Improving Communication Skills by Using Connectors

Citation preview

КАФЕДРА ИНОСТРАННЫХ ЯЗЫКОВ Н.Б.Зайцева УЧЕБНО-МЕТОДИЧЕСКОЕ ПОСОБИЕ IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS BY USING CONNECTORS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Под редакцией Заслуженного работника Высшей школы К.ю.н., профессора И.А. Горшеневой

Пояснительная записка Данное

пособие

является

комплексным

учебным

пособием,

направленным на развитие у обучающихся навыков иноязычного общения в рамках профессиональной деятельности. Цель пособия -

развитие у обучающихся умений и навыков

межкультурной профессиональной коммуникации на основе использования перечня англоязычных способов ведения дискуссии и применения так называемых коннекторов. Пособие

состоит из трех разделов.

Первый

раздел

содержит

различные типы коннекторов, т.е. дополнительных лексических ресурсов, позволяющих полнее раскрыть, пояснить информацию, а также способы выражения отношения, говорящего к ней: согласие, не согласие и т.д. Номенклатура

коннекторов

до

полена

комплексом

упражнений,

направленных на формирование навыков коммуникации с использованием различных приемов дискурса. Во втором разделе представлены методические рекомендации по составлению тематических научных эссе с возможностью использования различных видов коннекторов. Рекомендации сопровождены модельными эссе и комплексом заданий, направленных на отработку навыков элементов делового общения. В

третью

часть

включены

методические

рекомендации

по

организации и ведению деловой дискуссии, а также лексические приемы выражения собственной точки зрения на основе оригинальны текстов, газетных статей и другого рода информационных источников. В учебном пособии

используется

принцип

постепенного

нарастания

сложности

текстового материала. Проблемные вопросы юридической профессиональной тематики вводятся поэтапно в соответствии с программными модулями. Пособие предназначено для работы с группами международно­ правового факультета, а также в группах с высоким уровнем подготовки по

2

английскому языку. Оно может способствовать развитию коммуникативной активности обучающихся и расширению их профессиональных знаний. Пособие Московского

предусмотрено университета

для

МВД

работы России

в

группах

имени

В.Я.

обучающихся Кикотя

для

формирования межкультурной коммуникативной компетенции и навыков устной речи.

3

Preface Nowadays speaking a foreign language is likely to be one of the crucial components of being a highly-qualified specialist. Learning grammar rules does not seem enough to get knowledge of a foreign language. While mastering communication skills you should be aware of what we call “connectors”. Connectors or linking words, namely, adverbs, particles, parenthetic words, adverbial phrases, etc., make our speech coherent, vivid and precise. They serve to connect clauses within one sentence, to link events, to make arguments easy to follow in written or spoken English. This paper is designed to highlight the importance of connectors in the English language through numerous examples.

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Part 1 According to their function connecting words can be classified into several groups. Words that: 1. Show contrast and concession Nevertheless - тем не менее, все равно Unlike - в отличие Despite/In spite of - несмотря на While - в то время как Although - хотя Nonetheless - тем не менее Whereas - между тем, как, в то время, как However yet - однако But - но Even though - даже если In theory/in practice - в теории, на практике же On the other hand - с другой стороны In contrast - в отличие от Instead - вместо There is a difference between although and despite/ in spite of. Although is always followed by a subject and a predicate. Even though is stronger than though/ although. Though is more informal than although. E.g. Although the weather was nasty we went out. Despite/in spite of are followed by a noun, a pronoun (this, that, what, etc.) or an -ing - form. E.g. In spite of nasty weather we went out. We can also say in spite of the fact/ despite the fact and then use a subject and a predicate. It is more formal. E.g. I didn’t pass the exam despite the fact I had prepared hardly.

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The difference between but and however is that but connects two simple sentences into a complex one. However goes at the beginning of the sentence. E.g. My father is Spanish but I have never been to Spain On the other hand means “that is true and this is true”. On the contrary means “that is not true, but this is true”. E.g. John, quiet? On the contrary he is the noisiest person I know. John is rather arrogant. On the other hand, he can be very kind.

Translate some more examples into Russian. While we were talking my phone rang. Now it’s very cold in Russian, whereas it’s not and sunny in Thailand. Unlike in Russia, it’s very hot in Thailand. She is allergic to honey; nevertheless she continues to eat it. They love each other nonetheless.

Practice Task 1 Study the following examples: 1. Despite his good sense of humour, he often finds it difficult to respond to his audience. 2. In spite of his shyness, he is a good speaker. 3. Although he generally explains his ideas clearly, I sometimes find it hard to follow him. 4. Even though I’d put them in the picture, they didn’t seem to grasp what I was on about. Cross out the two explanations which are not correct. The underlined connectors are used to: 1) express the cause of something; 2) reinforce the idea, add information; 3) contrast ideas. 6

Task 2 Find the three sentences in which the connectors are used correctly. 1. I managed to follow their conversation, although my mind had drifted away. 2. Even though she had something very relevant to add, she interrupted the speaker. 3. Despite I knew I was wrong, I refused to admit it. 4. In spite of their criticisms, I didn’t lose my confidence. 5. I was unable to express my disagreement, although I am generally assertive. 6 .1

remained alert throughout the meeting, although my tiredness.

Task 3 Rewrite the three sentences in exercise 2 in which the connectors are not used correctly.

Task 4 Combine parts from each column to describe five situations: В

A

С

He went to school today

even though

He always did his best at

in spite of

he had a bad knee,

school

however

the help I gave him.

He still won the game

whereas

he didn’t feel very well,

He didn’t pass the exam

although

most of his school friends

the pay isn’t very go.

were very lazy.

