Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Elena Intorcia
Erricoberto Pepicelli
New English for Success
Copyright MMXIV
ARACNE editrice S.r.l.
www.aracneeditrice.it
info@aracneeditrice.it
---xxxx-x
II edition: march
Anything that is worth teaching can be presented
in many different ways. These multiple ways can
make use of our multiple intelligences.
Howard Gardner
14 Foreword
PART 1
Thats me!
17 Introducing oneself
19 Asking questions. Wh- questions
21 Describing people
22 Health and illness
23 Talking about peoples age
24 My place
25 Vocabulary building: Talking about oneself
PART 2
Education
27 Talking about your studies
28 Useful expressions
29 Writing practice
31 The Italian university system
32 Useful expressions
32 Making a summary
32 Say it right!
33 The British education system
36 Education in the USA
38 Focus on words
39 Vocabulary building: University studies
PART 3
The world of work
41 Looking for a job
41 A job interview
42 Writing a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
43 Writing a covering letter
44 Discussing about jobs
44 Word formation. Forming jobs from verbs
45 Vocabulary building: The world of work
46 Education and work
46 Europass Language Passport
47 Work & success
PART 4
The world & me
49 Travelling
51 Vocabulary building: Holidays
52 Leisure time
53 Vocabulary building: Expressing preferences
54 The world of art
54 Vocabulary corner: Art
55 An art movement: Pop Art
11
12 Contents
PART 5
Communication
69 A dicto-comp
71 Cell phones
72 Internet habits
72 Some phrases
73 Social networks
74 Internet slang
75 Computer acronyms
76 Basic computer terminology
76 Additional computer terminology
77 Mathematical symbols, signs and expressions
78 Measurements
79 Activities
PART 6
Pronunciation & Phonetics
81 Pronunciation skills. A guide to a correct pronunciation
81 How to improve your pronunciation
83 The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
84 Schwa
84 Connected speech
84 Sounds link
85 Voicing
86 The English alphabet
87 Working with phonetic transcription
88 Homophones and homographs
90 Varieties of English
90 American English (AmE)
92 British English (BrE)
94 Colloquialisms. British and American idioms
95 Vocabulary and pronunciation
PART 7
Translation skills
97 FOCUS ON TENSES
97 How to translate some verb tenses from Italian into English
98 Tense revision
99 Activities
101 How to express a future action
New English for Success 13
102 Conditionals
103 The imperative
104 The infinitive
104 The English equivalent for the Italian verb fare
105 Reflexive verbs
106 The use of the definite article the
108 Idioms
109 FOCUS ON WORDS
109 False friends
109 Words with a similar meaning
110 Appropriate use of words
111 Compound words
112 FOCUS ON PREPOSITIONS
112 Prepositions of time
112 Prepositions of place and direction
114 Activities
116 FOCUS ON VERBS
116 Phrasal verbs
117 Some uses of to be and to have
PART 8
Composition skills
119 English syntax
119 Connecting clauses
120 Useful words and phrases to express personal opinion
120 Activities
122 The parts of a paragraph
122 Paragraphing
123 Essay writing
124 Punctuation
124 Writing tasks
125 How to write an argumentative essay (Pros & cons essay)
126 Writing tasks
127 Comparing and contrasting
128 Correcting mistakes
129 Writing letters and emails
129 The layout of a letter
130 Some tips
130 Emailing
131 Useful language
PART 9
Learning skills
133 Using the dictionary
137 Giving a presentation
138 Verbal functions
139 Expanding your vocabulary
139 Word tables
139 Word diagrams
139 Word families
140 Mind maps
Sitography
Foreword
Dear Students,
strategies and techniques, skills and competences acquired during your course of
studies help you towards academic excellence and success in the world of work, in life
and society. Through a better knowledge of the English language you can move beyond
your provincial and/or national settings, rather limited as compared to the global
village we live in.
This book aims at granting you freedom in your learning process while carrying out
the various open activities, unless you have to reflect on morpho-syntactic aspects of
the English language.
Although these activities may appear too loose, they answer the unavoidable
urgency to involve you in reinforcing tasks aimed at overcoming the most common
language problems we have noticed during our long teaching experience at the
University of Sannio in Benevento.
Either before or after going through the suggested activities, you are invited to
assess your competences in English by checking the Self-assessment Grid of the
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) B1, B2 and C1
levels.
As to pronunciation, we have used the alphabet of the International Phonetic
Association. The phonetic transcriptions included in the book are specifically prepared
for users of English as a foreign language. They represent the fluent, spontaneous
everyday usage by educated people in Britain whose speech is not very much restricted
as regards geographical region or social grouping.
We are convinced that knowing the symbols and the importance of the main stress
signalled by //, phonetic transcription gives you the unique chance to read and
pronounce all the English and American words with a reasonably correct
pronunciation, overcoming most problems connected with communicability. You only
need a good dictionary. A wrong pronunciation of the phonemes //, //, //, // or
the omission of the /h/ sound, soundless in Italian, may cause negative reactions in
the native speaker and, sometimes, interfere with communication.
Translation from Italian into English is also a necessary skill, considering that
Italian students, who live in a context of English as a foreign language, mainly think in
Italian and then translate their ideas into the target language, English.
15
New English for Success 16
In order to improve your four language skills listening, speaking, reading and
writing you need a certain amount of vocabulary, that is why for each relevant topic
you will find a number of related words.
Contemporary issues should not be ignored either, being part of the micro-language
studied in your English course. Communication is a very crucial aspect of todays life
and we will look together at some of the ways young people like to communicate.
Some attention to grammar is also necessary and we invite you to reflect on how it
works.
Study skills are intertwined and included in most of the sections of this book; they
are cross-curricular and transferable from one subject to another and can, obviously,
be spent in everyday life. We have capitalized on the psychological principle that you
prefer to speak about yourself rather than about a poet, artist or politician, however
great s/he might be.
New English for Success, designed for both High school and university students,
aims at being innovative because it applies some principles from modern psycho-socio-
neuro-linguistics (i.e.: learning through effort lasts longer), respecting the way our
brain works, learning chunks and not isolated words whenever possible, exploiting
learning and acquisition principles. It involves you in motivating activities to foster
both receptive and productive language skills through integrated activities.
It is practical, as it aims at equipping adult learners with abilities and competences
necessary both for academic success and success in their future life; moreover, it
matches theory and practice.
It is effective, because we are confident it will produce the result you want:
improving your English competence and acquiring additional abilities transferable in
real life.
Communicative competences are life skills and New English for Success tries to
stimulate you to be creative, to reflect, to look deeper into yourself, to help develop
critical thinking and problem solving skills, to increase self-confidence, to interact with
others.
We strongly recommend to collaborate with your peers and, whenever you want, to
ask your teachers for help before, during, after lectures and at tutorials too.
New English for Success is the outcome of merging Relevant Notes with English for
Success with adaptations, changes, additions, updates.
Elena Intorcia
Erricoberto Pepicelli
PART 1
Thats me!
INTRODUCING ONESELF
1. Read Giulias presentation and fill the gaps with a suitable word from those
suggested below:
moody - well-paid - driving license - met attending -
crowded - morning - aerobics - money - town
Hello everybody!
Im Giulia Verdi. I come from a small ...........................1 in the south of Italy, not far
from Naples. Its small but lovely!
This is my first day at university. Its about 45 minutes drive from home. I took
my ...........................2 last year, so its a good practice for me. Im ...........................3
many interesting courses and Ive already ...........................4 a lot of friends: Maria is
one of them.
I go to university from Monday to Tuesday, ...........................5 and afternoon and I
love meeting my friends in the study-rooms: theyre always so ...........................6! I
find some subjects more difficult than others, but thats life, I guess!
Well, if you ask me what Id like to do in my future, the answer is quite easy:
getting a ...........................7 job, even abroad (I love travelling!) and getting married.
As to my personality, Im ...........................8, whimsical too, thats true, but on the
other hand Im caring, hard-working, even if a bit stingy: yes, I love sparing my
...........................9!
What else? I live in a house, not in a flat. I love going to the gym and doing
...........................10. Im fond of music; whenever I can, I go to live concerts!
Thats all for now. What about you?
2. Circle the personal pronouns subject and object that you find in the text, then
complete the table below.
subject object subject object
I me it
you we
he you
she they
17
18 Part 1
5. You meet Omer, a Turkish student at university. Introduce yourself and ask him
questions (at least 6 exchanges).
YOU .........................................................................................................................
OMER .........................................................................................................................
YOU .........................................................................................................................
OMER .........................................................................................................................
YOU .........................................................................................................................
OMER .........................................................................................................................
YOU .........................................................................................................................
OMER .........................................................................................................................
YOU .........................................................................................................................
OMER .........................................................................................................................
YOU .........................................................................................................................
OMER .........................................................................................................................
Thats me! 19
ASKING QUESTIONS
Wh- questions
1. Translate these sentences into English using the appropriate question word.
1. A: ?
B: Im going to Rome next week.
2. A: ?
B: Because we didnt study enough.
3. A: ?
B: I prefer visiting Spain because it has a mild climate.
4. A: ?
B: No, she didnt come because she was sick.
5. A: ?
B: Yes, please. Id love a coffee.
6. A: ?
B: He met her two years ago.
what - where - what time - why - when - how - how many - how much
DESCRIBING PEOPLE
3. The list below includes some expressions and adjectives frequently used to
describe peoples physical appearance. Group them under the correct heading.
Face Hair Build Dress
4. Here are some adjectives used to describe peoples personality. Which are
positive (+)? Which are negative ()? Which best describe your own personality?
aggressive creative insincere reliable
shallow analytic fascinating instinctive
resilient silly arrogant frank
intuitive strict rude unconventional
charismatic funny learned stingy
charming generous modest self-centered
stubborn confident greedy moody
sensible tolerant considerate imaginative
6. What are you like? What do you look like? Describe yourself from the physical
and psychological points of view using also adjectives and expressions found in
this section.
7. Which clothes do you usually wear? Describe your outfit giving as many details
as possible. You may use the following words:
jumper, dress, suit, skirt, trousers, pullover, T-shirt, shirt, scarf,
Nouns
trousers, jeans, cardigan, sweater, coat, tie
Adjectives casual, smart, elegant, shabby, comfortable, fashionable
to wear, to suit, to buy, to try on, to get dressed, to get undressed, to
Verbs
put clothes on, to take clothes off
4. How can you keep fit? What should you do? Here are a few suggestions:
have a good diet; get some exercise; dont have too much stress.
