Congratulation, Compliment, and Gratitude

a.        Congratulations is an expression that we use to give the congratulation utterance when he/she succeeds in doing something.

Some expressions of congratulations:
·      Congratulations!
·      Congratulations on your success!
·      I must congratulate you.
·      Congrats! Finally, your dream comes true!
·      Please accept my warmest congratulations.
·      I’d like to be the first to congratulate you.

Expression of congratulations in special events:
·      Happy birthday!
·      Happy Lebaran Day/Happy led!
·      Merry Christmas!
·      Happy New Year!
·      Happy Valentine!
·      Happy anniversary!

b.        Compliment is an expression that we show or say to express/give praise. Some people use compliments to “butter up” somebody or to flatter in order to increase good will, for example:
·      On his/her general appearance
·      If you notice something new about the person’s appearance
·      When you visit someone’s house for the first time
·      When other people do their best

Some expressions of compliment:
·       What a nice dress!
·       You look great.
·       You look very nice/beautiful/handsome.
·       I really must express my admiration for your dance.
·       Good grades!
·       Excellent!
·       Nice work!
·       Good job!

c.         Gratitude is an expression that we show or say to express grateful feeling to other people. When speaking English, you say “thanks” very often. Please say “thank you” when people give you something, help you do something, wish you something and give you a compliment etc.

Some expression of gratitude:
·      Thank you very much
·      Thank you for your help
·      I’m really very grateful to you
·      You’re welcome
·      Don’t mention it
·      It’s a pleasure / My pleasure
·      I want to express my gratitude to (my teacher, my father, etc)
·      I am grateful to your help

Responding gratitude:
·      It was the least I could do.
·      You’re welcome
·      No big deal.
·      Don’t mention it.
·      It’s a pleasure.
·      That’s alright.
.    Any time.

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Surprise and Disbeliefs

Surprises and Disbeliefs is expression that used to express something that we can’t believe or impossible.

Kind of Surprises and Disbeliefs expression are :

o What a surprises?
o That’s very surprising!
o Really?
o Oh, no…………..
o Are you serious?
o What?
o That’s unbeliefable!
o Fancy that!
o You’re kidding!
o I find that hard to believe.

Surprising amazement of something :

- Fantastic!
- How marvellous/beautiful!
- It’s very interesting!
- It’s great!
- It’s terrific!
- Wow, that’s amazing!
- Wonderful!
- What a nice……
- What a lovely flower!
- Hey, that’s really terrific!


Example :

Dina : " Look ; I got "
Zee : " That`s very surprising "
Dina : " I don`t know why "
Zee : " Perhaps you did the wrong number "

When get a surprising fact, you can say those to tell other people :

* Do you know what ?
* Believe it or not ?
* You may not believe it, but ...
* Can you believe it ?

Responds :

* Really ?
* Are you joking ?
* Where ? show me

There are some ways to express surprise :

* Never !
* Oh, no!
* You`re kidding
* What a surprise
* Good heavens
* My goodness
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Asking for Information

Formal expressions
* I wonder if you remember.....
* You remember...., don’t you?
* You haven’t forgotten...., have you?
* Don’t you remember.....?
* Do you happen to remember it now?

Ways to respond:
* Let me think, yes, I remember.
* I remember especially the scenery.
* I’ll never forget that
* I’ll always remember.
* I can remember it clearly.

Informal expressions:
* Remember the old house we used to live in?
* Remember that?
* I’m sorry I don’t remember

Ways to respond:
* Hold on. Yes, got it!
* I know.....
* It’s coming back to me now.

Respond if you forget:
* Sorry, I’ve completely forgotten.
* I’m afraid I forget.
* I really can’t remember.
* I’m afraid I have no memory of him
* Errr, let me think. No, it’s gone.
* Sorry, it slipped off my mind.
Asking For Information
Diposkan oleh Shafa 'Cha' Nabilah on Jumat, 26 Februari 2010
Label: Asking, Expressions / Comments: (0)

There are a number of formulas used when asking for information in English. Here are some of the most common:

* Could you tell me...?
* Do you know...?
* Do you happen to know...?
* I'd like to know...
* Could you find out...?
* I'm interested in...
* I'm looking for..

These two forms are used for asking for information on the telephone:

* I'm calling to find out...

· I'm calling about...
Construction
Formula

Question
Word

Example Finish
Could you tell me when the next train leaves?
Do you know how much that vase costs?
Do you happen to know where Tom lives?
I'd like to know what you think about the new project.
Could you tell me when the next train leaves?
Could you find out when she is going to arrive?

Formula

Gerund (-ing)

Example Finish
I'm interested in buying a boat

Formula

Noun

Example Finish
I'm looking for information on holidays in Spain.

Formula used only
on the telephone

Question
Word

Example Finish
I'm calling to find out... if flight AZ098 will leave on time today.

Formula used only
on the telphone

Noun

Example Finish
I'm calling about... the offer published in today's newspaper.
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Modals In The Past Form

1. Could + Verb base
>>      To offer suggestions or possibilities
Example:          
Jason      :  Oh, no! I left my shorts.
Nate       : Don’t worry, Jason. You could borrow my shorts.

Mitchie  : I’m having trouble with English.
Demi : Why don’t you ask Tess? Perhaps she could help you.

>>      To indicate that the ability existed in the past but doesn’t exist now.
Example: 
Mitchie  : Ras, can you climb the coconut tree?
Shane     : Well… I could climb coconut tree when I was so young. But I think I’m too heavy to climb it.

Selena      : Grandpa, what could you do when you were younger?
Grandpa   : When I was younger, I could swim across the big river very well and faster.

>>      To express polite requests
Example:   
*      Could I borrow your pencil (please)?
*      Could you lend me your jacket now?
*      Could you please close the door?
*      Could you pass the salt?

2.    Would + Verb base

>>      For an action that was repeated regularly in the past
Example:          
*      When I was a child, I would visit my grandparents every weekend.
*      On Sundays, when I was a child, we would all get up early and go fishing.


>>      Insert rather into the pattern and use this expression to express preferences
Example:          
Troy     :  What would you rather do in the weekend, go to the party or stay home?
Ryan    :  I would rather go to the party than stay home.

Gabriella  :  Which country would you rather visit?
Sharpay    :  I would rather visit Italia than Somalia.
>>      To express polite requests
Example:          
Nick       :  Would you mind cycling with me, Selena?
Selena    :  No, not at all. It would be nice.

Joey     : Would you please pass the helmet, Mary?
Mary   :  No problem.

3. Should + Verb base
>>      To give definite advice (advisability)
Example:          
Mom      : Putri, you should study tonight. You will have English test tomorrow, won’t you?
Mitchie  : I will, Mom.

Joe       : You should paint your door, Kevin. It looks terrible.
Kevin   : Yes, I know I should.
>>      To express the subject’s obligation or duty:
Example:          
*      You should practice for more than an hour.  (to musical friend)
*      They shouldn’t allow parking here; the street is too narrow.
*      Application should be sent before March 25th.

4. Might + Verb base

>>      To tell possibilities
Example:          
Nick     :   Where is Joe?
Kevin   :   He might be in the studio with Stella.
 
>>      To express polite requests
Example:          
Demi   : Might I borrow your coat?
Miley   : I’m afraid not. It has been brought by Hannah for weeks and I don’t know when he’ll return it.
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Direct and Indirect Speech

Direct speech : refers to reproducing another persons extract word. We use quotation marks (" ")

Example of Direct Speech :

1. Jani said, “I’m very busy .”
2. They said, “We have bought a picture.”
3. He said, “I am learning my lesson.”
4. Lisa says, “I got the first prize.”
5. You said, “I will come to help him.”
6. Oskar will say, “I will do my best.”

Indirect speech : refers to reproducing the idea of another persons word.

There are 3 kinds of indirect speech :

1. Imperrative (command/request)
2. interrogative (question)
3. Declarative (statement)

Example :

1. Imperrative (command / request)

Direct : Mrs. Rika said to Dina, "Don't wory about it."
Indirect : Mrs. Rika told Dina not to wory about it.

2. Interrogative (question)

Direct : Risa asked to Nico, "Are you a journalist?"
Indirect : Risa asked if / whether He was journalist.

