.

6. Huge amounts of information can (read) be read over a modem link.

7. Before using any of the above services, the right modem and software must  (buy) be bought.

8. Portable computers (know) are also known as “notebooks”.

9. In the future, most factories (control) would be controlled by robots.

10. Data cannot (exchange) be exchanged between two computers which are not compatible.

Exercise 3

Rewrite the text, putting the sentences in passive.

In a recent experiment, researchers told the subjects that they were carrying out an experiment about the speed of learning. Then, they gave the subjects some learning tasks and later tested them. The researchers then split the subjects into two

35

groups. They told the first group that, for the experiment to bemeaningful, they would have to repeat the learning task, but that this time the researchers would give them electric shocks during the learning tasks. They told the second group that, out of mere curiosity, they wanted to repeat the experiment, but that this time the researchers were going to give them electric shocks during the learning tasks. Finally, the researchers measured the degree of learning of both groups. The second groupachieved far better results. Some researchers argue that in human beings, there is no relation between language and other behaviour.

Exercise 4

1. They say that he knows very influential people.- Influential people are known by him.

2. They saw him typing the letter yesterday. - The letter was typed yesterday by him.

3. People think that the Prime Minister is thinking of imposing new taxes to raise extra revenue.

- New taxes to raise extra revenue are be thinking to be imposed by the Prime Minister.

4. They had to demolish the building because of its asbestos roofing protection.

- The building had to be demolish by them because of its asbestos roofing protection.

5. Fire destroyed much of London in the seventeenth century.- Much of London was destroyed by the fire in the

seventeenth century.6. The kindness of his friend saved him from bankruptcy.

- Bankruptcy was saved because the kindness of his friend.7. They opened that bank only one year ago and now they are

going to demolish it.- The bank was opened one year ago and now it’s going to

be demolish by them.8. Spain beat Poland in yesterday’s football international

match.- Poland was beat by Spain in yesterday’s football

international match.9. The man kept the boy in custody for almost ten days.

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- The boy was kept in custody by the man for almost ten days.

10. They think that the new I Phone has many flaws.- The new I Phone has many flaws.

Exercise 5

1. They claim that this program corrects your style.- They claim that your style is corrected by this program

2. People suppose that research groups have been putting a lot of pressure on the government.

- People supposed that a lot of pressure on the governmenthave been putting by the research groups.

3. Everybody knows that the company has been overspending.- The company has been overspending is known by everybody.

4. They think that there is no solution to this problem.- No solution to this problem is thought by them.

5. They have granted the company permission to build new premises.

- Permission to build new premises have been granted to the company by them.

6. Did they teach you Algebra at school?- Is Algebra taught by them at school?

7. The mouse allows the user to move the cursor across the screen.

- The user is allowed to move the cursor across the screenby the mouse.

8. I think that they have misunderstood me.- I think a misunderstood had be.

9. The Rector is going to open the new building.- The new building is going to be opened by the Rector.

10. They accused him of stealing four computers from the Laboratory.

- He is accused of stealing four computers from the Laboratory by them.

Exercise 6

1. People use database technology to store and process data thatis important and necessary.

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- Database technology is used to store and process data that is important and necessary by the people.

2. The emergence of digital technology in the mid-20th century has affected humankind´s inventory of recorded information dramatically.

- Humankind´s inventory of recorded information dramatically have been affected by the emergence of digitaltechnology in the mid-20th century.

3. Advances in computer storage, telecommunications, software for computer sharing, etc., have fuelled the development of an on-line database service industry.

- The development of an on-line database service industry have been fuelled by the advances in computer storage, telecommunications, software for computer sharing, etc…

4. Figure X shows the organization of a simple bus-oriented computer.

- The organization of a simple bus-oriented computer is showed by Figure X.

5. Most young computer nerds consider Dr Mudge, who remains a somewhat mysterious figure, the king of hackers.

- Dr Mudge, who remains a somewhat mysterious figure, is considered the king of hackers by the most young computers nerds.

6. ANSI first standardized COBOL in 1968.

- COBOL was first standardized in 1968 by ANSI.

7. Computer graphics is playing an ever increasing role in fields such as diagnostic medicine and surgery planning.

- An ever increasing role in fields such as diagnostic medicine and surgery planning are been playing by the computers graphics.

8. In computer-aided design (CAD) users employ interactive graphics to design components and systems of mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, and electronic devices.

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- Interactive graphics to design components and systems of mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, and electronic devices are employed by the computer-aided design users.

9. In scientific and engineering visualization, engineers nowadays employ computer-produced animated movies.

- Computer-produced animated movies are employed by the engineers nowadays in the scientific and engineering visualization.

10. People often think of animation as synonymous with motion; however, animation covers all changes that have a visual effect.

- Animation is often thought as synonymous with motion; however, animation covers all changes that have a visual effect by the people.

11. Recognizing academic writing.

Identify at least three features of the sentence below that you think are academic

Linguistics were and remain convinced by Noam Chomsky of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who discovered that however disparate human languages seem all share a common, basic structure, seemingly hardwired into the brain.

Features:

o Use of passive voiceo Complex sentenceo Serious subject

Read the following sentences and say if they are formal (F) or informal (I) after each sentence. Please, elaborate your answers.

1. I couldn’t finish the interview on time – Informal:o Use uf ‘I’o Use of contractions ‘couldn’t’.

2. The initial tests were completed and the results analyzedby June 2003 – Formal:

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o Use of passive voice.3. I’d like to start by drawing your attention to previous

research in this area – Informal:o Use of ‘I’, ‘your’.o Use of contractions ‘I’d’.

4. In the 1990s, some researchers started to point out theproblems with this theory – Informal:

o Have to include references about the researches.5. He agreed with me that this procedure didn’t make much

sense - Informalo Use of ‘me’, ‘much sense’.o Use of contractions ‘didn’t’.

6. We’ll repeat the test sometime next year – Informal:o Use of contractions ‘We’ll’.

7. While it is still too early to draw firm conclusions fromthe data, preliminary analysis suggests that the followingtrends are present – Formal:

o Complex sentenceo Formal vocabulary

8. In addition, the research attempts to answer to furtherrelated questions – Formal:

o Use of connector ‘In addition’o Impersonal style

Distinguishing between levels of formality.

Put the following texts in order by giving 1 to the most academic and 4 to the least academic. Before answering, think about: Who is the text intended for? Why would readers read it? What resources did the write use?

What makes a good paragraph? It’s difficult to say. Anyway, I’lltry to give you an answer. A good paragraph starts with a mainidea of some kind. The rest of the paragraph goes on to developthe main idea by explaining it, or by supporting it withevidence.

4

- Use of contractions ‘I’ll’, ‘It’s’.- Use of ‘I’.

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The reciprocal relationship between reading and writing hasbecome a focal point of L1 and L2 literacy research. Empiricalfindings have led researchers to recognize that reading andcomposing (i.e. writing) both involve the construction ofmeaning, development and application of complex cognitive andlinguistic skills, activation of existing knowledge and pastexperience, and the ability to solve problems.

2

- CIentific subject- Formal vocabulary - Passive voice- Use of abreviatures ‘i.e. writing’ is informal.

The difference between a paper and an online presentation isthat in print your document forms a whole and the reader isfocused on the entire set of information, whereas on the Webyou need to split each document into multiple hyperlinked pagessince users are not willing to read long pages.

3

- Use of ‘you’, ‘your’ is informal.- Formal word ‘whereas’.

The University of Aizu was established in April 1993 with thegoal of educating and graduating students who would becomeJapan’s leading professionals in computer science andengineering (Kuni, 1994). With this in mind, the University’scurriculum has been planned to include courses that will provideits graduate with the ability to effectively communicate inEnglish, the international computer science language. Thecapability to document scholarly and research activities in aform that can be readily disseminated to the internationalcomputer science community is considered to be essential for allscientists and engineers. Effective writing is a necessary skillfor technical professionals, and it has been claimed thatscientists and engineers spend 25% of their professional time onwriting a variety of technically oriented documents (15%informal, and 10% formal) (Huckin, 1991). To prepare our

41

students for these endeavours, a two-term English TechnicalWriting course has been included in the required curriculum ofall University f Aizu students.