Thats me! 23
3. Match each word with its phonetic script. Then practice saying them.
1. age a. /'ed/
2. height b. /'ld/
3. young c. /'we/
4. old d. /'hat/
5. aged e. /'j/
6. weigh f. /'e/
7. early g. /':li/
8. thirties h. /':tz/
24 Part 1
MY PLACE
1. Do you live in the countryside or in the city? Explain what you like and dont
like about the place where you live.
2. Do you prefer living in a city or in a village? Explain why. You can use some of
these expressions:
The quality of life is better in a compared to the
It depends on
I think that living in the is better than living in the
If I lived in the city, I would have a better social life.
3. Do you live in a house or in a flat?
4. Read the text below, then explain if you prefer living in a detached house or in a
condominium.
Almost everybody in England, in the USA, in Italy and perhaps in many other parts
of the world dreams of living in a house, in a detached house and not in a row
house or in a flat.
A single building ensures privacy and a little garden gives you the chance of
growing flowers and looking after your lawn and plants. Most English people would
like to live in a cottage, as they still love rural life. It takes them back to the pre-
industrial age; if it is a thatched cottage so much the better.
British people really dislike living in a flat, in tower blocks. Many large blocks of
flats, containing hundreds of them, have recently been demolished in England. The
largest one had been built in Leeds.
5. How many types of buildings are mentioned in the text? Could you explain the
difference among them?
6. Describe a building you like for its shape/architecture.
7. Whats the strangest building you have ever seen? Whats so special about it?
Here is an example taken from the website http://www.strangebuildings.com.
The model can help you prepare a description.
VOCABULARY BUILDING
Build up your own Word Bank about introductions by including phrases and
vocabulary useful for a presentation (phrasal verbs, adjectives referred to character,
etc.). Here is an example.
Education
University of:
Department of:
Degree course in:
Registration number:
Year of enrolment:
Year of attendance:
Professor of English:
Timetable (English):
Tutorials:
27
28 Part 2
4. Fill your timetable, then describe it. Use the language below for help.
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS
WRITING PRACTICE
4. Choose a verb from the box to complete the text. Put the verb in the correct
form.
take - pass (x 2) - give - learn - do - study - listen - attend - get - sit - become
I did quite well at High School. I didnt have any difficulty 1 and I
regularly 2 my homework. I always 3 my school
exams. Now I 4 at university. I enjoy .5 lectures,
6 to the lecturer and 7 notes. I 8 my
final exams next year. If I 9, I 10 a degree. I would
like to 11 a university teacher and to 12 lectures.
5. Write an email.
You are planning to attend a summer course at a foreign university. Write an email
to the University Student Service asking for information about the course you would
like to attend. Prepare a CV and attach it to your email.
LAUREA
1st Level 1st Level
Degree
Specialization
Master Degree
3 years Degree
1 year+ 180 credits
2-3 years
60 credits+
120-180 credits
MAGISTRALE
Degree
In Italy students need a Secondary High School Certificate to join University. They
are free to attend any kind of Degree Course, unless differently stated. There are some
exceptions, of course, like Medicine: you need to pass a very difficult entrance test to
be admitted.
The Italian university system includes first and second-cycle Degree Programmes,
together with first and second-level Specialist Master's Programmes, Research
Doctorates and Specializing Schools.
Students begin their university career with a Laurea Degree which lasts three
years with 180 credits and leads to a basic degree. One university credit corresponds
to 25 hours of study, including individual study, lectures, seminars, and other
formative activities (i.e. stage). Before graduating, students have to produce a short
thesis; each student discusses it on her/his graduation day. It is a very formal event:
students discuss their thesis in front of a Commission of 11 professors wearing a
gown.
After getting their Laurea Degree, undergraduate students can either look for
employment or continue their university career with a Magistrale Degree, a more
specialized qualification that consists of two more years of study with other 120
university credits and requires a much more demanding, final thesis. Students are now
graduates (also called post-graduates). This is the so-called 3+2 system.
32 Part 2
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS
MAKING A SUMMARY
Now connect the answers you have in order to make a summary of this topic. You can
start like this:
In order to be admitted to university in Italy, you need
SAY IT RIGHT!
Here are a few words selected from the passage above. Look up their phonetic script
on the dictionary; this will help you pronounce them correctly.
16 GCSE exam
Modern School
Secondary
Grammar
15
School
Comprehensive
14
School Secondary
13 School
12
11
10
Junior School
9
8
7
Primary School
Infant School 6
5
4
Nursery School
3
Age
In England and Wales there are county, private and independent schools. Public
schools are private.
When they are three and four, children attend nursery school, which is not
compulsory, while they have to legally attend primary and secondary education which
runs from about 5 years old until they are 18 years old.
The National Curriculum, which sets out the essential knowledge that all children
should acquire, is divided into five Key stages:
Key stage 1 Key stage 2 Key stage 3 Key stage 4 Key Stage 5
Age 5-7 7-11 11-14 14-16 17-18
Core subjects are English, Mathematics, Science, while foundation subjects include
Art and Design, Citizenship, Computing, Design and Technology, Languages,
Geography, History, Music, Physical Education.
All schools are also required to teach Religious Education (RE) at all key stages,
while secondary schools must also provide sex and relationships education.
34 Part 2
HIGHER EDUCATION
1
UCAS stands for Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.
Education 35
Questions
8 25
7 Ph.D. (Doctorate of Philosophy) 24
6 23
4 21
3 B.A. Degree 20 undergraduate
in four-year
Associate 2 Junior or College 19
Degree 1 Community College 18
12th 17 secondary
Senior
Secondary education
11 th
High Combined 16
th
High School Junior &
10 School 15
th
Senior
9 Junior High 14
8th High School 13
7 th School 12
6 th
Combined 11
5 th Primary 10 primary
& Junior education
4th High Primary Primary 9
3rd School education education 8
nd
2 7
st
1 6
8+4 6+3+3 6+6
grade age
5
Kindergarten 4
3
c. the system called 8 plus 4, with 8 years of combined primary and junior high
school and 4 years of secondary high school.
The total number of grades is 12 and not all the schools offer the 12 grades.
During their last year of high school students sit the S.A.T. (Scholastic Assessment
Test)2 if they want to attend a college or university. There are private and state colleges
and universities.
Foreign languages, which used to be taught at high schools only, are now being
introduced during the last few years of elementary school in some areas (although in
some cities, state schools dont offer any foreign language teaching). Elementary
students are usually given homework; however, the workload is lighter than in many
countries. The workload increases with higher grades.
Secondary school students must take certain core curriculum courses for a
prescribed number of years or terms, as determined by each state. These generally
include English, Mathematics, General Science, Health, Physical Education and Social
Studies or Social Sciences (which may include American History and Government,
Geography, World History and Social Problems).
In addition to mandatory subjects, students choose electives (optional subjects),
which supplement their future education and career plans. Electives usually comprise
around half of a students work in grades 9 to 12. Students concentrate on four
subjects each quarter and are seldom pushed beyond their capability or capacity for
learning.
2
The S.A.T. is a standardized test for college admissions in the United States. Since its
introduction in 1901, its name and scoring have changed several times. In 2005, the test was
renamed as S.A.T. Reasoning Test with possible scores from 600 to 2,400 combining test
results from three 800-point sections (Maths, critical reading, and writing), along with other
subsections scored separately.
38 Part 2
Questions
1. When does compulsory education start for American students?
2. How is it structured?
3. How long does it last?
4. What is the school leaving age in the USA?
5. What is the S.A.T.?
6. Which possibilities are offered to students who wish to go on studying?
7. What is the Community College and which academic title does it award?
8. How are students referred to at university?
9. How many meanings does the word grade have when referred to education?
FOCUS ON WORDS
The following words are frequently used in the academic
world. Match each term with its corresponding Italian
meaning.
1. attendance a. verbale desame
2. exam form b. mancare alle lezioni
3. exam report sheet c. prenotarsi
4. exam results transcript d. firmare
5. notice-board e. statino
6. university credit f. libretto degli esami
7. to miss classes g. piano di studi
8. to register h. frequenza
9. to sign i. bacheca
10. study plan j. credito formativo universitario
VOCABULARY BUILDING
UNIVERSITY STUDIES
A JOB INTERVIEW
1. Imagine you have a job interview. Here are a few typical questions. Prepare
suitable answers, then practice the dialogue with a partner.
~ Tell me about yourself.
(You should give an overall impression of who you are. Research the company to
get an idea of the skills and experience they're looking for, and try to relate who
you are, your education and your work experience to show that you would be a
great candidate for the position.)
~ What are/were your main responsibilities in your current/last job?
(If you have any work experience, be specific about what you are doing/did in
your current/previous job. Try to relate these responsibilities to the job you are
being interviewed for.)
~ What is your biggest accomplishment?
(The example given must relate to the job you have applied for.)
~ What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses? (Check Part 1, p.25)
41
42 Part 3
2. Here are some extra questions an employer might ask you at a job interview.
Read them and think about your replies.
a. Do you prefer working alone or in a group?
b. Do you believe your previous knowledge or experience can help you to get this
job? If so, how?
c. Are you willing to stay away from home for work?
d. How do you feel about working long hours and at weekends too?
e. What do you think are your best qualities?
f. Are you good at working under pressure?
g. What kind of people do you find most difficult to work with?
h. What would you rather avoid doing in your job? Why?
Yes, I read your ad in a recent issue of The New York Times. Good morning.
Yes, here it is. Nice to meet you. Thank you very much. Goodbye. I studied
journalism at the Berkeley School of Journalism and graduated there five years
ago. from Manchester.
MR EVANS
JAMES Good morning.
MR EVANS Nice to meet you too. So youre
JAMES Im James Brown,
MR EVANS So you have applied for the post of editor.
JAMES
MR EVANS What can you tell me about your education?
JAMES
MR EVANS Well, this seems to be a good starting point. Do you have your
Curriculum Vitae?
JAMES
MR EVANS Ill read it carefully and Ill let you know something as soon as
possible.
JAMES
MR EVANS Goodbye.
When you apply for a job, you need to send a CV and might also need to write a
covering letter of explanation.
Imagine you are applying for one of these jobs:
1. an assistant manager
2. an accountant
3. an engineer
3. Write a covering letter to accompany your CV. Use the model provided below.
Sophie Bright
56 Rose Avenue
San Francisco, 94101, CA
Charles Saunders
Personnel Manager
Photo Studios, Inc.