3. Declarative (statement)

Direct : Mr. Dion said, "I worked hard yesterday."
Indirect : Mr. Dion said that he worked hard the day before.

In comand sentences, direct speech can changed to indirect speech with change "Said" to be "Ordered", "Told", and "Forbade".

Example :

1. Direct : Hamid said, "Open the door!"
Indirect : Hamid ordered to open the door.

2. Direct : Hamid said, "Dul, come here!"
Indirect : Hamid told Dul to come there.

3. Direct : Hamid said to Andi, "Do not disturb me!"
Indirect : Hamid forbade Andi to disturb him.











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Descriptive Text

Purpose : to describe a paricular person, place or thing.

Generic Structure :

Identification : Introduction where or who is the subject being described.
Description : The supporting part of the paragraph to describe in detail to assist the reader to “see” and “feel” the subject, for example, the quality, appearance, uses, habits, and etc

We get the purpose from the text above that description is used in all forms of writing to create a vivid impression of a person, place, object or event e.g. to: •
• Describe a special place and explain why it is special.
• Describe the most important person in your live.
• Describe the animal’s habit in your report.

Descriptive writing or text is usually also used to help writer develop an aspect of their work, e.g. to create a particular mood, atmosphere or describe a place so that the reader can create vivid pictures of characters, places, objects etc. To complete our intention to, here are the characteristics based on descriptive writing or text, below;

As a feature, description is a style of writing which can be useful for other variety of purposes as:

• To engage a reader’s attention
• To create characters
• To set a mood or create an atmosphere
• To being writing to life

While in language function, descriptive writing;

• Aims to show rather than tell the reader what something/someone is like
• Relies on precisely chosen vocabulary with carefully chosen adjectives and adverbs.
• Is focused and concentrates only on the aspects that add something to the main purpose of the description.
• Sensory description-what is heard, seen, smelt, felt, tasted.Precise use of adjectives, similes, metaphors to create images/pictures in the mind e.g. their noses were met with the acrid smell of rotting flesh.
• Strong development of the experience that “put the reader there” focuses on key details, powerful verbs and precise nouns.

Beyond the characteristics stated on, descriptive writing also consists of generic structure in range as:

1. General statement
2. Explanation
3. Closing

The description text has dominant language features as follows:

1. Using Simple Present Tense
2. Using action verbs
3. Using passive voice
4. Using noun phrase
5. Using adverbial phrase
6. Using technical terms
7. Using general and abstract noun
8. Using conjunction of time and cause-effect.
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Introductory It

A       : To understand this lesson is easy.
B       : It is easy to understand this lesson.

In this pattern, it has no meaning. It is used only to fill the subject position in the sentence. Thus, it is called introductory “it”.
A and B mean the same thing, but sentence B is more common and useful than A. A was introduce mainly to make the meaning of B easier to understand.
Introductory “it” can fill the position both of the subject and object.

Introductory “it” as a subject:
·      To watch musical programs is pleasant.
It is pleasant to watch musical program.
·      To play football must be fun.
It is fun to play football.

When the subjective is an infinitive phrase
We begin a sentence with it when the real subject is an infinitive phrase. So instead of saying, ‘To accept your advice is difficult’, we say, ‘It is difficult to accept your advice’.
Structure: It + verb + subject complement + infinitive phrase (real subject)
·      It is easy to learn English. >>  (To learn English is easy).
·      It is easy to find fault with others. >>  (To find fault with others is easy).
·      It is difficult to know his motive. >>  (To know his motive is difficult).
·      It is difficult to find a good job during these troubled times.
·      It is dangerous to play with fire.
·      It could be dangerous to drive so fast.

Note :
When we wish to emphasize the infinitive phrase, it may be put at the beginning, especially when it is short.

·      To err is human OR It is human to err.
·      To become a well known writer was his life-long ambition OR It was his lifelong ambition to become a well known writer.
·      To invest all your money in shares is foolish OR It is foolish to invest all your money in shares.

