英语写作手册diction1
英语写作手册精品PPT课件
ask
time
land is less precise but more literary and emotive than country.
English is particularly rich in synonyms as a result of incorporating words from other language over the centuries.
denotative and connotative
Country means an area of land and its population and its government,
nation emphasizes the people of a country,
state refers to the government or political organization of a country, and
Neutral — ‘Eating is not allowed here.’ Informal — ‘Please don’t eat here.’
Colloquial — ‘You can’t feed your face here.’ Slang — ‘Lay off the nosh 小吃.’ Taboo — ‘Lay off the fucking nosh.’
1. Lev文章是否能收到预期 的效果致关重要。在锤炼和选择词语时，除了文章的 主题、思想内容、写作目的和读者对象等以外，还必 须考虑与之相适应的语言层次( levels of language )。
所谓语言层次，一般可归结为规范英语( standard English)和非规范英语( sub-standard English)。
专四写作措辞与语句Dictionandsentence
专四写作措辞与语句DictionandsentenceDictionChoice of wordsDictionI Choosing wordsII. Words to AvoidIII. Overcoming ChinglishProper words in proper places make a true definition of style. Jonathan Swift ?Use the right word, not the second cousin.The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightening and the lightning bug. Mark Twain :语不惊人死不休Du FuWords should be only the clothes, carefully custom-made to fit the thought. Jules Renard ?We should endeavor to use words that correspond as closely as possible with what we feel, see, think, imagine, experience and reason.GoetheI Choosing wordsChoosing the appropriate and exact wordsA. Levels of wordsB. Meanings of wordsC. General and specific wordsI Choosing wordsA. Levels of wordsa. from a stylistic point of view: formal/learned, common and colloquial (slang words, dialectal words and certain words that are often used by uneducated speakers)b. standard and nonstandard (or substandard words)B. Meanings of wordsa. denotation/literal meaning本义the direct, explicit meaning or reference of a word or a term (Webster’s New Word Dictionary)b. connotation/associative meaning转义Idea or notion suggested by or associated with a word, phrase, etc. in addition to its explicit meaning, or denotationI Choosing wordsCompare:Tom is ambitious/ tough-minded/ foresighted/ firm/ self-respecting/ persistent.Tom is pushy/ ruthless/ calculating/stubborn/egotistical/ nagging.country, nation, state, landask, question, interrogatetime, age, epochlarge, bigthrifty, frugal, stingymodest, humbleslender, slim, emaciatedThese words can be called synonyms but may be different in stylistic level, in the degree ofemphasis, in emotional coloring, in tone and in collocation.Mind:Very often an English word has no exact Chinese equivalent and it has to be translated in different ways in different contexts.Choices1. A few listeners were uninterested/ disinterested and dozed off.2. Though she has grown up, her behavior is oftenchildlike/childish.3. Her clothes, though made of cheap/inexpensive material, are quite elegant.4. Is that old/elderly woman/lady sitting by the window your mother?5. I am sorry to refuse/decline your kind invitation.6. This homely/ugly old man is a well-known composer.7. This servile man was especially humble /modest when he was talking with his superiors.8. My father became stout/fat as he grew older.9. I can never forget the little/small town where I spent my happy childhood.10. The modernization programme has won the support of the whole nation/country.C. General and specific wordsProfessionals-----scientists, doctors, teachers lawyers, journalistsscientists-----physicists, chemistschemists---biochemists ?Compare:Fido is the most lovable creature I know.Fido is the first animal I ever liked.Fido is one of our three dog s.Fido is the fastest hound I have ever seen.We have three hounds: a dachshund(德国种小猎狗) named Willy, a gray hound named Mick, and a basset(短腿猎犬) named Fido.由一般（general）趋于特定（specific）Specific words are much more concrete and colorful than the general ones; they seem to make the reader see, hear, smell, touch or feel what the writer wished to describe. They help tomake writing clear, exact, vivid and striking, for they are more informative and expressive than general words. General words convey a kind of emotion (love), condition (misery), thought (democracy), theory (evolution), science (biology) or a group of things (creature, plant, organism).Too many specific words may result in difficulty in grasping the main idea while too many general words may cause the writing to be dull and difficult.由一般（general）趋于特定（specific）Abstract and general words are indispensable, and the accomplished writer can take advantage of both, can move back and forth between the language of ideas and the language of hard realities.由一般（general）趋于特定（specific）1. a. She loves flowers.b. She loves roses and chrysanthemums.2. a. A few houses were destroyed yesterday.b. Five houses were burnt down yesterday.3. a. If a person is reading his love letter, you must not lean over his shoulder to read it.b. If a person is reading his love letter, you must not lean over his shoulder to share it.4. a. It grew dark before seven o’clock. The wind was strong and the rain was heavy.b. It grew dark before seven o’clock. Wind and rain whipped the house.5. a. An elderly man had collapsed while crossing the street, and an ambulance took him to a hospital. ? b. An elderly man had collapsed while crossing the street, and an ambulance rushed him to a hospital.6. a. Trees surround the water near our summer place.b. Old elms surround the lake near our summer cabin.See if you can create clearer pictures from these sentencesA car was parked in the street.Some children stood anxiously at the counter.Our friends have a place at the shore.The table was cluttered with his things.A man was standing at the corner.She bore a great burden.A shiny red Mercury convertible was parked against the curb near a hydrant.Four little urchins in ragged blue jeans stood with their smudgy faces pressed against the candy counter.The Rothblums have a two-bedroom bungalow a block from the ocean in Brandt Beach, New Jersey. ?Jeff’s notebook, books, and baseball glove cluttered the diningroom table.A tall, lanky farmer in faded overalls and a battered straw hat was leaning against the mailbox on the corner of Main Street and First Avenue.After her mother died, Sylvia helped raise her younger brothere and cared for her ill father.Compare:1) We experienced difficulty in that situation.2) The cartilage in my ankle ripped painfully as I slammed onto the icy sidewalk. As I lay on my back, cursing myself for jogging in subzero weather, the chill of the morning wind made me shiver. I tried to raise my body but my ankle would not move, and all I could do was fall back on my concrete bed. I felt nothing, but pain, cold and dismay.Provide specific words for the following general words:brightly-colored red, scarletSlowly two miles an hourRun sprint, dash, gallop, race, dart, trot,scurry, scamper, lopeWalk amble saunter trudge drag strolltiptoe clump slouch prance tramptotter trot wade waddle shuffleswag swagger mince stride strutstagger hobble limp plod stumbletoddle loiter lurch sneak padProvide specific words for the following general words: A good man Good foodHouseLaughBeverageSeeSayWalkSkilfulHitWeaponBigSmallBraveProvide specific words for the following general words: AfraidComplainPleasedTrueStubbornFlexibleThinFatNoiseSilenceBeautifulUglyActiveInactive由模糊（vague）趋于明确（definite）1．