Saturday 23rd May 2020 (2pm-3.

30pm)

Vocabulary

1. Drought (n) = A long period when there is little or no rain, e.g. “The heat and
drought had continued for more than three weeks.”
2. Monsoon (n) = The season of heavy rain during the summer in hot Asian
countries, e.g. “The monsoon has flooded the small town and kept people
indoors for most of the summer.”
3. Oncoming (adj) = Approaching from the front, moving towards, e.g. “She was
blinded by the lights from an oncoming vehicle.”
4. Distraught (adj) = Very worried and upset, e.g. The owner of the lost puppy is
distraught.”
5. Haggard (adj) = Appearing in poor health or spirits, e.g. “She looked haggard
after a sleepless night.”
6. Belch (v) = (especially of a chimney) Send out large amounts of (smoke or
flames).e.g. Smoke belched from the factory chimneys beside the river.
7. Studious (adj) = Spending a lot of time studying or reading, e.g. “She is quiet and
studious, in contrast to her sister.”
8. Symptom (n)= any feeling of illness or physical or mental change that is caused
by a disease, e.g. “Muscle aches and fever are symptoms of the flu.”
9. Hasten (v) = hurry, e.g. “They hasten to cross the road.”
10. Postpone (v) = delay, e.g. “They decide to postpone the meeting.”
Boost writing 3, pg 10, 11, 27

Grammar friends 4
Saturday 23rd May 2020 (5pm-6.30pm)

Vocabulary

1. aggregate (v) = assemble into one, unite, unite; focus, e.g. “The company aggregates
news and information from a number of sources on its website.”
2. instruct (v) = tell or order someone to do something, especially in a formal or official
way. "she instructed him to wait"
3. instinctive (adj) = unlearned and done without thought or reasoning, e.g. “Breathing is
instinctive because nobody has to teach you how to do it.”
4. to err on the side of caution (phr) = to be especially careful rather than taking a risk or
making a mistake, e.g. “25 people have replied to the invitation, but I've erred on the
side of caution and put out 30 chairs.”
5. the greater-good (phr) = The benefit of the public, of more people than oneself;
that which is better and more correct, e.g. “We all need to do our part for the greater
good of the planet.”
6. cast a shadow (phr) = to spoil a good situation with something unpleasant, e.g.
“Her father's illness had cast a shadow over the birth of her baby.”
7. a matter of opinion (phr) = based on opinion, e.g. “Whether she is the best in the
game is a matter of opinion.”
8. blotch (n) = a large irregular patch or unsightly mark on the skin or another
surface, e.g. “There are always red blotches on my face after an allergic reaction.”"
9. to bear no relation to )phr) = to not be connected in any way, e.g. “This movie
bears no relation to the book by the same title.”
10. harbour (v) = keep (a thought or feeling, typically a negative one) in one's mind,
especially secretly. If you harbour doubts, hopes, thoughts, etc, you feel or think
about them for a long time. “He harboured dreams of one day becoming a
professional footballer.”
 Formal closings Synonyms for
Formal openings for a letter of recently
dissatisfaction/complaint

If you have any further Not long ago

It is with regret to inform you…. questions, please do not
hesitate to contact me

Thank you for your attention A little while back

I regret to inform you about the to this matter.
lack of satisfaction I have
with….

I am looking forward to Of late

I am writing to express my getting your input on this
disappointment with…. issue.

Thank you again for your In the past couple of

I am writing to furnish you with attention, consideration, and days
my concerns about... time.

Once again, I would like to A short time ago

I am writing to enlighten you express my appreciation for
with an issue I am taking my feedback into
experiencing…. account.

I look forward to hearing from In the recent weeks

I am writing to notify you you in due course.
regarding….
Writing Task:

You live in a high-rise building, which has a communal laundry room. There are many
washers and dryers there, but even more residents. Sometimes people don't come in
time to empty the machines and other residents have to wait for a washer or dryer. You
think the building management should purchase 10 extra laundry baskets and make
them available for such times, so the machines can be freed up.

Write to the Property Manager, Mrs Williams.

In your letter:

- explain how long you have been a resident

- describe the problem
- propose your solution

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mrs Williams

7. Reminding a Friend
A year ago, you lent your favorite book to a friend who you thought would enjoy it.
Unfortunately, your friend has forgotten to return it. The book has sentimental value to
you as it had been presented by your grandmother. Write a letter to your friend.

In the letter:

ask how he or she is doing

remind him / her about the book explain why you need it back