၇.၂ Task 2: Verbs
Please read these extracts from course guidelines for students. The first is from M150 Data, computing and information. The second is from A103 An introduction to the humanities. Rewrite the verbs in square brackets in their appropriate form.
For example:
The writing of history [(1) require] the utmost precision in the handling of language. We need concepts[(2) help] [(3) organise] our thoughts.
Answer:
The writing of history (1) requires the utmost precision in the handling of language. We need concepts (2) to help (3) organise our thoughts. (Marwick, 1998: 36–37)
Extract 1
Now would be a good time [(1) reflect] for a few minutes on your progress over these two courses. [(2) Think] about what you [(3) know] at the beginning of the courses and [(4) compare] it with what you [(5) know] now. [(6) Take] time [(7) reflect] on the progress you [(8) make] in [(9) learn] mathematics. Which topics in this course have you [(10) find] straightforward? Which have you [(11) find] difficult? [(12) Write down] what you [(13) feel] you [(14) gain] from [(15) study] this course – for example, a skill that you [(16) improve] or an understanding of some idea or technique.
Extract 2
For the next two weeks we [(17) look] at the political ideas of the eighteenth-century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, his influence on the French revolution and on the development of modern democracies. There [(18) be] three parts to these courses. These [(19) breakdown] into sections, each of which [(20) revolve] round one particular point. During your study of these courses [(21) make sure] you [(22) read] slowly, [(23) give] yourself plenty of time [(24) think]. Philosophy [(25) be] about argument and arguments cannot [(26) rush].
Now look at the answers below and compare them with your own.
Answer
Extract 1 answers
Now would be a good time (1)to reflect for a few minutes on your progress over these two courses. (2)Think about what you (3)knew at the beginning of the courses and (4)compare it with what you (5)know now. (6)Take time (7) to reflect on the progress you (8)have made in (9)learning mathematics. Which topics in this course have you (10)found straightforward? Which have you (11)found difficult? (12)Write down what you (13)feel you (14)have gained from (15)studying this course - for example, a skill that you (16)have improved or an understanding of some idea or technique.
Extract 2 answers
For the next two weeks we (17)are going to look at the political ideas of the eighteenth-century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, his influence on the French revolution and on the development of modern democracies. There (18)are three parts to these units. These (19)are broken down into sections, each of which (20)revolves round one particular point. During your study of these units (21)make sure you (22)read slowly, (23)giving yourself plenty of time (24)to think. Philosophy (25)is about argument and arguments cannot (26)be rushed.
The following are also possible – though the meaning is slightly different.
the progress you are making
did you find straightforward
did you find difficult
you gained from studying
you improved
The following are also possible:
we are looking
will look (this sounds much more formal)
break down (this is more formal)
Note: academic, and especially scientific or technical, texts frequently use the passive form of the verb.
၇.၁.၁ Self-assessment