a. It was a dreadful journey.b. It was a tiring, tedious and dangerous journey.2. a. Although the commander had an awful temper and a terrible voice, he showed wonderful care for his men.b. Although the commander had a fiery temper and a gravely voice, he showed fatherly care for his men.由模糊（vague）趋于明确（definite）Lazy adverbs (懒散副词)Absolutely, awfully, dreadfully, terribly, terrifically, frightfully, horribly, desperately, fiercely, badly, hugely, simply, wildly, jolly, right, pretty, precisely, mighty, marvelously, tremendously, wonderf ully…CompareThe beggar was awfully thin. /The beggar was pitifully thin.My new teacher is absolutely handsome. /My new teacher is strikingly handsome.My supervisor’s tone is very critical. /My supervisor’s tone is sharply critical.It is terribly hot today. / It is burning hot today.We had a wildly cold night. / We had a freezing night.由抽象（abstract）趋于具体（concrete）1. a. Mr Bunney looked at the vegetables before him．b. Mr Bunney gazed dismally at the vegetables before him．2. a. The man was standing under a tree.b. Jim Jones, our village postman, was walking under a large oak-tree.3. a. The cable consists of many wires.b. The cable consists of 100 strands of very fine copper wires.4. a. He had a misfortune while swimming.b. A shell fragment ripped open his right arm while he was swimming.5. a. Tom is a lazy boy.b. Tom usually sleeps late in the morning and does little work after he gets up.由抽象（abstract）趋于具体（concrete）LookShe spotted him immediately among the people in the railway station, because he was wearing his yellow hat.The men in the boated sighted land.They were observed entering the bank at 8:30.Several possible buyers are coming to view the house.He scanned the pages of the book to what it was about.He witnessed the accident himself; he saw it all.She glanced down the list of names.Stop eyeing me like that.She peered through the mist, trying to find the right path.He gaped at her in surprise.D. Using idiomsAn idiom is a fixed group of words with a special meaning which is different from the meaning s of the words that form it.Common types of idioms:Phrasal verbs put up with, look forward to, carry onN.+ prep. + n. a straw in the wind, the apple of one’s eye, like a fish out of waterPrep. +n. on the air, at length, at large, in person, with flying colorsV. +n. slip one’s mind, go to the dogs, stew in one’s own juice, teach an ol d dog new tricks, teach one’s grandmother to suck eggsAs…as as big as life, as poor as church mouse, as mute as a fish, light as a feather ?Pairs of words in black and white, sink or swim, high and dry, touch and goSayings Don’t count y our chickens before they are hatched.A stitch in time saves nine. One man’s meat is another man’s poison. Tastes differ. Each dog will have his own day.Idioms in sentencesThe first American presidential dark horse was James Polk.You can’t tell how she feels, she doesn’t wear her heart on her sleeve.John could not go to a library, and writing the report was a job of making bricks without straw.?The quickly-called meeting of the President and his cabinet was a straw in the wind.Although it is a small nation, it is a formidable opponent, for it is armed to the teeth.John said he was more interested in the competition itself than in the prize. Obviously it was sour grapes to him.Don’t waste time here, talk turkey please or I’ll go.Profit is generally the apple of discord among capitalist nations.Mum said I’d better leave the kitchen because she did notneed my help and I was like a bull in a china shop there.Although Jack is thought to be the contestant most likely to win the gold medal, David and Harry are among the dark horses.Idioms in sentencesThough Henry Adams found Cambridge a ―social desert‖, it flowed with intellectual milk and honey.?He would not have met his Waterloo if his courage hadn’t failed him.It rained cats and dogs yesterday evening.He was threatened with a beating by a fellow who was an ass in a lion’s skin.He blows hot and cold about making friends, so he has few close friends.I believe t his will prove to be a Pandora’s box in the long run.Ever since he entered this school, he has always been the apple of the teacher’s eye.How many times do I have to tell you not to leave you homework till the eleventh hour??Judging from the way he spends money, he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.Idioms in sentencesWhen the police began to investigate, five of the man left the country, leaving the sixth holding the bag.Jack seems to be wasting away. He is nothing but a bag of bones.If you break a window, do not pass the buck; admit that you did it.Your life in this town has been an open book,--perhaps too open.Bob’s unexpected visit played the devil with our own plans to travel.To give the devil his due, old Simpkins, miser though he is, has always been generous to Joy.He has then completely under his thumb. They don’t dare t o defy them.When she is around, he is nervous and seems to be all thumbs.Don’t talk about vanity in my brother’s hearing; it is his Achilles heel.Having already heard that Helen is an avid mountain climber, I broke ice by talking about our favorite sport.Mind:Most idioms are informal or colloquial in style and can be used in conversation; but a few are slang and should be used with care. Many idioms have become clichés and are no longer fresh or interesting and should be used sparingly.II. Words to AvoidA. Jargon(1) When I asked my parents if I could use the car, the feedback was negative.