1

Advanced English

高级综合英语课程2011-08

2

Course objectives

Training of integrated skills in English (listening, speaking, reading, writing, translation, presentation)

From intensive reading to original writing. Intensive reading assignment: 1. Reading comprehension [language study]: What?2. Close reading / textual analysis: theme + form

[writing style, techniques….] How?3. Critical thinking within the specific (cultural)

context. Why? And, so what?Learning focus: who (the author) writes about what

(the topic) for whom (the readership), how (various rhetoric devices and styles) and why?

3

Course related activities:

Pre-reading warming-up session [background]- teacher Reading comprehension- Group discussion Close reading - Group discussion. Textual analysis, focusing on

writing techniques, analyzing style and organization. Paraphrase and translation.

Post-reading: questions for critical reflection.

4

Texts selected for the semester

Exposition Emotive Component of Meaning The Big Bull Market Oxford As I See It Education as a Philosophy

5

Course evaluation (100%)

Attendance: 10% Group-based written assignments

(paraphrase + translation, text analysis): 20%

TEM 8 essay: 20% (2 drafts) Final written exam: 50% (see next slide)

6

Final exam

Rhetorical devices 10% Vocabulary 10% Reading comprehension (T or F 10%,

Questions 20%) Paraphrase 20% Translation 20% (English Chinese) Text analysis 10%

7

Some suggestions

Learn by understanding rather than just memorizing.

Learn to express, to analyze, to comment, to criticize and to appreciate.

Paraphrase in English comes before translation into Chinese.

Provide answers in complete sentences, with supporting details when necessary.

8

Exposition

Pre-reading notes

9

Literary genre: prose vs. poetry

Poetry: formal structures such as meter and rhythm. Artificially developed literary form, “the best words in the best order.”

Poetry: epic – lyric – dramatic (comedy, tragedy, melodrama).

Prose: Latin prōsa (ōrātiō), straightforward (discourse), prō-, forward.

Resemblance to daily speech. Prose - prose poem – free verse – poetry. The changing status of prose in history.

10

Literary genre/category

Prose genres vs. poetic genres. Within prose genres, 3 analytical (sub-)genres:- Exposition: to expose info., to exposit (explain). - Narration: to narrate (to tell a story). A narrative (=

story). ≈ a stage play. Important: time sequence!- Description: to describe (verbal representation of an

object, to depict ≈ a painting). Important: space! To describe is also to explain. The how and why (explanation) is embedded in the

given context (narration, what/when/who).

11

Now let’s move to the text. General method: questions and answers.

After you answer one question, please throw the next question to another classmate or group mate.

12

First reading of the text

Paragraphs 1-2: According to the author, prose can be divided

into three types, what is the criterion of the categorization? Or how to distinguish one from another?

Define the three types of writing. How does the purpose of writing affect the

organizing logic of our writing? What are the main differences that set these

three types apart?

13

(Para.3) What does the author mean by this statement: “Seldom is any piece of writing pure exposition”? How does he prove this point?

(para.4) what are the pre-writing questions suggested by the author? Have you ever thought of all the four questions before writing?

14

Para.5: what is the topic under discussion in this

paragraph? How does the author define “paragraphs”?

Why are paragraphs different from each other yet are all alike?

Generally speaking, statements (sentences) in all paragraphs can be divided into two classes, what are they and what is the relationship between them?

What is the implication for our practical writing?

15

Para.6

What is the topic under discussion in this paragraph?

Can you find a topic sentence in this paragraph? If not, can you sum up the paragraph in one sentence?

Look for the topic sentence in all the other paragraphs, find one or supply one of your own.

16

Para.7

What are the particulars of exposition? What is the use of particulars? What are the common methods of logic

and thinking?

17

Prose

Expository essays: a type of oral or written discourse that is used to explain, describe, give information or inform. Logic.

Descriptive Essays: the aim of descriptive essays is to provide a vivid picture of a person, location, object, event, or debate. Space.

Narrative Essays: The aim of a narrative essay is to describe a course of events from a subjective vantage point. Time sequence.

18

Expository essays

Compare and Contrast: is to develop the relationship between two or more things. Generally, the goal is to show that superficial differences or similarities are inadequate, and that closer examination reveals their unobvious, yet significant, relations or differences.

Persuasion: to persuade the reader to accept an idea or agree with an opinion.

Argumentation: to address controversial issues - i.e. serious issue over which there is some evident disagreement (Like Election Campaign [Who wins??]). An argument is a position combined with its supporting reasons. Argumentative papers thus set out a main claim and then provide reasons for thinking that the claim is true.

