Language Related Assignment

Ben Tura
17 May 2010

Part 1: Grammar

Item 1: He's just gone out (Pre Intermediate)

a) Analysis of meaning: He was here, but left a very short time ago.

b) Conveying meaning.

I would put the phrase in context using a little theatre and use a timeline.

“Dave and I wanted a cup of coffee. I drink coffee with milk and sugar, but we
don't have any milk. Dave went to the shop two minutes ago to buy milk. I think
he will bring the milk before the coffee goes cold. I hope he brings some biscuits!”

Visual aids: I would use two coffee cups on a table with two chairs next to it, to
set the scene. I would be sitting in one chair, the other would be empty.

Timeline

c) Checking meaning
Is Dave here? No
Was he here a very short time ago? Yes

In this context I would also expect Dave to be back soon, but would focus on
'just' as meaning a very recent event.

d) Form: Present perfect

He 's just gone out

Subj + have/has + just + V3

e) Phonology
Highlight contraction of has.
■

Ben Tura, Language Related Task 17 May 2010

He's just gone out.

Item 2: If only I hadn't said that (Upper Intermediate)

a) Analysis of meaning: I have said something I regret and wish that I had not
said it.

b) Conveying meaning.

I met my friend in the shop last week and invited him to my house for dinner this
evening. He told me his friend Bruce from Australia is staying with him and I said
“That's fine bring Bruce too!”, but I forgot what Bruce is like; he'll stay late and
talk about art history. I wish I hadn't asked Bruce to come as well.

c) Checking meaning
Did I say Bruce could come to dinner? Yes
Do I wish I had not? Yes

d) Form:

If only I hadn't said that

If only + Subj + hadn't + V3 + that

e) Phonology
Contraction of has.
■ ■ ■
If only I hadn't said that.

Item 3: I used to find the local food too hot, but now I'm used to it. (Intermediate)

a) Analysis of meaning: In the past I couldn't eat the local food because it was too
spicy, now I am accustomed to it.

b) Conveying meaning.
I would put the phrase into a short story and use a timeline.

“I went to Thailand a few years ago and when I first got there, I couldn't eat the
local food it was too spicy for me. This went on for a while but as I tried more of
the food this stopped. Now it is not too spicy for me, I'm comfortable with the
taste of the food. I used to find the local food too hot, but now I'm used to it.”

Timeline

Ben Tura, Language Related Task 17 May 2010

 c) Checking meaning
Used to find
Did I think the food in Thailand was too spicy? Yes
Did this go on for a long time? Yes
Do I still think its too it spicy? No

used to it
Have I become comfortable with the taste? Yes
Did this happen after I thought it was too hot? Yes

d) Form:

I used to find
Subject + used to + V1

Negative
I never used to ...
I used not to …
I didn't use to ...

Question
Did + subj. + used to …?

Used to (eating) it
Used to + V-ing

Negative
Subj + [be] + not + used to V-ing

e) Phonology

■
Used to find
Weak form of 'to'

used to it
/ju:st/

Part 2: Vocabulary

Item 1 A library

a) Meaning Analysis
A building that houses books and journals. Items can be borrowed from public
libraries.

Ben Tura, Language Related Task 17 May 2010

b) Conveying meaning
Show image of the British Library.

Image 1: The British Library (source http://london.unlike.net/locations/302045-

The-British-Library Accessed 16 May 2010)

Ask questions about what the Ss can see?

Elicit 'books' and 'lots of'
Ask where the books are kept.
Look for 'building' or similar.
Tell the Ss 'The place that books are kept is called a library'

c) Checking Understanding of Meaning

Is a library a building? Yes
What is in it? Books
Do I buy books from the library? No, you borrow them.

d) Form
Library is a noun with the plural form libraries. Collocations include public
library and lending library. The staff are called librarians.

e) Phonology
■
Library
/laibri:/

Students may pronounce /laibreri:/ or /libreri:/

Item 2 Nervous

Ben Tura, Language Related Task 17 May 2010

a) Meaning Analysis
To be worried about something or a little bit scared.

b) Conveying meaning
I would put the word in context using some mime and a cline.

“I was going for a job interview and I wasn't sure if I was going to get the job. I
really wanted it and worked hard on the application. The night before I found it
hard to sleep thinking about what they might ask me in the interview and on the
morning my tummy felt funny (mime uncomfortable face, holding stomach) and I
couldn't stop biting my nails (mime). I didn't need to feel nervous though, I got
the job!”

c) Checking meaning

Was I worried about the interview? Yes

What makes you feel nervous? Flying, exams etc.

d) Form

Nervous is an adjective used with the verbs feel and be. Can be collocated with
wreck in 'nervous wreck'.

e) Phonology

▄
nervous

/nз:vus/ Students may pronounce

Ben Tura, Language Related Task 17 May 2010

Bibliography

Swan M. 2005, Practical English Useage.

Murphy R. 2009, Essential Grammar in Use

Ben Tura, Language Related Task 17 May 2010