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Expressing anger in English

- I don’t think that’s very clever!

- Are you trying to be funny?

- You wouldn’t dare!

- Don’t be silly!

- How dare you say that!

- Hang it!

- Get lost!

- Enough is good!

- That’s the limit!

- This is too much!

- Rubbish!

- Good riddance!

- And what next?

- I won’t swallow that!

- I’m warning you!

- Just you wait!

- Get out of my way!

- That’s the last straw!

- Mind your own business!

- It’s none of your business!

- Shame on you!

- It makes me see red!

- I have enough of that boy!

- I won’t have it!

- Why are so angry with her?

- Who do you take me for?

- For God’s sake, leave me alone!

- I’m fed up with his lies.

- I’m fed up with your interrupting me all the time.

- Why the hell didn’t you wait for me?

- I won’t stand being treated like that.

- I can’t stand it any longer!

- I’ve heard as much as I can hear!

- I can’t put up with him!

- I won’t put up with that!

- I’m sick of all this!

- That serves you right!

- I’m sick and tired of telling you!

- I’m tired of them!

- What makes me angry is that there is always something missing.

- She’s cross with you because you have disobeyed.

- He’s furious with them.

- What on earth have you been doing?

- What has that got to do with it?

- That gets on my nerves!

- How on earth can you live in such a filthy place?

-  There is no reason why I should stay here.

- What irritates me most is that nobody believes me.

- I won’t tolerate living among them.

- I can’t accept this view!

Causes and consequences in English

- She’s laughing because it’s funny.

- She felt all the more excited because he had talked to her.

- I couldn’t understand anything, because of the strange words he used.

- It’s my Dad’s house; this is the reason why I don’t pay any rent.

- It is for this reason that she never looks at you in your eyes.

- He wasn’t well-paid, that’s why he left that job.

- Let me explain why I’ve decided to stay.

- He did it out of fear.

- Given the situation, we’ll stay in Canada.

- Judging by what is written here, you can’t be held responsible.

- It is due to your lack of understanding.

- He was released, on account of his good behaviour.

- Thanks to her authority, things went well.

- Since it is a new contract, we have to be very precise.

- As the plane was late, we stayed in the airport for five hours.

- Owing to their youth, we asked for their parents’ permission.

- Following the war, the price of petrol has gone up.

- I can’t buy it, for lack of cash.

- She thought it was a good book; therefore, she bought it.

- You don’t work enough, so, you can’t be rewarded.

- The result was negative; thus, she felt relieved.

- She has serious health problems; consequently, she can’t live normally.

- As a consequence, he was fired.

- They check all the passports, as a result of possible terrorist attacks.

- She was so upset that she couldn’t speak.

- He makes such mistakes that nobody trusts him.

Newspaper articlesWriting Example

Learning Points

Giving information to support your argument.

- Researches have found that …

- Studies show that …

- According to scientists …

Giving statistical information

- Every year, 2,100 adults die …

Using cause expressions (because, for, as, as a result, caused

by)

- Many of us choose not to smoke because of the effects …

- As a result, everyone inhales …

- 2,100 adults die as a result of smoking.

- … these deaths are caused by second-hand.

Concluding.

- Therefore, we need more laws …

- In conclusion, we need a change …

Poetry in English

Writing Example

When I look in your eyes

Just in a trice

When I look in your eyes

I see the sea

I see the line where the sky meet the sea

I see a man with a Vodka and some ice

sucking the luck from a six-sided dice

****************************

When I look in your eyes

I see a door

I see the door of a prison with my name

I see the prisoner and the gaoler as the same

I see a star at the corner of the bar

Getting sick of himself and his fame

****************************

When I look in your eyes

I see mine

I see the place where the sun doesn’t shine

I see some kids who are not anymore

Fooling around with the pain of their sore

Making a day of the moan of their whine

****************************

When I look in your eyes

I see your eyes

Besides that, I can see other eyes

Other eyes which are not even jetty

Other eyes which are not even pretty

Other eyes which are not even even

They look like heaven

The eyes you were given

Learning Points

Poetry is language that always means more.

Writing poetry isn’t just about having great ideas to express, it’s about doing lots of

exciting things with language.

Poetry is language in which every element (word order, image, sound, pause, echo,

rythm) has a powerful, robust significance.

Writing a poem is like baking a cake.

1- Ingredients : Your thoughts, feelings, fantasies.

2- Space : The writer simply translates energy and build a space for that energy to flow.

3- Structure (Sonnet, Ode, Elegy) : The poet can choose whatever is easiest for him

to organise his thoughts.

Metaphors and similes can make your poem looks so elegant and sophisticated.

They are very useful but don’t overuse them.