He decided to take the job

Task 5 Cross out the incorrect answers: 1. Although/ in spite of we left late we still got there in time. 2. It was a fantastic evening although/ in spite of the terrible food. 7

3. We have decided to go in spite of/ nonetheless the cost of the tickets. 4. They enjoyed the course even though/ whereas it was very difficult. 5 .1

love the sea despite/ whereas most of my friends prefer mountains.

6. We both told John the car was too expensive. However/ On the other hand, he still decided to buy it. 7. During the week the town centre is very busy. At the weekend on the other hand/ whereas, it is very quiet and almost empty. 8. Although/ Despite he is the head of the department he often goes out with his colleagues. 9. The company is expanding even though/ in spite of there is a recession. 10. Everybody seemed to enjoy mike’s speech at the wedding in spite of/ even though his terrible jokes. 11. The restaurant staff are happy despite/ although working long hours every day.

Task 6 Rewrite the sentences so that they mean the same: 1. Despite doing no marketing their products sell well. Although______________ . 2. Even though he had a perfect alibi he was arrested. In spite o f_______________. 3. In spite of being the market leader the company went bankrupt. Even though

4. Although they don’t have a burglar alarm they’ve never been burgled. Despite

5. Despite the fact I was late the boss wasn’t angry. Although___ 6. In spite of being the managing director he goes to work by bike. Even though____________________________________________

Task 7 Complete the sentences in a logical way: 1. The exam was very difficult. However,__

2. Although it was a very long film ,______________________________________ . 3. We enjoyed the holiday in spite o f_____________________________________ . 4. They won the match despite__________________________________________ . 5. Despite studying all night____________________________________________ . 6 .1 couldn’t sleep even though__________________________________________ . 7. Although he spoke very quickly I _____________________________________ . 8. I’m going to see the film even though__________________________________ . 9 .1 was able to follow what she was saying whereas________________________ . 10.______________________ . In contrast, the traffic in Britain drives on the left.

2. Words that state a sequence of actions, list points First (of all) - сначала Then/ Next/ After that/ Afterwards - затем, после этого Finally/ In the end - наконец, в конце концов Firstly - во-первых Secondly - во-вторых Thirdly - в-третьих The following - следующий The former - первый из двух представленных The latter - последующий из двух представленных

Е. g. We had a great holiday. First of all we spent a few days in St. Moritz. Then/ after that we drove down to Italy and stayed there for a week. Finally, we went back to Switzerland and visited some old friends. Note: If one action happens soon after the other, we often use afterwards in place of after (that). E.g. First of all we met the others for a meal, and afterwards we went to the concert.

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If you want to say that something happened after a lot of time and/or a lot of problems, you can use eventually or in the end. E.g. We took several wrong turnings and the traffic was awful, but eventually we got there. Connectors are commonly used to list points: Firstly, you have to buy tickets. Secondly, you have to go to the embassy. Both Williams and Andrews claim the property. The former insists that it was a gift. Two treaties were signed, in 2010 and 2016, but only the latter agreement was considered valid.

Practice Task 8 Circle the correct linking words in the text: About a week (1) before/ in the end I went to my friend’s birthday party. I had bought a present. I got to the party early but (2) later/ as soon as I arrived I gave him the present and he seemed to like it. (3) Then/ Before some more people came and the party started. (4) First/ Suddenly we had a meal. (5) Next/ During we had tea. (6) After that/ During tea I talked to Sue, but (7) before/ as soon as we started talking her mother phoned. There was an emergency at home and she left. But she came back (8) later/ next. It was a summer evening and we went outside (9) First/ suddenly the moon came out and we all looked at the moonlight in the garden. (10) After that/ During we went back in again. We played some music, talked and danced. (11) Suddenly/ In the end we all went home. It was a good party.

Task 9 Complete the text with the following linking words: one/ suddenly/ after/ first/ as/ then (x2)/ meanwhile/ in the end/ later

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( 1 )___________ afternoon I was walking home after a football match when (2) ______________ I heard a scream from the next street. (3 )____________________ I got to the comer I saw the accident; a man was lying under a police horse. One of the man who was watching said that his leg was broken. We had learnt about accidents and injuries at the college. I realized that the leg wasn’t broken. It was an injury called a sprain. The man had sprained his ankle. I knew what to do. (4) __________ a police officer phoned for an ambulance and I thought quickly. That was what should be done: ( 5 ) _____________ put something under the leg (6) _______________ keep the leg cold with some ice. (I asked the man next to me to go to the nearest cafe and fetch me some, ice). (7) ______________ that put something round the leg and (8 )___________ put the leg up but with something under it. I did all that and a few minutes ( 9 ) ________________ the ambulance came. (10)_____________ the man got better and the emergency services thanked me.

Task 10 Writing a story Read the previous task again. Then write a story. Describe how you were taking an exam. Use the linking words.

3. Words that add ideas

When you add a second piece of information in a sentence to support the first piece of information, you often use and, also and too. E. g. The food is excellent and very good value. When you put this information in two sentences, the following connectors are common: Furthermore/Moreover - более того In addition (to) - в дополнении (к) Adding words that begin or come in the middle of sentences: 11

Besides/Apart from - кроме того Alongside/Along with - наряду с As well as - так же как This last group is followed by nouns or by -ing: as well as speaking French she... E.g. 1.

For this job you need a degree. In addition you need some experience.

2.

Video cameras are becoming easier to use. Furthermore/ Moreover/

What’s more (more formal) they are becoming cheaper. 3.