1

- Subject about education- Use of statistics ‘25% of their…” and references

‘(Huckin, 1991)’, ‘ (Kuni, 1994)’- Passive voice- Complex sentences.

12. Faulty comparison

The sentences below are wrong. Modify the sentences so as to make them grammatically correct.

1. The temperature tomorrow will be a few degrees hotter than today.

2. “Which is the best of the two choices?”

3. You gave me as much trouble, if not more, than your sister did.

4. He is more active but not as studious as his brother.

5. She said it as much for our benefit as him.

6. The cost of this electricity will be higher than from our existing hydroelectric dams.

7. Biking to work on errands or for fun, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as any other vehicles.

8. Many commuters prefer driving more than public transportation.

9. He rose early than usual.

10. Danone ice cream contains 50% less fat.

The following sentences make faulty comparisons. Make the appropriate changes to put them right.

42

Opinions of politicians are no more relevant than private citizens.

Jim works as slow, or slower than, Peter.

John always gave his sister more attention than his brother.

Mary’s essay was more organized than Peter, but Peter’s essay included more details.

University fees are higher than last year.

She is the most perfect woman I’ve ever seen.

There seems to be more accidents now.

Between Rocky and Terminator I would say Terminator is best.

Clothes at El Corte ingles are more expensive than Zara.

Of his two latest novels, “Fair and Pride” is the best.

Do the same as above

I think it is more harder to understand Freud’s theory than Watson

- I think it is harder to understand Freud’s theory than Watson

Thoreau’s writing is not as easy to read.

Winter is the most coldest season of the year.

- Winter is the coldest season of the year

During the Civil War, the North won more battles, which eventually led to the South’s surrender.

Sophia’s resume was more organized than Nick, but Nick’s resume included more information.

To some people, faulty comparison is more harder than faulty predication to overcome.

Sylvia found the most unique dress for her daughter’s baptism.

Slavery in the United States was much worse than Europe

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Marketing has a higher employee turnover rate than the rest of the company’s population.

John prefers smaller portions at lunch time.

The many talents of Leonardo Da Vinci prove that he was more of a renaissance man.

Henry VIII thought that annulling his marriage to Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn was the most perfect move on his part.

There seems to be more accidental overdoses now.

Leslie thinks that Joseph is not as qualified for the job.

Jan helped Tom with his project more than Brandy on Saturday night.

Gas costs are higher than last year.

The people in the South are more friendlier than they are in theNorth.

The summer temperatures in Los Angeles are much higher than San Francisco.

My British accent is not as noticeable as Carlos.

The Celtics beat the Lakers worse than the Heat.

Our team is as good, or better than, the Wildcats.

Of the two weightlifters, he is the strongest.

Tyson hit Holyfield harder than Spinks.

Colin Powell’s popularity was greater than anybody else in the Bush cabinet.

New York’s taxes are higher than California.

13. Impersonal Passive

Now put the following sentences into the passive voice followingthe above examples

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1. A journalist reports that they are leaving Las Vegas tomorrow night.

• It is reported that they are leaving Las Vegas tomorrow night

• They are reported to leave Las Vegas tomorrow night

2. The lecturer thought that Columbus never realized that he haddiscovered America.

• It was thought that Columbus never realized that he had discovered America.

• Columbus is thought to never realize that he had discovered America

3. Their parents thought that the teenagers were dancing at the disco.

• It was thought that the teenagers were dancing at the disco

• The teenagers were thought to …

4. Everybody thinks that she sings beautifully

• It is thought that she sings beautifully.

• She is thought to sing beautifully.

5. The children reported that their friends were swimming when they disappeared.

• It was reported that their friends were swimming when they disappeared.

• Their friends are reported to were swimming when they disappeared.

6. People believed that the robbers had killed the animals during the night.

• It was believed that the robbers had killed the animals during the night.

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• The robbers are believed to have killed the animals during the night.

7. My friends think that my parents are the best parents in the world.

• It is thought that my parents are the best parents in theworld.

• My parents are thought to be the best parents in the world.

8. They believed that the horse was a present.

• It was believed that the horse was a present.

• The horse was believed to be the present

9. People are thinking that drugs are very dangerous.

• It is been thought that drugs are very dangerous.

• The drugs are thinking to be very dangerous

10. They knew that Mr. Brown was stealing iron from the factory.

• It was known that Mr. Brown was stealing iron from the factory.

• Mr Brown was known to be stealing iron from the factory.

11. Ancient people thought that the stars were small gods

• It was thought that the stars were small gods .

• The stars were thought to be small gods by the ancient people.

14. Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

Practice Exercise

Rewrite each of these sentences so that the modifier is correctly placed.

While riding my bike to the library, the dog began to bark.

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- While I was riding my bike to the library, the dog began to bark.

She observed the monstrous skyscraper with binoculars.

- With binoculars, she observed the monstrous skyscraper.

Donna served hot dogs, fries, and potato salad to her guests on paper plates.

- Donna served hot dogs, fries, and potato salad on paper plates to her guests.

Did you see a guy cross the bridge with a beard?

- Did you see a guy with a beard cross the bridge?

The red sports car was reported stolen by the police officer.

- The stolen red sports car was reported by the police officer

While fixing my bicycle chain, the ice cream man drove by.

- The ice cream man drove by while I was fixing my bicycle chain.

Buddy sat in the chair with a broken leg.

- Buddy, who had a broken leg, sat in the chair.

Sam played the "Star-Spangled Banner" to the audience on his saxophone.

- Sam played the "Star-Spangled Banner" on his saxophone to the audience.

Covered with dirt, I saw the farmer plowing his field on my bike.

- While on my bike, I saw the farmer who was covered with dirt plowing his field.

While lacing my shoelaces, the cat yawned and settled into the chair.

- While I was lacing my shoelaces, the cat yawned and settled into the chair.

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At the age of one, my mother sang soul songs to me.

- When I was six, my mother sang hymns to me.

We were told at midnight that the concert would begin

- We were told the concert would begin at midnight.

The car on the bridge which is green is mine.

- The green car which is on the bridge is mine.

Expecting confusion, our plans were made

- When we were expecting confusion, our plans were made.

Feeling hot, sweaters were taken off.

- When I was feeling hot, sweaters were taken off.

I showed my dog to the veterinarian with fleas.

- I showed my dog with fleas to the veterinarian.

Larry told me he was getting married that afternoon at night

- Larry told that afternoon he was getting married at night.

This typewriter is used by the secretary with a wide carriage.

- This typewriter is used with a wide carriage by the secretary.

Swimming into the sea, the current grew stronger

- When I was swimming into the sea, the current grew stronger.

Walking along the bridge, a ship suddenly appeared.

- When I was walking along the bridge, a ship suddenly appeared.

Say whether the following sentences are R or W, and then correctthose you think are wrong.

Driving in heavy traffic, my head started to ache (W)

- When I was driving, my head started to ache

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Fishing for tuna, our boat tipped over (W)

- When I was fishing for tuna, our boat tipped over.

Crossing the border, my suitcases were searched. (W)

- When I was crossing the border, my suitcases were searched

Searching my wallet, my driver’s license appeared. (W)

- When I was searching my wallet, my driver’s license appeared.

A shovel was used, building the sand castle. (W).

- When I was building the sand castle, a shovel was used.

Chasing his sister, Bill fell and broke his ankle. (W)

- When Bill was chasing his sister, he fells and broke his ankle.

Laughing hysterically, the joke was repeated. (W)

- When I was laughing hysterically, the joke was repeated.