Your voice as a writer

Writing Example

Oranges

“Roll up, roll up. Home grown oranges, sweet and delicious, top quality.”

He was laughing a toothless hearty laugh. A wandering orange vendor in his early forties. It was a

genuine type of laugh, as he smiled into the face of every customer, indeed into the face of every passer-

by. In his smile there was an invitation, “Home-grown oranges, sweet ‘n’ delicious”. He divided the

orange into quarters and offered a piece to a customer, without stopping his cry, “Home-grown oranges,

sweet like our country. Try one. Savour it, enjoy it. Have some sweetness for nothing. One Dollar a kilo.”

Suddenly the voice grew quiet and died. A policeman was approaching the orange cart with the

determination of a stern man of the law. The vendor’s voice died away and his hand crept to his patched

purse. The policeman opened his mouth to pronounce his sentence upon the cart and its owner, but then

fell silent too. The sentence remained suspended between his coarse lips, and was then quashed by the

coin that passed swiftly from the purse of the vendor to the hand of the policeman. The lawman moved

away ponderously. The middle-aged vendor followed him with a lost and wandering gaze which

gradually focussed on his large black shoes. The shoe-black, taking advantage of this golden opportunity

to satisfy his desire for a “home-grown orange”, sprang lightly towards the cart and returned with two

oranges. He hid behind a tree to devour them. A group of his pals surrounded him.

“Give me one … come on … be good … and me … and me … and me.”

The man’s gaze returned to his cart, studying the oranges closely. Then he called our regretfully,

“Oranges, one Dollar a kilo.”

Customers passed by condescendingly. One of them might turn to him from time and say, “Half Dollar is

a good price.”

Half an hour passed and the cart did not seem to have emptied. The vendor’s enthusiasm returned and his

despondent voice regained its strength. “Sweetness for nothing, Home-grown oranges as sweet as sugar.”

The laughter had returned fully to the wrinkled face. However, the cry that seemed to be hidden between

his wrinkled said, “Come on, my brothers in misfortune. Hurry up, my companions in misery, and rid me

of these wretched oranges before they become the property of the government. By God, I beg you. Do not

prolong my agony.” The cry rose up from the depths of his wrinkles, accompanied by a fractured smile

bearing the imprint of disillusion.

Then the situation became critical. The scene froze and the atmosphere grew tense. Another policeman

was heading towards the cart with the determination of the incorruptible judge. The scene repeated itself

except that it was clear that the coin that the vendor took out this time was smaller than that which the

previous policeman received. They followed each other one after the other and the man went on paying.

They were not satisfied with what he gave them, and some of them used to take an orange or two as well.

The vendor was still proclaiming his oranges and the cry of disillusion that was latent in his deep

wrinkles burnt more intensely.

Then the despair came into the open. He was approaching resolutely. His approach had the bloated

leisureliness of the conceited. He was not scowling like the earlier ones, but was confident of his victory,

and that was the reason he was smiling. He didn’t feign anger like the others, but instead feigned

mockery. The vendor saw him and quickly put his hand into the depths of his old wallet. He couldn’t find

a centime. He probed the many corners of the wallet. His hand touched something soft, apparently old, a

banknote of fifty or perhaps hundred Dollars; it must be a banknote.

His hands was still holding the note as he rushed to the shop next to his cart to change it to feed the

hungry pig – hopefully the last. He stood in the door of the shop, asked the shopkeeper for change, and

took out the banknote. He put it on the counter and found it was not negotiable. He quickly snatched it up

again before the man saw it. He turned on his heel and said, “Never mind, never mind the change.” He

returned to his cart, gave the policeman a frozen doltish smile which conveyed nothing except disillusion

and failure. The policeman moved his jaws in the air. He had also perfected his role, making the same

comical action as usual, taking longer than necessary. The vendor stared at the lawman with imploring

eyes, and the lawman moved his jaws, which had stopped half way, and pronounced his verdict, passing

judgment on the cart and the oranges and the vendor, and the children of vendor, a hungry flock of

children waiting for the evening and the return of this man with their exotic food and choice drink – a

morsel of bread. The children’s cries would grow loud, and their weeping would go on for a long time,

for their magical morsel of bread had been lost with the policeman’s words, “Push the cart and proceed in

front of me.”

The outcome was familiar. They would dispose of the oranges at the local charity, and the cart would be

impounded until he could redeem it. Would the man return in the evening to his hungry children with

exotic foods, with delicious apples, Pastilla and roast meat, and other mouth-watering things. No, he

would return to them with nothing.

The poor man tried to set matters right. He chose a handful of delicious oranges and offered them to the

officer. The policeman’s muscles tensed. “Walk in front of me. I don’t take bribes. You have broken the

law. Your punishment is well known.”