It’ll take ages to get there and it’ll cost a fortune. Besides we’ll have to

change trains three times. 4.

Children should respect their parents. Equally/ Likewise they should

respect their teachers. 5.

We’ll have all the stress of going to court and giving evidence. On top

of (all) that* we’ll have to, pay the lawyers bills.

Practice Task 11 Write two sentences using the following linking words of addition in brackets and the cues. 1. This CD player/really advanced/top quality (too). 2. This security camera/reliable/not very expensive (also). 3. These earrings/good quality gold/ are excellent value (plus). 4. This vacuum cleaner/not very advanced/not good quality (either). 5. This food mixer/ easy to use/ cheap (too). 6. The food/excellent in that restaurant/very good value (as well).

* a more emphatic way of adding; used mostly in informal spoken English.

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Task 12 Rewrite the sentences using the word or phrase in brackets: 1. Physical labour can exhaust the body very quickly. Excessive study can rapidly reduce mental powers too (equally). 2. My cousin turned up and some schoolmates of his came with him (along with). 3. He owns a big chemical factory and he runs a massive oil business in the USA (as well as). 4. She was my teacher and she was a good friend (moreover). 5. I’m their scientific adviser and act as consultant to the Managing Director (in addition to). 6. He has a salary and he also has a private income (besides).

Task 13 Fill the gaps with a suitable linking word or phrase. Choose from the box: in addition/ moreover/ too/ as well/ furthermore/ as well as/ besides/ alongside/ also/ in addition to (+ noun or -ing form)

1. We found a lovely villa near the lake that we can rent.___________ it has its own swimming pool. 2. Most people we met tried to help us. They were very friendly

3. My uncle is the owner of the factory opposite. H e ___________ runs the car hire company down the road. 4. The hotel has a very good reputation.____________ , it is one of the cheapest in the area. 5. She is younger than the others in the group, and she’s better than most of them ___________ . 6. If you buy a season ticket, you can go as often as you like.___________ , its much cheaper. 13

7 .1 work part tim e_____________ being a student, so I have a busy life. 8.

having a good job, my ambition us to meet someone nice

to share my life with.

4. Words that refer to the purpose of or reason for something Here are some ways of connecting clauses to express purposes and reasons.

Purpose (objective of an action) I went to the bank (in order) to take out some money. I went to the bank so as to take out some money. I went to the bank for a meeting with the manager. I went to the bank so (that) I could pay my friend back.

Reason (explanation for an action) I was completely broke because I’d had an expensive holiday. I was completely broke because of my expensive holiday. In order to and so as to are more formal than to. To can’t be used to express a negative purpose, after so that use a subject + verb, normally a modal verb (can, could, etc.). E. g. She gave him a map so that he wouldn’t get lost. Since and as are the synonyms of because. Due to and owing to have the same meaning as because of, but they are more formal and are often used in sentences which explain the reason for a problem. E.g. The plane was late due to bad weather.

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Practice Task 14 Combine the two sentences into one sentence using: so that, because, as or since. 1 .1 didn’t phone you. It was very late. 2 .1 turned up the radio in the lounge. I could hear it in the kitchen. 3. The restaurant was full. We went to the bar next door. 4 .1 stayed at home. I was expecting a phone call. 5. It’s a very large city. You have to use public transport a lot. 6 .1 learned to drive. My mother didn’t have to take me to the riding school every week.

Task 15 Transform these sentences using: because of (it must be followed by a noun). Make any changes: 1. She got the job because her qualifications are excellent. 2. The weather was terrible, so we couldn’t eat outside. 3. She had to stay at home because she has a broken ankle. 4. The light was very bad, so the referee had to stop the game. 5. The flowers died because it was so dry. 6. The traffic was very heavy. I was half an hour late.

Task 16 Complete the sentences with: to, so as not to, for, so that, because or because of: 1. He never talks about his private life____________ protect his family. 2. They had to make a lot of workers redundant________ the company could survive. 3. We always lock all the windows__________ there have been burglaries near here.

4. When she asked me if I liked her dress. I told a white lie ___________ hurt her feelings. 5. We were late for the concert___________ the terrible traffic. 6. The family paid the kidnappers a lot of m oney_____________ their son would be released unharmed. 7. My brother’s saving____________ a new bike. 8. I’m going to work late on Friday n ig h t_____________ have to do any work at the weekend. 9. I’ll send him an e-mail _________________ tell him when we’re coming. 10. He’s been very depressed recently_____________ his job.

5. Wards that state a consequence, a result or effect of something

These words introduce a result: So - итак, таким образом, поэтому Consequently/ Therefore - следовательно, поэтому As a result - в результате Accordingly - таким образом, поэтому Otherwise - или же, в противном случае E.g.

1.

I left the ticket at home, so I had to buy another one.

2.I forgot to send the letters. Consequently, some people didn’t know about the meeting. 3.

She was extremely hard-working and therefore deserved the

promotion. 4.

Both the manager and his assistant were ill. As a result, there was no-

one to take decisions. Note: So is the most common, and usually links ideas in a single sentence. As a result and consequently are more formal, and usually connect ideas in two 16

separate sentences. Therefore (also more formal), can be used in a single sentence (as in the example), but may also connect two sentences. As a result is more common in written English.

Practice Task 17 Complete the sentences with the words from the box: as a result/ the result of/ consequently/ so/ therefore/ otherwise

1. His remarks were too offensive,____________ everybody got angry. 2 . __________ all these changes is that no-one is happy any more. 3. They are a very big team and__________ they can get the best results. 4. We missed the last bus.___________ we had to walk home. 5. The service was terribly slow .______________ , all the customers got annoyed. 6. You’d better tidy your room ,__________________ your mother will get very angry. 7 .1 don’t get many opportunities to practice my English, and___________ I find it difficult to remember everything I study. 8 .1 always writes words down in my notebook,______________ I’ll forget them.