When the subject is a gerund phrase
When the real subject is a phrase that includes a gerund, it is used as a provisional subject to begin the sentence. So instead of saying ‘Your trying to fool us is no good’, we say, ‘It is no good your trying to fool us.’
·      It won’t be any good complaining to the manager. (Complaining to the manager won’t be any good.)
·      It is silly throwing away this opportunity. (Throwing away this opportunity is silly.)
·      Will it be any good my talking to him about it? (Will my talking to him about it be any good?)
·      It is no fun having so many children to look after. (Having so many children to look after is no fun.)

Note that it is possible to change the gerund into an infinitive.

·      It won’t be any good for me to complain to the manager.
·      It is silly (for you) to throw away this opportunity.
·      Will it be any good for me to talk to him about it?
·      Many of these sentences can also be re-written as exclamatory sentences.
·      How silly of you to throw away this opportunity!
When the subject is a clause
When the subject is a clause, the sentence usually begins with it. So instead of saying ‘That he was once a communist is true’, we say, ‘It is true that he was once a communist’.
·      It does not matter whether he comes or not. (Whether he comes or not does not matter.)
·      It is required that he should pay the fine. (That he should pay the fine is required.)
·      It is clear that he overheard our conversation. (That he overheard our conversation is clear.)
·      It is clear that you are not interested in this offer. (That you are not interested in the offer is clear.)
·      It cannot be denied that they tried their best to help him. (That they tried their best to help him cannot be denied. )
·      It doesn’t matter whether we buy it now or later. (Whether we buy it now or later does not matter. )
Introductory it with seem, appear and look
Introductory it is also used with seem, appear and look when the subject is an infinitive phrase, a phrase with a gerund in it or a clause.
·      It looked doubtful whether she would come
·      It seemed strange that she should behave like that.
·      It seems possible that she may quit the job.
·      It appeared unwise to offend him.
·      It does not seem much good going on with the work.
Introductory it as an object
It is sometimes used as the object of the verbs think, feel, deem, count, consider etc.
·      Don’t you think it dangerous to drive so carelessly?
·      I consider it a privilege to have this opportunity of welcoming you.
·      I think it odd that she doesn’t write to me these days.
·      I think it a pity that she could not win.
·      We think it improper that he should be so dictatorial.
·      He made it clear what he wanted.
·      I find it difficult to talk to him.
Introductory it in questions
The introductory it is sometimes used in questions.
·      Who was it that broke the window?
It is Peter who broke the window.
·      Why was it that he stole the bread?
It was because he was poor that he stole the bread.
·      When was it that the manager came?
It was at 10 am that the manager came.
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News Item

News Item  is factual text which informs the readers about events of the day which are considered newsworthy or important.

Social function of news item is: to inform readers, listeners or viewers about events of the day which are considered newsworthy or important.

Generic structure:
·      Newsworthy Event(s):  recounts the events in summary form
·      Background Event(s):  elaborate what happened, to WHOM, in WHAT circumstances.
·      Sources:  comments by participants in, witnesses to and authorities’ expert on the event.

Significant Grammar Features:
·      Short, telegraphic information about story captured in headline
·      Generally using Simple Past Tense
·      Use of Material Processes to retell the event
·      Using Action Verbs, e.g.: were, run, go, kill, etc.
·      Using Saying Verbs, e.g.: say, tell
·      Focus on Circumstances
·      Use of projecting Verbal Processes in Sources stages

There are some rules that can help to make newspaper headlines more comprehensible.
1.    The passive voice is used without the appropriate form of “be”.
Example:  Town ‘Contaminated’
Complete Sentence:  Town is contaminated.
2.    It is unusual to find complex forms, generally the simple present form is used
Example:  Fire Destroys over 2,511 acres of Forest in 2003-2004
Complete Sentence:  Fire has destroyed over 2,511 acres of forest in 2003-2004.
3.    The present progressive tense is used, usually to describe something that is changing or developing, but the auxiliary verb is usually left out.
Example:  World Heading for Energy Crisis
Complete Sentence:  The world is heading for an energy crisis.
4.    To refer to the future, headlines often use the infinitive.
Example:   Queen to Visit Samoa.
Complete Sentence:  The Queen is going to visit Samoa.
5.    Headlines are not always complete sentences.
Example:  More earthquakes in Japan.
Complete Sentence:  More earthquakes happened in Japan.
 
Example of News Item:
 
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