The man tried to apologize and to win him over, but …

He pushed his cart slowly and heavily, proceeding before the representative of the law.

A group of youths were walking towards them spread out across the street. They were wearing caps

indicating that they were still at school. They were laughing with loud voices, but suddenly their voices

died away as they approached the confiscated cart. One of them approached, thin, tall and of resolute

countenance, and began to speak. The vendor looked at him, and then abandoned the cart. The pupil had

said, “He takes your children’s livelihood and you push the cart for him. Let him push it himself.”

The vendor had scarcely taken a step when the policeman slapped him violently. He turned to him

imploringly with tears in his eyes.

“Don’t be afraid. Return the greeting. Hit him.”

The thin student uttered these words with enthusiasm.

The powerful violent blows of the bullying policeman continued to rain down upon the poor man. The

thin student resumed his enthusiastic cries. The wronged vendor exchanged his defensive plan for an

offensive one. The pandemonium increased. The pigs poured in from all directions. Blows continued to

rain down upon the resisting vendor, the upon the pupil who had joined him in defending his violated

rights. The hungry pigs continued to pour into the arena of fraud and oppression where the victims were

being sacrificed in broad daylight. The thin pupil was lying on the ground exhausted, and the wretched

vendor was stretched out also, exhausted. Round them, a barrier of pigs had been thrown up representing

the arbitrariness of the judicial process.

The bald policeman with the large paunch approached and kicked the vendor, saying, “I will teach you

not to answer back. I’ll discipline you before the court instructs you.” then he placed his large heel on the

neck of the pupil, “As for you, you dog! We taught you how to write your name, and pay us back like

this. You have become like vomit to us. I’ll teach you to be quiet and not to interfere in what does not

concern you.”

The student looked at the group that had gathered round the scene. He saw no trace of his friends. They

had fled when the battle had grown fierce, when the worms had eaten the oranges, when the oranges had

boiled with rage. The enthusiastic look in the eyes of the zealous student went out. He closed his eyes,

then opened them and cried out in a strangled voice, “I feel like a stranger in my own country; I feel like

an alien. I call the justice of heaven to witness that I have been wronged.”

Pastilla : A dish made with chicken and almonds wrapped in sweet pastry.

Learning Points

Listen to George Wier (Author) giving tips about how to develop your style as a

writer:

Apologizing in English

- I’m sorry.

- So sorry.

- I’m sorry to have broken it.

- I’m sorry but I’ve got to go now.

- I’m awfully sorry for what happened yesterday.

- I can’t tell you how sorry I am!

- I’m terribly sorry for that mistake.

- Sorry for being late.

- I’m very sorry for telling you uncle that you were here.

- How stupid of me!

- Excuse me, I didn’t mean it.

- Excuse my insisting, I didn’t know he was listening.

- Excuse me for being so critical, but this is who I am.

- I thought I was doing right!

- I didn’t do it on purpose!

- I do apologize.

- Please accept my apologies.

- I must apologize for not returning it on time.

- Pardon me!

- Pardon me for saying so.

- It’s my fault!

- I am entirely to blame!

- Do forgive me for lying.

- It’s unforgivable of me!

- I can only say once again how sorry I am!

- I hope you’ll understand that I’m not fully responsible!

- I didn’t mean it.

- I didn’t do it on purpose.

- I didn’t mean to vex him.

- I had no intention of shocking her.

- I didn’t realize I was distrubing you.

- I’m not entirely responsible for it.

- I’m afraid I’m a bit early.

- I shouldn’t be so strict.

- I know I shouldn’t have insisted but that was very important for me.

- If I had known you didn’t like flowers, I wouldn’t have brought them.

Advertisement posterWriting Example

Learning Points

Heading / Sub-heading

Headings and sub-headings will highlight the key information.

Key features

List unique key features. This could be the price or a special promotion.

Slogans

Use a catchphrase or slogan that will catch the audience’s attention.

Facts

Include facts to support what you are claiming in the advert.

Images and Price

You can put customized images in the middle with the price if you want.

Contact details

Remember to include contact details and how to order.

Transitions in English Writing

Writing Example

 

The cart

Now a donkey pulls the cart.

When he laughed that morning, his teeth appeared blacker and the wrinkles on his forehead creased more

sharply. He had triumphed now. He would lead the cart himself, and it would not be wearisome because

the donkey would pull it from the market anywhere that was required and he would load it with more

merchandise. The donkey was stronger than he was, and would never protest.

Since that morning, Fatima had kept on urging him to look for another job, to look for a cart that he could

pull his merchandise around on.