Task 18 Add a linker to the second sentence to connect the ideas: 1. My brother has got a number of American friends. He gets a lot of opportunities to practise his English. 2. Parents are worried about children’s safety on the streets. They don’t allow their children to play outside. 3. Mobile phones have been interfering with music played on the jukebox in a pub in Oxford. The offending gadgets have been banned. 17

4. Children from the age of 9 are now turning to coming rarer for them to watch television with their parents. 5. The road works mean that you won’t be able to park on the street. It may be a good idea to leave your car at home and use public transport. In written English the following connectors are used for organizing a formal text: Finally, Lastly we should look at... In summary, we can say that... In conclusion, I should like to say that... In summary means summing up the arguments in the text, while in conclusion means finishing the text.

Practice Task 19 Read the short text and fin d the connectors. Then fin d the place where the words in the end should be: One day in 1964, Robert Le Serrec was sailing near the Australian coast when he decided to stop near an island. Suddenly he saw a huge creature resting beside his boat. He took a photograph, and then the creature swam away. Afterwards, he showed the photograph to scientists, but nobody believed him.

Task 20 Fill the gaps with connectors from the box which are often found in written texts: for example/ so to speak/ in summary/ next/ lastly/ in other words/ first of all

Crime and Punishment

со

__ , it is important to understand why people commit

crimes, (2)

, what are the motives which make people do things they 18

would never normally do? ( 3 ) ___________ , a young man steals clothes from a shop; is it because he is unemployed? a drug addict? mentally disturbed? (4) ________ it is essential to consider whether punishment makes any difference, or is it just (5 )_________ a kind of revenge? (6 )_________ , how can we help victims of crime? ( 7 ) _______ , how can we get to the roots of the problem, rather than just attacking the symptoms?

Translate the text. Think and be ready to answer the questions brought up in the text.

Part II Writing an Essay

Whichever aspect of the English language you use in your life, writing an essay or a letter, speaking to your partners, you will need to use connectors to link your ideas and to make your language more vivid.

1. Writing a “for and against” essay Tips for writing a “for and against” essay. 1. Write four paragraphs, an introduction (e.g. what the situation is now in your country), points for, points against, and a conclusion (your opinion, e.g. if there are more points for than against). 2. Use a formal style (i.e. don’t use contractions or very colloquial expressions). 3. List the points for and against before you start writing (two points for and two points against is probably enough). 4. Back up your points with reasons or examples. 5. Learn and use connectors to link your ideas.

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Task 1 Read and translate an example o f lfo r and against” essay. Consider the linking words used: 1. In our modem, high-tech society and with 24-hour access to the Internet, it’s no surprise that students are using homework-help websites more and more. However, there are arguments for and against using the Internet as a homework tool. 2. There is no doubt that using the Internet as a homework tool has its advantages. First of all, it is a quick way to find information. This means that students have more free time for other activities. Secondly, the Internet provides a variety of sources. For example, students can read lots of information and form their own options by comparing and contrasting ideas. 3. However, there are drawbacks to using the Internet for that purpose. One drawback is that students don’t use their writing skills. For example, they just copy the information which is not always well-written. Another disadvantage is that some websites not only contain poorly written material, but also inaccurate information. As a result, some students may include a lot of facts in their work which are incorrect. 4. All in all, I think that the use of the Internet as a homework tool is a welcome and useful development. Unfortunately, though, it is not free from risks and we must bear those risks in mind if we want students to get the most from the Internet.

Task 2 Read the ‘fo r and against ” essay. Cross out the connectors that don’t fit:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a doctor? In many countries in the world being a doctor is considered one of the most prestigious jobs. It is often harder to get into university to study medicine than to study anything else. (1) But/Besides there are advantages and disadvantages. 20

(2) Firstly/The main advantage for many people is that the job itself is so important. A doctor can save lives, or can help to make people feel better. (3) In addition/However, in many countries doctors earn good salaries, especially if they (4) as well/also have a private clinic. (5) On the other hand/Secondly most doctors, particularly the young ones, have to work very long hours, and even top specialists are often on duty all night. (6) But/Besides doctors have a lot of responsibility and stress: having to tell someone that a member of their family is dead, or seeing other people die must be a terrible experience. (7) To sum up/at the end I think that for anyone who likes helping other people and is good at science, a career in medicine will always be an attractive option.

Task 3 Write an essay referring the advantages and disadvantages o f being an investigator, a defence lawyer, a juror or private detective.

Task 4 Read one more ufo r and against” essay. Complete it with linking words: as a result/ besides/ however/ for example/ in conclusion/ the main advantage/ on the other hand/ what is more

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being famous? Nowadays the magazines that sell the most are ones like Hello magazine, which tell us about the lives of famous people. It seems that everybody is interested in them, and that most people would really like to be famous. (1) _____________ , there are advantages and disadvantages. (2 )______________ of being famous is probably the lifestyle it gives you. Most famous people are very rich and can afford big houses with swimming pools, and expensive cars. (3) _____________ , they spend a lot of time travelling, 21

visiting different countries, and staying in luxurious hotels. (4 )__________ , there are disadvantages. Every time famous people go out they are surrounded, by fans and photographers. (5 )___________ , it is very difficult for them to have a normal private life. ( 6 ) __________ they often can’t spend much time at home as they have to travel so much, ( 7 ) ____________ if they are making a film or doing a concert tour. (8)

, I think it is probably easier to be happy if you are not

famous, in spite of all the money famous people have.

