Learning Points for English

Dear all,

Learning Points for English

Situational Writing

For this term, we are focusing on the area of content as an area for improvement based on your CA1 and daily work.

-          It is important to plan your six content points first before writing your answers.

-          You must be specific and precise with your content points. (e.g If the answer states that the bully is Peter Pang from Class 6A and if you have of the points missing, the content point is incomplete.)

-          At times, the one content point is a combination of many small points from different parts of the information so you have to look for the information carefully. Do not rush and assume the answer is simply very short.

In terms of formality (Purpose / Audience / Context), remember to introduce with a purpose and end off with polite closing words.

For informal writing, remember to start off with ‘How are you?’

Grammar and Synthesis Structures

1.       Despite / In spite of

In spite of the fact that ….

Despite the fact that ….

e.g Despite the fact that it was raining, the boys continued playing.

2.       Much to

Much to pronoun noun

e.g Much to his anger, he slammed the door as he walked out.

3.       Neither …. nor / Either … or

Remember to always look at the second item after ‘nor’ and ‘or’ to determine the singular/plural form of the verb that follows

e.g Neither the boys nor the girl is at home now.

4.       Due to

Due to the fact that

Due to pronoun noun

e.g 1 Due to the fact that he was careless, the plan did not work.

e.g 2 Due to his carelessness, the plan did not work.

5.       Unless

Unless shows an action and its consequences if not carried out

e.g Unless you keep the toys away, everyone will trip over it. (ßIf not what will happen)

6.       Would rather … than …

Would rather verb (root word form) than verb (root word form)

The boys would rather stroll at the park than swim in the sea.

7.       Until

Until (An action is carried out), (Consequence of the action not done)

Until you clean up the mess, you will not be able to go out to play.

8.       Prefers … to …

Prefers verb (-ing form) to verb (-ing form)

Peter prefers running to swimming.

9.       By

By verb(-ing form) … , intention of the action carried out …

By keeping the toys, Ben hoped that his mother would not scold him. (ßIntention of his action)

10.    Upon / On

On verb(-ing form) … , Action that takes place after that …

On witnessing the accident, Lucy quickly sought help.

Upon completing his work, the boys went out to play.

11.     Whom

Person whom Person  

The boy whom I was talking to was a famous musician.

12.      Who

Person who Action…

The girl who was singing on stage won a prize.

13.     Reported Speech

Come à go

An hour ago à the previous hour

14.     Collective Nouns

A collective noun is a word for a group of specific items, animals or people. For example, a group of ships is called a fleet, a group of cows is called a herd, a group of lions is called a pride, a group of baseball players is called a team, and a group of ants is called a colony.

You have to read carefully for the singular / plural form for the verb.

Example

The group of boys IS (Many boys but only ONE group of boys)

The box of toys IS (Many toys but only ONE box of them)

Feedback for CA1

You would have received your areas of feedback for your CA1. Do work on them and make the improvement for SA1. You can do it.

Areas for improvement as a whole

-          Vocabulary Cloze

-          Editing

-          Comprehension Cloze

-          Composition Writing (Exposure to positive topics)

-          Situational Writing (Content)

All the best and work hard! You can do it!

Sincerely,

Mr Nelson Ong