(2)Upwardly mobile young lawyers often work 70 hours a week.If you do have to write professional articles for common readers, you cana) use a certain number of technical terms with interpretation or definitionb) refer to the following passage:If we become free of disease, we would make a much better run of it for the last decade or so, but might still terminate on about the same schedule as now. We may be like the genetically different lines of mice…programmed to die after predeterminednumber of days clocked by their genomes. If this is the way it is, some of us will continue to wear out and come unhinged in the sixth decade, and some much later, depending on genetic timetables.Words to AvoidB. Big words / Pretentious wordsGobbledygook –pompous, official-sounding language which use twenty words to express a three-word thought.GobbledygookUndesirable waste material is removed on a semiweekly basis by municipal employees specially assigned to such activity.Personnel are requested to extinguish illumination before departure from these premises.The causal factor of her poverty becomes obvious when one considers the number of offspring she possesses.It is my fervent wish that the creator of the universe will do his utmost to preserve and protect the royal lady who graciously occupies the position of the head of state.ImprovedCity collectors pick up garbage twice a week.Please turn out the lights before leaving.She is poor because she has too many children.God save the queen.Words to AvoidExercise(1) Were it not for the lucrative financial rewards, she should have tendered her resignation.(2) Large-size passenger vehicles utilize excessive quantities of fuel.(3) Years of research have impacted positively on ourunderstanding of cancer.(4) The very thought of flying made her paranoid.Notice how the simple vocabulary in the following examples express the ideas more clearly and precisely than do the ―big words‖Words to AvoidC. Clichéstrite expressionsexpressions that have been used so often that they are no longer effectiveClichésNotice how much more effective the following simple, straightforward expressions are than the clichés.A list of the most common clichésApple of one’s eyeBaker’s dozenFace the musicFew and far betweenGet up on the wrong side of bedHit the nail on the headIn the same boatNip in the budNo love lostOne foot in the graveA list of the most common clichésRadiantly happyRain or shineRaining cats and dogsSnake in the grassTempest in the teapotTwinkling of an eyeSupreme sacrificeThe man in the streetSell like hot cakesOut of the woodsIn the final analysisAll in allAs a matter of factNoticeIt is not necessary to memorize all clichés or eliminate them entirely from your prose. Both tasks would be impossible. The clichés to watch out are the ones that recur in your w ork as all-purpose filler.Words to AvoidD. SlangRefers to a kind of colloquialism, characterized byA> eccentric humorB> forced, fantastic or grotesque meaningsC> noveltyD>attempts to be colorful, fresh and vividSome examples of slang ISome examples of slang IINoticeSome slang words or expressions may, through wide circulation, become acceptable in standard English, such as mob, highbrow, cop. Much slang, however, goes out of fashion very quickly through overuse and may be entirely forgotten in a very short time.In short, it is inappropriate in serious and formal writing because it is too vague and makes the writer sound offensive andfunny.ExamplesOn hearing that his father had kicked the bucket, we wrote him a letter to express our sympathy. ?The big banquet held in honor of the distinguished guests was really neat.III. Overcoming Chinglish中式英语Chinglish (that misshapen, hybrid language that is neither English nor Chinese but that might be described as ― English with Chinese Characteristics‖.--------Joan PinkhamIII. Overcoming ChinglishSome examples of the wrong use of wordsThey stood on top of the hill, attracted by the beauty of the garden city.They had no basis of feeling.他占有欲与生俱来。
英文写作手册第1-3章(精简版)
Part One Manuscript FormYou should do everything - writing the title, leaving margins, indenting, capitalizing, and dividing words - according to generally accepted rules. Ⅰ. ArrangementLeave a margin on each side of the paper - about two centimetres at the top and a centimetre and a half at the left, the right and the bottom. In an exercise book the top and bottom margins are already there, so you need only to draw a vertical line to mark the left margin.Y Write the title in the middle of the first line. Capitalize the first and last words of the title and all other words (including words following hyphens in compound words) except articles, coordinating conjunctions (and, or, but, nor, for), short prepositions, and the to in infinitives: M y First Visit to the Palace MuseumThe People Without a CountryRules to Abide ByDickens and David Copper fieldWhat Can the Artist Do in the World of Today?What Reform Means to ChinaThe Myth of a "Negro Literature"The English-Speaking People in QuebecNo period is used at the end of a title. Use a question mark if the title is a direct question, but do not use one if it is an indirect question. Use quotation marks with quotes or titles of articles; and underline names of books.Indent the first line of every paragraph, leaving a space of about four or five letters.For paging use Arabic numerals without parentheses or periods in the upper right-hand corner of all pages. The first page need not be marked.Do not begin a line with a comma, a period, a semicolon, a colon, a question mark or an exclamation mark. Do not end a line with the first half of a pair of brackets, quotation marks, or parentheses. The hyphen that indicates a divided word is put at the end, not at the beginning, of a line.