Task 5 Put the connectors from the previous task in the chart: Useful Linking Expressions To list advantages and disadvantages:

To add more points to the same topic:

Another (dis)advantage is ...

Also/ As well as this ...

To make contrasting points:

To explain a consequence:

Although ...

So ...

To introduce the conclusion:

To introduce an example:

To sum up ...

For instance ...

2. An opinion essay Tips for writing an opinion essay: 1.

Plan four (or live) paragraphs: an introduction (e.g. the situation in y

country), the main reasons why you agree /disagree, and a conclusion (a summary of your opinion).

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2. List your reasons (“for” or “against”) + main reason before you start writing. Two or three main reasons is enough. 3. Start paragraph 2 with your main reason (Firstly...). Use a connector (besides, what is more) to add a related reason. Use Secondly and Finally to introduce your other arguments in new paragraphs. 4. Back up your reasons, with clear examples. 5. Use a formal style (don’t use contractions, or very colloquial expressions). 6. Learn and the connectors in the list.

Task 6 Read the essay. Complete with connectors from the box: besides/ firstly/ such as /personally/ secondly/ to sum up

Top sports people earn too much money nowadays In most countries today top sports people, (1) __________ footballers, tennis players and basketball players, get enormous salaries. What they earn in a week is often ordinary people earn in a years. Is this really too much? (2) ___________ I don’t think so. (3) ____________ , the active life of a professional sports person is relatively short-they often retire when they are in their mid-thirties. (4) __________ , many of them don’t even play that long, as they often get injured, which means they have to retire early. (5) _____________ , although their salaries are very high, they are not higher than other successful people in the entertainment industry like pop singers, actors or TV personalities, whose professional careers can last for fifty years. Sport today is watched by millions of people, so it should be considered entertainment just like the cinema or TV. (6) ___________ , I think that top sports people’s high salaries are not unfair if you compare them with people doing similar jobs. 23

Task 7 Read the newspaper article below:

Who Murdered Jill Dando? The killing of a popular BBC journalist and TV presenter has baffled police and crime experts for many years. One of the strangest unsolved crimes in the UK in recent years was the murder of Jill Dando, a well-known and much-loved presenter on the BBC programme Crimewatch. On Crimewatch, major crimes are reconstructed by actors in the hope that members of the public will come forward with new information to help the police catch the criminals involved. According to the producers of the show, about a third of its cases are solved half of which as a direct result of viewers’ calls. There have included some of Britain’s most notorious crimes, such as kidnapping and murders. But one morning Jill Dando herself became a victim of a violent crime. As she was about to open the front door of her house in West London she was shot once in the head. Crimewatch reconstructed the presenter’s murder in an attempt to aid the police, but despite an intensive police investigation no arrest was made. Jill Dando’s murder remains unsolved.

Look at the question below and think o f the answer: Nowadays there exists a demand on the Russian TV and abroad for documentaries, thrillers and programmes of criminal character. Do you think such programmes contribute to solving and preventing crimes with the help of members of the public or they initiate a sharp rise in criminal activity serving at the same time as a handbook for those who commit crimes?

24

Express your opinion, give reasons. Write an essay, organized in four or five paragraphs (introduction, reasons, and conclusion. Use a formal style (no contraction or colloquial expressions). Use the connectors given below. (Personally) I think/1 believe In my opinion/ view I completely agree/ I don’t agree at all Firstly/ secondly/ besides In addition/ also/ furthermore However/ nevertheless On the one hand/ on the other hand For instance/ example In spite of (the fact that) Taking everything into account In conclusion

Part III Speaking Practice

Connectors exist both in written and spoken English but are more usual in spoken language. The speaking section is aimed at improving the student’s ability to communicate in an academic setting. A prompt for speaking activity is either spoken or written. For example, a prompt might be a question, a conversation, a part of a lecture, a written announcement, a table, a passage of text, etc. There are several speaking strategies that will help students succeed in coping with their task: 1. Understand the task. You must read the question (the text) carefully to understand how to organize your answer and must respond to the topic. 2. Support your statements. Provide at least two reasons or examples support your position. Use the word because. 3. Anticipate possible question. Spend a few minutes thinking of possible answers. Read them aloud. 4. Pronounce to communicate. Your accent is okay as long as the listener can understand you. 25

5. Sound confident. Try to speak up and sound assertive without being aggressive. 6. Stay positive. Take deep breaths. Use positive self-talk. 7. Use connectors in order to structure and link a speech or a text, to provide smooth transition into the next passage In addition to connectors described in the previous section some other group of linking words and phrases can be used in spoken English Study the list below. - attracting and holding the listener’s attention (let’s turn to, look, listen); - highlighting some elements of speech (I’d like to remind/say/ prove you); - going back to a previous topic (as I said before, I’d like to remind you that...); - estimating whether the information is new and reliable (as you know, I’m sure, I would doubt, if I’m not mistaken); - changing the roles in the discussion (if I may interrupt you, let me finish); - giving an example (for example, next, for instance, thus, such, such as); - comparing ideas (similarly, like, in the same way, both, equally important); - specifying, changing and closing the topic (let’s change the subject, let’s turn to, anyway by the way, so); - saying something surprising or true (Actually, in fact).