435 Park Lane
New York, NY 10022
FOURTH PARAGRAPH: Mention any dates that you won't be available for interview
Thank the employer and say you look forward to hearing
from them soon.
44 Part 3
WORD FORMATION
Can you form jobs from these verbs?
VOCABULARY BUILDING
employee (impiegato)
employer (datore di lavoro)
unemployed (disoccupato)
to be fired to be hired
to do a work for personal enjoyment and
satisfaction
to have a lot of responsibilities
to increase self-confidence
When applying for a job, you should also refer to your foreign
language skills. The Europass Language Passport allows you
to describe and detail your language skills and competences.
It is a self-assessment document where you can detail your
language proficiency regardless of whether that proficiency
was attained formally or informally.
The Europass Language Passport uses the six European levels of the Common
European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) to record the level of
language proficiency in a standardised format.3
Check these links to get a template, then prepare you own Language Passport:
~ http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/img/dynamic/c1347/type.FileContent.file/ELPTe
mplate_en_GB.doc
~ https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/documents/european-skills-
passport/language-passport
3
Basic user, A1, Breakthrough or Beginner and A2, Waystage or Elementary; Independent user,
B1, Threshold or Intermediate and B2, Vantage or Upper intermediate; Proficient User, C1,
Effective Operational Proficiency or advanced and C2, Mastery or Proficiency.
The world of work 47
IDIOMS
To do the donkey work.
Sgobbare; fare la parte peggiore di un lavoro.
Shes had a nose job!
Si rifatta il naso.
To make the best of a bad job.
Fare buon viso a cattiva sorte.
There is no such thing as a free lunch!
Nessuno fa qualcosa per niente!
PART 4
TRAVELLING
T
here are many different reasons
why people travel. Some travel
for work; some travel for their
holidays all over the world; some have
to travel for health problems, having to
undergo difficult surgery or other
operations. Emigration and immigration
too imply travelling, moving from ones
own country to another, often in
difficult if not desperate conditions.
There are also business holidays: if you have a travel agency, for example, you have
to visit the places where you are sending your customers.
Travelling for work is quite common nowadays, for instance when you visit your
prospective clients abroad, when you visit factories to meet managers and CEOs, to
organize international meetings, to teach as a visiting professor for one semester or
more at a foreign university.
People travel the world depending on their interests, expectations, the amount of
money they want (or can afford) to spend, the climate and so on.
Many travel to exotic places during the whole year; others visit places in their own
country during their summer or winter holidays; some people prefer to visit cities of
art, and so on.
Sometimes people prefer choosing special accommodations, like the Ice Hotel in
Canada (a big igloo where everything is made from snow and ice and all drinks in the
local bar are served in glasses made of ice) or the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, UAE, for its
sail-shaped silhouette, its luxurious suites overlooking the Arabian Gulf and its
stunning facilities.
You can travel using various means of transport, such as ship, train, plane, car or
bus.
49
50 Part 4
1. Fill in this mind map with words from the text and/or from your own experience
with travelling.
where?
accommodation why?
travelling
2. Refer to your personal experience. Use these prompts to talk about your travels.
- Have you ever been abroad? - What did you do during the day?
- What is your memorable holiday? - What was the weather like?
- Where/When did you go? - What did you buy?
- Who did you go with? - Where are you going on holiday?
- How did you go there? - How long are you staying?
- How long did you stay there? - When are you leaving?
- Where did you stay? - Where are you staying?
- Was it expensive/cheap? - How are you getting there?
- Do you recommend it? Why/Why not? - What is your ideal holiday?
3. Imagine you visited/are visiting one of the places in these pictures. Choose a
destination and describe your travel using the language suggested in this
section.
Destination 1: Maldives
VOCABULARY BUILDING
Holidays
a coach tour
IDIOMS
a single/return ticket
When my ship comes home. =
an expensive bus/taxi/train fare
Quando far fortuna.
boarding card
Quando i miei sogni si avvereranno.
camp/campsite (campeggio)
To travel Italy from end to end! =
camping (campeggiare) Percorrere lItalia da un capo allaltro!
ferry (traghetto) All the roads lead to Rome! =
flight Tutte le strade portano a Roma.
in two days time (tra due giorni)
luggage (bagaglio)
at the weekend
the day after tomorrow
the week after next (tra due settimane)
to book/reserve (prenotare) a hotel room/a plane ticket/ a train seat in advance
to enjoy a holiday at the seaside/in the mountains/abroad
to escape from life in the cities
to fill the car up (with petrol)
to fly to (place)
to go sightseeing
to go through customs (dogana) at the airport
to go/be on holiday
to hire (noleggiare) a car
to make a reservation
to pack (preparare i bagagli)
to set off (partire)
52 Part 4
LEISURE TIME
1. Answer the following questions and organize them in a cohesive and coherent
text.
a. Do you often have free time?
b. What do you do in your leisure time?
c. How do you usually spend it? (at home/outside/alone/with friends)
d. How much do you spend each week on your free time?
e. Who gives you pocket money for your free time?
f. Do you practice any sport? Which one? Where? (i.e. football ground, tennis court)
g. Whats your favourite food/drink?
h. Do you drink alcohol?
i. Do you ever read in your free time?
j. What do you usually read? Any newspapers? Books? What kind of books?
k. Do you surf the net? What for?
l. Do you like watching TV? Which programs?
m. Do you listen to the radio? How long?
n. What else do you do? Text messages? Do crosswords? Help your younger
brother/sister with his/her homework?
o. Any voluntary job?
p. Do you ever go to the cinema/theatre to watch films/concerts, other? (express
preferences, i.e. for films: adventure, romantic, animated, fantasy, action,
western, thriller, science-fiction).
USEFUL ADJECTIVES
really/quite/rather/very/a little/a bit exciting, entertaining, funny, moving, silly,
fascinating, interesting, romantic, great, scary, boring, dull, predictable, involving
2. You are at the university coffee-bar with three students: Amir from Turkey,
Magda from Spain, Shamir from India. Over a nice coffee, you are talking about
free time in everyones place of origin. Write the dialogue.
3. Write a short report of a film/book referring to the plot, main characters, setting,
main theme/s, your reaction to it.
PAST TENSES
To express a past action that is finished, use the Past Simple:
Ex.: I watched an amusing film last night.
To express an action that happened at an earlier time in the past, before the
main time in the past, use the Past Perfect:
Ex.: I had watched a video for two hours before you came.
To refer to a state or action in progress at a given time in the past, use the Past
Continuous form:
Ex.: I had been watching that video for two hours, when I arrived there.
The world & me 53
VOCABULARY BUILDING
Expressing preferences
In my free time I like/love/prefer shopping.
I prefer playing music to listening to it; in fact I play the ... in my free time.
He prefers romantic novels to detective stories.
They prefer going to the cinema to watching DVDs; obviously its more expensive!
What/Who do you prefer?
Do you prefer rock concerts or classic concerts? A painter or a poet?
Theyd rather read ... than see ...
Id rather play... than watch ...
What are you going to do ... when you ...?
Whats your favourite type of entertainment? Why?
What film/book have you seen/read recently?
Which do you prefer? What would you rather do?
- playing sports or watching them?
- reading a book or seeing a film version of it?
- small groups of friends or big parties?
- rock music or classical concerts?
- watching action films or horror films?
1. Complete the questions with a suitable question word, then refer to a painting
you like and answer them.
a. is the title of this painting? ..
b. painted it? ..
c. was it painted? ..
d. is it kept? ..
e. does it show? ..
f. materials have been used? ..
g. colours does it contain? ..
h. style is this painting in? ..
2. Fill in the following sentences with a word from the list above.
1. Shes very good at drawing; I asked her to make my
2. Were going to an of Monets paintings next weeks.
3. Still Life with Fruit is a famous by Caravaggio.
4. I love art, so Im studying after High School.
5. Picasso made not only paintings, but also and
6. Many Cubist works have small used to create vibrations of light.
The world & me 55
4. Fill the list of jobs below with a suitable word from those suggested:
art designer officer
architect curator graphic personnel
director decorator illustrator photographer
historian exhibitions interior publicity
artist fashion museum curator sculptor
6. Read this text and fill the gaps with suitable words from the box below.
advertisements - billboards - technologies - magazines - viewers - consumerism
- artworks - commercial - everyday - photographs - appealing - art - media -
reactions - practice - formal - common - famous - repetition
P
op Art was an art movement born in the late 1950s and 1960s that reflected
1 life and 2 objects. Indeed, Pop artists blurred the
line between fine art and 3 art, moving away from Abstract
Expressionism quite widespread in the 50s.
While the Abstract Expressionists evoked emotions, feelings and ideas through
4 elements such as line, colour, shape, form and texture, Pop artists used
common images from everyday culture as their sources including 5,
consumer goods, celebrities, 6 and comic strips. The name Pop actually
derives from the adjective popular.
Pop artists drew inspiration from commercial designs and thus used bold, flat colours
and hard edge compositions like those found in 7, murals, magazines,
newspapers. They reflected the 60s culture by using new materials in their
56 Part 4
What do you think about this statement? Whats your personal view of
consumerism?
8. Imagine you work as an advertiser. You have to invent a slogan for a consumer
good like Coke. How would you persuade people to buy it? What would you
think of?
The world & me 57
to be bottled in 1894.
What is special about Coca-Cola is also its shape. It was 7 (invent) in
1915 by Alex Samuelson, a Swedish engineer who 8 (work) for the Root
Glass Company of Terre Haute, Indiana. The idea 9 (derive) from a cocoa
bean and the bottle was first 10 (make) of German green glass. It was
11 (slim) down for production and 12 (patent).
Today Coca-Cola is 13 (sell) in stores, restaurants, and vending machines
in more than 200 countries not only in glass bottles, but also in plastic bottles and
cans. The hand-written word Coca-Cola along with the printed word Coke is
still 14 (write) on cans and plastic bottles as it first 15
(appear) on the glass bottles in 1915.
FUN FACTS
Choose appropriate dates and numbers from the box to complete the Coca-Cola fun
facts.
50 1931 10,450 1991 the second 1985
ADMISSION
Entrance to the Building
Adults $18
Students and Seniors (65 years +) with valid ID $15
Children under 12 Free
Members Free
MUSEUM HOURS
Thursday Closed
12. You are in Park Avenue (red circle on the map) and want to go to the
Guggenheim Museum. Ask a passer-by for directions.