Ⅱ. CapitalizationCapitals are used mainly at three places: the first words of sentences, key words in titles, and proper names.Not only a complete sentence, but a sentence fragment treated as a sentence, should begin with a capital letter.The first word of quoted speech (words put between quotation marks) is capitalized. If a quoted sentence is broken into two parts and put in two pairs of quotation marks, the second part does not begin with a capitalletter unless the first word is a proper noun or an adjective derived from a proper noun:He said, "My trip to Mount Tai was interesting but tiring.""My trip to Mount Tai," he said, "was interesting but tiring."I asked, "When do you usually go home?"She answered, "At weekends."Common nouns that are parts of proper names are capitalized: Common Nouns Proper Namesa famous university Peking Universitya broad street Changan Streeta large lake Lake Eriethe president of the university President Brownmiddle, age the Middle Ageslabour, day Labour Daypeople, republic the People's Republic of China Words derived from proper names are usually capitalized:Marxist Darwinism HegelianConfucian Latinize VietnamizeBut proper names or their derivatives may become common nouns, verbs or adjectives:mackintosh (after Charles Macintosh, a Scottish chemist)chauvinistic (derived from Nicolas Chauvin, a devoted adherent of Napoleon)quixotic (after Don Quixote, hero of the novel of the same name) anglicize (from the Latin word Anglicus, meaning English)Ⅳ. PunctuationHow to use different punctuation marks will be discussed in detail in Part Ten. The following are a few basic rules which all students learning to write should remember:Use a period (full stop) at the end of a complete sentence, however short it is.Do not use a comma to join two coordinate clauses; use a comma and a conjunction, or a semicolon.Make your commas different from your periods. A comma has a little tail (,); a period is a dot (.), not a tiny circle (。
08级2Diction
DictionOutline1. Levels of diction2. Figurative language3. The meaning of words4. General & Specific (principles of word preference)5. ExerciseIntroduction⏹Words mean different things to different people and that words used under one circumstance will not work under another.⏹Once you have decided what you want to say, the next step is to figure out how to say it effectively.⏹Diction is the most important tool.1.1 Differences between Spoken English and Written English in communication1. Spoken language: The speaker can transmit his information to the listener with paralinguisticfeatures, such as facial expressions, body movement, gestures and so on.Written Language: The speaker has to focus on the modification making his expression accurate, explicit, vivid and impressive for better communicating with the listener.2. Spoken language: There are frequent pause and transition of topics and disfluency are considerednatural and normal. (not allowed in Written language)3. Spoken language: The speaker and the listener are in the same language environment and theirexpression can be inexplicit. (not possible in Written language)4. Spoken language: It can convey the feeling and motion by voice and intonation, such as stress,rhythm, pause, tone and so on.There are many oral words, vogue words and current slang in it.e.g. Jane is a sweet little thing. (colloquialism)I have walked so much today that my dog are really killing me. (slang the feet)Written language: Generally it mostly depends on words, punctuation, character, printing format and so on to transfer feeling and emotion.5. Spoken language: Simple sentence structures, active voice and clauses are often used.Written language: We can always find adverbial phrases in this style.e.g. 1. (a) Being a farmer, he was obliged to rise early.(b) As a farmer, he had to get up early.2. (a) Cleared, the site would be very valuable.(b) If it were cleared, the site would be very valuable.1.2 Differences between Formal style and Informal style in English1.2.1 Word choiceFormal style: There are a large number of formal words, non-clipped words and phrases.Informal style: There are quite a few informal words, clipped words and single verbs.e.g. 1. (a) The concert concluded with a performance of Beethoven’s 5th symphony.(b) They ended the concert with Beethoven’s 5th symphony.2. (a) The police are investigating the case of murder.(b) The police are looking into the case of murder.1.2.2 Grammar useFormal: Bill speaks French more frequent than I.Informal: Bill speaks French more fluently than me.Formal: A wolf, after all, is a wolf though it has artful disguises.Informal: A wolf, after all, is a wolf despite its artful disguises.Formal: He speaks with confidence.Informal: He speaks confidently.Formal: Whom are you talking about?Informal: Who are you talking about?1.3 General EnglishFollows a middle course between formal and informal levelsUsually the best choice for college or business writing1.4 Compare the paragraphs•Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure…....It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.Address at Gettysburg, 1863•My mother’s kitchen was full of junk food which I have ever seen. My house was full of apples and peaches and milk and coffee—which were nice, good for you, but not right before dinner or you’ll spoil your appetite. My sister’s house had nothing in it that was good for you.•What is wrong with the student-union bookshop? Everything. It¡¯s interested in selling sweatshirts and college mugs rather than good books. Its stuff often is incompetent and uncivil. The manager may not be intelligent enough even to order a sufficient number of copies of required textbooks for the beginning of a term.In your dictionary, you may find special usage labels for words or particular definitions of words that differ from the general English vocabulary.•Word usage label meaning1. Unalienable archaic, obsolete inalienable2. Nowheres nonstandard, colloquial nowhere3. Copper slang police officerWhat is the proper meaning of the sentence?The heat came and busted every head they could finger.1.5 ConsistencyAppropriate diction requires a consistent style.Writers should not mix formal and informal language.Improve the sentences:1. Please let me express my gratitude for having been a guest at your house last Saturday night. I had bags of fun that evening. (mixed)2. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s awfully nice to see you here. (mixed)3. Do you take this chap to be your lawfully wedded husband? (mixed)Change the colloquial expressions into more formal ones.1. The police are looking into the matter.2. Guys in the south of Chinese speak in a different way from people in the north.3. The buying power of the dollar has declined.4. She’s never on time for appointments.Part 2 Figurative Language•Writers use Figurative language to draw a comparison between two things that are essentially different but alike in some underlying and surprising way.•In this way, they add vigor to their prose.