Grammar included: “Avoiding Repetition in English”
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GRAMMAR SECTION ‘Avoiding repetition in speaking and writing’
Utilizing a diverse vocabulary and varying sentence structure is paramount when crafting English prose. Reiteration of words or phrases can render writing monotonous and unengaging for the reader, diminishing the impact and clarity of the message. Expertly employing synonyms and restructuring sentences maintains the reader’s interest, aids in emphasizing key points, and enhances the overall coherence of the text. This stylistic consideration is essential for sustaining a dynamic narrative and conveying ideas effectively, reflecting the writer’s proficiency in language use.
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Movie Study Three: ‘GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER’ 1967
CAST LIST: Sidney Poitier, Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn. et al.
(What does “et al.” mean? “Et al.” is an abbreviation of the Latin term “et alia,” which means “and others.” It’s used in source citations to save space when there are too many authors to name them all.)
OPTIONAL ADVANCED HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT: https://oxford-institute-education.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/40-MINUTES-WRITING-EXERCISE-2.pdf
Introduction:
“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” a groundbreaking film released in 1967, poignantly addresses the topic of interracial marriage, which was controversial at that time. Joanna Drayton, a young white woman, brings home her African-American fiancé, Dr. John Prentice, to meet her liberal parents Christina and Matt Drayton, played by Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. Their conventional perspectives are challenged when faced with their daughter’s unexpected engagement news.
POSSIBLE NEW WORDS: groundbreaking, released in, poignantly addresses the topic, interracial marriage, contraversial. conventional perspectives, faced with, unexpected engagement
Section One:
As the dinner approaches, it becomes evident that this visit is about more than just parental approval. The couple must navigate the varied reactions from each family member as well as their own internalised societal pressures. Such complexities are intensified by the arrival of Dr. Prentice’s parents, who are equally taken aback by the swift engagement. The film explores their collective discomfort and surfacing prejudices, despite their progressive self-image.
Can you find how many words are repeated more than once in this paragraph?
POSSIBLE NEW WORDS: approaches, evident, parental approval, varied reactions, internalised societal pressures, complexities, intensified, taken aback, swift, engagement, collective, discomfort, surfacing predudices, progressive self image.
GRAMMAR: Q1
1. Which of the following sentences avoids unnecessary repetition when discussing the topic of interracial marriage?
A. Several studies on interracial marriage indicate that interracial marriage is more common today than in the past, with interracial couples often facing unique challenges.
B. Interracial marriage has grown in prevalence and brings its own set of challenges that couples may face.
C. Marriage between races is increasingly common, and marriage between these diverse backgrounds can sometimes present challenges that are specific.
D. With the growing commonality of interracial marriage, there are unique challenges that such marriages frequently encounter.
OPTIONAL HOMEWORK EXERCISE: Write a short paragraph about attitudes towards interracial relationships in your country. Making sure that you don’t repeat any words withing the paragraph.
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Video Listening Section ONE: Watch the 4 minute video and answer the three questions below:
Questions:
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- What are tensions?
- What does the word “sobbing” mean?
- How would you describe Joanna’s mother’s reaction when John enters the room? Give three adjectives.
- What does John mean when he uses the word ‘blushing’?
- What does the word ‘presumptuous’ mean?
- What does the verb ‘to faint’ mean?
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Section Two:
Director Stanley Kramer adeptly handles the subject matter with sensitivity and humour. So effective is his direction that the audience can deeply empathise with each character’s dilemma. Sidney Poitier’s portrayal of Dr. Prentice shines as he delivers a moving performance full of dignity and grace amidst the social tensions of the era. Tracy and Hepburn contribute powerful performances, enhancing the film’s emotional impact.
Can you find how many words are repeated more than once in this paragraph?
POSSIBLE NEW WORDS: handles, subject matter, sensitivity, humour, deeply empathise, dilema, portrayal, delivers, moving performance, dignity, grace, amidst, social tensions, era, enhancing, emotional impact.
GRAMMAR: Q2
2. When writing an essay on the acceptance of interracial marriage, which sentence best eliminates redundancy?
A. The acceptance of interracial marriage has been climbing steadily over years, with more interracial marriages being accepted.
B. As years pass, there is a notable climb in the acceptance rates of interracial marriages.
C. Interracial marriages are becoming more accepted with each passing year, as demonstrated by the steady increase in such marriages gaining acceptance.
D. Year after year, a steady increase in the societal acceptance of interracial marriages can be observed.
OPTIONAL WRITING EXERCISE: Write a long sentence about racism in your country. Make sure no words are repeated more than once.
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Listening Section Two: Watch the video and answer the questions below.
Questions:
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- What does “burnt out” mean?
- Shocked, Offended and Appauld. What do these words mean?
- What is bigotry. A bigot?
- What time was it when they went in for dinner?
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Section Three:
Ultimately, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” is a story about love overcoming barriers. It culminates in an impactful scene where Matt Drayton delivers an impassioned speech affirming his support for his daughter’s relationship. This ending signifies hope for acceptance and change in attitudes toward interracial relationships during that period in history. The movie’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to confront such issues head-on while promoting empathy and understanding across racial divides.
Can you find how many words are repeated more than once in this paragraph?
POSSIBLE NEW WORDS: ultimately, overcoming, barriers, culminates in, impactful, scene, impassioned, enduring, legacy, to confront, head-on, empathy, racial divides.
Grammar Q3
3. Choose the option that most effectively combines these sentences without repetition: “In many countries, laws against interracial marriage have been repealed. This repealment indicates a shift towards greater societal inclusivity.”
A. In many countries, laws formerly prohibiting interracial marriage have been repealed, signaling a move towards greater inclusivity in society.
B. The repealment of laws against interracial marriage in various countries shows a societal shift towards more inclusivity.
C. Many countries have repealed their laws against interracial marriage, demonstrating a trend toward embracing inclusion.
D. Interracial marriage laws have been rescinded in numerous countries as a clear indication of shifting towards inclusiveness.
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GRAMMAR QUESTION ANSWERS:
1. The sentence that avoids unnecessary repetition is Option D: “With the growing commonality of interracial marriage, there are unique challenges that such marriages frequently encounter.”
2. The sentence that best eliminates redundancy is Option B: “As years pass, there is a notable climb in the acceptance rates of interracial marriages.”
3. The option that most effectively combines the sentences without repetition is Option A: “In many countries, laws formerly prohibiting interracial marriage have been repealed, signaling a move towards greater inclusivity in society.”