19

Both in reading as well as in writing, before anything else…

What is the article about? What is the point of the article? What is

the author trying to tell me? [what I am trying to tell the reader?]

TOPIC

TOPIC SENTENCE

20

THE TOPIC …

a general terms that tells what the whole passage is about.

A good paragraph talks about only one thing, i.e. one TOPIC.

The topic is neither too general nor too specific.

The topic is usually given in one word or a short phrase. = the topic sentence

21

1. shirt – pants – jacket – clothes – sweater2. pistols – weapons – rifles –shotguns -grenades 3. threads – needles – sewing – scissors - safety pins4. Screws – pliers - hammers - tools - electric drills5. Football – soccer – rugby tennis – sports6. coffee - tea – caffeine – cola – chocolate7. democracy – autocracy –oligarchy – monarchy –

government8. Electronics – computer – television - videotape

recorders

22

Second reading of the text

Find the topic sentence, or sum up a topic sentence for each paragraph.

23

Exercise: What is the topic of the passage?

A baby elephant is the biggest of all land babies. A newborn baby weighs more than two hundred pounds. It is about three feet high. The new body is strong too. Almost as soon as it is born, it can walk about.

24

Alice’s adventures in wonderland is a good book. It is a story of a girl who dreamt that she went down a rabbit hole and had many adventures. She drank something from a bottle to get smaller. Then she ate a little cake to get bigger. She went to a mad party where she met a March Hare and quarrelled with him. It was a curious dream. Alice told her sister about the dream.

A. Good books B. Alice’s adventures C. The book “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” D. Alice’s curious dream about Wonderland

25

Owls are well equipped to do their hunting at night. The animals that they like best to eat are those that are active at night. The feathers of an owl are so soft that he can swoop down upon a mouse or a rat without being heard. The big eyes of an owl help him to see well even at night.

a. Hunting at night b. A birdc. Owl’s food d. Owls

26

Fins are a great help in swimming. A fish pushes itself forward by moving its tail and tail fins from side to side. Its other fins help it keep its balance. They also help guide it.

a. fins b. Swimmingc. fish d. How to swim

27

Chiang Rai （清莱， a city in Thailand ） has many modern hotels. Most of which are situated right in the heart of town. Hotel rates vary, depending on the hotel you choose. The average range of charges is from 7US$ to 200 US$. All the hotels provide TV sets and other conveniences according to the rate charged.

a. Chiang Rai b. Hotels in Chiang Raic. Hotels d. Modern hotels

28

Main idea – topic sentence

“What is the point of this paragraph? What is the author trying to tell me?”

Or, if you are writing, what do you want to tell the reader?

29

POSITION OF MAIN IDEAS[TOPIC SENTENCE]

The main idea can be found in 3 different places in a paragraph as follows:

beginning of the paragraph end of the paragraph middle of the paragraph implied in a paragraph

30

Exercise: main idea = topic sentence.

A baby elephant is the biggest of all land babies. A newborn baby weighs more than two hundred pounds. It is about three feet high. The new body is strong too. Almost as soon as it is born, it can walk about.

Fins are a great help in swimming. A fish pushes itself forward by moving its tail and tail fins from side to side. Its other fins help it keep its balance. They also help guide it.

31

32

33

34

Implication for our writing

Make sure that the thesis statement and topic sentences have subjects which are about the topic and clearly state a purpose.  

Topic sentence.

35

Topic sentence

the topic: how to make pancakes.    "I really like pancakes, and I will tell

you how to make them." "Pancakes are a delicious treat and can

be made in five easy steps."

36

A rule of thumb.  

In expository writing, stay away from first and second person pronouns.  Focus is often lost by placing emphasis on the writer or reader.

37

Structure: a hamburger essay

Introduction Body (more than one paragraphs) Conclusion A rule of thumb. 

No paragraph should have fewer than three or four sentences. Each should have a topic sentence, which states the purpose of the paragraph, and two or three sentences which provide evidence.

38

The starting points for any expository writing

The aim: what specific point do I intend to make? (the purpose, the subject matter, the key argument)

The value of the aim: Is it worth making? (value, interest, originality,…)

Targeted readership: For whom am I writing? The means: How can I best convey my point to my

readers? (readership-oriented: structure, logic of argument, style, diction,…)

- Innovative and structured thinking. Choosing the angle of analysis/expositing. Originality in perspective.