You: A
Passer-by: B
A: ..................................
..................................
B: ..................................
..................................
A: ..................................
..................................
B: ..................................
..................................
A: ..................................
..................................
B: ..................................
..................................
GIVING DIRECTIONS
Match the directions and expressions below with their Italian equivalent.
1. Turn right/left. a. Attraversa la strada.
2. Go straight ahead. b. attraversamento pedonale
3. at the traffic lights c. Prosegui lungo Ford Avenue.
4. at the crossroads d. in King Street.
5. at the roundabout e. davanti a te sulla destra.
6. pedestrian crossing f. al semaforo
7. Cross the road. g. alla rotonda
8. Its on King Street. h. Gira a destra/sinistra.
9. Go along Ford Avenue. i. allincrocio
10. Go past the railway station. j. Vai dritto.
11. Its in front of you on your right. k. Supera la stazione ferroviaria.
60 Part 4
Full name
Continent
Form of government
Head of State
Head of government
Flag (name)
Currency
National Anthem
Language
Capital city
Total population
Highest mountain
Longest river
Largest lake
Most populous cities
2. Describe the U.K. and the U.S.A. in general and/or selected aspects of your
interest.
The executive branch makes the laws official and is responsible for making
decisions which will benefit the country and the people. The executive power is
exercised by the President, who serves a two-year term and cannot serve more than
two 4-year terms. He/She acts as Head of State and Head of Government, appointing
cabinet members and acting as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The Cabinet includes the Vice-President and 15 members: the Secretary of State; the
Secretary of Defence; the Secretary of Education, and so forth.
The UK has many political parties, the main three being Labour (on the left),
Conservative (on the right) and Liberal Democrat (in the middle). These three work in
both the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
As to the executive branch, the Head of government in the UK is the Prime
Minister, who serves a maximum term of 5 years, although there is no limit to the
number of terms s/he can serve. The Prime Minister is not elected by people, but s/he
is the leader of the party that has a majority in Parliament. S/He appoints the 22
Cabinet ministers, who are each responsible for a department of government (i.e.
education, health, defence, etc.)
VOCABULARY BUILDING
Politics
Nouns & phrases
alderman health care power
ballot paper House of Representatives preferential vote
bill House of Commons President
bribery House of Lords proportional system
Chamber of Deputies housing province
civil rights infrastructures Queen
civil servant judicial powers region
committee judges remuneration
common justice Labour Party Republic
common law leader Republican Party
Communist Party legal system rewards
congressman/woman legislative powers salary
Conservative Party legislative system Senate
constituency Liberal Party Senator
Constitution loser Social-Democrat Party
convention majority system Socialist Party
corruption Member of Parliament sovereign
councillor Minister taxation
county Ministry technical government
Democratic Party Monarchy term of office
domestic policy Municipality the lower class
election day/s national elections the middle class
elector national legislature the Speaker
equality opinion maker the upper class
executive powers opposition leader Trade Unions
foreign policy opposition parties treaties
form of government party undersecretary
government policy vote
government majority political welfare state
Head of State politics winner
Verbs Adjectives
abolish reject/introduce a bill inherited
reign rig the ballot modern
appoint rule powerful
base serve proportional
canvass set up secret
elect submit the eldest/oldest
head vote the youngest
hold win universal
lose make up widespread
64 Part 4
THE ENVIRONMENT
T
here are so many things we could do in our daily life to
respect the environment. Indeed, we should make any
possible effort to save energy and avoid over consumption
of goods. For instance, we can switch off appliances at night; use
scrap paper to write notes; grow our own vegetables whenever
we can; reuse plastic carrier bags from the supermarket. These
are only a few hints in the right direction.
There are environmentally-friendly shops that sell bio-degradable washing
products; they also sell products that come from renewable resources. We should
consider that most products can be recycled; buying products (paper, for example)
made from recycled material can help.
Nowadays it has become necessary to separate rubbish according to prescriptions
from municipalities by using the appropriate recycling bins. It is also advisable to
compost food scraps from the kitchen and use it for plants, flowers, vegetables, if
possible.
Special types of rubbish (i.e. old household appliances) have to be sent to a secure
landfill site. It is also advisable to reduce the consumption of plastic bottles and other
plastic containers at large. Lets not forget that plastic goods need about 200 years to
be dispersed into the soil!
Even noise can be polluting, so it is advisable to make less noise, being a little
quieter.
Some basic rules can help you become greener. For instance, respect the laws to
reduce the amount of smog and car fumes in your place, reduce the consumption of
plastic bottles and buy only eco-friendly products.
the
environment
SPEAKING
1. Think of your daily life, then reflect and answer these questions:
a. What do you do (refer to your family too, if you want):
- to favour recycling?
- to save energy?
- to protect your environment on the whole?
b. Do you have any more ideas in this direction?
c. Give some advice to people in charge in your Municipality.
The world & me 65
2. Are you helping to save our planet? Tick the things you do. Can you add
anything else to the list?
recycle your rubbish
walk or cycle instead of going by car
turn your stereo/TV off when youre not using it
reuse plastic bags
turn off the lights when theres no one in the room
use recycled paper
belong to an organization that cares for the environment
WRITING TASKS
1. Complete the text with words from the box.
public transport - wind turbines - fly - oil - petrol - fuel - solar panels - recycled rubbish
3. Write five sentences predicting what will happen to the environment in the
future. Try to use as many words from the Vocabulary section as possible.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
POLLUTION
T
he three main fossil fuels used for electricity
generation - coal, natural gas and oil - when
burned, produce a big quantity of poisonous
gases.
They provoke environmental damage, a big waste of
resources and health problems (i.e. lung damage) and so
require extra medical care; adding to this, many days are
lost at work. Both aspects cost a great amount of money,
annually.
Pollutants produced by the three main fossil fuels used for electricity generation
are: carbon dioxide; particulates (sooth and ash); sulfur gas; nitrogen oxides; carbon
monoxide; a small amount of mercury; nitrogen oxides; sulfate and nitrate particles.
When sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides in the air combine with water vapour, they
form sulfuric and nitric acids.
Air pollution affects also the health of businesses; acid rain can cause the
disruption of flora animal life, seriously affecting their natural habitats, as well as
crops, plant life, water.
Pollution seriously affects territorial initiatives and economies and reduces tourism
dramatically. Each enterprise should have, among its priorities, a sustainable
environmental policy.
Our quality of life is daily endangered by the greenhouse effect, as the excess of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are changing the Earths climate; heat is
increasing (global warming is thought to be a cause for serious concern), ice is melting
on the mountains and at the Poles, and devastating landslides increase in number also
as a consequence of deforestation or because of inadequate protection of territories
and indiscriminate building. Waste is expected to rise if we do not change our habits.
It is not a question of eliminating pollution; it is rather a matter of reducing these
devastating effects on our daily life. We can still survive, notwithstanding landslides,
polluted air, longer periods of drought, dramatic reduction of water, etc., but some
serious measures need to be taken immediately.
This is the right time to face this big challenge: for future generations it is a
question of life or death! We should make any possible effort also to save energy; one
simple suggestion: switching off appliances at night! Fortunately enough, now there is
a greater awareness of the problem and acceptance of the need for action.
1. Complete this mind map with ideas from the text. You can add more branches.
pollution types of
pollution
pollutants
. effects
The world & me 67
VOCABULARY
The environment
climate change
to damage
depletion
to destroy
disposable
earthquake
environment
environmentally-friendly
flood
fuel
global warming
hurricane
landfill sites
oil
ozone layer
petrol
pollution
public transport
to recycle
recycled rubbish
refillable
renewable
to reuse
rise in sea level
to run out (of)
to save money (on)
solar panels
to throw away
to waste
waste (n.)
wind farm
PART 5
Communication
A DICTO-COMP
communication face-to-face
body language
gestures
intonation
appropriate techniques
in a foreign for effective interaction
language affected by
technology
69
70 Part 5
1. Here are the sentences produced by the students. Some words are missing;
choose them from those given below to complete the sentences.
technology - I flew to - social networks - the videophone would be simply great -
could I talk to you - you wont make it! - techniques - false starts -
body language - eye-contact - the right message - a true chatter-box -
can be either formal or informal - letters and emails
JANE I communicate a lot; you know, Im ...........................,1 but I prefer talking
with friends, at home, everywhere.
ROBERT I believe that in communication ...........................2 plays an important role;
sometimes body language and signs carry more meaning than words
themselves.
FRANK An effective communication means that you use the right words and
structures to vehicle ...........................3 in the right place.
MARIA In face-to-face communication, intonation, pauses, repetitions,
...........................4 are very important.
JASMINE There are different ways to communicate: face-to-face or via ....................5
SIMONE I prefer to communicate via technology; I love chatting through
............................6 The telephone is also important; my mobile is never on
a stand-by; and .........................7! .........................8 helps a lot to understand
each other better.
NORA We communicate also through writing, for example with ...........................9.
Id like to develop a career in journalism or television, maybe working at
a local TV station, just for a start. It would be simply great and my
dream would come true!
HENRY I think that we are nearly losing the art of communicating; I mean that
when we communicate by text or email, we dont really express our
ideas clearly enough.
DENISE If you ask me about the relationship between computer and
communication, I dont hesitate to stress that the computer isolates us
from the rest of the world. Im very positive about that!
ROSA As to how to keep interaction going, well, we have to learn and use
specific ...........................,10 I guess.
TEACHER Communication, both oral and in writing, ...........................11. It means that
we have to use different structures and vocabulary, depending on the
situation. For example, when addressing the Dean of your university,
you have to use formal language such as: Excuse me, Mr. Adams,
...........................12, please?
Instead, when addressing a friend, your language is more direct: Helen,
listen, tomorrow Im leaving very early, at about 7.00. ...........................13! I
know you like sleeping until late on Saturday mornings!
And lets not forget intonation to mean discrimination. For example, the
sentence ...........................14 London last week, with the main stress on I,
means it was I and not another person who flew to London. Instead, if
we put the accent on London, what does it mean? Its easy: it means that
I flew to London and not to Bristol, for instance.
CELL PHONES
1. Here are some abbreviations used in mobile phone and email short messages.
Match them to their equivalent. Choose from the following:
See you later - Anyone - Any - Message/s - Weekend - Thanks - Thank you - Love -
People - Noon - Are you ok? - for/four - All the best No one - Please call me -
Thinking of you
2. Can you guess the meaning of these text messages? Write them away!
1. .......................................................