A whole week has passed since that morning and I have not been looking, nor will I ever look. I have

spent a long time flogging myself to death. Now I have the opportunity to rest a little and spend some

time in thought. When there was no donkey for the cart. I used to pull it myself every day from the

market to any part of the village. I would do that so many times a day, that when night came I would

return exhausted to the little hut, and fall fast asleep till morning, oblivious, oblivious to the cries of the

children, and to the warm body that clung to me and tried to make me wake up a bit.

Sweat used to pour from every pore of my body when I pulled the cart up the sleep road opposite the

market, and I wouldn’t stop to rest or to think. Mawlay Al-Hajj used to watch me, for the cart was his;

but he had grown old and was no longer strong enough to pull the cart.

But now it is the donkey that pulls the cart, and Mawlay Al-Hajj walks behind it holding a whip, without

getting tired or sweating. The donkey does not protest, and is stronger than I am, and is able to carry

heavier loads.

If I had thought about it earlier, I could have bought the whole cart. I could have sold my wife’s bracelet

and some of the furniture; the hajj would not have objected. He had grown old and was no longer able to

pull the cart, so why shouldn’t he sell it. But I didn’t think. I went to work with him, pulling the cart and

giving him 70% of the daily earnings. It was absolutely stupid. I used to take my wages and spend them

day by day; but he was clever and over a period of two years he was able to save some money, buy a

donkey for the cart, and thus get the better of me. The cart would revert to him! As he laughingly gave

me the news, his teeth seemed blacker than ever, as if I was seeing them for the first time, and his

forehead creased more sharply. He appeared to be gloating over me, and a great cloud of gloom

descended over my countenance as I cast my last look at the cart. The hajj had joked, “Don’t be sad.

You’ll see it every day in the market!”

I used to pull it for long distances, and in the silence of the road, its iron wheels used to grind over the

pebbles while from the cart there came a long whine. sometimes the sound of it used to remind me of a

water wheel, and in summer, when the sweat was pouring off me in profusion, I used almost to believe

that it was a water wheel.

But now the cart is pulled by the donkey.

When I first took it out one warm morning in March, its nails were sticking out, and its wheels turned

laboriously. Those first few days were very hard going, but then I poured some oil on it; my hands grew

accustomed to the wooden handles; I banged in the nails that were sticking out, and it became the most

beautiful cart in the whole village. It never used to tire me, except on that steep hill. There I had to exert

every effort to keep our balance, and it seemed to be more obedient as if it wanted us to clear the steep

hill from the market quickly so as then to descend easily into the village which appeared from afar to be

plunged in silence.

But now the cart is being pulled by a donkey! and Fatima is pushing me to look for a job or find another

cart.

Its colour was faded when I took it out that first morning. But after a month I painted it green. It looked

beautiful in its new colour, and even Mawlay Al-Hajj did not recognize it at first. But now he says that it

is his cart. It was easy for him to take it out of my hands when he bought that donkey and hitched it to the

cart right in front of me. Then he went off with it, leaving me alone, gazing after it as it disappeared in the

distance, grinding over the pebbles and emitting sad moans.

Should I leave the matter like this? Should I look for another cart, for two new wooden handles, while the

green cart keeps on passing in front of me throughout the day, pulled by the donkey?

Finally, he seemed to finish thinking. A week had passed since the cart had been taken from him, and he

had spent that whole week doing nothing but think. When he kept, his dreams were filled with carts

which thronged the whole village as well as the market square. But he was always scanning them in

search of the green cart. One night during that week, in fact, he woke up soaked with sweat. He had been

dreaming that he had been pushing the cart. How could Fatima want him to leave Mawlay Al-Hajj in

possession of it and look for another job?

His eyes finally revealed that he had thought of something. A fierce resolution appeared in his eyes. He

jumped up from his casual sitting position with a sudden violence that startled Fatima.

Then he opened an old wooden box and took out an axe.

Fatim was alarmed and asked worriedly, “Why the axe?”

“Don’t be frightened. I’ll kill the donkey tonight.”

Mawlay : A term of respect whose original meaning is “My Lord”

Hajj : A title given to any Muslim who has made the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Learning Points

Transitions to clarify

- for example

- for instance

- in other words

- put another way

- seems clear from this

- simply stated

- stated differently

- that is

- to clarify

- to illustrate the point

Transitions to add information

- additionally

- again

- along with

- also

- and

- another

- as well

- besides

- equally important

- finally

- for example

- for instance

- further

- furthermore

- in addition

- likewise

- moreover

- next

- together with

Transitions to conclude or summarize

- accordingly

- all in all

- as a result

- consequently

- due to

- finally

- in closing

- in conclusion

- in short

- in summary

- in the last analysis

- lastly

- logical conclusion is

- therefore

- thus

- to conclude

Transitions to enumerate

- first, second, third

- one important, equally important, most important

- a significant, another significant, of greatest significance

- first, next, last

- in the beginning, toward the middle, at the end

- one, also, in addition

Transitions to emphasize a point

- again

- another key point

- first thing to remember

- for this reason

- frequently

- important to realize

- indeed

- in fact

- most compelling evidence

- most important information

- must be remembered

- on the negative side /on the positive side

- point often overlooked

- significant that

- surprising

- surprisingly enough

- to emphasize

- to point out

- truly

- with this in mind

Transitions to compare items

- Accordingly

- as / just as

- comparable to

- in the same way / in the same manner

- in conjunction with

- sometimes

- similarly

Transitions to contrast items

- but

- counter to

- although

- even though

- even so

- as opposed to

- conversely

- nevertheless

- on the contrary

- on the other hand

- otherwise

- in spite of this

- in the meantime

- yet

Preferences in English

- Who’s your favourite singer?

- Do you prefer History or Geography?

- Which record do you like best?

- Would you rather go to Oxford or to Cambridge?

- Would you prefer to go outside or play a game with your cousins here?

- What I like best is their splendid mansion.

- He likes the striped tie better.

- I prefer living in town to living in the country.

- I’d prefer to tell her myself.

- I’d rather learn more formal sentences.

- I’d rather they gave me more time so I can do a good job.

- I’d rather they didn’t meet so often.

- Rather than get old, I’d prefer to die now.

- I’d sooner do it now than next term.

- I must say classical music appeals to me more than pop music.

- He’s more interested in sport than in school.

- My choice would be a red sportscar.

- I’m sure you’d enjoy football more than tennis.

- What I like better than anything else is playing golf.

- This hairstyle fits me better than anything else.

- 9 a.m. would suit me better.

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Writing Example

The Plough”The heavy clouds which have passed over our horizon recently indicate a time of heavy rain.

Perhaps the rain this year will enrich the soil, and damp soil usually requires ploughing.” That is what

Hushum began to think about as he wandered round the Kamouni market. As soon as the thought of

ploughing occured to him, he remembered that he needed a good plough. The old one he used last year

had got its blade damaged, and was no longer sharp enough to pierce the ground.

He went up to Ahmad the plough-maker and let his eyes rove from one plough to another without trying

any of them. Finally, Ahmad called out to him with pleasure, “It’s been a long time since you took a

plough from me. Try this one, Hushum.”

“I only want a blade.”

“Don’t worry. You can take a whole plough. The price is low this year.”

“I want you to make a blade for my plough. A blade like the one you made for me some time ago.”

“OK, but there’s no harm in taking another plough so that if your old one breaks you can resort to the

new one. That way you won’t have to stop work.”

“You really want me to take a new plough?”

“Yes, because it’s in your interests.”

“And the blade. Will you make me a blade?”

“Yes, right now.”

Ahmad bent over a piece of iron which he began to test with his hands. Then he approached the fire

where the apprentice was on his knees. He gestured to him to stoke the fire while he threw on the

sawdust.

The apprentice began to fan the fire with the large bellows, making them move up and down with

continuous monotonous sound. Sparks flew around Ahmad, but he gazed at Hushum, who was

meanwhile holding a plough in his fists, testing it. When he turned his gaze to the heel of the plough, he

noticed that the heel was not up to the standard he required, so he took another one, checked the heel,

then looked at the ear, then took it in his hand and struck it with his thumb nail. However, when he

passed his hand over the blade, he was not pleased. He remembered the blade of his pld plough, whose

like he had never found since and probably never would again. He had indeed used it for a long time, and

lent it sometimes to his friends before it was damaged. Yes, Ahmad was good at making ploughs, and

could make a blade as good as or better than the old one. But why was he asking him to buy a new

plough?

Ahmad said to him, “Haven’t you begun work yet? The soil is moist and many people have started

ploughing their land.”

Hushum replied, “Not yet. I am waiting for the soil to become really wet. A few showers are not enough.

I don’t want my seed to spoil. I will plough my land, but I always say to myself that although it is better

for a man to plough his land and sow it with wheat, so that he does not harvest grass when others are

harvesting wheat, nevertheless the wheat has to be of good quality and so I wait for some good rain

before I plough.”

The he sat down on the new saddle that he had bought that moring, listening to Ahmad who was

continuing with a smile.

Hushum replied, “And a new blade. God bless you.”

Ahmad took a piece of iron from the fire with the tongs, placed it on the anvil and began to beat it

repeatedly moving it from time to time. Then he put it back in the fire again, telling the workman to

pump the bellows.

Hushum went on, “No-one in the market is as good as you at making blades. You must make good

money.”

Ahmad sighed and said, “Not enough.”

“Why’s that?”

“I could earn a lot if it wasn’t for …”, and he pointed to another blacksmith.

