Name _____________________________________________________________ Academic English Booklet Contents 1. Types of Sentences 2. Writing Paragraphs in Essays 3. Structure of a Paragraph 4. Sentences for Paragraph Building 5. Punctuation 6. Levelled Connectives 7. Building Academic Language 8. Boring Adjectives to Avoid and Interesting Adjectives 9. Irregular Verbs in English 10. Most Common Prepositions 11. Verbs Used in Exam Questions EAL-friendly Literacy Resource – laura.tarantiniamor@harrisfederation.org.uk 1. Types of Sentences Simple: The sun is shining today. Most people love chocolate. My brother and I speak Arabic. Compound = simple + coordinating conjunction + simple (and comma) and but yet or nor so for The sun is shining today, and it is warm. (same ideas) The sun is shining today, but it is cold. (opposite ideas) The sun is shining today, yet it is cold. The sun will shine or it will be cloudy. (alternative idea) The weather is neither sunny nor is it warm. (to express a double negative) The weather is neither sunny nor warm, so put on a coat. (reason or result) The sun is shining, so it is warm. Complex: Prepositional clauses with comma Boring: Get 8 hours sleep before an exam. Better: Before an exam, get 8 hours sleep. Boring: I get popcorn at the movies. Better: At the movies, I get popcorn. Adverbial clauses with when, if, because and comma Boring: I look out the window when I take the bus. Better: When I take the bus, I look out the window. Boring: I can’t go if I have no money. Better: If I have no money, I can’t go. Boring: You can have ice cream because you finished your dinner. Better: Because you finished your dinner, you can have ice cream. 2 2. PEEL - Writing Paragraphs in Essays Point Your point should always answer the essay question asked. Evidence Your evidence will usually be a ‘quote’. For example: In the first chapter, the character says, “I never thought my dream would come true.” Explanation Explain how your evidence proves your point. Discuss how the evidence makes the reader feel or think. Discuss what the writer is trying to do with those words, sentences or punctuation. Layer You must layer your explanation to strengthen your answer and to show a deeper understanding of your point. You might discuss other interpretations of the evidence. You might provide a second piece of evidence that proves your point and explain it. Remember, everything you write must prove the point that you have made. Conclude your paragraph with a sentence that directly answers the question. To achieve Grades 3, 4 and 5, you must: 3 To achieve Grades 6 and 7, you must: 3. Structure of a Paragraph 1) Description 1a) Another example of a descriptive paragraph. 4 4. Sentences for Paragraph Building Topic Sentences – the first sentence of any paragraph I agree with the statement in the question for the following reasons… When the writer says, I believe they mean…. Shakespeare shows that identity is important in several ways, namely… Down’s Syndrome can be caused by many factors, the most important of which are… In my opinion,… In my view,…. I believe that….. I think that…. Listing Reasons and Evidence -- the middle sentences The first reason is… First of all, Second, The second reason is… Third, For example, According to..., Next, After that, Then, In addition, Finally, For instance, Before a test, one should.. In the morning, one can… During the day, one might… _______, such as,________ _______, for example,______ Ending a paragraph – concluding sentences which answer the question. Because of these reasons, For these two reasons, To conclude, In conclusion, To sum up, To summarise, See booklet section on Building Academic Language for more suggestions. 