2day I dnt Prof. Smith Im TOY .......................................................
av tIm 2 wd lIk 2 now
CU @ 3 RUOK? 2. .......................................................
meetU
CU Mon @ pm in his PCM .......................................................
n%n my ofis 4 a ASAP 3. .......................................................
plAs talk THNQ Luv
.......................................................
INTERNET HABITS
How much time do you spend on the Internet?
I spend a lot of time/too much time on the Internet.
Im addicted to the Internet.
What do you use it for? Why?
Ex.: communication, study, research, entertainment, chatting, etc.
How do you think technology will develop in the future?
SOME PHRASES
to be addicted to the Internet to chat online to friends
to connect to the Internet to play computer games
to send a text to a friend to surf the net
to text a message to be glued to the computer
Communication 73
SOCIAL NETWORKS
applications for reviewing books, reviewing films, areas for private messages and
for more open discussions.
~ LinkedIn: this is a network mostly used for business to contact and keep in touch
with work colleagues. You may only contact people who are a friend of a friend, or a
friend of a friend of a friend, and so on.
~ Flickr: it is less used to socialise, but you can upload and share any pictures you
want others to see.
~ Google+: it lets you put all your acquaintances in separate circles, so you can post
something to your best friends that you might not want sent to your work
colleagues. At the moment, its not as popular as Facebook and Twitter.
WRITING TASK
Write an essay about the pros and cons of the huge spread of social networks
(about 150-200 words). Write about:
- how people communicate today;
- the advantages of social networks compared to other forms of communication;
- the disadvantages of social networks;
- how you see the future of communication.
INTERNET SLANG
Match these internet-related words with their meaning.
COMPUTER ACRONYMS
analogue signal: a type of signal that can take any value between a maximum and
a minimum.
digital system: an electronic system that has only two states, e.g.: on or off.
bit: short form for binary digit, the basic unit used in computer data
storage,
either 0 = absence of electrical impulse;
or 1 = presence of electrical impulse.
buffering: process of temporary storage of data from a fast source to a
slower system.
byte: a unit of computing information, consisting of a precise number
of bits (8 bits); one byte represents one letter or one number.
chip: integrated microcircuit.
kilobyte (KB): 1024 bytes (210: two to the power of ten), used as a measure of
computer memory or storage power. The chip has a 64 kilobyte
memory.
megabyte (MB): 1,048,576 bytes (220: two to the power of twenty), used as a
measure of computer memory or storage power.
gigabyte (GB): 1,073,741,824 bytes (230: two to the power of thirty,
standardized in 109: ten to the power of nine), used as a measure
of computer memory or storage power.
hardware: mechanical and electronic parts of a computer: screen, keyboard,
hard-disk, printer, scanner, etc.
software: programs used with a computer.
back forward
up down
acquire add to favourites
copy to folder move to folder
scroll bars cut
delete cut file
undo redo
rename copy image
paste set caption
copy to move to
add to image remove from image
add to basket remove from basket
Communication 77
MEASUREMENTS
in inch = 25.4 mm
ft foot = 30.48 cm
yd yard = 0.914 m
ml mile = 1.609 km
mm millimetre
cm centimetre = 0.394 in
m metre = 39.4 in or 1.094 yd
km kilometre = 0.6214 mile
sq square; sq in = square inch; sq m = square metre
1/6 one sixth
1/4 one quarter
3/5 three fifths read the top number as a cardinal number, followed by
the ordinal number + s
1.7 one point seven
15.54 fifteen point five four
0.2 (nought) point two
0.751 (nought) point seven five one
356 three hundred AND fifty-six British English takes and
between hundreds and tens, while American English omits it
1,000 one thousand
1,000,000 one million
1,000,000,000 one billion
REMEMBER
Decimals in English-speaking
countries are separated by a full
stop, while sequences of three
digits like thousands, millions,
billions, etc. are separated by a
comma.
Basically, it is the reverse of what
happens with the Italian numeral
system.
Communication 79
ACTIVITIES
1. Match the words with the signs and then fill in the gaps.
x add (and)
- multiply (by)
+ divide (by)
: subtract (from)
a 4 = 2 1 25 per cent
b 2
2 =4 2 nought point 1 or point 1
c 16-4 = 2 3 a quarter or one quarter
d 4 three point one five
e 5 2 squared is 4
f 25% 6 16 to the minus 4 is 2
g 0.1 7 (the square) root (of) 4 is 2
h 3.15 8 a half or one half
3. Below are some terms for saying weights and measures. Match the metric term
on the left with the nearest non-metric equivalent on the right.
a. centimetre 1. ounce
b. meter 2. mile
c. square metre 3. inch
d. kilometre 4. pound
e. liter 5. pint
f. gram 6. yard
g. kilogram 7. acre
This is why, besides studying the grammar and increasing the vocabulary of a
foreign language, it is fundamental to learn also a correct pronunciation of words.
A good pronunciation is important for a good spoken communication. Even if you
are not able to speak like a native, what matters is rather being able to speak clearly so
that other people can understand what you want to say.
There are many different English accents in Britain and all around the world. Some
varieties of English include British English (BrE), American English (AmE), and
Australian English (AusE).
This section is thought of as a practical guide to grasp the basic concepts of
phonetics.
Learning each sound of English and the different symbols representing every sound
will help you to improve your pronunciation.
In writing English we use the 26 letters of the English alphabet; however, there are
44 sounds in the English language. This is why to represent them all a system of
phonetic transcription has been devised the International Phonetic Alphabet which
uses a group of symbols; some of them are the same as letters, while others are
different. This means that the number of sounds in a word is not always the same as
the number of letters.
81
82 Part 6
The phonemic symbols can be used to write out the pronunciation of words.
Dictionaries for English learners usually show the pronunciation of the word written
out using these special symbols.
The transcription is written between slashes (//) to differentiate it from the
spelling. Here is an example:
Learning the phonemic symbols, besides being very useful, will also allow you to
autonomously use the dictionary to find the pronunciation of any word in English.
The following websites contain interactive phonetic charts useful to check the correct
pronunciation of the sounds of English:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/pron/
http://www.pearsonlongman.com/phonetic-chart.html
http://elt.oup.com/student/englishfile/elementary/c_pronunciation/pronunciation01?
cc=it&selLanguage=it
Pronunciation and Phonetics 83
The IPA is a system of symbols devised by linguists to write the sounds of English;
they have been organised into different groups:
Other symbols
SCHWA
The most common sound in English is schwa. It is a weak, unstressed sound and it
occurs in many words, such as articles and prepositions. The phonemic symbol for this
sound is //.
The sound schwa can represent not only a single letter, but also several letters or even
a whole syllable. This is often seen in words which have an unstressed syllable made
up of a vowel letter followed by the letter 'r'.
In the following sentences, the schwa sounds are marked in red:
CONNECTED SPEECH
In fluent speech we do not pronounce a word, stop, then say the next word in the
sentence, but words frequently bump into each other. These changes in pronunciation,
described as features of connected speech, typically occur between the end and the
beginning of some words. Being aware of them can improve listening comprehension.
SOUNDS LINK
Linking is a way of joining the pronunciation of two words so that they are easy to say
and to pronounce. In English there are different ways that this happens:
~ Linking r
In British English final r is not pronounced, but it is reintroduced when the next
word begins with a vowel.
/r/
(/r/ is pronounced and links to the following word)
Pronunciation and Phonetics 85
/t/ // /f/
g g:l/
Lucys a good girl. /gg p pep/
I prefer white paper. /wap
Because of the place in the mouth where certain sounds are made, sometimes the
sound at the end of the first word changes to a completely different sound.
Sometimes more than one feature of connected speech happens at the same time.
For example, when the sounds /t/ or /d/ occur between two consonant sounds, not
only they will often disappear completely from the pronunciation, but the last
sound of the word can be changed by the following word.
Another common form of assimilation occurs when both the last sound of the first
word and the first sound of the following word change to a third sound.
VOICING
In English some consonants are voiced while others are voiceless. You may feel it by
putting two fingers on your throat: if you pronounce the sound /z/ you will feel your
vowel cords vibrate, while if you pronounce the voiceless consonant /s/ it will be just
air coming out through your mouth.
The following sounds are usually voiceless:
The sounds below are only fully voiced when they are between other voiced sounds:
86 Part 6
y [wa] z [zed]
1. Arrange the following words in alphabetical order, then write their phonetic
transcription, pointing out the main stress. Finally write a few sentences with
some of them.
education - university - iron - management - minute (adj.) -
London - adjective - attendance - July - exam - orange (n.)
2. Complete the table with the information required. You can add more words
while attending the English course.
For each symbol of the IPA think of one word containing the corresponding sound.
An example is already provided for the short vowel sound //.
trip
Long vowel sounds
Diphthongs (double vowel sounds)
HOMOPHONES
2. Here are some homophones. Write the phonetic script of each word pair.
1. write-right 5. piece-peace
2. quite-quiet 6. cease-seize
3. cold-called 7. since-sins
4. one-won 8. their-there-theyre
3. Each of these sentences contains one word which sounds correct but which is
spelt wrongly. Identify these homophones by circling them and write the correct
spelling.
4. Can you find the English homophones corresponding to each phonetic script?
Write them out!
HOMOGRAPHS
a. (noun) ...............................
1 bow
b. (verb) ...............................
a. (adj.) ...............................
2 close
b. (verb) ...............................
a. (noun) ...............................
3 desert
b. (verb) ...............................
a. (noun) ...............................
4 present
b. (verb) ...............................
a. (noun) ...............................
5 produce
b. (verb) ...............................
a. (noun) ...............................
6 record
b. (verb) ...............................
a. (noun) ...............................
7 book
b. (verb) ...............................
a. (noun) ...............................
8 leaves
b. (verb) ...............................
6. Which word is suitable to each context? For each sentence, circle the phonetic
script corresponding to the correct homograph to be used and write the word.
7. Write on your copybook any new homophones and/or homographs you might
learn during the English course.
90 Part 6
AMERICAN ENGLISH
Nowadays there are about four times as many speakers of American English (AmE)
as speakers of British English. Because of the USA leading position in business, politics,
cinema, telecommunications, advertisements, popular music, trade and technology
(including the Internet), Americanisms are being spread all over the world.
American English and British English are the most widespread varieties of English
spoken around the world, and thus serve as reference norms for other varieties of this
language, including for example Australian English, New Zealand English, Canadian
English, South African English, Indian English and Caribbean English.