Slipping on the ice, her leg was broken. (W)

- When she was slipping on the ice, her leg was broken.

Raising his hand, the question was answered by John. (W)

- When I was raising his hand, the question was answered by John.

Speaking for the community, the issue was raised by Mrs. López (W)

- When I was speaking for the community, the issue was raised by Mrs. López.

Correct the following sentences with misplaced modifiers

I almost saw the whole movie, but I fell asleep around midnight.

- I saw almost the whole movie, but I fell asleep around midnight.

Joe promised to mow the lawn running out the door.

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- Joe, running out the door, promised to mow the lawn.

The initials were those of the lovers carved on the tree

- The initials carved on the tree were those of the lovers.

The man was stopped for speeding in the blue suit.

- Correct

There are two parking spaces only left in the loft.

- Correct

Every four hours the doctor told him to take a pill.

- The doctor told him to take a pill every four hours.

The plane crashed into a cliff carrying 30 passengers.

- The plane, carrying 30 passengers, crashed into a cliff.

I hardly ate any breakfast.

- I ate hardly any breakfast.

I almost spent my whole salary on a new watch.

- I spent almost my whole salary on a new watch.

I earn fifty euros a week scarcely.

- I earn scarcely fifty euros.

We borrowed a cooking machine from a neighbor that was broken.

- We borrowed a cooking machine that was broken from a neighbor.

I watched the mechanic fix the car with admiration.

- With admiration, I watched the mechanic fix the car.

The dog was rescued after the building had been set on fire by afireman.

- The dog rescued by a fireman after the building had been set on fire.

We have almost found all the pieces of the puzzle.

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- We have found almost all the pieces of the puzzle.

He vowed on his birthday to go on a diet.

- She vowed to go on a diet on her birthday.

He kept a black book of all the girls he had dated on his desk.

- He kept a black book of all the girls on his desk he had dated.

The BMW was stalled on the road out of oil.

- The BMW on the road was stalled out of oil.

Mary should jump at whatever is demanded quickly.

- Mary should jump is demanded quickly at whatever.

He kept all his medicine in the medicine cabinet that had been prescribed for him.

- He kept all his medicine that had been prescribed for him in the medicine cabinet

When only a little girl, my dad took me snowboarding.

- When I was only a little girl, my dad took me snowboarding.

15. More misplaced modifiers

1. We gave the old clothes to a local charity that had been piled up in the basement.

- We gave the old clothes to a local charity that had been piled up in the basement

2. My wife found a photograph in the attic that Smith had given to Jones.

- In the attic, my wife found a photograph that Smith had given to Jones.

3. We ate Mexican food after the movie that was very spicy.

- After the movie, we ate Mexican food that was very spicy.51

4. The terrified patient talked with the doctor who had a terminal disease.

- The terrified patient who had a terminal disease talked with the doctor.

5. The student pleaded with the instructor who cheated on the test.

- The student who cheated on the test pleaded with the instructor.

6. I got a watch for my graduation that has a solar clock.

- I got a watch that has a solar clock for my graduation.

7. I returned the tuna to the fish market that was spoiled.

- I returned the tuna that was spoiled to the fish market.

8. Marion received a ticket from the police officer who was speeding.

- Marion, who was speeding, received a ticket from the police officer.

9.  The grass was covered by the snow that was creating a lush carpet of green.

- The grass that was creating a lush carpet of green was covered by the snow.

10. I used a pen for the test that contained orange ink.

- For the test I used a pen that contained orange ink.

11. Randy has nearly annoyed every professor he has had.

- Randy has annoyed nearly every professor he has had.

12. We almost ate all of the Thanksgiving turkey.

- We ate almost all of the Thanksgiving turkey.

13. She served sandwiches to the children on paper plates.

- She served the children sandwiches on paper plates.

14. He nearly drove the car for six hours a day.

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- He drove the car for nearly six hours a day.

15. She saw a puppy and a kitten on the way to the store.

- On the way to the store, she saw a puppy and a kitten.

16. Only Peter Johnson gave me $5 to clean his garden.

- Pastor Johnson gave me only $5 to clean all his sidewalks.

17. She almost failed every exam she took.

- She failed almost every exam she took.

18. He bought a dog for her sister they call Milou.

- He bought a dog; they call Milou, for her sister.

19. Three offices were reported robbed by the Seville police last week.

- Last week, three offices were reported robbed by the Seville police.

20. Raymond wore his red-checkered shirt to the job interview, which was unfortunately stained with yellow mustard.

- Raymond wore his red-checkered shirt, which was unfortunately stained with yellow mustard, to the job interview

21. Professor Jones, who was late with another essay, waited forthe slacker student.

- Professor Jones waited for the slacker student who was late with another essay.

-16. Omission of the relatives. Exercises

16.1. Omit the relatives in the following sentences whenever possible.

The students who are following the seminar on AI will have to submit a paper at the end of the term.

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- The students following the seminar on AI will have to submit a paper at the end of the term.

The only computers that are reliable and without viruses are those you can use in the Calculus Centre.

- The only computers reliable and without viruses are those you can use in the Calculus Centre.

Most of the programmers who work in the NASA are from India.

- Most of the programmers working in the NASA are from India.

The DVD player that I bought at the Exhibition is not as good asI expected

- The DVD I bought at the Exhibition is not as good as I expected.

The Catia program that was stolen from the Director´s desk cost €10, 000.

- The Catia program stolen from the Director’s desk cost €10, 000.

One of the programs with which this new spaceship has been designed was developed at the UPM.

- One of the programs with new spaceship has been designed was was developed at the UPM.

This new program, which is extremely easy to use, has been developed by students of the Facultad de Informática.

- This new program, extremely easy to use, has been developed by the students of the Facultad de Informática.

The students who passed the English test last year will be givena grant to improve their language skills in Great Britain.

- No omission is possible.

Microsoft, which is the most important software company in the world, will take over SUN

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- Microsoft, the most important software company in the world, will take over SUN

This is the new DVD duplicator that I wanted to buy but could not afford.

- This is the new DVD duplicator I wanted to buy but could not afford.

16.2. Omit the relatives in the following sentences whenever possible.

The desk that is next to you serves as a stand for the computer. 

- The desk next to you serves as a stand for the computer.

The man who is seated next to Peter is the speaker.

- The man seated next to Peter is the speaker.

The Evening Show which is airing this month has a new host.

- The Evening Show is airing this month has a new host.

The man who is writing on Ian Fleming has never seen a Bond film.

- The man writing on Ian Fleming has never seen a Bond film.

The character that was created in 1953 has changed over the years.

- The character created in 1953 has changed over the years.

The show is recorded in the studios that are located in Burbank,California. 

- The show is recorded in the studios located in Burbank, California.

The screenplay of “Devil May Care” that was written by S. Falk presents a new Bond.

- The screenplay of “Devil May Care” written by S. Falk presents a new Bond.

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The screenwriters in Hollywood who work for the Paramount are now on strike.

- No omission is possible.

The screenplays that were on the safe box have been stolen.

- No omission is possible.

The actor who is responsible for the success of the Bond films is Sean Connery.

- The actor who is responsible for the success of the Bond films is Sean Connery.

16.3. Say which relatives can be omitted in the following sentences.

Most of the books that are in the library are from 2006.

- Most of the books in the library are from 2006.

The lady that is in charge of the canteen speaks several languages.

- The lady in charge of the canteen speaks several languages.

The book on computers that I bought at El Cortes Inglés has manyblank pages.

- The book on computers I bought at El Cortes Inglés has many blank pages.

Boys who speak English have more possibilities to find a good job.

- No omission is possible.

The man who came with the computer was the new technician.

- No omission is possible.

Most of the students who failed the subject were very disappointed.

- No omission is possible.

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The girl with whom I come to work is learning Chinese.

- The girl with I come to work is learning Chinese.

The official servers that are managed by SECOND ROUND are all virus-free.

