Assignment # 1(Fall 2009)

Solution File

English Comprehension (ENG 101)

Total Marks: 15

Q1: Define and elaborate your understanding of the following by giving examples:
6
Transitional markers
References

Answer:
Transitional markers:
Transitional markers are linking words or phrases that connect two ideas, facts, events,
etc. They join the ideas but also signal what is coming next, e.g. a contrasting fact or a
purpose. These signals help the listener or reader to understand the connection between
ideas. They indicate: Addition, contrast and comparison, illustration / example, cause and
effect, a series / time sequence, addition.
Examples:
Last year's profits amounted to ten million whereas the previous year's profit was eight
million. (Contrast)
The refunds are substantial. They are, in addition, easy to claim. (Adding information)

References:
"Reference words" are one of the rhetorical devices that allow a writer to create cohesion
throughout a text. They constitute a large group of mostly "pronouns" and "noun phrases”
.e.g. she, herself, they, him, these, which, etc.

In the following paragraph the highlighted words are references words.

Example:
In 1939, Germany started World War 2; she was confident that she could conquer and
control all of Europe. She spread death and destruction over much of the continent. But
after several years of war, Germany herself began to suffer severe losses: Allied bombing
raids destroyed German cities, farms, industries, and transportation systems. Food, water,
and fuel began to disappear. And without these essentials, people could not care for
themselves and their families. Berlin, the capital city, incurred even worse damage:
Bombing raids destroyed seventy percent of its buildings. The city was left in ruins.
People there lived in squalor. Vermin spread, bringing diseases: Rats and fleas infested
people's homes; roaches contaminated their food. Conditions worsened daily.

Q2: Choose the phrasal verb which is similar in meaning to Highlighted word. 9

1. His father must (eliminate) fat from his diet because of his health.
I. cancel out
 II. calm down
III. cut out
IV. carry over

2. Let's (stop work) for today and come back tomorrow.

I. chip in
II. clear the air
III. call it quits
IV. come across

3. I would like to buy a new car so I have begun to (economize) on my daily expenses.
I. come clean
II. count on
III. cut out
IV. cut corners

4. I had (an accident - almost but not really) this morning when my car almost hit a
fence.
I. a cave in
II. a change of heart
III. a close call
IV. clean slate

5. Working in an office is definitely (unsuitable for him).

I. In care of him
II. not his cup of tea
III. on credit
IV. cut out

6. It finally (occurred to me) that I had met him before at a party.

I. crossed my mind
II. cleared the decks
III. came clean
IV. crosses out

7. He is (responsible for) buying equipment in his company.

I. creeping up on
II. in care of
III. caught short
IV. in charge of

8. I was (unable to pay) when I went to the store so I went home to get some more
money.
 I. cut out
II. crossed my mind
III. caught short
IV. on credit

9. The government minister was finally forced to (tell the truth) about the illegal funds.
I. call the shots
II. chew the fat
III. clear the decks
IV. come clean