It is common to hear by a speaker of British English or by a speaker of American
English that they do not understand each other. That is obviously not true. The most
relevant difference, widely shared, is their accent. But there are substantial differences
also in vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation and grammar in general.
The history of American English is closely connected to the history of colonization
and settlement in North America. Indeed, English was brought to America by colonists
in the 17th century, and through various linguistic processes, rapidly developed a
uniformity and standardisation of its own, with a unique pronunciation, vocabulary
and grammar.
In 1607 the first American colony was established by the British in Jamestown,
Virginia, a state named after Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen. Later, the Pilgrim Fathers
sailed from Plymouth and established a new colony in 1620, bringing with them their
culture and language more than anything else.
This language developed in the following two hundred years or thereabout through
the contribution of the languages of Native Americans and of the French, Italian,
Dutch, and German settlers. In fact, although the English were not the only Europeans
there at that time, before the 19th century, the majority of immigrants to North
America were English-speakers.
The Spanish, for example, also had an influence on American English, by
introducing words like canyon, ranch and vigilante through the settlement of the
American West. French words (through Louisiana) and West African words (through
the slave trade) also influenced American English.
Inventions and technology have done and are still doing the rest.
Spelling
Differences in spelling are numerous and they help the reader distinguish between
the two Englishes:
Americans use -er instead of -re in words like theater/theatre, kilometer/kilometre,
showing the tendency to make the pronunciation of these words more phonic, more
similar to their spelling. The same happens for the group -our that becomes -or in
words like color/colour or flavor/flavour;
they do not double the /l/ as in traveler (BrE: traveller) or the /m/ as in swiming
(BrE: swimming);
Pronunciation and Phonetics 91
other variations include the use of x instead of ct: connexion (BrE: connection), the
use of z instead of s as in realize (BrE: realise), being the spelling more similar to
its pronunciation.
Grammar
Americans use gotten instead of received or learned instead of learnt. They also
tend to use nouns as verbs (like to guest from guest) and verbs as nouns (like a build
up from to build up). Moreover, the subjunctive is rather common in American English,
e.g.: We asked that he stay there.
In AmE the 2nd person plural pronouns, you guys, and you people, are heard
frequently and there is a different use of prepositions from British English, as in
different than instead of different from.
Pronunciation
In American English:
/r/ is usually pronounced (e.g. board /'brd/, supper /'spr/);
the sound // is pronounced /a:/ (e.g. block: BrE /'blk/, AmE /'bla:k/);
the vowel u is pronounced // instead of /j/ (e.g. student: AmE /'stu:dnt/, BrE
/'stju:dnt/).
The old, rich families of Boston still speak with a distinctive Bostonian accent which
is similar to Britain's 'RP. Obviously there are many regional dialects in the various
areas, i.e. Southern Coastal, Northern, Midland, Western (check map).
General American English (GAE) can be considered a sort of standard AmE.
92 Part 6
BRITISH ENGLISH
The term British English (BrE) is used to distinguish it from American English and
the other Englishes spoken in Australia, South Africa, etc.
British English is the language spoken in the United Kingdom, without ignoring the
many distinctive features of Scottish, Welsh and Irish Englishes and the many dialect
influences on the RP/Queens/Kings/BBC/Standard English, as it is differently
named. The language carrying these names is generally used by educated people and
by the upper and middle classes. English people tend to be rather jealous of their
language.
Today, standard English is the language used by educated people and is taught in
schools both in England and in Europe. In Italy we accept British English as the
language to be thought to students at school and universities.
The phonetic transcription of British English in dictionaries is usually based on RP
and uses the symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
Nowadays also many educated people accept and use regional influences mostly in
their spoken language.
Regional English
Modern dialects have their roots in Old English. They are often characterized by the
use of non-standard forms such as double negative structures, e.g. I dont want none,
dropped prepositions as in Hes gone down the pub, or variant pronouns such as hisself
and theirselves. Dialects are usually spoken with a regional accent.
Here are some dialects:
- Geordie, with some features typical of Scottish English;
- Scouse, a Liverpool dialect;
- Brummie (Birmingham English), spoken in the Midlands;
- Yorkshire, spoken in the north-east of England.
Most British people can recognize Cockney, a London dialect of the working class.
Characteristics of a Cockney accent include the dropping of the letter h (e.g. the
pronunciation of the word house: /'aus/ for /haus/), a feature shared by many speakers
in different regions.
At this point it seems relevant to go back to G.B. Shaws Pygmalion or to the musical
My Fair Lady. The phonetician Henry Higgins wins a bet: the Cockney flower girl Eliza
Doolittle passes for a duchess at an ambassadors garden party after teaching her
impeccable speech. And to the purpose of the dropping of the /h/sound, typical of
Cockney speakers, it is unforgettable the scene on the stage when Eliza is practicing
the /h/sound: the girl is sitting near a table in the middle of the stage and blowing at a
candle, hoping for the flickering of the flame, the clear demonstration of the educated
pronunciation of the /h/ sound, a glottal, fricative phoneme.
Pronunciation and Phonetics 93
Estuary English
In the 1990s a new dialect, Estuary English, spread in the area around the estuary
of the river Thames and its name is after the river itself. It is a combination of Cockney
and RP and is the result of the upward social rising of some Cockney speakers and a
falling from Standard English by some educated speakers.
Estuary English should have been the expression of a new classless society. It can be
heard in Parliament and on television too. It is no longer as popular as in its beginning.
Prof. David Rosewarne called it this way. He was a very successful guest speaker at
the TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) Group in Benevento,
some years ago.
TO SUM UP...
1. What is BrE?
2. What is usually referred to as RP?
3. What are the main regional dialects and where are they spoken?
4. What is Cockney?
5. What is Estuary English?
94 Part 6
COLLOQUIALISMS
BRITISH IDIOMS
1. Can you find the Italian equivalent for these idioms?
AMERICAN IDIOMS
2. Match the following idioms with their meaning.
1. Whats up? a. (something) very easy to do
2. Break a leg! b. to keep quiet/silent (infml)
3. to keep fingers crossed c. to cost a lot of money
4. a piece of cake d. I cant believe it!
5. Bite my tongue e. very rarely
6. to cost a pretty penny f. Good luck!
7. Get out of here! g. If something applies to you, accept it. (infml)
8. once in a blue moon h. to have troubles understanding something
9. In your dreams! i. I dont believe you!/Theres no way thats true.
10. If the shoe fits, wear it! j. Enjoy life!
11. miss the point k. irritates me
12. grab a bite l. Whats happening? (infml)
13. gets on my nerves m. to wish someone good luck
14. Live it up! n. have something quick to eat
3. Complete the following conversations with an idiom from those listed above.
A: Im so nervous. Tomorrow Im sitting my first exam.
B: Are you? Well, dont worry and !
2. For each word listed below two different pronunciations are provided. Write BrE
or AmE next to each phonetic script.
Translation skills
FOCUS ON TENSES
HOW TO TRANSLATE SOME VERB TENSES FROM ITALIAN INTO ENGLISH
1. A quale tempo dellinglese corrisponde lIndicativo Presente dellitaliano?
Quando traduci un tempo dallitaliano allinglese, per evitare di commettere errori
ed usare un tempo sbagliato (non sempre, infatti, c unesatta corrispondenza tra
litaliano e linglese), immagina sempre, prima, una timeline, poi poniti queste
domande:
97
98 Part 7
Osserva queste frasi e spiega le differenze legate alluso di diversi tempi verbali.
a. Ive been playing the guitar for 10 years.
b. Ive played the guitar for 10 years.
c. I played the guitar for 10 years.
TENSE REVISION
In questa tabella troverai alcuni tempi verbali usati nella lingua inglese per indicare
azioni presenti e passate; per ognuno indicata la formazione e sono fornite due frasi
come esempio, in italiano.
Ti accorgerai che non vi sempre unesatta corrispondenza tra il tempo verbale
usato in italiano e quello in inglese. Prova a tradurre le frasi in inglese!
Italian English
Guarda la timeline e cerca di spiegare quando si usano i tempi verbali elencati nella
tabella.
Past ----------------------------- Present --------------------------- Future
ACTIVITIES
1. Write one sentence for each tense listed in the table below.
Present Simple
Present Continuous
Past Continuous
100 Part 7
2. Complete the sentences below with the correct tense of the verbs suggested.
3. Write the correct form of the verbs: Past Simple, positive or negative. Use each
verb twice: once in the positive and once in the negative forms.
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
Si usa con i verbi to go e to come per programmi futuri:
Es.: Domani sera i miei amici verranno al cinema con me.
Tomorrow night my friends are coming to the cinema with me.
GOING TO
Si usa:
- per esprimere un accordo futuro tra persone:
Es.: Prenderanno il treno per Roma.
They are going to take the train to Rome.
- per esprimere un programma futuro o lintenzione che precede il momento di
parlare:
Es.: Matt, David e Jane dipingeranno la stanza di Helen di giallo.
Matt, David and Jane are going to paint Helens room yellow.
- si usa anche per esprimere la conseguenza di un fatto di cui c gi evidenza ora:
Es.: Il Napoli vincer la partita.
Naples is going to win the match.
(Its three-nil and there are only a couple of minutes left to play).
WILL
- Si usa per esprimere unintenzione contemporanea al momento di parlare:
Es.: Per me una bistecca di vitello con insalata.
Ill have a beef steak with salad.
- oppure per indicare il futuro, in generale:
Es.: Pap sar a Manchester per una settimana.
Dad will be in Manchester for a week.
CONDITIONALS
Il second conditional si usa anche per immaginare condizioni diverse dalla realt
presente: If I had time, Id go to the gym every day.
Quando il verbo della proposizione introdotta da if be, la forma were per tutte le
persone: If I were rich, Id stop working.
Translation skills 103
N.B.: Nei tempi composti lausiliare sempre have anche quando in italiano
lausiliare o il verbo principale essere.
THE IMPERATIVE
1. Match the verbal forms to the left with their equivalent in Italian.
1. Dont open the door. a. Non essere scortese!
2. Be careful, please. b. Fammi pagare!
3. Lets not talk about this again! c. Non aprire la porta.
4. She asked me not to go. d. Stai attento, per favore.
5. Dont be rude! e. Non parliamone pi!
6. Let me pay! f. Mi chiese di non andare.
THE INFINITIVE
The infinitive in English is made by adding to before the base form of the verb.
i.e. I am glad to know this.