- The official servers managed by SECOND ROUND are all virus-free.

The Colts, who are in the playoffs, were the worst team last year.

- No omission is possible.

The students who passed the exam were given a scholarship.

- No omission is possible.

17. Underline the sentences that are irrelevant in the paragraphs.

a) The Japanese automobile industry uses robots in many stagesof its production process. In fact, one large Japanese autofactory uses robots in all its production stages. Some Japaneseuniversities are developing medical robots to detect certainkinds of cancer. Another automobile factory in Japan uses themto paint cars as they come off the assembly line. South Koreanfactories also use robots in their automobile industry.Furthermore, most Japanese factories use robots to weld theparts of the finished car together.

b) The packaging of many products is very wasteful. Packaginginformation is required by governments. Some packaging is twiceas big as the product. Packaging is used to protect things thatare breakable. Many food items, for example, have severallayers of extra packaging. Most of these extra layers could beeliminated.

In the following paragraph

Decide where it should be divided into two paragraphs.

Underline the topic sentence of each.

Find sentence(s) that is/are irrelevant and cross it/them out. 57

Because the Internet makes the world a smaller place, the valueof having a common language is greatly increased. The questionis ─which language? Because the Internet grew up in the UnitedStates, the largest percentage of its content is now in English.Bill Gates, Microsoft president, believes that English willremain valuable for a long time as a common language forinternal communication. His company spends $200 million a yeartranslating software into other languages. He says, “Unless youread English passably well, you miss out some of the Internetexperience.” Someday, software may be available to instantlytranslate both written and spoken language so well that the needfor any common language could decline. That day is decades away,however, because flawless machine translation is a very toughproblem. Computer spelling checkers also exist for variouslanguages. Software that does crude translations already exists.It is useful if all you are trying to do is understand thegeneral idea of something you see on your computer screen.However, if you are trying to negotiate a contract or discuss ascientific subject where details are important, machinetranslation is totally useless (Gates).

Write a topic sentence for the following paragraphs.

a) Paul has many hobbies - He has collected stamps and coinsever since he was a child. He is very proud of his valuablecollections. Paul also enjoys painting and drawing. Recently, hehas become interested in gardening. Out of all his hobbies,Paul’s favourite one is reading. He usually reads at least onebook every week. Paul keeps busy with all his hobbies.

b) My first job is wonderful - First and most importantly, thework is very interesting. I learn new things every day and I getto travel a great deal. In addition, my boss is very nice. Sheis always willing to help me when I have a problem. I have alsomade many new friends at my job. Last, but not least, the salaryis fantastic.

18. Exercises on parallelism.

18.1. Read through the parallel series below and circle theelement in each that is not parallel. Example: blue red ,coloredlike rust, purple

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1. camping 6. wrapped in furs

    Boatrides     adorned with jewels

    Hiking     into the Rolls Royce

    Skiing     bathed in perfume

2. They raise corn and wheat. 7. power

    They make their own wine.     Courage

    They are digging forclams.     Honesty

    Strong

3. in the pit of his stomach 8. fly

    across his forehead     Fluttered

    his eyes     Fadded

    Through his veins     Fell

4. painting pictures 9. rib restaurants

    two boxes of watercolors     chickens hacks

    a large sketch pad     eating meat pies

    Crayons     soul food shops

5. loneliness 10. carefree in the summer

    Despair     in the fall

    Sadly     depressed in the winter

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    renewed in the spring

18.2. Write the following sentences in the correct form, substituting the wrong structures for the corresponding ones.

The students who do well attend class, they do their homework, and practice speaking English

The teacher wanted to know which country we came from and our future goals.

- The teacher wanted to know which country we came from and what our future goals were.

The language skills of the students in the evening classes are the same as the day classes.

The states regulate the noise created by motor vehicles but not commercial aircraft.

Pesticides cannot be sold if they have a harmful effect on humans, on animal life or the environment.

A new law provides the means for both regulating pesticides and to order their removal if they are dangerous.

Air pollutants may come either from the ocean as natural contaminants given off by sea life or from combusting car engines.

Many people are neither concerned about pollutants nor do they worry about their future impact

18.3. Rewrite the following sentences in parallel form.

1 The disadvantages of using a credit card are overspending and you pay high interest rates

2 Credit cards are accepted by department stores, airlines, and they can be used in some gas stations

3 You do not need to risk carrying cash or to risk to miss a sale.

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4 With credit cards, you can either pay your bill with one check, or you can stretch out your payments.

5 You can charge both at restaurants and when you stay at hotels

6 Many people carry not only credit cards but they also carry cash.

7 Many people want neither to pay off their balance monthly nor do they like paying interest.

8 Not making any payment or to send in only the minimum payment every moth is poor money management.

9 The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and to do some warm-upexercises before the game.

10 The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to show his slide presentation, and that questions would be asked by prospective buyers.

11 The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.

12 It is harder to do long divisions than dividing with a calculator

13 Merchants receive either money or trade goods with their clients

18.4. If all parts in any of the following sentences are balanced, write R. If they are not, underline the unbalanced part and then correct it.

To get to Washington a person may travel (A) by bus, (B) by airplane, or (C) ride in his own car.

- (C) is wrong. (C) = by car

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On our trips my father often showed us (A) historic public buildings, (B) where the scenery was beautiful, and (C) modern museums.

- Correct

The placing of utility lines underground, (B) not allowing trucks, and (C) the expanding of bicycle routes would make an already good neighbourhood even better.

- Correct

When the children noticed that they were lost, (A) they stopped laughing, (B) their vitality declined, and (C) their speed slowed.

- (A) is wrong. (A) = their laugh stopped.

Joe showed me (A) how to plow(plough) the ground, (B) how to plant the seeds, and (C) how to fertilize my garden.

- Correct.

Sex-role stereotyping has frequently made women appear (A) passive, (B) dependent, (C) not strong, and (D) stupid.

- (C) is wrong. (C) = leak

Although my neighbourhood contains (A) spacious tree-lined boulevards, (B) beautifully landscaped yards, and (C) various recreational facilities, a few improvements are desirable.

- Correct

Few young men have had the opportunity to study such vocations as (A) how to cook, (B) nursing, or (C) hairdressing.

- (A) is wrong. (A) = cooking

The volcanic eruption required the people (A) to evacuate the small island, (B) that they return to the mainland, (C) and to seek aid.

- (B) is wrong. (B) = to return to the mainland.

(A) Medicine, (B) law, (C) engineering, and (D) being interestedin science have been considered men's fields for many years.

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- Correct.

18.5. In the provided spaces, write R for each sentence that is parallel and W for each sentence that is not parallel.

(R) 1. The audience cheered, laughed, and cried.

(R) 2.Mrs.Pompeo was so shocked that she had to sit down.

(W) 3. She told me that she had seen a peeping Tom, and he waveda knife at her.

(W) 4.Mr. Eagleton reads mysteries, listens to classical music, and he watches television.

(W) 5.Niki'sfavorite subjects are Spanish, journalism, and she likes math.

(R) 6. The fraternities complete in baseball, basketball, and football.

(R) 7.Mrs.Wreniski not only works on weekdays, but she also works on weekends.

(R) 8. Ethel Stein brought ham, salad, and bread.

(R) 9. The wind blew; the rain fell; the dog barked.

(R) 10. Because you are my friend and because I do not want to hurt you, I will leave now.

(R) 11. The entertainer looked into the audience, and his eyes met those of a beautiful lady.

(R) 12. The telephone rang, but Teri did not answer it.

(R) 13. Rosita drove, Carlos read the map, and Joe held the baby.

(R) 14. The sofa was black, brown, and white.

(W) 15.The Rainwater family golfs, swims, and fishing.

19. Read the sentences to decide whether the verbs should be singular or plural.

1. The price of these jeans is/are reasonable.

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2. The books borrowed from the library is/are on my desk.