•The two chief figures of speech are simile and metaphor.2.1 Similes use “like” or “as”1.For a diligent student, failing to pass the final exam is like a sudden death.2. A person who gains knowledge but fails to put it into practice is like someone who ploughs afield but does not sow it.3.I was forced to go to my first dance with my first blind date, whose hair was even shorter thanmine and who danced like a trained bear.Explain the similes1. Each evening he would jog through the neighborhood like an exhausted ostrich.2. Words are like bees: they have both honey and a sting.3. Like a surgeon before an open heart, the boy probed the tangle of backlashed line on his fishing reel.2.2 Metaphors imply a comparison without using “like” or “as”1.Karen was a Fourth of July firecracker, exploding out of the house after doing her chores.2. A child’s mind is a bank—whatever you put in, you get back in ten years with interest.3.This book is a passport into exotic, untrodden lands.Explain the metaphors1. Family life in my parents’ home was based upon a cosmic order: Papa was the sun; Mamma, the moon; we kids, minor satellites.2. Dress is language.Part 3 The meaning of words3.1 Denotation & ConnotationDenotation: Dictionary meaning; Literal meaning that most readers would agree onConnotation: Overtones or implied meaningsEg. The word “home” has layers of meaning.What does the word “home” suggest to you?3.2 Words can be labeled commendatory, neutral or derogatory.Eg. 1I am slender.My sister is thin.My neighbor is skinny.Eg. 2I am plump.My sister is fat.My neighbor is obese.Eg. 3A boy would not walk up to his date and tell her that her perfume has an exotic odor.3.3 The words we choose show our attitude.Eg.The skinny woman slinked in.The slender girl glided in.Pay attention to both the literal and suggestive meaning; otherwise our words may clash. Words with more compatible denotations and connotations should be used.Eg. The speaker manipulated the members of the audience by presenting the evidence to refute their arguments.Part 4 General & Specific4.1 Make the abstract specific!Eg. What is Happiness?What is panic?4.2 Principles of word preference⏹Good writers help their readers follow the meaning by balancing general words—those that refer to groups or classes of things—with specific words—those that refer to individual things.⏹One kind of general words, abstraction, are words or phrases that refer to qualities or ideas, things we cannot perceive through our five sense.⏹Specific words are often concrete words; they name things we can see, hear, touch, taste, or smell.4.2.1 Use a vivid verb1. The patient’s wound was treated.2. The man did badly in front of a large audience.3. The boy walked into the classroom.4. I don’t care for noodles and choose not to eat them.4.2.2 To communicate, not to impress1. John displayed an element of delight over the acquisition of a stereo system of unquestionable quality.2. Those lately purchased chairs that rock to and fro were of a very steep price.4.2.3 To show, not to tellMatthew put up a good fight against the bully.4.2.4 One more exampleSpecific words tell the reader that you are a definite, purposeful individual. Vague generalities imply that you are unsure of yourself.If you write:It is considered that a fair percentage of the samples received from one of our suppliers during the preceding months contained a contaminant.You are giving the reader at least 4 opportunities to wonder whether you really know much about the topic.Then, how to improve it?4.2.5. Strong writing must usually provide readers with both a general idea and specific examples or details to develop the main point.General : M uch of a Cuban’s day is spent for waiting.Specific: Much of a Cuban’s day is spent for waiting. People wait for taxis, for buses, for newspaper, for ice creams, for cakes, for restaurants, for movies, for picture postcards.4.3 Some common wording problems4.3.1 Use the wrong word1. Of silver and gold, the later is more valuable.2. I have been very alone today.3. There is an alive snake on the road.4.3.2 Failure to choose the best word1. I did a mistake during the exam.2. The wind is too big to fly your kite.4.3.3 Use the wrong form1. I dreamed to be a great writer.2. He was sending to school when he was six.4.3.4 Use words that do not go together1. Mrs. Jones helps me how to revise a sentence.2. Since I got the job, so I would have money to spend.4.3.5 Redundancy1.In the event that the grading system is changed, expect complaints on the part of students.2.The reason why we honor Lincoln in these various ways is because he saved the Union.3.There are four strangers pounding on the door.Part 5 ExercisesWrite the letter of the word pair with the same relationship as the word pair in capital letters.1. Beetle: InsectA) snow: precipitation B) rodent: squirrel C) fish: bowl D) cup: saucer2. Prophet: futureA) genius: math B) strategy: coach C) architect: drawing D) historian: past3. Interview: hireA) talk: discussion B) run: marathon C) meeting: decide D) game: compete Underline the appropriate word.1.I like to walk back and (forth, fourth) along the lake.2.The study of botany is having (a, an) (affect, effect) on my knowledge.3.We are going to accept the advice of our parents and get an early start (everyday, every day)4.We’ll take a (brake, break) in the middle of each afternoon.Pick the word choice whose connotation is more appropriate1. The snow (buried, blanketed) the mountains, inviting more tourists.2. So neat were the dinner guests that only a few (foul, unclean) napkins were left.3. As soon as danger threatened, the sentry (abandoned, left) his post.4. Our freshmen English teacher would (flatter, praise) us only when we had clearly made progress. Use more specific and concrete words for the italicized1. I think Professor Smith is a bad teacher.2. Our college provided the students with some fine programs.3. It was a cold morning.4. I like my English teacher because she has a nice character.5. After a day’s hard work, I walked towards my apartment.6. He has a tool in his hand.Give out the specific words.1. see：2. get：3. trees：4. flowers：5. money：6. exercise:7. tell：8. have：9. go：10. show：Assignment after classRewrite the sentences by providing specific examples and details1.We have studied some of the world’s greatest authors.2.I felt rather hot.The following sentences employ words without regard for meaning. Rewrite them to make them correct.1.John wept because of the death of his female parent.2.Many important factors are determined by the way one dresses: the personality, lifestyle,profession, age, sex.3.Some wives have to hold jobs to help support the family’s low income.4.Elizabeth noticed the stench of roses as she entered the room.5.Paradise Lost contains many illusions to classical mythology.Revise the following sentences, using formal diction consistently1.All candidates strive for the same results; you try to make the other guy look gross and persuadethe majority of voters that you’re okay for the job.2. On the first day of class, my philosophy instructor show that he was really hot on the subject.。