Mi fa piacere sapere questo.
To is omitted when the infinitive follows modal verbs like can, may, could, must,
would, might.
i.e. They can come later.
Possono venire pi tardi.
How do you translate the Italian verb fare? Choose among make, do, have, take, be.
fare compere fare un errore
fare i compiti fare un esame
fare tardi fare presto
fare una foto fare una frase
fare una torta fare un viaggio
fare i lavori di casa
fare la spesa (cibo)
fare unesperienza
Translation skills 105
REFLEXIVE VERBS
Reflexive verbs in English are followed by a reflexive pronoun, like myself, yourself,
himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves. Only a few verbs need to be
followed by a reflexive pronoun in English, while other verbs like amuse, blame, cut,
enjoy, hurt, introduce can be followed by either a reflexive pronoun or by an object.
Ex.: The teacher introduced Carlo, the new student, to the class.
Carlo introduced himself to his classmates.
Some verbs (like complain, dress, shave, wash, get up, stop, train, wake up) are reflexive
only in Italian, not in English.
Ex.: I woke up late this morning.
Mi sono svegliato tardi stamattina.
Also verbs implying a change are reflexive only in Italian, while in English they are
usually translated with the verb to get + past participle or adjective.
Ex.: Fiona e Marco si sposano a giugno.
Fiona and Marco will get married in June.
una ragazza piuttosto nervosa. Si arrabbia facilmente.
Shes quite a nervous girl. She easily gets angry.
If the Italian reflexive verb is followed by a direct object, in English the reflexive
pronoun will be omitted and a possessive adjective will be used instead.
Ex.: Mi piaciuto davvero il soggiorno allestero.
I really enjoyed my stay abroad.
We use the
IDIOMS
1. Match the idioms below with their Italian translation. Use the dictionary, if
necessary.
2. Use idioms from the previous activity to fill in the gaps. Choose suitable verb
tenses.
a. Matthew is giving his mother so much trouble. He has been .
from school for a whole month.
b. He spends all of his time on the sofa watching TV. What a !
c. The new manager, is an extremely creative person. She constantly proves
..
d. Young people can easily get in trouble when they ..
e. He built his own house; he
FOCUS ON WORDS
FALSE FRIENDS
1. How do you translate these false friends into Italian? Use the dictionary, if
necessary, then write a sentence for each word.
Word Italian translation Sentence
1. actual
2. blank
3. confront (v.)
4. economical
5. education
6. eventually
7. parents
8. presumption
9. pretend (v.)
10. scholar
2. Replace the false friends in blue italics with words more suited to the context.
1. Rose and John are my favourite auntie and uncle. Theyre the best parents ever!
2. The director asked me to firm the new contract.
3. My grandparents have a big factory in the countryside. They love being in touch
with nature!
4. Flora is a worker in a furniture fabric.
5. You can buy this book in a library.
6. She advised us that she couldnt come to the meeting.
7. My favourite camera is my bedroom.
8. The French Revolution marked an important stage in story.
9. Vita dei Campi is a collection of novels by the Italian writer Giovanni Verga.
10. Were studying really hard; tomorrow well repeat the last chapter of the book.
B. house - home
1. Were moving to our new . next month.
2. I love coming back . after a long, exhausting day!
2. seguire
a. facile seguire il corso di matematica.
b. Seguiamo molti corsi alluniversit.
a.
b.
3. istruzione
a. Bisogna seguire attentamente le istruzioni per far funzionare questa macchina.
b. Listruzione molto importante per me.
a.
b.
4. materia
a. La mia materia preferita linglese.
b. Limmigrazione stata materia di discussione al convegno.
a.
b.
5. paese
a. Vivo in un paese piccolo, ma tranquillo.
b. La Norvegia un paese nel nord dellEuropa.
a.
b.
6. citt
a. Daniele viene da una piccola citt della Svezia.
b. La vita nelle grandi citt molto frenetica.
a.
b.
Translation skills 111
COMPOUND WORDS
In English two nouns can be put together to form a compound word. The former will
have the grammar function of an adjective and will therefore be always singular, as
adjectives are invariable in English.
For instance, if we have to translate the Italian phrase lezione sui computer, we will
say computer lesson, not computers lesson.
There are some exceptions, however, as sports centre (in Italian: centro sportivo).
Compound words are also used in English to specify the type, brand or manufacturer
of a product. In Italian too a similar structure is used, but the word order will be the
reverse.
For example: Its a Nokia cell phone.
un telefono cellulare Nokia.
FOCUS ON PREPOSITIONS
PREPOSITIONS OF TIME
Preposition Use Examples
da quanto tempo
ago two years ago
qualcosa accaduto
entro un periodo di
within within 24 hours
tempo
No preposition: today - yesterday - tomorrow - the day after tomorrow - the day
before yesterday - last night - last week - two weeks ago - next
month - yesterday morning - tomorrow evening - this evening -
tonight
Translation skills 113
ACTIVITIES
3. Read the following pairs of sentences and find out the difference between the
given prepositions.
with/by = con I go to school by bus.
I go to school with my schoolmates.
When do we use with?
When do we use by?
FOCUS ON VERBS
PHRASAL VERBS
Some phrasal verbs (verb + preposition)
agree on something come back speak out take back
agree with somebody disagree with speak up take in
ask after go ahead stand by take off
ask around go back stand for take on
bear out go for stand up take over
bear with go on take after wake up
build up go out take away warm up
1. Fill in the gaps with an appropriate phrasal verb from the list above.
1. ADSL is an acronym. It Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line.
2. Hurry up, its late! My plane is going to in half an hour.
3. Whenever I can, I a walk in the park.
4. We have different points of view, so I often Frank.
5. I forgot my purse at home, so I had to and fetch it.
6. Could you , please? I cant hear you!
7. Please, . me; just let me explain.
8. Dont stop singing: . !
2. Which prepositions go with the verbs suggested? For each phrasal verb obtained
write a sentence (use the dictionary, if necessary).
on
with my
brother
to look
(look )
(look )
(look )
to turn
(turn )
(turn )
(turn )
(turn )
Translation skills 117
Ho freddo. Potresti
be cold
chiudere la finestra?
Sono molto bravo a
be good at (-ing)
parlare in tedesco.
Se hai fame, prendi un
be hungry
panino!
Sara non esperta in
be into (something)
questo settore.
Henry innamorato di
be in love with
tua cugina.
Sei sempre in ritardo per
be late (for)
la lezione.
tardi! Non faremo in
be on time
tempo per la cerimonia!
Chiedi a Luca; molto
be practical with
pratico con i computer.
Ho sete! Andiamo a
be thirsty
prendere una bibita!
Composition skills
ENGLISH SYNTAX
La proposizione, in inglese, strutturata secondo un ordine piuttosto preciso, che
prevede tipicamente un soggetto - sempre espresso - un verbo ed un complemento.
Subject verb complement
These students passed the exam.
We are attending four courses.
CONNECTING CLAUSES
Esistono diversi modi per collegare due proposizioni indipendenti:
~ utilizzando un linker appropriato, come, ad esempio:
to add an idea and
to show contrast but, yet
to present a choice or (either or), nor (neither nor)
to indicate result so
to indicate reason because
119
120 Part 8
ACTIVITIES
1. Each of the sentences below has two independent clauses. Do the following:
a. for each clause circle the subject, underline the verb, and put two lines under the
complement;
b. in each sentence, circle the coordinator and the comma twice;
c. then tell the relationship between the two clauses: addition, contrast, choice,
result.
2. Each sentence below has two independent clauses, but they are not properly
punctuated. Put a semicolon between them.
1. I love listening to music it helps me relax.
2. We had a meal at the Chinese restaurant last night it was really delicious.
3. Susan often goes to the cinema she loves adventure films.
4. Pablo Picasso was Spanish he was born in Malaga.
Composition skills 121
3. Read the following sentences, then connect them with a semicolon and a
transitional word; put a comma after the transitional word. Use therefore,
however, moreover.
1. Some people do not like social networks, as they prefer face-to-face
communication.
Using social networks can help you find old friends.
2. I tried to contact you the whole day.
My email service was out of order.
3. Speaking a foreign language helps you to get in touch with many people.
It helps you a lot when travelling abroad.
4. Knowing about world events is very important.
I read the newspaper and watch the news every day.
5. I like going to the cinema.
Sometimes I dont have time for it.
6. We learn a lot from our classes.
We attend them regularly.
Write six pairs of sentences about the topic. Each sentence should have only one
clause. The sentences in each pair should be related to each other.
5. Write a short composition about what you think are the greatest technological
inventions. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion (about
200 words). Dont forget to organize your compositions into paragraphs,
including an introduction, some middle paragraphs each developing an idea
and a conclusion. Use connectors too.
6. Fill in the blanks choosing the appropriate linker among those listed below:
In conclusion - For instance - because - However
In addition to - Besides - indeed - While - Despite
The Internet is everywhere; it has dramatically changed our way of living and working.
It brings about many advantages; ,5 you can use it to look for
information, thanks to the useful search programs. ,6 you can
download programs and send or receive emails.
7 these advantages, there are also some drawbacks, for
example, the possibility of catching viruses. 8 that, by using
the Internet too much, people run the risk of forgetting how to communicate face to
face and of being glued to the computer.
,9 I believe that the Internet is the greatest innovation of the
last century and it can help us for many purposes, but we must use it in the best
possible way.
PARAGRAPHING
Fill in the blanks with suitable verbs from below, then divide the text into
paragraphs.
tries needs goes (x 2) relaxes studies works (x 2) spends
practises attends has been attending is (x 2) likes comes back
ESSAY WRITING
TIPS
b. Scrivi la composizione:
- a questo punto usa le informazioni precedentemente raccolte, selezionando le
pi importanti;
- organizza le tue frasi in base allidea che sviluppano;
- decidi lidea principale che vuoi discutere: ci ti aiuter a scrivere la thesis
statement della tua introduzione;
- organizza i paragrafi sviluppando, in ognuno di essi, una topic sentence. Poi
aggiungi motivi, dettagli, ragioni, ecc. Ricorda di andare a capo per ogni nuovo
paragrafo;
~ usa i linkers: le congiunzioni possono aiutarti a dare maggiore coesione e
coerenza alla tua composizione;
~ anche la punteggiatura pu creare questo effetto.