Practice Task 1 Read the text below: Customs Control Customs is the place at a port, airport, or border where officials check that the goods that people are bringing info a country are legal, and whether they should pay customs duties. Customs officers are watching everywhere. At the airport they are watching you from the moment you walk off the plane, while you 26

are standing in Baggage Reclaim waiting for your bag, and especially when you come out the other side of Customs, which is when people who are trying to smuggle something finally let their guard down and get caught. The large two-way mirror in Customs, (behind which customs officers sit and watch) is part of that process. As you walk past, it makes you taller and thinner. So you feel good about yourself and you relax and smile. That’s when a customs officer suddenly appears and asks you to open your case...

Answer the questions below: - Have you ever been stopped in Customs? - Were you carrying anything that you shouldn’t have? - Do you think that such strict measures are justified? Why? Why not? Give your opinion using the following connectors: firstly/ to start with/ furthermore/ however/ nevertheless/ personally/1 believe/ as far as I am concerned/ taking everything into account/ in conclusion

Task 2 You are going to give a five-minute talk. The topic is “D on’t be a victim o f crime - how to protect yourself! ” Make a plan o f what you want to say. Read two paragraphs o f the text below. They might be useful to you: How Not to Get Robbed in the Street You dramatically increase your chances of being robbed if you look as if you might have a lot of money on you. You don’t have to look like a tramp, but you should try to look as if you aren’t carrying much of value. If you are a tourist, keep your expensive camera or phone hidden. Thieves love the posters you see that warn tourists: “Watch out! Pickpockets about!” When men read that their natural reaction is to immediately put their hand on the pocket where their wallet is, to make sure it’s still there. The 27

pickpockets are watching and so they see exactly where the man is carrying his wallet. Answer the following questions: - What crimes were mentioned in the text? - What can you do to protect yourself from being robbed in the supermarket?/ mugged in the street?/ being burgled? - How not to become a victim of car theft, telephone crime, cyberspace fraud? Choose a crime and give some advice to avoid it. Give examples or reasons. The connectors below may help you: in my opinion/ however/ firstly/ secondly/ for example/ although/ but/ in fact/ thus/ anyway

Task 3 Read the title o f the magazine article below. Do you agree or disagree? Then read the article and see if the writer ’s opinion is the same as yours. Find connectors in the text: Community Service is the Best Punishment for Young People who Commit a Minor Offence Nowadays in the UK when a young person commits a minor offence, he or she is normally sentenced to prison, given a fine, or community service. Many people believe that community service is the best option because it often persuades a young person not to re-offend. For instance, working with sick children or old people makes young offenders realize that there are people who have more difficult lives than they do. So community service can be an educational experience, whereas going to prison or paying a fine is not. Spending time in prison results in young people meeting other criminals and learning more about the criminal world, which may tempt them into committing more crimes. Also, in prisons many of the inmates take drugs and this is a terrible example for young offenders. 28

Similarly, a fine does not seem to be a suitable punishment for young people. They do not usually have much money themselves. It is often their parents who pay the fine for them. So community service has important advantages both for minor offenders and for the community.

Answer the questions: - Do you agree or disagree with the author of the article? Say why. - Do you think such penalty for youngsters’ minor offences may be as effective in our country as in the UK? Give reasons. You can use the connectors given in the text above and add some from the list below: in my opinion/ to start with/ furthermore/1 feel very strongly that/ taking everything into account/ in most cases/ in conclusion

Task 4 Read the newspaper article below: Young Criminals The latest UK Crime Study criticizes the lack of crime prevention measures, and calls for much more to be done to reduce high crime rates. The study of crime in one town showed that some young offenders had started committing crimes at the age of nine or ten, and by the age of sixteen they had cost the public over £ 1 million each. Many of them came from broken homes or had a parent with criminal record. The study criticized the government for failing to deal with the problem: “The government should have set schemes to help these children. If they had done that, the children might have stopped committing crimes. The schemes would have offered them an alternative to a life of crime.”

Two reasons fo r juvenile delinquency are listed in the article. What other reasons can you give? 29

Compare the measures to prevent and suppress Crime among youngsters which are taken in the UK and Russia. Use the following connectors to list points, contrast ideas, give reasons, introduce examples, etc. Firstly ... To start with... Furthermore ... Apart from this ... However ... Nevertheless ...On the one hand ... On the other hand ... For example/ for instance ... Such as ... Personally, I believe ... As far as I am concerned... Taking everything into account... In conclusion ...

Task 5 Read the text below: Criminal Justice Process in the UK In the UK today if you are caught doing something illegal, you may be arrested by the police and later charged with the crime. If it is a minor offence, you will be sent to a magistrate’s court and the magistrate will decide your sentence. You may have to pay a fine, do community service, or go to prison. If the crime is serious, you will be taken to a crown court where you will have a trial. Your case will be tried by a judge and a jury consisting of twelve people. When the lawyers have presented all the evidence and witnesses have been called, the jury will decide if you are innocent or guilty. If the verdict is guilty, you will be sentenced. If not, you will be acquitted. The most serious punishment in the UK is a life sentence. Capital punishment was abolished in the 1950s.

Answer the following questions. Discuss them in pairs. Give reasons. Use connectors: - Is the criminal justice process the same in our country?

- Should all trials be with a jury? - Should a life sentence really mean “prison for life”? - Should trials of public interest be televised? 30

- Is prison the only solution for violent criminals? - At what age can a child be considered responsible for a crime?