Dictation1
Dictation1HamletH amle t is the most popular of Shakespeare’s tragedies. In it Shakespeare praised Hamlet as a representative of humanist thinker and his disillusionment with the corrupt and degenerated society in which he lived. Hamlet’s revenge is not only a personal matter. What troubled him most is the injustice, conspiracy and betrayal in the society. Hamlet is three dimensions, a most complex character. He is a thinker caught up in a dilemma, which can only be resolved by a man of action, and this shows the unfairness of life. This play condemnd the hypocrisy, treachery and corruption of the court.The Merchant of VeniceIt is the most outstanding of the four great comedies, although some critics set it apart from the other three sunny comedies, because the theme here is a more serious one and the general tone in the play is not as playful and light-hearted as in the others. The central theme of the play is the triumph of love and friendship over greed and brutality, of benevolence over hatred. The ingenious heroine Portis is the central object of eulogy and the two greta friends Antonio and Bassanio are the heros who eventually conquered the brutal Shylock, and a completely happy ending arrives amid the laughter of the three pairs of lovers. Mnay people today tend to regard the play as a satire of the christian’s hypocrisy and love, and their unreasoning prejudice against Jews.ShakespeareHe lived in a transitional period between the old feudal system and new capitalist society. Although he took plots fromold legends, he really meant to present the truthful picture of life in contemporary England. Therefore his drama becomes a monument to the English Renaissance, and he is regarded as one of the founders of realism. Being both a playwright and poet, he is very prolific. His plays lay right before our eyes a world of full-blooded characters, which shows Shakespeare’s deep insight into human nature and human relations. He is a great master of English language and created a lot of new words and expressions. He is the greatest of all English authors.BaconBacon is an important English prose writer in the early 17th cent. And the founder of English materialism. According to Marx “ the real ancenstor of English materialism is Bacon”. Bacon’s essays, different from the elaborate language of euphuism, are known for their conciseness, brevity and forcefulness. Epigrams are frequently employed. The finish and balance of Bacon’s style helped to start a tradition in English prose.Metaphysical poetry:The Metaphysical Poets appeared in England at about the beginning of the 17th century, due to the absence of any fixed standard of literary criticism. It is a term applied to a group of seventeenth century poets, such as John Donne, George Herbert and Andrew Marvell. They shared some features in writing, for example, they favored using conceits, hyperboles and overstatements, they liked to develop some peculiar themes but didn’t like to be restra ined by strict rhythm. Metaphysical poetry has a philosophical depth that Elizabethan love poems lacked.The major colors of Metaphysical writing:a)The original images and conceits.b)Skillful use of colloquial speech or language;c)Flexible meter and rhythm;d)Extravagant hyperboles;e)Complex and even peculiar themes.John DonneJ ohn Donne, as a leading figure of Metaphysical poetry, influenced English literature in the way of boldness and originality. The most striking feature of Dinne’s poetry is its element of reality. It seems to reflect life in the real rather than a poetic world. The Songs and Sonnets is probably his best-known work. Love is the basic theme in it. Donne believed that the nature of love is the union of soul and body. Donne’s diction is simple, but always shocking and imaginative.。
写一份字典的使用手册英语作文150词
写一份字典的使用手册英语作文150词Here is an English essay on the topic of "A Guide to Using Dictionaries" with more than 1000 words, as requested:Dictionaries are a vital tool for language learners and users alike. They provide a wealth of information about words, their meanings, pronunciations, origins, and usage. Whether you are a native speaker looking to expand your vocabulary or a language learner seeking to improve your proficiency, understanding how to effectively use a dictionary is an essential skill. In this guide, we will explore the key features and functionalities of dictionaries and offer strategies for maximizing their utility.Firstly, it is important to recognize the different types of dictionaries available. General dictionaries provide definitions and information about common words, while specialized dictionaries focus on specific fields, such as medical, legal, or scientific terminology. Bilingual dictionaries, on the other hand, translate words between two or more languages, making them invaluable for language learning. Depending on your needs, you may find it helpful to have access to a variety of dictionary resources, both in print and digital formats.When using a dictionary, the first step is to locate the word you are searching for. In print dictionaries, this typically involves scanning the alphabetical listings and identifying the entry that corresponds to the word you are looking for. In digital dictionaries, you can often use search functions or even voice recognition to quickly find the desired word. Once you have located the entry, take the time to carefully read through the information provided.Dictionaries typically include a wealth of details about each word, including its part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.), pronunciation, definition, and usage examples. Pay close attention to the specific meaning of the word in the context you are using it, as many words have multiple definitions or can be used in different ways. Additionally, be mindful of any usage notes or