39

Good writing begins with asking yourself questions:

What specific points do I intend to make? Is the point worth making? For whom am I writing? How best can I convey my point to the

reader?

40

Repeat: Basic form of expository writing

A 3-part essay

- Introduction: usu. 1 paragraph, stating the thesis.

- The body of the text.

- Conclusion: summary, restatement.

41

Organization and format

The thesis statement must be defined and narrow enough to be supported within the essay.

Each supporting paragraph must have a distinct controlling topic and all other sentences must factually relate directly to it. The transition words or phrases are important as they help the reader follow along and reinforce the logic.

Finally, the conclusion paragraph should originally restate the thesis and the main supporting ideas. Finish with the a statement that reinforces your position in a meaningful and memorable way.

Never introduce new material in the conclusion.

42

Some Expository Organizational Patterns

Pattern Description Cue Words

Description The author describes a topic by listing characteristics, features, and examples 

for example, characteristics are

Sequence The author lists items or events in numerical or chronological order.

first, second, third; next; then; finally

Comparison The author explains how two or more things are alike and/or how they are different.

different; in contrast; alike; same as; on the other hand

Cause and Effect

The author lists one or more causes and the resulting effect or effects.

reasons why; if...then; as a result; therefore; because

Problem and Solution

The author states a problem and lists one or more solutions for the problem. A variation of this pattern is the question- and-answer format in which the author poses a question and then answers it.

problem is; dilemma is; puzzle is solved; question... answer

43

Passage 1

The Olympic symbol consists of five interlocking rings. The rings represent the five continents - Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America - from which athletes come to compete in the games. The rings are colored black blue, green, red, and yellow. At least one of these colors is found in the flag of every country sending athletes to compete in the Olympic games.

44

Description

45

Passage 2

The Olympic games began as athletic festivals to honor the Greek gods. The most important festival was held in the valley of Olympia to honor Zeus, the king of the gods. It was this festival that became the Olympic games in 776 B.C. These games were ended in A.D. 394 by the Roman Emperor who ruled Greece. No Olympic games were held for more than 1,500 years. Then the modern Olympics began in 1896. Almost 300 male athletes competed in the first modern Olympics In the games held in 1900, female athletes were allowed to compete. The games have continued every four years since 1896 except during World War II, and they will most likely continue for many years to come.

46

Sequence

47

Passage 3

The modern Olympics is very unlike the ancient Olympic games. Individual events are different. While there were no swimming races in the ancient games, for example, there were chariot races. There were no female contestants and all athletes competed in the nude. Of course, the ancient and modern Olympics are also alike in many ways. Some events, such as the javelin and discus throws, are the same. Some people say that cheating, professionalism, and nationalism in the modern games are a disgrace to the Olympic tradition. But according to the ancient Greek writers, there were many cases of cheating, nationalism, and professionalism in their Olympics too.

48

comparison

A vs. B

49

Passage 4

There are several reasons why so many people attend the Olympic games or watch them on television. One reason is tradition. The name Olympics and the torch and flame remind people of the ancient games. People can escape the ordinariness of daily life by attending or watching the Olympics. They like to identify with someone else's individual sacrifice and accomplishment. National pride is another reason, and an athlete's or a team's hard earned victory becomes a nation's victory. There are national medal counts and people keep track of how many medals their country's athletes have won.

50

Effect Causes

Cause Effects

51

Passage 5

One problem with the modern Olympics is that it has become very big and expensive to operate. The city or country that hosts the games often loses a lot of money. A stadium, pools, and playing fields must be built for the athletic events and housing is needed for the athletes who come from around the world. And all of these facilities are used for only 2 weeks! In 1984, Los Angeles solved these problems by charging a fee for companies who wanted to be official sponsors of the games. Companies like McDonald's paid a lot of money to be part of the Olympics. Many buildings that were already built in the Los Angeles area were also used. The Coliseum where the 1932 games were held was used again and many colleges and universities in the area became playing and living sites.

52

Problem and Solution 

53

Third reading of the text and analysis

Organization and development of the whole text

How is coherence achieved?