5 5. Punctuation Grade Punctuation 1-2 Capital Letter 2 Question Mark Comma 2 Apostrophe Speech Marks 4-5 Semi-colon Colon Dash Points of ellipsis 6 T Used at the beginning of a sentence, proper nouns and ‘I’. Used to end a sentence. ! Exclamation Mark Brackets/Parenthesis Definition . ? , Full stop 3 Symbol ( ) ‘ “ ” ; : … Used to end a sentence which is a question. Used to separate clauses of a sentence or items in a list. Used to end a sentence showing emphasis or excitement. Used to separate extra information in a sentence. Used for omission of a letter or to show ownership or possession. Used to show when a person is speaking. Used to link two related sentences or lists with chunks of information. Used to introduce lists of information. Used to separate extra information in a sentence. Used to show a dramatic pause in a sentence which normally would continue Example I am going on Tuesday. Oh. Oh? red, white and blue Oh! Closed (today only). ‘s “Oh!” It was rainy; the storm had hit. Remember: eggs, milk, bread. I was here—you weren’t. Maybe I was dreaming, but… 6. Connectives 1. Try some of these Grade 1 or 2 connectives first. 2. Try the grade above the ones you always use, to begin. 3. Then try some longer phrases from Section 7 ‘Building Academic Language’. Grade 1 but and also still then so because next first (second, third etc) when now here 7 Grade 2 Lastly Once Soon Otherwise Yet Through However So as Instead Rather On the other hand As well Nor Neither While Besides For example Such as Through After a while Grade 3 Finally At this point Until then Previously Next time Before that In the end Meanwhile An effect of Caused by Therefore All the same Even though As a result of However Whereas Nevertheless Furthermore Without Not only Including As a result These include Grade 4+ At this moment Hitherto Straightaway Afterwards Consequently Hence stemmed from As a consequence of In that case Nevertheless Despite this Accordingly An upshot of Under the circumstances An outcome of In spite of this Differs from On the contrary In other respects In that respect Alternatively Additionally As exemplified Accordingly Elsewhere Moreover For instance 7. Building Academic Language Ordering Ideas in a Discussion First / At first Secondly, Thirdly, To begin with, The most important reason, In addition, Meanwhile, Up to that point, From that point onwards, Later on, Until This is also true of In conclusion, Finally, Eventually, To sum up, All this adds up to, Translation, if needed Building Longer Sentences in Discussion Analysis - Pointing out Differences Translation, if needed in contrast whereas alternatively compared with in comparison with is different from on the other hand instead of yet the other however otherwise unlike Analysis – Pointing out Similarities is similar to similarly like/likewise 8 Translation, if needed equally as with moreover In the same way Arguing for – Adding a Point Translation, if needed in addition furthermore besides also still anyway and / but furthermore but also / but still / but anyway Arguing Against Translation, if needed On the other hand Alternatively A counter argument is From a different perspective From a different point of view Giving both sides of the argument Translation, if needed despite although nevertheless even so unless except however if Connecting Points in a Discussion Cause Leading to this Effect therefore/thus as a result owing to because thanks to consequently 9 Translation, if needed so Backing up a Point with Evidence Giving an Example Translation For example As illustrated by In the case of For instance Such as As shown by Emphasising your Points at the End of the Discussion Emphasis Translation Most of all Least of all Most importantly Above all especially significantly In particular 8. Boring adjectives to avoid! Replace with Interesting Descriptive Adjectives 1 Good 2 New 3 First 4 Last 5 Long 6 Great 7 Little 8 Own 9 Other 10 Old 11 Right 12 Big 13 High 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Different Small Large Next Early Young Important Few Public Bad Same Able Interesting Descriptive Adjectives (460) A) Able, Abundant, Accepting, Accommodating, Active, Addictive, Adequate, Aggressive, Amazing, Amiable, Amicable, Amusing, Antagonistic, Anxious, Apathetic, Aquatic, Arrogant, Articulate, Artistic, Attentive, Attractive, Authoritative, Awesome B) Barren, Benevolent, Biodegradable, Bold, Bonding, Boorish, Bountiful, Braggart, Brave, Brilliant, Buoyancy, Busy, Buzz 10 C) Callow, Captious, CARING, Celestial, Charm, Chaste, Cheat, Cheerful, Churlish, Civil, Clean, Clever, Coastal, Cold, Colossal, Combustible, Comfortable, Commercial, Communicative, Compact, Competitive, Compulsive, Confident, Conflicted, Congenial, Conscientious, Conservative, Considerate, Conspicuous, Contemptible, Contiguous, COOPERATIVE, Cordial, COURAGEOUS, Courteous, Covetous, Creative, Critical, Critical, Crucial, Crude, Culpable, Curious, Current, Curt, Cynical D) Decent, Decorous, Defensive, Deferential, Deft, Dejected, Delightful, Demeaning, Demise, Dependable, Deplorable, Depressed, Destructive, Devious, Devoted, Dictatorial, Diligent, Diminutive, Diplomatic, Discreet, Disdainful, Dishonesty, Dishonorable, Disposable, Disrespectful, Distracted, Docile, Downcast, Dynamic E) Earnest, Earthy, Ecological, Efficient, Egotistical, Electrifying, Elitist, Empathetic, Endangered, Endemic, Energetic, Enigmatic, Enthusiastic, Esteemed, Estimable, Ethical, Euphoric, Evergreen, Exclusive, Expectant, Explosive, Exquisite, Extravagant, Extrovert, Exuberant F) FAIR, Faithful, Fallow, Falseness, Famous, Fancy, Ferocious, Fertile, Fervent, Fervid, Fibrous, Fierce, Flexible, Focused, Forgiving, Forlorn, Frailty G) Generous, Genial, Genteel, Gentle, Genuine, Gifted, Gigantic, Glib, Gloomy, Good, Gorgeous, Grace, Gracious, Grand, Grateful, Gravity, Green, Grouchy, Guilty, Guilty, Gusty H) Happy, Hard-hearted, Healing, Heedless, Helpfulness, Heroic, HONEST, Honorable, Hopeful, Hostile, Humane, Humble, Humorous, Hygienic, Hysterical I) Idealistic, Idolize, Ignoble, Ignorant, Ill-tempered, Impartial, Impolite, Improper, Imprudent, Impudent, Indecent, Indecorous, Indifference, Indigenous, Industrious, Ingenuous, Innocent, Innovative, Insightful, Insolent, Inspirational, Instructive, Insulting, Intense, Intense, Intense, Intolerant, Introvert, Intuitive, Inventive, Investigative, Irascible, Irresponsible J) Jaundiced, Jealous, Jealous, Jocular, Jolly, Jovial, Joyful, Jubilant, Just, Juvenile K) Keen, Kind, Kindred, Knowledgeable L) Liberal, Listener, Loathsome, Loving, LOYAL M) Magical, Magnificence, Magnificent, Malevolent, Malicious, Mammoth, Manipulative, Marine, Mastery, Meddling, Meritorious, Meticulous, Migratory, Minuscule, Miserable, Mistrustful, Modest, Moral, Mysterious N) Naive, Nascent, Native, Natural, Natural, Nature, Needy, Nefarious, Negative, Neglected, Neglectful, Negligent, Nice, Noble, Notorious O) Obedient, Observant, Open, Open-minded, Opinionated, Oppressive, Orderly, Oriented, Original, Outrageous, Outspoken P) Parasitic, Partial, Passionate, Patient, Perceptive, Personable, Personal, Petulant, Pleasant, Poise, Polite, Pollutant, Popular, Popular, Powerful, Prejudicial, Preposterous, Pretentious, Prideful, Principled, Pristine, Prompt, Proper, PUNCTUAL, Purposeful Q) Quaint, Quarrelsome, Quick, Quiet, Quiet, Quirky R) Radioactive, Rancorous, Rational, Reasonable, Reckless, Refined, Reflective, RELIANT, Remarkable, Remorseful, Renewable, Reproductive, Repugnant, Resilient, Resilient, Resolute, Resourceful, Respectful, Responsible, Responsive, 11 Restorative, Reverent, Rotting, Rude, Ruthless S) Sadness, Safe, Scornful, Scrumptious, Selfish, Sensible, Sensitive, Sharing, Simple, Sober, Solar, Solemn, Solitary, Soluble, Sour, Spatial, Special, Splendid, Splendid, Staunch, Staunch, Stern, Stunning, Successful, Sullen, Superb, Superior, Supportive, Surly, Suspicious, Sweet, Sympathetic T) Tactful, Taint, Temperate, Temperate, Tenacious, Terrific, Testy, Thoughtful, Thoughtless, Tolerant, Towering, Toxic, Treacherous, Tropical, TRUSTWORTHY, Truthful