idioms that may be included, as these can provide valuable insights into the appropriate application of the word.One of the most powerful features of dictionaries is their ability to provide information about word origins and etymology. Understanding the history and derivation of a word can not only enhance your understanding of its meaning but also help you remember it more effectively. Many dictionaries include detailed etymological information, tracing the word back to its roots in other languages or historical contexts.Another important aspect of dictionary usage is understanding the organization and structure of the entries. Most dictionaries follow a consistent format, with the headword (the word being defined) listed first, followed by the part of speech, definition, and any additional information. Familiarizing yourself with this structure can help you quickly locate the information you need and navigate the dictionary more efficiently.In addition to definitions and etymological information, many dictionaries also include supplementary features that can be incredibly useful. These may include thesaurus-like synonyms and antonyms, as well as usage notes, idioms, and even illustrations or diagrams to help clarify the meaning of a word. Exploring these additional resources can deepen your understanding of the language and help you become a more sophisticated communicator.When using a dictionary, it is also important to consider the context in which you are using the word. Different dictionaries may provide slightly different definitions or nuances, depending on the target audience or field of study. For example, a medical dictionary may offer a more technical or specialized definition of a word compared to a general-purpose dictionary. Being mindful of the appropriate context can help you choose the most relevant and accurate definition for your needs.Moreover, dictionaries can be valuable resources for language learners beyond just definitions and translations. Many dictionaries include information on pronunciation, including phonetic transcriptions and audio recordings, which can be particularly helpful for improving your spoken language skills. Additionally, some dictionaries provide usage notes or guidance on common grammatical errors or idiomatic expressions, which can be invaluable for developing language proficiency.As you continue to use dictionaries, it is important to develop effective strategies for maximizing their utility. This may involve creating personal word lists or flashcards to help you remember new vocabulary, or incorporating dictionary look-ups into your regular language study routine. Additionally, consider exploring the various digital and online dictionary resources available, which can often provide more interactive and dynamic features than traditional print dictionaries.In conclusion, dictionaries are an indispensable tool for language learners and users of all levels. By understanding the features and functionalities of dictionaries, as well as developing effective strategies for their use, you can unlock a wealth of linguistic knowledge and enhance your communication skills. Whether you are looking to expand your vocabulary, improve your writing, or deepenyour understanding of a language, a well-utilized dictionary can be an invaluable asset in your linguistic journey.。
英语写作 diction
规范英语又可分为口语( spoken language )和书面语 ( written language), 非正式语( informal language)和 正式语( formal language)。例如：
I. Levels of words 5
Formal(big)—of Greek or Latin origin Scholarly or theoretical works Political and legal documents Formal lectures and addresses
大家好
to”. But most of the words he uses are common words.
14
Slang words—highly informal vivid and interesting offensive or funny(when used inappropriately) the first sentence—not sympathetic 大家好 the second one—not serious
Most of the words—common words
When I was a kid, and reading every science fiction 10 book in the local library, I used to wonder exactly how the future would happen. By that I don't mean what the future would be like—science fiction already told me that—but rather how we'd actually get there. Science fiction books seemed to agree, for example, that in the future there would be no money—all transactions would be made via identity cards 大a家n好 d centralized computers. But that seemed dubious to me: how, I wondered, are you going to get everybody to give up money in the first place?
英语写作手册第二章
extremely hard to understand for a little kid. • Their talk is nonsense.
formal
P7
stylistic
common
P8
Informal
P8
(slang)
Compare the following sentences
After a double attempt to insert himself through the window, Michael conceded failure.
Clip 1:
Clip 2:
To learn
甲方乙方（1）
Common Or Formal ?
《五彩缤纷》的刘导：Director Liu from Multicolor 嘉宾：distinguished guest 中央电视台的春节晚会：CCTV Spring Festival Gala 普通人： a(n) ordinary/common person 签名：signature 影迷：fans 演艺圈：entertainment circle 是是非非：gossip 冷冷清清的过日子：live in peace 委托我们全权代理：authorize us to be your representative
•
Compare: Big / Large
P18 Classroom Activities
• 1. If there is an accident or incident that may be covered by this policy, notify us in writing as soon as possible. You can give this notice to any of our authorized agents.
英语专四写作Diction 1 Appropriate level ofdiction and Chinglish
C. Informal Diction 1. Colloquialisms Colloquial English occurs in casual speech and it is perfectly acceptable whet the most formal occasions. Contractions --- isn’t, won’t, I’m, he’d, gonna Shortened forms --- phone, exam, photo Phrases --- you know, I mean
•
My parents endeavoured to prevent my sister’s marriage; however, they married notwithstanding. I dropped in to their wedding, which took place last Sunday. My sister was in her regalia, who looked damned beautiful. • My parents tried to prevent my sister’s marriage; but their marriage took place all the same. I attended their wedding last Sunday. My sister was dressed in her best, who looked extremely beautiful.
Homework
•
New campus, new environment. Because of the soothing atmosphere and less noise, we can devote ourselves to study. Due to the less pollution, we can strengthen our body. But on the other hand, no one is perfect, so is the campus! Being far away from downtown, the campus seems remote and the greenbelts have not been completely finished. But on the whole, the new campus is much better than the previous one. Only in such soothing atmosphere can we learn better and live better!