“Where did he come from?”

“From the town. He left his shop there, and has come to bother me.”

“The world is full of annoyances.”

“But God’s provision is distributed to all mankind. I sell me wares at a low price that he can’t match.

Will you buy a plough?”

“To tell the truth I haven’t got the money. If you can wait until next week, I may have enough to buy

one.”

“Don’t worry, Hushum. Choose your plough now and pay when it convenient.”

“Thank you, but I would prefer not to take it until I can pay. You know how I am. I don’t like to get into

debt.”

“As you wish.”

Ahmad has got the impression that he wanted to make do with his old plough, with a few repairs – like

the blade for instance. How could he persuade him to buy a new plough?

Hushum was thinking, “I really don’t want to burden myself with debts. It is better for a man to have to

stop work. But I am still working by myself, and if work stops, I won’t lose anything. I will do something

else until market day when I can buy a new plough. Ahmad is good at making ploughs and if he makes

me a blade, I won’t need a new one for a long time.”

Ahmad asked him, “Is your old plough one of mine?”

Hushum replied, “Yes.”

“But it’s very very old. It must be falling to pieces by now.”

“No. It’ll last another year or two.”

“A new blade needs a good plough.”

“Not always. Its handles have become smooth so I can work with it easily. If I don’t happen to take a

completely new plough, will you get upset with me?”

“No. I just want your best interests. I just felt that it would be best for you to take another plough, just as

a spare.”

He took the blade out of the fire and began to beat it, fast this time. The workman assisted him and they

took it in turns to do the beating.

Hushum kept thinking, “Beat the iron while it is hot and plough the land when it is wet.”

Ahmad plunged the blade in the water to cool it a little. Then he looked for a wire to put through the eye

of the blade, and then gave it to Hushum, telling him to be careful not to let it burn him.

Hushum took it from him with his left hand and put his right hand in his pocket. Immediately he

remembered that he hadn’t got any money left. He had bought the saddle this morning. He was very

embarrassed about this, until it occurred to him to leave the saddle as a deposit. But Ahmad interrupted

by saying, “If you haven’t got any money now, until next market day.”

“The problem is that I bought a saddle. If you would like, I can leave it with you until …”

“No. Don’t worry, Hushum. Take both your blade and the saddle. The clouds are leaden and are urging

you to hurry. Quickly.”

Hushum went on his way carrying the blade in one hand and the saddle in the other. As he left he kept on

mumbling : “Thank you … The clouds … The plough … The blade … Thank you.”

Learning Points

If you want to be a good writer, you need to read. Read for both inspiration and

research and explore as many different genres as possible (adventure, fairy tale,

science fiction, romance, mystery, …).

A short story should be broken down into three parts or three axes : Beginning,

Middle and Ending and each act should be clearly defined.

Next, it’s time to write. Be sure to establish points of view and writing tenses and

also don’t forget to use dialogues to make your characters more believable.

After you finish your story, read it carefully to check for mistakes. Create a

checklist to make sure you have not missed anything.

Purpose and intention in English

- I’m leaving him.- I’m going to attend evening classes.- I will tell her the truth.

- He’s decided to fly back to Chicago tomorrow.- She came with the information of learning.- It’s their intention to find another investors.- He has every intention of working more in computer programming fields.- They intend to develop new management softwares.- They mean to have another child.- He’s resolved to stop fooling around with married women.- He seems determined to divorce her after catching her cheating.- I know he wants to make a fuss.- They’re willing to innovate in that field too.- Are you planning to write another book?- I have a good mind to leave this please. I don’t want someone to see me here.- She’s thinking of staging the play next month. Are you going to be there?- She’s made up her mind to call her old friends and go out with them.- What have they come to New York for?- They’ve come to Los Angeles to study experimental probabilities.- For what purpose does she want to take part in the contest?- She did it in order to be noticed.- I’ve brought it for you to read.- He keeps the bedroom door open, so as to have an eye on the children.- Her aim is to arrive there safe and sound.- she is to get engaged as soon as possible.- He was to help them, but I don’t know if he did.- He was to have given me a lift, but he didn’t come.- I Always hide the bottles, so that he will not be tempted.

Favours in English

Asking for a favour

- Could you do me a favour, please?- Would you mind doing me a favour?- Could I ask a favour of you?- Could you help me with this, please?- Could you hold this for me, please?- I was wondering whether you could write me a recommendation letter?- Could you lend me a hand with this, please?- Have you got time to help me solving this math issue?- If it’s not too much trouble, could you ask her for me?