Useful Language: In my opinion ... Personally I think ... If you ask me ... I quite agree ... I completely disagree ... Even though ... In theory/ in practice ... On the one hand ... On the other hand ... However ... Instead ... Whereas ... Firstly ... Secondly ... Moreover ... As I said before ... I’d like to remind you ... If I may interrupt you ... When we are giving our opinion about the right way to punish someone, we often use should + passive infinitive. E.g. I think

illegal

it should be

against the law

I don’t think

made to I think people who

sent to prison

do this should be

fined

Task 6 Read the text below: The Jury System on Trial In the past, jury service was an important duty, but one of the problems nowadays is that jurors don’t take this duty seriously. Recent examples include a young woman juror who celebrated her birthday with so many lunchtime drinks that she couldn’t continue with the trial in the afternoon. Another juror was found filling in a job application form during a trial; both jurors were given a fine by the judge. Nowadays many of the people who do it think that it is inconvenient, often a waste of time, and a loss of income (jurors only receive a small sum of money for jury duty). Sometimes they have good reason to dislike it. Many jurors have to 31

wait for days in unpleasant waiting rooms, and then sit for weeks in an uncomfortable courtroom on a hard chair. Some members of the legal professional are also worried about the ability of some jurors. In longer trials, many professional people find ways to be excused, and so you often find that juries contain some people who cannot read very well, and juries do not always have enough “well-educated” people who can understand what is happening. There is also the cost: the payment of jurors is not a lot for the individual, but costs the country over £ 30 m a year. Work in pairs. With your partner, make list of the advantages and disadvantages of the jury system. Add any further ideas of your own.

Compare the jury system in Great Britain with the jury system in our country. Answer the questions below: - Should all trials be with a jury? - Do you think the institution of jurors is becoming outdated? Why (not)? -

If not, is it necessary to change anything in the jury system?

Give reasons. Use the connectors: (Personally) I think ... /I believe ... Nowadays ... In my opinion ... Actually ... In fa c t... As you know ... I’d like to remind you ... Similarly ... Equally im portant... In addition ... Also ... On the other hand ... Because ... In order to ... So as to ... Due to ... Therefore ... Taking everything into account... In conclusion ...

Task 7 You are going to study the table “Civic Morality”. The insights into people’s vices come from a massive European study of civic morals. Nearly 19,000 individuals in 13 countries were surveyed by the European Value Systems Study Group, a network of academics across the continent. They listed ten 32

antisocial and illegal activities ranging from littering to tax evasion, and asked people how often they could be justified. The results show that Europe’s most moral and responsible citizens are the Danes, and the French are the least.

FRANCE

BELGIUM

PORTUGAL

SPAIN

GERMANY

THE NETHERLANDS

ITALY

BRITAIN

SWEDEN

ICELAND

NORWAY

NORTHERN

DENMARK

IRELAND

Civic Morality

Claiming State benefits you are not entitled to

2

5

1

7

4

6

8

3

9

12

11

10

13

Avoiding fares on publuc transport

2

3

1

8

5

6

4

7

9

10

13

11

12

Cheating on your tax returns

2

1

11

7

3

5

4

9

8

6

12

13

10

Buying goods that you know are stolen

1

2

3

5

4

8

6

7

10

9

11

12

13

Joy-riding

2

1

8

3

4

5

9

12

6

13

7

11

10

Keeping money you find

3

1

4

2

5

6

9

7

8

11

13

12

10

Accepting a bribe

1

3

4

2

7

6

8

10

11

5

9

13

12

Not reporting damage you did to a parked car

1

5

2

6

3

12

9

8

4

7

11

10

13

Dropping litter in the streets

1

12

7

6

13

11

2

9

10

4

3

8

5

Driving when you are drunk

1

3

4

8

2

5

6

7

12

9

10

13

11

OVERALL

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

a) In groups, discuss the questions below: - Are these activities against the law in our country? - Do you think they should be illegal? Why (not)? - How do you think they should be punished? - If Russia was included in the table what position, in your opinion, would it occupy? - Which of the activities listed below would you add to this table? •

Owning an aggressive breed of dog

•

Squatting in an unoccupied house (living there without paying rent)

•

Going on strike without having previously agreed/announced it.

• 111 treating animal in any way. • Painting attractive graffiti on a wall or fence. Look through the table again. 33

b) Choose one country and analyze the estimates in different activities. Are the estimates nearly the same or there is a great difference between some of them? Why? c) Choose two countries. Compare their estimates. How can you explain the differences? Giving your opinion use the following connectors: Firstly ... To start with ... Furthermore ... However ... Nevertheless ... On the other hand ... It seems th a t... Presumably ... Obviously ... As a matter of fa c t... Actually ... Strangely enough ... I’m pleased to say ... Unfortunately ... I feel very strongly th a t... To be honest... Taking everything into account... In conclusion ...

Task 8 You are going to discuss cyber crime, i.e. crimes relating computers and the Internet. a)

Speak on the advantages and disadvantages o f using the Internet. U

the following connectors: To start with ... The main advantage ... Another advantage ... Although ... Because of... Furthermore ... In addition ... On the other hand ... To sum up ...

b) Read the list o f cyberspace activities below: - Downloading music, books, and films

- Hacking into somebody else’s computer - Posting aggressive or threatening “tweets” or messages - Photographing someone and posting the photo on the Internet without their permission - Using somebody else’s personal information - Creating a computers virus - Using fraudulent online investment schemes. In groups discuss the following questions: 1. Are these activities against the law in our country? 34

2. Do you think they should be illegal? Why (not)? 3. How do you think they should be punished? Use the following connectors: Nowadays ... As far as I know ... In my opinion/view ... Firstly ... Secondly ... Besides ... On the other hand ... However ... For instance ... I think people who do this should be ... Taking everything into account...