3. The boy who won the two medals is/are a friend of mine.

4. Bread and butter is/are our daily food.

5. The famous singer and composer has/have arrived.

6. Collecting match-boxes is / are one of his favourite pastimes.

7. The quality of the candies is / are poor.

8. Neither his father nor his mother plays / play mahjong.

9. Neither parent is / are fond of playing mahjong.

10. None of my friends was / were there.

11. Many a student has / have made the same mistake.

12. Gold, as well as platinum, recently has / have risen in price.

13. The boss, as well as his colleagues, has / have been robbed bythe robber.

14. Ten tons is/are a heavy load.

15. Fifty miles is/are a long distance.

16. Thirty years is / are a long time.

17. One of the books is / are been missing.

18. The poor is/ are suffering.

19. You should decide which one of the three choices A, B, or C best answer/ answers the question.

20. One of the most intelligent students who scores/ score full marks is/are John.

21. The only one of these most intelligent students who is / are under 18 is / are Peter.

22. One of these most intelligent students whose example is/are being followed is / are John.

20. Rewrite the following paragraphs in better style64

These days a lot of kids are starting school early. Years ago, they began at 5, but now it’s normal to start at 4 or younger. Why is this? One thing is that mums need to get back to work. Isit good for the kids? Jenkins has studied this and says that early schooling causes problems like stealing, drug-taking etc. I think he is right and we should pay mums to stay at home.

At the present time, many kids start school early. Years ago,kids began school at 5, but it is used to start school at 4 or younger. Why is this? One reason is that mothers need to get back to work. Is it good for the kids? Early schooling has been studied by Jenkins. It is said that causes problems like stealing, drug-taking... In my opinion, Jenkins is rightand people should pay mothers to stay at home

Why are so many jams on the roads these days? One thing is that public transport like trains, buses, etc. is so dear. A long time ago, cars cost a lot but now, unfortunately, they’ve got a lot cheaper. Another thing is that driving is a lot nicer than waiting for a bus. The trouble is that if everyone buys a car, the roads get packed.

Nowadays, what are the reasons of been many jams on the roads? One reason is that public transport like trains, busesis expensive. Previously, cars were expensive, but now, the price is lower. In addition, driving is better than waiting for bus. The trouble is that if everyone buys a car, the roads would get stuck.

21. Scrambled sentences

Read the following scrambled sentences and decide which one is the topic sentence:

1.

A notes/memo function lets the user make quick notes for him/herself.

Other capabilities include word processing, spreadsheet, and e-mail.

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A voice recorder that uses a built- in microphone and speaker works like a type- recorder.

Basic tools include a calendar to keep track of your appointments, an address and phone number book, to-do lists, anda calculator.

MP3playback lets the user listen to digital music files, and a picture viewer lets the user look at digital photos.

Most personal digital assistants (PDAs) have tools for basic tasks as well as for multimedia functions. – Topic sentence

A few models also include a built-in digital camera a keyboard.

2.

Another important change was that people had the freedom to liveand work wherever they wanted.

The earliest significant change was for farming families, who were no longer isolated.

The final major change brought by the automobile was the building of superhighways, suburbs, huge shopping centres, and theme parks such as Disney World in Florida.

The automobile revolutionized the way of life in the United States. – Topic sentence

The automobile enabled them to drive to towns and cities comfortably and conveniently.

In fact, people could work in a busy metropolitan city and drivehome to the quiet suburbs.

3.

In time, this melted part rises as magma.

The formation of volcanic eruption is a dramatic series of events. – Topic sentence

As the plate sinks, friction and Earth’s heat cause part of it to melt.

The magma produces heat, steam, and pressure.

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First of all, most volcanoes are formed where two plates collide.

Then one of the plates is forced under the others and sinks.

When the heat, steam, and pressure from the magma finally reach the surface of Earth, a volcanic eruption occurs.

22. Singular or plural subject?

1.  Either the physicians in this hospital or the chief administrator __is__ going to have to make a decision.

is

are

2.  __Is____ my boss or my sisters in the union going to win this grievance?

Is

Are

3.  Some of the votes _____seem_____ to have been miscounted.

seem

seems

4.  The tornadoes that tear through this county every spring __are___ more than just a nuisance.

are

is

5.  Everyone selected to serve on this jury __has___ to be willing to give up a lot of time.

have

has

6.  Kara Wolters, together with her teammates, ____presents_____ a formidable opponent on the basketball court.

presents

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present

7.  He seems to forget that there ____are______ things to be done before he can graduate.

are

is

8.  There __have_____ to be some people left in that town after yesterday's flood.

have

has

9.  Some of the grain ____appears______ to be contaminated.

appear

appears

10.  Three-quarters of the students ____are______ against the tuition hike.

is

are

11.  Three-quarters of the student body ____is______ against thetuition hike.

is

are

12.  A high percentage of the population ___is______ voting for the new school.

is

are

13.  A high percentage of the people ____were_____ voting for the new school.

was

were

23. Subject and Verb Agreement Exercise

68

Choose the correct form of the verb that agrees with the subject.

1. Annie and her brothers (is, are) at school.

2. Either my mother or my father (is, are) coming to the meeting.

3. The dog or the cats (is, are) outside.

4. Either my shoes or your coat (is, are) always on the floor.

5. George and Tamara (doesn't, don't) want to see that movie.

6. Benito (doesn't, don't) know the answer.

7. One of my sisters (is, are) going on a trip to France.

8. The man with all the birds (live, lives) on my street.

9. The movie, including all the previews, (take, takes) about two hours to watch.

10. The players, as well as the captain, (want, wants) to win.

11. Either answer (is, are) acceptable.

12. Every one of those books (is, are) fiction.

13. Nobody (know, knows) the trouble I've seen.

14. (Is, Are) the news on at five or six?

15. Mathematics (is, are) John's favorite subject, while Civics (is, are) Andrea's favorite subject.

16. Eight dollars (is, are) the price of a movie these days.

17. (Is, Are) the tweezers in this drawer?

18. Your pants (is, are) at the cleaner's.

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19. There (was, were) fifteen candies in that bag. Now there (is, are) only one left!

20. The committee (debates, debate) these questions carefully.

21. The committee (leads, lead) very different lives in private.

22. The Prime Minister, together with his wife, (greets, greet) the press cordially.

23. All of the CDs, even the scratched one, (is, are) in this case.

24. Subject-verb agreement exercises

The last questions on the test were very difficult.

Correct

Incorrect

John, as well as his younger brothers, is going to study at thatschool.

Correct

Incorrect

People from the Southis very friendly.

Correct

Incorrect – no verb

Everyone need to be loved.

Correct

Incorrect - needs

Part of the money goes to charity.

Correct

Incorrect

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Statistics hasn't been revised as a course approach far too long.

Correct

Incorrect

You and I am supposed to clean the room before Mom gets home.

Correct

Incorrect - are

Either the President or the Vice has signed the document.

Correct

Incorrect

No news are good news.

Correct

Incorrect- is

Be careful. Grandma's scissors are very sharp.

Correct

Incorrect

Neither of the statements is false.

Correct

Incorrect

The police hasn't made any arrests lately.

Correct

Incorrect- haven’t

25. Exercises on agreement between subject and verb

Complete the sentences with a singular or plural form of the verb in brackets.

1. Keeping old computers in the Calculus Centre …..is….. a waste of room. (be)

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2. An investigation of the circumstances surrounding the robbery …..suggests….. that it was well planned. (suggest)

3. What amazes me …..is….. his ability to solve difficult computer games so quickly. (be)

4. The cost of housing in the southern parts of Spain …..has….. decreased dramatically in the last year. (have)

5. Among the many valuable books in the library …..is….. a first-edition of Leonardo Da Vinci’s notebooks. (be)

6. What I particularly enjoy about the game ……… the plot, thecharacters, and the playability.

7. The village’s first new houses for 20 years …..are….. to be built near to the railway station. (be)

8. That he was the best of my talented friends………… indisputable.

9. The main reasons for his lack of progress …..appear….. to be his poor motivation and inability to concentrate. (appear)

Complete the sentences with one of the following nouns and an appropriate form of the verb in brackets. If a singular and plural verb form are possible, give both.