Preparing to ask for a favour

- Are you free on Sunday? It’s just I need someone to babysit my two-years-old daughter Emma.- Are you busy this week? I’ve got to finish this project and I need you experience.- I’ve got to move house this week, I don’t suppose you could help me out.- About that favour you owe me, could you take care of my sister?- I am not very good at this, could you handle it?- I need to call in that favour I did for a while ago.- You know a lot about computer programming, don’t you? Could you show me some of your code sources?- You’re perfect at this, could you help to understand what’s the difference between the passive and the active voice?- I know this might sound a bit cheeky, but could you tell your husband to forgive me about what happend yesterday?- You’re strong, aren’t you? Could you help me move this heavy piece of furniture from there?

Thanking someone

- Thank you so much!- You’ve saved my day.- Thanks a million.- You’re a true friend.- I really owe you one.- I’ll buy you a drink sometime.- I’ll return the favour one day.- I’ll do the same for you one day.- You’re an absolute lifesaver!

Agreeing to do someone a favour

- OK. No problem.- Yes, I could help with that.- No problem at all.- Of course! what can I do for you?- It would be a pleasure.

Saying no

- Actually, I’m a bit busy this week.- I’m afraid I’ve got to go to a wedding.- I’m sorry but I can’t because my little brother will visit me and I need to pick him up from the airport.- I’m not available on Monday. It’s the beginning of the week, you how busy it is.- I’d like to be able to help you but my father won’t let me stay with you tonight, especially tonight.- When was the last time you ever did anything for me?- No, I don’t think so!- No!- No way!- I won’t help you out, forget it!

Information in English

Asking for information

- Who owns this firm?- Who were you talking to?- What is it for?- What is that film about?- What is your uncle Richard waiting for?- What is that car like?- What time does the train leave the station?- I’m a little surprised, where have they decided to meet?- When are you going to Kingston upon Hull?- Why don’t you leave them alone?

- Whose coat is this?- Which option have they chosen?- How did your mother-in-law react?- How old is his daughter?- How far are we from Bordeaux?- How often do you meet your father?- How much is that romper suit?- How long did your girlfriend work for this company?- How long have you been living in this dirty pleace?- How deep is that well?- How high are The Rocky Mountains?- How long is The Nile River?- How many children has he got?- Do you know where she’s gone?- Did your fiancé like the movie you have chosen for him?- Is it yours?- Are you dreaming?- Has he got a job?- Have you ever seen that play?- Had he already finished his studies?- Have they been married for a long time?- Were they dancing?- Are you going to buy a yacht?- Will it shrink?- Would you be happy if you had one?- Would she have understood the joke?- Can I take this brochure as a souvenir?- May I ask you a question?- Must I leave, too?- I’m afraid I have many things to do today, need I stay?- Can you tell me how often they hold their assemblies?- Could you give me his son’s address?- Is it true that the prices have changed?- Do you happen to know what this word means?- I’ve been looking for her for a while, have you got an idea of where she’s hiding?- I’d like to know who runs the organization?- It would be interesting to know where the money comes from.- I wonder whether it still exists.- Don’t you think he’s going a bit too far?- Would you mind if I asked you a question?- That’s a question I’d like to ask you.- The question I’d like to ask you is whether he can do it or not.

Giving information

- Ok, go ahead!- Yes of course.- Yes, he is.- That would be your ex-colleague Matt.- You can take the plane from Malaga.- Never mind, you just go straight on, and it will be on the second left turn next to pharmacy.- Yes, I have.- No, I haven’t seen this movie before.- I guess the play stars at 10 pm.- I’ve been living here for three years.

Autobiographical statement

Writing Example

I was born in in Melbourne, but I grew up in Broome, which is a small town with not much to do, so my

two brothers and I had to improvise and invent a lot of games. This is probably one reason why I was

good at making things. As a child I always enjoyed designing objects to put in rooms, and my teachers

encouraged me to develop my artistic abilities. I also found that I had a particular aptitude for Computer

science.

At the age of fifteen I decided to leave school and do an apprenticeship in a design company. I worked

for Buro North for three years, mainly doing clerical work in the office, but also observing some of the

projects.

During this time I learnt a lot, especially from Madison Byrne, who was a distribution manager. She was

quite inspiring in that she taught me how to solve problems by looking at things in a different way. From

her I learned how to access my creativity when I needed to “think out of the box”.

In 2008 I felt I needed a new challenge so I decided to enrol on a cartoon animation course. My

application was successful and I spent a very enjoyable month working on film animation. It was at this

time that I realised my true vocation was designing graphics for advertisements and commercial films.

For this reason I have applied for a degree course in graphic design. I really hope to develop my skills so

that I will be able to work in this field for the foreseeable future.