Task 9 Read line paragraphs from newspaper articles and text relating cyberspace activities and answer the questions:

1 You can rob a bank without leaving the house these days. All you have to do is dial into the networks that link the computers in large organizations together, type in a couple of passwords and you can rummage about in the information that is stored there to your heart’s content. No one knows how much money is stolen by keyboard criminals-banks and other companies tend to be very secretive if it happens to them. It does not exactly fill customers with confidence if they think their bank account can be accessed by anyone with a PC. Insurance company Hogg Robinson estimate that computer frauds cost British companies an incredible £ 400 million a year. —

What do you think is the aim o f the true hacker: to get rich or to prove

just how insecure the system is?

2 Some experts are pessimistic about the future of cyberspace. One worry is the activities of cybercriminals. Even now, young hackers can get into the computers and governments. In the future, cyberterrorists may “attack” the world’s computers, cause chaos, and make planes and trains crash. —

In your opinion, are acts o f cyberterrorism really any different from

those committed by traditional terrorists? I f so, in what way? 35

3 When a song is on a CD, in a shop, we would not hesitate to pay for it. But if you put the same song on the internet, millions of people think that you can take the same song without paying for it. It’s still the same song, written by the same people, who spent the same hours and same money recording it, but press a button and it is yours. In fact, when the government proposed punishing illegal downloaders with internet disconnection, a lobby group of artists and musicians campaigned against it saying “it would reduce the civil liberties of every one of us in this country.” But how can this be true? How is being banned from using the internet for this reason any different to being banned from a library because you stole some books from there? —Do you agree with the author o f the article? Give reasons.

4 Identity theft is the illegal use of somebody else’s personal information in order to obtain money or credit. Victims of identity theft can face financial and even legal problems in the future because an impostor has used their personal details to purchase something or give false information to the authorities. The best way of preventing thieves from stealing your identity is to know how they operate. An example of such techniques is “Spyware”. It is a type of software used to gather information about a person or organization without their consent. Identity thieves often attach it to downloadable files, such as online games. When you install the game, a hacker records all your keystrokes, including things like credit card numbers or bank account logins like credit card numbers or bank account logins. - D o you think the rate o f such cybercrimes will increase in the future?

36

5 State security regulators around the US are concerned about the explosion of illicit investment schemes now flourishing on the Internet. Households that already have access to online services are being exposed to hundreds of fraudulent and abusive investment schemes including stock manipulations, pyramid scams and Ponzi schemes1-. New frauds are emerging, too. Online auction complaints have become the number one fraud complant. The majority of payments in these fraud cases are made offline, by cheque or money order sent t the company. “Requesting cash is a clear sign of fraud. If possible, pay by credit card because you can dispute the charges if there is a problem”, says the Director of Internet Fraud Watch. —

Is anonymity — not being identified, or traced by your real name

important fo r criminals? How does the Internet help them?

Answering the questions use the following connectors: Firstly... Secondly... Then... I’d like to say/to remind... As I said before... As you know... I’m sure... For example... N ext... For instance... Thus... So... such as... However... Nevertheless... Finally... In conclusion...___________ Task 10 You are going to discuss the right to possess and carry firearms. First, read the text below: The Second Amendment to the US Constitution A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a Free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. The Second Amendment was developed as a result of the tyrannous rule of the British parliament. Colonists were often oppressed and forced to pay unjust taxes at the hand of the untruly parliament. As a result the American people yearned for an Amendment that would guarantee them the right to bear arms and

* Buyers are persuaded to invest m oney in dishonest businesses in return for prom ises o f quick profits.

37

protect themselves against similar situations. The gun debate in the United States widely revolves around the intended interpretation of the Second Amendment. Those who support gun rights claim that the founding fathers developed and ratified the Second Amendment to guarantee the individual’s rights to keep and bear arms. Those who want more stringent gun laws feel that the founding fathers directed this Amendment solely to the formation of militias and are thus, at least by theory, archaic. There have been numerous decisions relating this Amendment. For example in 2008 Supreme Court of the US ruled that Americans have a constitutional right to keep guns in their homes for self-defense. Despite these decisions, the debate between various organizations regarding gun control and gun rights continues. Express your opinion on the right to possess and carry firearms. Give reasons and examples. Some additional information may help you: - 30,000 people are shot dead in the US every year; - More than 1100 people in the US were shot by the police in 2015; - 270 million units of firearms are in possession of US citizens or 89 units for 100 people; - 25 million Americans have used firearms for self-defense; - US citizens kill twice as many criminals as the police do.

Use the following connectors: As you know ... I’d like to remind you ... As I said before ... I think ... In my opinion ... Firstly ... Secondly ... N e x t... Besides ... Because ... Due to ... However ... Whereas ... For example ... For instance ... Furthermore Such as ... On the other hand ... In conclusion ... To sum up ...

Task 11 Read the statements about human rights. Decide what your opinion is on each issue. Make a few notes to back up your opinion. Discuss them with a partner.

a)

No one should be tortured for their beliefs.

b)

Everyone has the right to freedom of speech.

c)

Everyone has the right to live in a democratic society.

d)

Everyone should be paid the same for the same job.

e)

Everyone should have the right to choose who they marry.

Put the statements in order o f importance (Inm ost important, 5=least important).

Useful vocabulary: Gaining time to think - Well, ... , You know, ... Explaining what you just said - 1 mean... Well, ... Saying something surprising (or true) - Actually, ... In fact, ... Going back to a previous topic - So, ... Anyway, ... Changing the topic - So, ... By the way, ... Anyway, ... You are uncertain - It seems that... Apparently, ... Your next comment is obvious - Of course, ... Obviously, ... You are being honest - Actually, ... To be honest, ... You had some good / bad fortune - Unfortunately, ... Luckily, ...