28241英语写作
江苏教育学院编28241 英语写作一、要求《英语写作》是英语教育专业的一门基础课程。
该课程主要研究如何用英语清楚而完整地表达思想，旨在提高学生的英语书面表达能力。
要求学生不仅掌握遣词造句等语言项目，而且注意组织材料，结构逻辑和布局安排等写作实践，提高表达思想的准确性和鲜明性，自如运用各类文体。
二、考试内容本课程使用《英语写作手册》（丁往道、吴冰等编著）作为基本教材，根据中学英语教学实际进行适当添补与删减。
具体内容如下：Part One Manuscript FormPart Two DictionⅠ.Levels of wordsⅡ.The meaning of wordsⅢ.General and specific wordsⅣ.idiomsⅤ.Figures of speechExercises Ⅲ,Ⅳ,Ⅴ,ⅥPart Three The sentencⅠ.&Ⅱ(omitted)Ⅲ.Effective SentencesEx ercises Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ,Ⅴ,ⅥPart Four The paragraphⅠ.Effective paragraphsⅡ.ways of Developing paragraphsExercises Ⅰ,Ⅱ(2),Ⅲ,Ⅴ(2),Ⅶ,Ⅷ,Ⅸ,ⅩPart Five The whole CompositionⅠ.Steps in writing a compositionⅡ.OrganizationⅢ.Types of writingPart Six The summary and Bood ReportⅠ.The SummaryⅡ.The Book ReportPart Seven Formal and In formal StylesⅠ.The Meaning of StyleⅡ.Formal and Informal StylesPart Eight The Research PaperⅠ.ProcessⅡ.FormatPart nine Practical WritingⅠ.NoticesⅡ.Greetings,Good Wishes,Eongratulations and CondolencesⅢ.NotesⅣ.LettersⅤ.Curriculum VitaePart Ten Punctuation三、选用教材意见《英语写作手册》丁往道，吴冰等编著，外语教学与研究出版社出版（１９９４年）。
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Although both general and specific words are useful, a student learning to write should make an effort to master and use specific words wherever possible. Specific words help to make writing clear, exact, vivid, and striking, for they are more informative and expressive than general words. Compare:
3. General and Specific Words
Comparatively speaking, some words are more general or more specific in meaning rather than others.
“Professionals”, for instance, is more general in meaning than “scientists, doctors, teachers, lawyers, journalists”, etc., all of which are more specific.
2. The meaning of words
The meaning of a word has two aspects: denotative and connotative 外延和内涵.
A word’s denotation is what it literally means, as defined by the dictionary; its connotation is the feeling or idea suggested by it.
For instance country, nation, state and land have more or less the same denotation and may all be translated into “国家” in Chinese, but their connotation are quite different.
different in stylistic level
Hale Waihona Puke Generally speaking, words of Anglo-Saxon origin are more informal than those of Latin or French origin. Look at these words: ask time rise question age mount interrogate epoch ascend
In each group, the first word is from Anglo-Saxon and the second and third from French or Latin. The first one is clearly more informal or colloquial than the other two.
Use specific words should go along with providing details, and then there will be effective and impressive writing. Study the following examples:
It is easy to see that the specific words on the right are much more concrete and colorful than the general ones on the left; they seem to make the reader see, hear, or feel what the writer wishes to describe.
English is particularly rich in synonyms as a result of incorporating words from other language over the centuries. But we should remember that it is difficult to find two words that are exactly the same in meaning and use. They may be different in stylistic level, in the degree of emphasis, in emotional coloring, in tone语气, and in collocation.
1. Levels of words
词汇选择得是否准确、贴切，对文章是否能收到预期 的效果致关重要。在锤炼和选择词语时，除了文章的 主题、思想内容、写作目的和读者对象等以外，还必 须考虑与之相适应的语言层次( levels of language )。 所谓语言层次，一般可归结为规范英语( standard English)和非规范英语( sub-standard English)。 规范英语又可分为口语( spoken language )和书面语 ( written language), 非正式语( informal language)和 正式语( formal language)。例如：
different in tone
“Modest” and “humble” both indicate a lack of pride, but “modesty” is a virtue and “humbleness” is not. “Humble” often connotes undue selfdepreciation自我贬低. So they are different in tone: one is laudatory and the other is derogatory.
denotative and connotative
Country means an area of land and its population and its government, nation emphasizes the people of a country, state refers to the government or political organization of a country, and land is less precise but more literary and emotive than country.
English Writing
Diction
Diction is the choice and use of words. The English language has a big vocabulary: as many as 400,000 words are collected in the Oxford English Dictionary. Of course no one knows or uses so many words. Only a small amount of them are used by ordinary people for ordinary purposes.
A student learning to write should learn to use the words that are most useful and most often used to express him.
Contents
1. Levels of words 2. The meaning of words 3. General and Specific Words 4. Idioms 5. Figures of speech 英文写作中怎样避免用词的重复 中英语言中用来喻人的植物的差异
General It is often windy and dusty here in spring. Specific In spring there is often a very strong northwest wind. It carries so much fine dust with it that sometimes the sun becomes obscure. There is no escape from the fine dust; it gets into your eyes, your ears, your nostrils, and your hair. It goes through the cracks of closed windows and covers your desks and chairs.
a good man: kind, honest, just, generous, sympathetic, warm-hearted, selfless, brave, honorable
good food: tasty, delicious, nourishing, rich, wholesome, fresh, appetizing, abundant