PUNCTUATION
Read this email and add punctuation whenever appropriate (capital letters,
apostrophes, full stops, commas, exclamation and question marks, etc.).
dear mary
how are you i hope you are well im fine
im writing to invite you to come and stay with us for the next summer holiday
as you know i have a wonderful house in Capri im staying there for 15 days in july
there will be also my sister myriam and two old friends of ours
if you come well be very happy
Capri is a wonderful island its charming and lively in the morning we can stay on the
beach I know that you love swimming and relaxing in the sun while in the evening we
can go to discos or clubs
im sure next summer will be fantastic
i hope you will be with us
please write to me soon
antonella
WRITING TASKS
Choose one of the following topics and write an essay about it (200 words).
1. Computers have become quite widespread today. Write an essay discussing the role
of the computer in your (university) studies and in your life.
2. Write an essay about the importance of technology in todays society.
3. Write an essay about a book, a film or a TV program that you know and like.
Support your ideas with reasons and examples.
4. Which is, in your opinion, the best age of life? Give reasons and provide suitable
examples.
5. Advertisement has become quite widespread today among companies. Do you think
it useful or just a waste of money and time? Write an essay expressing your
opinions, supported by specific examples and experiences.
6. The twentieth century saw great changes. In your opinion, what is one change that
should be remembered about the last century? Use specific reasons and examples to
support your opinion.
7. In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think
this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.
8. Describe, in a short essay your ideal university. You can refer to: facilities, location,
services, opportunities, courses, etc. Use specific reasons and details to develop your
ideas.
9. What do you want most in a friend: someone who is intelligent, someone who has a
sense of humour, or someone who is reliable? Which one of these characteristics is
most important to you? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your choice.
Composition skills 125
Paragraph about
advantages (pros)
Questi paragrafi dovrebbero essere bilanciati, per
cui il numero dei vantaggi dovrebbe essere pi o
meno equivalente al numero degli svantaggi.
Paragraph about
disadvantages (cons)
BRAINSTORMING
Dovresti iniziare raccogliendo idee (brainstorming) sullargomento oggetto di
discussione. Potrebbe essere utile riempire una tabella come questa:
Advantages Disadvantages
Dopo aver raccolto idee su ogni argomento, scrivi il tuo saggio dividendolo in
paragrafi:
WRITING TASKS
1. E.mails and computer-based forms of communication have become largely
widespread today. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these new forms of
communication.
2. Describe, in an essay, the pros and cons of having a well-paid, time-consuming job.
3. Speak to one or more of your friends about the use of mobile phones today. Mention
both positive and negative aspects.
4. A person you know is planning to move to your town/city. What do you think this
person would like and dislike about living in your town/city? Use specific reasons
and details to develop your essay.
Composition skills 127
WRITING ACTIVITIES
1. Speak to one of your foreign friends about similarities and differences in your
university studies.
2. Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small
company. Which would you prefer? Use specific reasons and details to develop your
essay.
GRAMMAR CORNER
Can you remember how to form the comparative and superlative forms of
adjectives? Fill in the table below.
comparative of comparative of comparative of
Adjective superlative
majority minority equality
CORRECTING MISTAKES
Ecco una prova di esame con diversi errori, evidenziati dal docente attraverso luso
di simboli, spiegati nella legenda in fondo alla pagina. Correggi gli errori, poi trascrivi
la composizione, dividendola anche in paragrafi.
What role can you play as an engineer in todays society? Refer to the impact that the
skills and competences you are acquiring through your studies can have on social areas
as building, IT, telecommunications and environmental development.
ww syn
I study engineer at Benevento university because I like making
ww ww
plans. I have already given an informatics exam. I hope to start
wt sp wo
work just finished studing at university. In the department
engineering there are many technical subjects. I hope to pass all the
examinations and one day I hope to become a good engineer. So I
wm
hope to work in an important office. I also like the urban and I am
ww syn wo
following a course very exciting. In the department engineering
ww ww
there are some difficult subjects like fisica, mats, chimica, ecc. I
gr
would like to build an important structure, like a skyscraper or a
p
important bridge. I am very passionate about this university in my
pron
opinion may be a way to change things.
There are two main types of letters or emails you can write:
1. informal: usually written to a person you know, such as a relative or a friend;
2. formal: when you write to people you dont know or that you dont know well.
What distinguishes formal from informal letters and emails are style and language.
4. The body of the letter How are you? I received Here is how a letter should
your letter on 15th June, be written.
In personal correspondence
British people write their
address (1) at the top right
5. Closing of the letter Love,
hand side of the letter.
6. Signature Antonio The date (2) is written
under the senders address.
Remember to write the full name of the months and not to confuse the American date
and the British date. Americans write the name of the month first and then the day,
whereas the British do exactly the opposite.
If you write to a person you do not know, you can begin the letter using Dear Sir or
Dear Madam and if you know him/her you can use Dear Doctor White, Dear Mrs
Brown, etc.
You can conclude the letter with: Yours faithfully or with equivalent expressions.
In personal letters (i.e. to friends, parents, relatives) you can use Dear followed by the
name of the receiver (3).
The body of the letter (4) must contain the reasons for writing and can be subdivided
into paragraphs.
You can conclude the letter with Lots of Love, With Love, All the best, Yours (5).
The final part of a letter is the signature (6). If you write to people you dont know
youll write your name and surname, but if you write to persons you know well you
only need to write your first name.
130 Part 8
SOME TIPS
LETTER LAYOUT
STYLE
In formal letters you In informal letters you
~ use Sir or Madam, or the persons title and ~ use first name only;
surname; ~ use I/we;
~ prefer the passive form; ~ can use contractions and
~ do not use contractions or abbreviations; abbreviations;
~ use single-word verbs, formal linking ~ can use phrasal verbs, idioms and
words and phrases; colloquial language;
~ use long sentences, impersonal style; ~ use short sentences;
~ sign with your full name and then print it. ~ sign with your first name only.
EMAILING
USEFUL LANGUAGE
When writing a letter/email, it is necessary to distinguish between formal and informal
language. The table below provides an overview of typical, common sentences and
expressions used to start and end formal and informal letters/emails.
INFORMAL FORMAL
Dear Dr Newark,
Dear Ms Hallmark,
Yours faithfully,
Yours sincerely,
Closing line
Yours, Sincerely,
Regards,
Love (from),
Kind regards,
Best Wishes,
With kindest regards,
Best wishes,
All the best,
N.B.: If you start with a name (e.g. Dear Mr Gordon) you should end with Yours
sincerely. If you start with Dear Sir or Madam you should end with Yours
faithfully.
PART 9
Learning skills
Before going through the activities suggested in this section, take a few minutes to
answer these questions.
1. Do you use any dictionary?
2. If yes, which one/ones? (Italian monolingual, English monolingual, Italian-English
bilingual)
3. When?
4. Why do you use the dictionary?
5. How do you think it can help you?
a. b.
b. d.
Here are some activities which will help you understand how useful the dictionary is!
1. Fill in the table with the Past Simple and Past Participle forms of the verbs. Add their
Italian meaning too.
133
134 Part 9
to swear
to take
to teach
to tear
to think
to throw
to understand
to wear
to weep
4. Some words deriving from Latin, follow its rules for the plural.*
word phonetic script Italian meaning
analysis
crisis
curriculum
datum
nucleus
oasis
phenomenon
5. What is the grammar function of the following words? (noun, verb, adjective, adverb,
preposition)
Word Its a/an Italian meaning
angry adjective arrabbiato/a
ashamed
cloud
cloudy
generous
happily
happy
hungry
mean
meek
meet
move
movement
quiet
selfish
speak
weak
write
7. Write some phrasal verbs you can make with the following verbs.
a. come
b. make
c. speak
d. turn
GIVING A PRESENTATION
Before preparing a presentation, you should carefully select the information you have about
the topic you wish to discuss.
To be effective, your presentation should be structured into three main parts, each
introducing and logically developing the ideas you wish to illustrate to the audience. You
should inform and interest it, interacting with it as your presentation progresses.
Include enough information to make communication easier and, if possible, use pictures,
graphs, tables to visually assist your audience.
As the visual aspect is uppermost, carefully select the size, colour and type of the characters
used to type your text. It shouldnt be too small or set against a background the same colour
as the text itself: this can actually make it quite hard for your audience to read the words.
A. How to start your presentation
B. How to develop it
C. How to end it
Check also the expressions listed in the following verbal functions sheet.
138 Part 9
VERBAL FUNCTIONS
These words and phrases might be useful when taking part in a formal discussion in English.
Agreeing Disagreeing
Backtracking Summarizing
Hesitating
Mmm, Ill have to think about that.
Good/interesting question.
Learning skills 139
WORD TABLES
Fill in this word table with suitable words.
WORD DIAGRAMS
Complete this word diagram with appropriate words. Add branches for new words.
university
people
activities
places subjects
attending lectures
taking notes
WORD FAMILIES
MIND MAPS
SPORTS
easy or difficult to
practice sports?
Why?
sports what I think
about sport sports I know
(championship, world/
European Cups, etc.)
my favourite
sport
the sports/team/
player/athlete I prefer
THE FIRM
human resources
(wages, training)
innovations assets
stakeholders government,
the firm
local authorities
the press
suppliers
other firms actions*
* Creative actions
Actions are considered creative when they produce something that is original. Creativity
occurs within structured systems of social actions. Nowadays, it is necessary to emphasize
the concept of social creativity that implies factors such as information and knowledge.
Technology is a factor that can enhance creativity and design development. These indices
are called Technology, Talent, and Tolerance, summarized with the acronym 3Ts.
* Local development
Sitography
http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/img/dynamic/c1347/type.FileContent.file/ELPTe
mplate_en_GB.doc
~ http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/img/dynamic/c1347/type.FileContent.file/ELPTe
mplate_en_GB.doc
~ https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/documents/european-skills-
passport/language-passport
~ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/pron/
~ http://www.pearsonlongman.com/phonetic-chart.html
~ http://elt.oup.com/student/englishfile/elementary/c_pronunciation/pronunciation
01?cc=it&selLanguage=it
IDIOMS
STRANGE BUILDINGS
http://www.strangebuildings.com
Scienze fisiche
Scienze chimiche
Scienze biologiche
Scienze mediche
Scienze giuridiche
www.aracneeditrice.it
Printed in march
by ERMES. Servizi Editoriali Integrati S.r.l.
Ariccia (RM) via Quarto Negroni,
on behalf of Aracne editrice S.r.l., Rome