Audience, class, crew, jury, orchestra, press, team, the United Nations, university.

1. The …...team…... …...plays…... its first match of the season at its home ground. (play)

2. If the …...audience…... …...refuses…... to host a conference, I just don’t know where we will be able to hold it.(refuse)

3. The world-wide television …...press…... for tomorrow’s cupfinal …...is…... expected to be 200 million. (be)

4. The …...orchestra…... ...performs…... classical concerts throughout the year. (perform)

5. The Waterman’s Junior Book Prize…...crew…... …...includes…... three adults and three children. (include)

6. The …...class….... …....have….... all passed the end-of-year exam.(have)

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7. The …...university…... …...presents…... a picture of chaosin our school, but it’s just not like that at all. (present)

8. …...The United Nations…... …...has…... ordered an investigation of the capture of members of its peace-keeping force in eastern Africa.

Correct any mistakes in these sentences or say if they already correct.

1. The United States come comes top of the list of countries ranked by economic performance.

2. The people I know who have seen the film say that it’s really good. Correct

3. A report in El País details the crimes of a 15-year-old boy in Mérida. Correct

4. To the Lighthouse are is one of my sister’s favourite books.

5. The stairs leading to the first floor were steep and poorly lit. Correct

6. Chequers is are the country house of the British Prime Minister.

7. Whoever made all the mess in the lab have has to clear up.8. The phrase “men in white coats” are is used to refer to

psychiatrists.9. The public needs to be kept informed about progress in the

peace talks. Correct10. Musical chairs are is a party game where everyone

dashes for a seat when the music stops.

For each set of sentences, choose an appropriate noun or phrase form and a verb. The verb can be in active or passive form. If both singular and plural verb forms are possible, give both.

His early paintings, my students, Dr Jones’s acquaintances, the food

Remain, know, remember, taste

1. I would be surprised if any of …...my students…... …...remain…... the first lectures.

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2. It’s unlikely that any of …...his early paintings…... …...is/are known….... It seems that he destroyed most of the work he produced during the 1940s.

3. I don’t think any of the …...food…... …...taste/tastes…...particularly good. In fact, the restaurant is rather disappointing.

4. An investigation in underway to discover whether any of …...Jones’s acquaintances…... …...remembers…... where he is.

Other museums, vegetarian, victims, medicines

Charge, exceed, expect, relieve

1. Mainly because of the recent health scares involving beef and chicken, the number of …...victims…... …...is expected…... to raise dramatically in the next five years.

2. You can still go …...the The Museo del Prado…... for free,although a number of other museums in the capital …...charge…... people for entry.

3. A number of …...medicines…... …...relieve…... the symptomsof influenza, but none can cure it.

4. It is estimated that the number of …...vegetarians…... of the flooding …...exceed/ exceeds…... a hundred thousand, and further deaths are anticipated.

Player, the cars, the pieces, these factors

Influence, last, test, try

1. The whole concert includes 20 short items for young musicians. Each of …...the pieces…... …...lasts…... about 5 minutes.

2. There are four major influences on exchange rates: price levels, tariffs, preference for imported goods, and productivity. Here we investigate how each of …...these factors…... …...influences…... the exchange rate.

3. The aim of the game is quite simple. Each …...player…... …...tries…... to buy as many properties on the board as possible.

4. Each of …...the cars…... …...is tested…... for safety, fuel economy and reliability.

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26. Supporting sentences

A paragraph without support

Red-light running

Although some people think that red-light running is a minor traffic violation that is no worse than jaywalking, it can, in fact, become a deadly crime. Red-light runners cause accidents all the time. Sometimes people are seriously injured and even killed. It is specially a problem in rush hour traffic. Everyoneis in a hurry to get home, so drivers run red lights everywhere.The police do not do much about it because they are too busy. The only time they pay attention is when there is an accident, and then it is too late. In conclusion, running a red light is aserious offence.

A paragraph with support

Red-light running

Although some people think that red-light running is a minor traffic violation that is no worse than jaywalking, it can, in fact, become a deadly crime. Red-light runners cause hundreds ofaccidents, including deaths and injuries as well as millions of dollars in damages. Each year more than 900 people die, and nearly 200,000 are injured in crashes that involved red-light running. Motorists run red-lights all the time. For example, [ in Fairfax, Virginia, a five-moth long survey at five busy intersections revealed that a motorist ran a red-light every 20 minutes. ] Red-light runners are seldom caught. According to theInsurance Institute for Highway Safety, “Communities do not havethe resources to allow police to patrol intersections as often as would be needed to ticket all motorists who run red lights”.

In the following paragraph, explain:

What is the main idea of the paragraph? Underline the part of the topic sentence that expresses the main idea.

What examples does the writer use to support this idea? Put brackets [ ] around them.

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What words and phrases introduce the example? Circle them. (in bold)

Language and Perception

Although we all possess the same physical organs for sensing theworld—eyes for seeing, ears for hearing, noses for smelling, andmouths for tasting— our perception of the world depends to a great extent on the language we speak, according to a famous hypothesis proposed by linguists Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf. They hypothesized that language is like a pair of eyeglasses through which we “see” the world in a particular way.[ A classic example of the relationship between language and perception is the word snow. ] Eskimo languages have as many as 32 different words for snow. For instance, the Eskimos have different words for falling snow, snow on the ground, snow packed as hard as ice, slushy snow, wind-driven snow, and what we might call “cornmeal” snow. The ancient Aztec languages of Mexico, in contrast, used only one word to mean snow, cold, and ice. Thus, if the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis is correct and we can perceive only things that we have words for, the Aztecs perceivesnow, cold, and ice as one and the same phenomenon.

27. Word Formation

27.1. PREFIXES

Underline the prefixes of the following words

Translate the words.

Write a sentence with ten words selected from those given:

- semiconductor : semiconductor

Semiconductors are used for making integrated circuits and computers.

- megabyte : megabyte

I have an old computer with 1 Megabyte of memory.

- deflection : desviación

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The journalists were frustrated by his deflection of their questions.

- misunderstanding: malentendido

You had a misunderstanding with Jessie.

- discharge : descarga/descargar (electrico)

My phone's battery is completely discharged.

- forecast : parte meteorológico

The forecast said it is going to be a sunny week.

- interface : interfaz

A good interface helps the user to work with a software.

- supercomputer: Supercomputador

My university has a supercomputer.

- interaction : interacción

The mouse makes interaction easier for the user.

- transfer : transferir

Tomorrow, I can make you a transfer of money.

- exclude: excluir

The boss excludes Sara from the meeting.

- decode : decodificar

It's impossible to decode, is very secure.

- mislead: despistar

I had a little mislead with the ingredients of the salad.

- disappear : desaparecer

In spring, the ice disappears.

- multilayer : multicapa

I did it with a multilayer system.

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- underflow : agotamiento, bajo flujo

Underflow of rivers is because the contamination.

- antivirus : antivirus

I have no antivirus on my computer, that's why it's not reliable.

- non-programmable : no programmable

This thermostat is non-programmable.

- oversize : sobremedida

I need an oversized illustration for my bedroom.

- incomplete : incompleto

This answer is incomplete.

- illegal : ilegal

Smoking in a restaurant is illegal.

- unpunched : no golpeado

The winner is happy because he was unpunched.

- reentry : reentrada

We can reentry in the moorning.

- readdress : redireccionar

You have to readdress the issue if you want to come with us.

- preselector : preselector

The preselector is your uncle.

- unqualified : no cualificado

Hector is unqualified for the job.