54

Coherence and Cohesion

连贯（ coherence ） 连贯指的是语篇中语义的关联，连贯存在于语篇的底层

（深层），通过逻辑推理来达到语义连接，连贯是语篇的无形网络。连贯通过衔接来实现。（连贯、假连贯和不连贯）

衔接（ cohesion ） Cohesion is “the linguistic ties and connections which

exist within texts” (Yule, 1960: 140). 衔接是语篇（文本）特征的重要内容，它体现在语篇的表层结构上。语法手段（如照应、替代、省略等）和词汇手段（如复现关系、同现关系）的使用，都可以表现结构上的粘着性，即结构上的衔接。衔接是语篇的有形网络。

(Yule, G. The Study of Language. 2nd. Ed. Cambridge: CUP. 1996.)

55

Means of cohesion 篇章的连接手段有语法手段、词汇衔接、逻辑连接语和语用上、语

义上的蕴含意义等。 一、语法手段：1. 时间关联成分（ Time relator ），包括先时性、同时性和后时性关

联成分；2. 地点关联成分（ place relator ），也称空间关联成分；3. 照应（ reference ） : 指用代词等语法手段来表示语义关系，包括人

称照应，指示照应，比较照应；4. 替代（ substitution ） : 用替代形式去替代上下文出现的词语，避

免重复，包括名词性替代，动词性替代，分句性替代；5. 省略 (ellipsis) ；6. 时和体形式 (tense and aspect) 的配合，动词时体形式的交替使用

可以表明动作或状态表示的是过去还是现在，使受话人把握叙述的线索，分清过去与现在的不同描述，把握句子之间的逻辑关系；

7. 平行（排比）结构 （ parallel construction ）

56

二、词汇衔接和逻辑连接语 词汇衔接指通过词汇的重复、同义、反义、上下义（如：

animal sheep ）、互补、整体与部分等关系来使语篇意义连贯。

英语词汇衔接关系分为两大类： 复现关系（ reiteration ）：某一词以原词、同义词、近义

词、概括词、上或下义词或其他形式重复出现在语篇中，从而实现语篇的相互衔接）和

同现关系 (collocation) ：围绕某一话题的共同词汇同时出现，词汇的同现关系跟语篇的领域（ field of discourse ）关系密切。词汇的同现关系包括两极之间可以有不同程度等级的反义关系（ good- bad ）和非此即彼的互补关系(husband-wife, dead-alive) 等。

57

逻辑连接语 (logical connectives) ：从形式上看，逻辑连接语可以由以下三类语言单位充当：

1. 词：连词和副词；2. 短语：如 in addition ， as a result 等等；3. 分句：如 what is more important, what’s

more, to conclude 等等。

58

Go through the text and pay special attention to the following issues:

1. Development of the text

2. Coherence and cohesion between sentences and paragraphs

59

Organization and development of the text read the text and match the following points to the corresponding paragraphs

classification of prose based on controlling purpose the most common king of writing, exposition no pure exposition: the three types are often indistinguishable the writing of exposition begins with the purpose and reader in the writer’s head the writing of exposition begins on paper with paragraphs common patterns of all paragraphs topic sentence particulars: patterns of logic and evidence

60

Connectives between paragraphs:

“then”; inverted sentence structure, and repetition

of “exposition”( 复现关系 ); “therefore”; on paper, repetition of “begin

with”; “Most often”, repetition of “the topic

sentence”; Repetition of “the particulars”.

61

Organization of each paragraph and cohesion between sentences

Take para.1 for example:1. Repetition of “purpose”2. Pronoun “these”3. Repetition of “exposition”4. Pronoun “it”5. In general, also, the most common;6. Explanation (writing that explains)7. Logical connective “although”8. Pronoun “it”9. Formal and academic—philosophy; a cook book—

workaday affairs 10. The sort with which,… and the writing with which11. Dash: —

62

Group discussion

Please follow suit and analyze the cohesive devices in the other paragraphs.

One paragraph for each group.

63

Fourth reading of the text:Rhetorical devices

Read the text and identify the following rhetorical devices in the text and tell their effects:

Periodic sentences Parallel structures Analogy Metaphor Restatement

64

Written assignment: paraphrase and translation

Paraphrase the following sentences:1. On the basis of controlling purpose we

traditionally divide all prose into three kinds: narration, description, and exposition.

2. Seldom is any piece of writing pure exposition.3. Deciding upon reader and purpose is easily

half the task of writing.4. The expository writer may threw new light

upon two things by comparing and contrasting them, by showing how they are alike and yet different.

65

Translate the following selected sections into Chinese:

1. Para.2: “We might think of narrative as a stage play…by using evidence and logic”.

2. Para.4: “Deciding upon…” ,till the end of the paragraph.

3. Para.7: “The expository writer, therefore, uses …by arguing from premise to conclusion.”