U) Ultimate, Ultimate, Uncivil, Uncouth, Undeveloped, Unethical, Unfair, Unique, Unique, United, Unity, Unmannerly, Unrefined, Unsavory, Unworthy, Uplifting, Upright, Uproot, Upstanding V) Valiant, Veracious, Versatile, Vicious, Vigilant, Vigilant, Vigorous, Vile, Villainous, Virtuous, Visible, Visible, Vivacious, Vocal, Volatile, Volunteering, Vulnerable W) Warm, Wary, Waspish, Watchful, Welcoming, Wicked, Wild, Willingness, Winning, Winsome, Wise, Wishy-washy, Wistful, Witty, Woeful, Wonderful, Worldwide, Worrier, Worthwhile, Worthy X) Y) Yearning, Yielding, Yielding, Yourself, Youthful Z) Zany, Zealot, Zealous, Zealous, Zero-tolerant 9. Irregular Verbs in English: I am, have, do You are, have, do He/She is, has, does It is, has, does We are, have, do They are, have, do Have + past participle: I have arisen, He has babysat. Verb Past Simple Past Participle arise arose arisen babysit babysat babysat be was / were been beat beat beaten become became become bend bent bent begin began begun bet bet bet bind bound bound bite bit bitten bleed bled bled blow blew blown 12 break broke broken breed bred bred bring brought brought broadcast broadcast broadcast build built built buy bought bought catch caught caught choose chose chosen come came come cost cost cost cut cut cut deal dealt dealt dig dug dug do did done draw drew drawn drink drank drunk drive drove driven eat ate eaten fall fell fallen feed fed fed feel felt felt fight fought fought find found found fly flew flown forbid forbade forbidden forget forgot forgotten forgive forgave forgiven freeze froze frozen get got gotten give gave given go went gone grow grew grown hang hung hung have had had hear heard heard hide hid hidden hit hit hit hold held held hurt hurt hurt 13 keep kept kept know knew known lay laid lain lead led led leave left left lend lent lent let let let lie lay lain light lit lit lose lost lost make made made mean meant meant meet met met pay paid paid put put put quit quit quit read read read ride rode ridden ring rang rung rise rose risen run ran run say said said see saw seen sell sold sold send sent sent set set set shake shook shaken shine shone shone shoot shot shot show showed shown shut shut shut sing sang sung sink sank sunk sit sat sat sleep slept slept slide slid slid speak spoke spoken spend spent spent spin spun spun 14 spread spread spread stand stood stood steal stole stolen stick stuck stuck sting stung stung strike struck struck swear swore sworn sweep swept swept swim swam swum swing swung swung take took taken teach taught taught tear tore torn tell told told think thought thought throw threw thrown understand understood understood wake woke woken wear wore worn win won won withdraw withdrew withdrawn write wrote written 10. Most Common Prepositions aboard about above across after against along among around at before behind below beneath beside besides between beyond by down during except for from in inside into like near of off on onto out outside over since 11. Verbs used in Exam Questions 15 through throughout till to toward under until up upon with within without Verb analyse Translation Definition assess give the main ideas, connection and importance give the weak or strong points comment on say what you think criticize say what you think for and against something define give the meaning of describe give a detailed account differentiate give precise differences discuss write in detail distinguish give the differences between enumerate list evaluate give the good and bad points about a subject examine investigate pros and cons and explain explain give three answers illustrate use examples to make a point interpret show what something means justify explain your answer outline give a general idea of relate to make connections state write in brief 16 New Words I Am Trying to Use More Adjectives Teacher’s Comment 17 Verbs Prepositions Sentence Types