- microfilm : micropelicula

Yestarday we saw a microfilm at home.

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- overflow : desbordamiento

Be careful, the river has overflowed.

- peripheral : periférico

A printer is a peripheral device.

- subroutine : subrutina

The software has three subroutines.

- selfwinding : cuerda automática

I have bought a self-winding watch.

- minicomputer: miniordenador

Your minicomputer is very fast.

- postpone : posponer

I postpone the exam; you will do it next week.

- macrocomputer : macrocomputador

My university has one of the best macrocomputer in Europe.

- unmagnetize : desmagnetizar

Can you unmagnetize a magnet?

Add a prefix to the following words. You can use one to express the opposite, but not necessarily. Translate the word you have formed:

- unsuitable: impropio - disadvantage: desventaja

- ilogical: ilogico - output: salida

- deregulation : desregulación - unformat: quitar formato

- discover: descubrir - unlikely: improbable

- unprotect : desproteger - inaccurate: impreciso

- download: descargar - decode: decodificar

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- unpack: desempaquetar - remove: eliminar

Match the following English words in column A with their Spanishtranslation in column B:

1. underground H a. asegurar

2. misuse L b. no deseado

3. enable E c. sobrecarga

4. decoder I d. malentendido

5. overload C e. capacitar

6. forecast P f. superponer

7. ensure A g. desbordamiento

8. disable R h. subterráneo

9. misleading O i. descodificador

10. unwanted B j. desajuste

11. self-erasure Q k. poco fiable

12. misunderstanding D l. maltrato

13. overflow G m. error

14. unreliable K n. desacoplamiento

15. mismatch J o. engañoso

16. overlap F p. predecir

17 mistake M q autoborrado

18. decoupling N r incapacitar, desactivar

Translate the prefixed words into Spanish. Pay attention to the hints given in each sentence:

1. Unauthorized access

Acceso no autorizado

2. Some of the programs are unavailable.

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Algunos programas no están disponibles

3. Unbearable noise

Ruido inapreciable

4. Unbelievable difficulties

Dificultades increíbles

5. An unsteady pulse

Un pulso inestable

6. An unbiased article

Un artículo imparcial

7. Unprotected software

Programas desprotegido

8. A very unlucky situation

Una situación muy desafortunada

9. His experiment took an unexpected turn

Su experimento dio un giro inesperado

10. This application has been declared unacceptable

Esta aplicación no se ha considerado aceptable

11. The problem remains unsolved

El problema sigue sin resolver

Form the nouns based on these verbs and give the translation in Spanish.

Verbs Nouns Translation of verb and noun

let out - exit - Salir

put in - insertion- Insertar, meter

put out - extinction- Extinguir

flow over

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flow under

link down

link up - connection- Conectar, conexión

break out -escape- Escapar, escape

burst out -jump- Saltar, salto

come out -apparition- Surgir, aparecer

flow out -exit- Salir rapidamente

2. SUFFIXES EXERCISES

Read the following verbs and underline all the suffixes and translate them into Spanish.

Abbreviate worsenaccumulate

Activate accelerate automate

Broaden amplifycomputerize

Digitize calculate harden

Fortify electrify minimize

Lengthen isolate modulate

Modernize loosenoperate

Moisten modify standardize

Shorten simulatesystematize

Strengthen supervise widen

Tighten weaken

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Translate into English the following expressions by using an adverb finished in        

-ly:

una vez al año : yearly

trimestralmente : quarterly

por ultimo : lastly

por desgracia : unfortunately

por lo general : generally

de forma segura : surely

con facilidad, sin problema : easily

cada vez más : increasingly

muy : really

a distancia :

Write the nouns which correspond to the following verbs:

- mix: mix - train: train

- apply: application - alter: alternative

- rely: reliance - perform: performance

- fail: failure - operate: operation

- measure: measure - provide: providence

- store: storage - decide: decision

- pack: package - compare: comparison

- electrify: electricity - develop: development

Following the examples given in the first line of the table below fill in the blanks with the correct words:

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VERBS NOUNS ADJECTIVES

communicate communicationcommunicative

operate operation operative

connect connection connectable

execute execution executable

interact interactioninteractive

describe description descriptive

conduct conduction conductive

attract attraction attractive

produce production productive

repeat repetition repetitive

Each of the above words can be used, only once, to complete one of these sentences:

The attraction towards the centre of the earth is known as the force of gravity.

A computer can do many productive operations without getting tired.

A computer can perform mathematical operations very quickly.

You can interact with the computer by inputting data and obtaining messages in response.

This chapter describes how to create and edit files.

Copper conducts electricity better than other materials.

The printer does not work because it is not connected

This program was badly executed

The execution of customized applications has increased recently.

3. COMPOUNDS EXERCISES

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1.- Match one word from column A with a word from column B so as to make compound words. Use the dictionary if you do not the words.

Password

A B

1. Key N a) frame

2. Word I b) chart

3. Net K c) sharing

4. Data J d) word

5. Work I e) station

6. Gate H f) punch

7. Time L g) copy

8. Stand M h) way

9. Flow B i) book

10. Hard G j) processor

11. Key D k) work

12. Type C l) base

13. Main A m) alone

14 Work E n) word

15. Pass N. o) writer

2.- Match the words in column A with those in column B so as to form adjectives:

A B

1. User H a. time

2. Object A b. machine

3. Computer B c. effective

4. Cost F d. language

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5. Time E e. end

6. Assembly D f. definable

7. Context H g. friendly

8. User I h. oriented

9. Real J i. assisted

10. Human K j. purpose

11. General J k. sensitive

12. Low C i. consuming

3.- Now, fill in the gaps with the adjective that suits best thenoun given:

1. Studious learning

2. Indicted processing

3. Busy task

4. Environmentalenvironment

5. Language language

6. Grammatical grammar

7. Operational operation

8. Characterablecharacters

9. Programmable programming

10. Microprocessable microprocessors

11 Interfable interface

12 Computable computer

4. CONVERSION EXERCISES

1.- Read the following sentences and circle the V if the word is a verb and the N if it is noun:

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V 1. The peak-to-peak voltage was set to five volts.

N 2. Is there an extra set of leads in the laboratory?

V 3. Set the Knob to read from the zero-to five volt scale.

N 4. In some materials there is a considerable opposition to current flow.

V 5. Electric current cannot flow easily in all substances.

N 6. A good design is all that is needed.

V 7. They design transmission systems

V 8. Heat the water till it reaches the boiling point.

N 9. Keep your disks away from the heat.

V 10. When we heat fluids they move in continuous current.

2.- Translate the underlined words:

Sound will play a big part in the multimedia PC.

- Sonido (noun)

Digitally recorded discs sound outstanding.

- Sonido (verb).

Utilities supply electricity to consumers.

- Suministrar (verb).

They have a good supply of printers.

- Suministro (noun).

His job demands great skill.

- Demanda (verb).

Currently, there are no demands for the old models.

- Demanda (noun).

Currently, telephones are much quicker and easier to use than a few years ago.

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- Usar (verb)

The use of computers has reduced the time of designing circuits.

- Uso (noun)

At the beginning of the twentieth century, there were four basicmeans of transmitting and receiving information over long distances.

- Significados (noun).

The acronym AC means alternating current.

- Significa (verb).

The most important changes in power supply design have occurred in converters and inverters which have a DC input.

- Cambios (noun).

A transformer is a device which changes the current from AC to DC and viceversa.

- Cambis (verb).

This new type of computer speeds data transmission up to limits never thought before.

- Acelera (verb).

Electromagnetic energy travels at speeds up to that of light, depending on the medium through which it is travelling.

- Velocidad (noun).

Maps help track your vehicle’s position.

- Rastrear (verb).

For focusing the laser and keeping it on track, Philips engineers employed a pivoting swing-arm structure.

- Rastreo (noun).

The BBC broadcasts the news to many different countries.

- Transmite, difunde (verb).

