EXERCISE
15 years ago
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Discussion Topic Three: Lord Denning
When reading about the Common Law and Judge Made Law, you will often see references to Lord Denning. Who was Lord Denning and why was he such an important and controversial figure in British Law?
Monday, 27 October 2008
Verb Structure Homework:
ERROR CORRECTION:
Did you find the 10 mistakes in the Berlin Wall text?
Here they are:
1. I couldn't help wondering
2. He wanted us to join in
3. and so would let us have the whole day off
4. We were keen to welcome the people
5. The border guards attempted to control the flow of cars
6. They didn't prevent people (from) climbing the wall
7. We all carried on dancing
8. and suggested that we knock chunks of the concrete off the wall
9. I remember waving to the East German guards
10. Only yesterday they would have been ordered to shoot us.
Did you find the 10 mistakes in the Berlin Wall text?
Here they are:
1. I couldn't help wondering
2. He wanted us to join in
3. and so would let us have the whole day off
4. We were keen to welcome the people
5. The border guards attempted to control the flow of cars
6. They didn't prevent people (from) climbing the wall
7. We all carried on dancing
8. and suggested that we knock chunks of the concrete off the wall
9. I remember waving to the East German guards
10. Only yesterday they would have been ordered to shoot us.
Films About Lawyers
A couple of weeks ago, in our discussion on language learning and film, I asked you if you could think of any interesting films about lawyers or the legal system. Here are a few suggestions to get you started. Please add others to the list that you think other students would find interesting.
MICHAEL CLAYTON (2007) (DIRECTOR TONY GILROY)
An excellent thriller starring George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson & Tilda Swinton set in a top level New York law firm.
THE VERDICT (1982) (DIRECTOR SIDNEY LUMET)
A superb courtroom drama featuring the late Paul Newman in one of his best roles.
...AND JUSTICE FOR ALL (1979) (DIRECTOR NORMAN JEWISON)
Al Pacino plays a criminal lawyer whose ethics are tested during a rape trial.
If you are interested in film try these sites for the latests news, reviews and podcasts:
http://www.imdb.com
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film
Happy viewing & I look forward to reading your film suggestions!
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Discussion Topic Two: Pronunciation & Phonetics
This week I'd like you to consider the importance of using phonetic symbols.
Do you use thes symbols to help you? Why/Why not?
How do you learn the correct pronunciation of new words?
What other aspects of your English language learning can these symbols help you with apart from pronunciation?
Do you use thes symbols to help you? Why/Why not?
How do you learn the correct pronunciation of new words?
What other aspects of your English language learning can these symbols help you with apart from pronunciation?
Verb Structure
Just as we have seen with collocation and tenses - verb structure is another aspect of English that differs from Italian and can lead to many errors if you translate.
Using a mono-lingual dictionary will help you to learn which structures are possible and which aren't. Pay particular attention to reporting verbs and verbs such as "suggest" and "agree" which students often make mistakes with.
Also start to notice how infinitive and -ing forms differ in the types of situations they describe.
Infinitives will often show the reason for an action (e.g. I went to the shop to buy some bread) or refers forward in time (e.g. Remember to call home tonight)
Gerunds will follow a preposition or act as a noun or refer back in time (e.g. I regret getting drunk last night)
An important thing to remember is the function of each word in a phrase - look at the difference in structure & meaning between used to and to be used to.
The past habit is - used (past tense verb) to do (infinitive)
but the current habit (the thing you are accustomed to) is - to be (verb) used (adjective) to (preposition) doing (gerund)
The other important aspect to look at is when verbs can be followed by both gerunds and infinitives but the meaning changes. In these cases you could make a mistake and not realise it!
Look at the pairs of sentences below and decide what the difference in meaning is:
1. I stopped buying a newspaper because I can't afford it.
2. I stopped to buy a newspaper on the way to work.
3. I regret to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful.
4. I regret not studying harder for the test last week.
5. After his introduction he went on to talk about the main disadvantages of the new law.
6. He went on talking about the new law for ages.
7. Remember to lock the door before you go out.
8. I remember locking the door before I went out.
9. Try to learn 8 new words for next week.
10. Try using a monolingual dictionary to help you with your vocabulary.
Using a mono-lingual dictionary will help you to learn which structures are possible and which aren't. Pay particular attention to reporting verbs and verbs such as "suggest" and "agree" which students often make mistakes with.
Also start to notice how infinitive and -ing forms differ in the types of situations they describe.
Infinitives will often show the reason for an action (e.g. I went to the shop to buy some bread) or refers forward in time (e.g. Remember to call home tonight)
Gerunds will follow a preposition or act as a noun or refer back in time (e.g. I regret getting drunk last night)
An important thing to remember is the function of each word in a phrase - look at the difference in structure & meaning between used to and to be used to.
The past habit is - used (past tense verb) to do (infinitive)
but the current habit (the thing you are accustomed to) is - to be (verb) used (adjective) to (preposition) doing (gerund)
The other important aspect to look at is when verbs can be followed by both gerunds and infinitives but the meaning changes. In these cases you could make a mistake and not realise it!
Look at the pairs of sentences below and decide what the difference in meaning is:
1. I stopped buying a newspaper because I can't afford it.
2. I stopped to buy a newspaper on the way to work.
3. I regret to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful.
4. I regret not studying harder for the test last week.
5. After his introduction he went on to talk about the main disadvantages of the new law.
6. He went on talking about the new law for ages.
7. Remember to lock the door before you go out.
8. I remember locking the door before I went out.
9. Try to learn 8 new words for next week.
10. Try using a monolingual dictionary to help you with your vocabulary.
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Discussion Topic One: Cinema & English Language Learning
Write a paragraph (approx 50 words) on how watching films in their original language can help you with your English. You should talk about
• How often you go to the cinema or watch DVDs
• Any films you have seen about the Law or lawyers
• Advantages and Disadvantages of using subtitles
• Particular accents that you find difficult to understand when watching a film
• How you can use films to improve your vocabulary and your listening skills
• How often you go to the cinema or watch DVDs
• Any films you have seen about the Law or lawyers
• Advantages and Disadvantages of using subtitles
• Particular accents that you find difficult to understand when watching a film
• How you can use films to improve your vocabulary and your listening skills
SELF STUDY REQUIREMENTS Luiss University Autumn Term 2008
Improving your self study and independent learning skills is an important part of your university training and an important part of your English course.
This Term your self study work is worth 25% of your final grade.
This can take the form of
• A blog
• A notebook
• A folder
Check your course outline for when you must submit your work for grading.
Your Self Study work should include:
• All your homework
• New vocabulary – including word lists, mind maps, example sentences & pronunciation
• Links to useful websites
• Extra activities for problem areas
• Articles from English magazines or websites that you find interesting
• Questions & comments about the course for your teacher or other students
• Your responses to the tasks set every week on
http://seansstudypage.blogspot.com
This Term your self study work is worth 25% of your final grade.
This can take the form of
• A blog
• A notebook
• A folder
Check your course outline for when you must submit your work for grading.
Your Self Study work should include:
• All your homework
• New vocabulary – including word lists, mind maps, example sentences & pronunciation
• Links to useful websites
• Extra activities for problem areas
• Articles from English magazines or websites that you find interesting
• Questions & comments about the course for your teacher or other students
• Your responses to the tasks set every week on
http://seansstudypage.blogspot.com
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
Italian Academic Year October 2008
Welcome to the sudents from the LUISS University and the British Council. I hope you find this blog useful. From time to time I will post articles, activities, explanations and links that I think you might find helpful. This is also a good way to stay in touch and practice your English. Start up your own blog and get writing!
Sean
Sean
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