Sophia Sloman

Learning Points

Useful phrases to use for organising time and sequence :

- As a child, I enjoyed drawing things.- At the age of thirteen, I realised it wasn’t just a hobby.- During this time, I learnt how to use a computer.- I spent a month training.- It was at this time that I started working out seriously.- It was all about managing time for the foreseeable future.

Useful phrases to use for explaining stages in your career path :

- I had an aptitude for Physics.- I had to do an apprenticeship in a software company.- I decided to enrol on electoral register.- I applied for a cooking course.- Finally I found my true vocation.

Cover letter writing

Writing Example

Gavin Williams

1547 North Elmwood St.

Knoxville, TN 37901Phone: (555) 154-4899

Email: gavin-williams@smail.com

November 16, 2012

Thomas Hunnam

Discover Higher Education

388 N 511 West, Marathon Village

Nashville, TN 37209

Re : Inside Sales : Education

Dear Mr. Hunnam,

Are you looking for someone that can sell without putting unnecessary pressure on prospects and can get

people excited about higher education? If so, we should talk.

My experience working in consultative sales and customer service roles is valuable because I’ve been

able to build my career around helping people, even when I’ve got something to sell them.

Let me give you an example – at my last position, I worked for a charitable organization that called

businesses asking for permission to place a little gumball machine benefiting the charity at their place of

business.

In addition to working through the organization till I was speaking with an actual decision maker, I had to

instantly help the person relax and believe I wasn’t trying to sell them anything – I just wanted to ask for

their help with about a square foot of floor space.

I developed a number of techniques to help people feel at ease with me, including tricks in the way I

greeted from that let me develop instant rapport 99% of the time.

By the time I finished with most people, they were excited for the opportunity to work with us.

I’m excited about the chance to join your company since there’s such a great fit between your need to

generate interest in education and my track record of success.

Please find enclosed my resume. I’ll call your office on Thursday afternoon to follow and answer any

questions. Alternatively, feel free to contact me at (555) 154-4899 or by email at gavin-

williams@smail.com.

Respectfully,

 

Gavin Williams

Learning Points

Here are some steps you may follow to write an amazing cover letter :1- Adress the letter to an individual : Try to call the company to find who to write to, their exact title, and the correct spelling of their name.2- Open the letter with a short introduction.3- List what position you’re after and how you find out about it.4- Demonstrate that you understand what the company does : Check out the company’s website for details to mention.5- Relate your past work experience to the current opening.6- Adapt your writing to adress specific things that were mentioned in the job post. Keep it short and clear, it shouldn’t be longer than a page, a few paragraphs are enough.7- Mention any attachments you plan to include with the letter.8- Sign off with a suitable closing (like sincerely, best regards, respectfully, …) after thanking the reader.9- Make sure you include all your contact information (name, adress, telephone, e-mail, …).

Advice in English

Asking for advice

- I’d like some advice about it.- I need some advice.- What would you advise me to do?- I’m about to break up with him. What do you suggest?- I don’t know what to do, could you advise me?- I’m very confused, what do you think I should do?- Don’t you think I could try?- Please tell me, what would you do if you were me?- What would you do in my place?- Wouldn’t it be better for me to borrow one?

Giving advice

- Follow my advice, and listen carefully.- Take my advice : Try and improve your Japanese. It will help you in your career.- If you want my advice, dismiss him.- If I were you, I wouldn’t break up with him. He’s just so courteous and you don’t want to lose him.- If I were in your place, I’d behave properly in front of them.- I advise you to wait for a while. This is not a good time for giving up.- Believe me : give him his money back. You don’t want to get in trouble.- Take my word for it, leave this place.- Let me tell you this : it’s not that bad, you can try again and again, just pull yourself together and you will be fine.- It’s up to you, of course, but I wouldn’t do it.- If I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t wait, she’s a one in a million.- You’d better think twice about what you’re going to do!- She’d better not talk to her father like this! She has to show him some respect.- You could work more, couldn’t you?

- Couldn’t you make an effort?- Why don’t you consult another doctor?- I’d advise you to have a quick look at it.- Why not catch an earlier train?- Don’t you think it would be a good idea to have a few days’ holidays?- Personally, I think the best would be to stay in bed for a few days.- I think it would be better if you gave me the list.- They shouldn’t talk so loudly.- You should wait for us outside.- It’s in your interest to leave this country for some time.- It’s about time you studied foreign languages seriously. You know you will need them if you get a job.- You ought to be more humane with them.- They ought not to criticize her.- It might be an idea to record the lecture.- You might as well ring her from here.- It occurred to me that you might as well resign.

Refusing to give advice

- I’m sorry, I’m terrible in giving advice.- I’m afraid I can’t suggest something.- This is not my domain, and I don’t know what to advise.- I wish I could help, but I can’t.- I’m not sure about it.- I have no clue about what, I can’t advise!