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The Telstar made possible live broadcasts between North America and Europe.

- Transmisiones, difusiones (noun)

3.- Translate the following words that may be either verbsor nouns.

Aumentar Calentar

Controlar Diseñar

Enviar por correo Frenar

Guiar Intentar

Responder Sonar

Suministrar Tomar muestras

5. NOMINAL GROUPS EXERCISES

1.- A device that scans bar codes is called a bar code scanner. What name is given to:

a unit that gives a visual display of information on a screen?

a device that reads magnetic cards?

a device that plots graphs?

a device that prints using a laser as the light source?

a unit that holds magnetic disks?

a device that prints using a jet of ink?

the rate of transmission of data?

a package for making presentations using multimedia?

a program which processes data in batches?

the process for the conversion of disks for computers?

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2.- Using the explanations in Exercise 1 as models, write short simple explanations of the following items:

an input device

an optical character reader

a graphics stylus

a document sorter

a fibre optics transmission system

a sequence control register

a liquid crystal display

network configuration information

a desktop document manager

a multimedia editing software package

6. INITIALISMS, SHORTENINGS AND ACRONYMS EXERCISES

1.- Match the abbreviations in column A with their corresponding meaning in column B and try to translate theminto Spanish.

MB - j a. International algebraic language

ISDN - i b. Extended binary coded decimal interchange code

IAL - a c. Database management system

HDD - k d. A programming language

DTP - l e. Computer-based training

EBCDIC - b f. Artificial intelligence

DBMS - c g. Central processing unit

APL - d h. Postal, Telegraph and Telephone Administration

CBT - e i. Integrated Services Digital Network

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PTT - h j. Megabyte

AI - f k. Hard disk drive

CPU - g l. Desktop publishing

2.- Do the same with the following acronyms.

ANSI - f a. Beginner’s all–purpose symbolic instruction code

ASCII - k b. Common business-oriented language

ALGOL - l c. Random access memory

BASIC - a d. Formula translation

BIX - h e. Wide area network

CAL - i f. American National Standards Institute

COBOL - b g. Disk operating system

DEC - j h. Byte Information Exchange

DOS - g i. Computer Assisted Learning

FORTRAN - d j. Digital Equipment Corporation

RAM - c k. American standard code for information interchange

WAN - e l. Algorithmic language

3.- Write down the abbreviations or acronyms for the following nominal groups and try to translate them into Spanish:

Optical character recognition – OCR, Reconocimiento óptico de caracteres.

Small scale integration- SSI, Integración a pequeña escala

Basic input/output system – BIOS, Sistema básico de Entrada/Salida

Enhanced graphics adapter – EGA, Adaptador de gráficos mejorado

Virtual address extension – VAE, Extensión de la dirección virtual.

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Computer aided software engineering – CASE, Ingeniería de Software Asistida por Ordenador.

Millions of instructions per second – MIPS, millones de instrucciones por Segundo.

Tracks per inch – TPI, pistas por pulgada.

Cathode-ray tube – CRT, Tubo de catódicos.

Advanced Technology - AT, Tecnología avanzada.

Information Technology - IT, Tecnología de la Información.

4.- Explain what the following abbreviations or acronyms stand for:

ALGOL - ALGOrithmic Language.

ANSI - American National Standards Institute.

BIX - Byte Information eXchange.

CAL - Center for Applied Linguistics.

DEC - Digital Equipment Corporation.

DBMS - DataBase Management System.

DIP - Dual Inline Package.

DPT - Dynamic Packet Transport.

EBCDIC - Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code.

FDD - Frequency Division Duplex.

ISDN - Integrated Services Digital Network.

LCD - Liquid Crystal Display.

MT - Metric Tons, Multi Threaded…

SQL - Structured Query Language.

5. A device that scans bar codes is called a bar code scanner. What name is given to:

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A computer system connected by telecommunications links for data transmission?

o Point-to-point system The average speed required for transferring data (from a

disk system to the main memory)? o Megabyte.

A printer that generates an image by spraying tiny droplets of ink at the paper?

o Inkjet Printers A programming technique that allows the creation of

“objects” which can be reused? o Algorithmic language

The technology that allows computers to recognize characters into a system with a scanner?

o Optical character recognition A network that extends outside a building or small area?

o Integrated Services Digital Network. A task or job that takes very long time to do?

o A system that manages databases?

o Database Management System) The planning required for creating a system of

information? o Information Technology

The knowledge and skills needed to manage a team of software developers?

o Small scale integration

28. Writing topic sentences

Write the topic sentences for the following paragraphs.

1. English speakers relaxing at home, for example, may put on kimonos, which is a Japanese word. English speakers who live in a warm climate may take an afternoon siesta on an outdoor patio without realizing that these are Spanish words. In theirgardens, they may enjoy the fragrance of jasmine flowers, a word that came into English from Persian. They may even relaxon a chaise while snacking on yogurt, words of French and Turkish origin, respectively. At night, they may shampoo

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their hair and put on pyjamas (pajamas), words from the Hindi language of India.

Topic sentence: People is used to adopt words in their vocabulary that come from other countries.

2. In European universities, students are not required to attendclasses. In fact, professors in Germany generally do not knowthe names of the students enrolled in their courses. In the United States, however, students are required to attend all classes and may be penalized if they do not. Furthermore, in the European system, students usually take one comprehensive examination at the end of their entire four or five year of study. In the North American system, on the one hand, students usually have numerous quizzes, tests, and homework assignments, and they almost have to take a final examinationin each course at the end of each semester.

Topic sentence: The education system could be different between one country and another.

3. For example, the Eskimos, living in a treeless region of snowand ice, sometimes build temporary homes out of thick blocks of ice. People who live in deserts, on the other hand, use the most available material, mud or claw, which provide good insulation from the heat. In North Europe, Russia and other areas as of the world where forest are plentiful, people usually construct their homes out of wood. In the islands of South Pacific, where there is abundant supply of bamboo and palm, people use these tough, fibrous plants to build their homes.

Topic sentence: Temporary houses, and their components, are different depending of the region.

4. For example, the words stingy and frugal both mean “careful with money”. However, calling someone stingy is an insult, but calling someone frugal is a compliment. Similarly, a person wants to be slender but not skinny, aggressive but notpushy. Therefore, one should be careful in choosing words

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because many so-called synonyms are not really synonymous at all.

Topic sentence: Words that are synonyms could have different meaning.

29. Writing Numbers 2

Writing Numbers 2

Write the correct answer for each sentence, using either words to spell out the numbers (thirty-one) or numerals where appropriate (31). Write a C if the sentence is correct

1. _C_ 351 people attended the performance.

2. _W_ There were one hundred and thirty-five pieces in the puzzle.

- There were 135 pieces in the puzzle.

3. _W_ Class started at eight-thirty A.M. in Room Twenty.

- Class started at 8:30 A.M. in Room Twenty

4. _W_ In the sixties there were sit-ins at 100's of colleges

- In the 60’s there were sit-ins at hundreds of colleges

5. _C_ Every afternoon at two o'clock the chimes rang.

6. _W_ The stock deal, which involved $4.5 billion, paid a twelve and a half percent dividend.

- The stock deal, which involved $4.5 billion, paid a 12,5 percent dividend.

7. _W_ The Lafayette television station is Channel Eighteen.

- The Lafayette television station is Channel 18.

8. _W_ They needed eight ten-foot poles for the construction.

- They needed eight 10-foot poles for the construction.

9. _W_ The vote was 126 in favor of the action and only sixteen opposed.

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- The vote was 126 in favor of the action and only 16 opposed.

10. _W_ The assignment was to read chapter 6, pages 31-39.

- The assignment was to read chapter six, pages 31-39.

11. _W_ Only fifty percent of high school students go on to college.

- Only 50 percent of high school students go on to college

12. _C_ We were assigned a report of about 10 pages in length.

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