way2go! 7. Coursebook, Schulbuch

126 Unit 08 | Culture vulture Read the short text by Charles Bukowski. Would you say it is high or low culture? Give reasons for your answer. Work in groups. 1 Decide on the main message of the text. 2 Discuss how you could use the text as a stimulus to create a piece of art (e.g. a painting, sculpture, video or song) and what this piece of art could look or sound like. 3 Plan an exhibition around the piece of art you have ‘created’. What other exhibits would you want there? How would you advertise the exhibition? Who would you invite to the opening night? 4 Share your ideas in class in a short presentation. Each group member talks for 2 minutes. Expand your vocabulary: Language in formal writing Together with a partner, discuss what you remember about formal and informal language. If you need help, go back to p. 31. Which text types need to be written in formal language? Give reasons for your choices. Then read the tips on formal writing below. SPEAKING 10 a We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that death will tremble to take us. b LANGUAGE 11 a M p. 49 b 1 Don’t use contractions like don’t , won’t or can’t . Instead, write do not , will not or cannot . 2 Avoid addressing the reader, e.g. You can see . Write It can be seen instead. 3 When expressing your opinion, avoid phrases like I think going to the theatre is a great idea . Instead just write Going to the theatre is a great idea , because this is in fact your opinion. Support your opinion with relevant details (reasons, examples). 4 Use passive structures if appropriate. Instead of Young people still read Shakespeare write Shakespeare is still widely read by a young audience . 5 Use formal linking devices 3 , such as moreover , furthermore , another point , not only – but also , however , in comparison, yet , in spite of , although , whereas , in addition , as well as , nevertheless , provided that , therefore , thus, consequently , etc. 6 Avoid using phrasal verbs and simple words if possible. Instead, use more formal expressions that have the same or a similar meaning. Be careful: Only use the more formal expressions if you are sure what they mean. For instance, big could be replaced with enormous , immense , large , huge , great or massive , but each of these adjectives collocates with different nouns. Below you can find some examples of simple expressions and possible replacements with more formal expressions. Match them. c Phrasal verbs 1 to ask for 2 to call off 3 to pick up 4 to think about 5 to talk about 6 to find out 7 to put off 8 to put up with a to consider b to tolerate c to postpone d to request e to discover f to discuss g to collect h to cancel Simple words 1 to tell 2 cheap 3 big 4 happy 5 enough 6 to buy 7 to get 8 funny a pleased b amusing c to obtain d sufficient e enormous f to inform g to purchase h inexpensive 3 For more examples, see way2go! 6, pp. 119 and 123. Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv