COURSE: ENGLISH 151

LEVEL: LMF1

INSTRUCTOR: NYANG EDWIN LABAN

Reading Comprehension: Jobs and Professions

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow

A job is a set of tasks or responsibilities that a person performs in exchange for compensation,
such as salary or wages. A profession is a type of job that requires specialized education,
training, and expertise. Doctors, lawyers, and engineers are examples of professionals.

There are many different types of jobs and professions, and they can be found in a wide range
of industries. Some jobs are manual labor jobs, such as construction workers, factory workers,
and farm workers. These jobs often require physical strength and stamina, and may involve
working in dangerous or uncomfortable conditions. Other jobs are desk jobs, such as office
workers, administrators, and data analysts. These jobs often require a high level of education
and may involve working in an air-conditioned office.

There are also many service-oriented jobs, such as waiters, bartenders, and customer service
representatives. These jobs involve providing a service to customers, and may require a high
level of communication skills and a friendly demeanor. Additionally, there are many creative
jobs, such as artists, writers, and designers. These jobs involve using imagination and talent to
create something new and original.

No matter what type of job or profession you choose, it is important to be dedicated,

hardworking, and passionate about your work. It is also important to be willing to learn and
adapt to new situations and challenges. With the right attitude and a strong work ethic, you can
succeed in any job or profession you choose.

Exercise

1. What is the definition of a profession?

a) A set of tasks or responsibilities that a person performs in exchange for compensation

b) A type of job that requires specialized education, training, and expertise

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c) A set of skills or abilities that a person possesses

d) A type of work that involves physical labor

Answer: b) A type of job that requires specialized education, training, and expertise

2. What are some examples of manual labor jobs?

a) Doctors, lawyers, and engineers

b) Construction workers, factory workers, and farm workers

c) Office workers, administrators, and data analysts

d) Artists, writers, and designers

3. What are some characteristics of service-oriented jobs?

a) They require a high level of education and may involve working in an air-conditioned
office

b) They involve providing a service to customers and may require a high level of
communication skills and a friendly demeanor

c) They are often physically demanding and may involve working in dangerous or
uncomfortable conditions

d) They are creative and involve using imagination and talent to create something new and
original

4. What is the most important quality for success in any job or profession?

a) Dedication and hard work

b) Passion and creativity

c) Education and training

d) Attitude and a strong work ethic

5. What is the best way to succeed in a job or profession?

a) By being dedicated and hardworking

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b) By being passionate and creative

c) By having a high level of education and training

d) By being willing to learn and adapt to new situations and challenges

Structural questions

1. What are some examples of jobs that require specialized education and training?

2. What are some benefits of having a strong work ethic in a job or profession?

3. How can you adapt to new situations and challenges in a job or profession?

4. What are some ways to improve your communication skills in a service-oriented job?

5. How can you use your imagination and creativity to excel in a creative job?

Yes-No Questions:

Definition:

Yes-no questions are questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no". They are
used to seek information or confirmation about a specific fact or situation.

Rules:

1. Inversion: In yes-no questions, the subject and the auxiliary verb (or the main verb in the
present simple or past simple tense) are inverted. The auxiliary verb used depends on the
tense of the main verb in the statement.

Examples:

- Statement: She is studying for the exam.

Question: Is she studying for the exam?

- Statement: They have finished their work.

Question: Have they finished their work?

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2. Use of "do" or "does" in present simple: In present simple questions, when the main verb is
not "be," the auxiliary verb "do" or "does" is used to form the question. "Do" is used for
plural subjects and "does" for singular subjects.

Examples:

- Statement: You like ice cream.

Question: Do you like ice cream?

- Statement: He plays football.

Question: Does he play football?

3. Use of "did" in past simple: In past simple questions, the auxiliary verb "did" is used to
form the question, regardless of the subject.

Examples:

- Statement: She went to the party.

Question: Did she go to the party?

4. Question tags: In some cases, a yes-no question can be followed by a question tag to seek
confirmation or agreement.

Examples:

- Statement: We should leave now.

Question: Shouldn't we?

Exceptions:

1. Questions with "be": When the main verb is "be," there is no need for an auxiliary verb.
The main verb itself is used for inversion.

Examples:

- Statement: He is a doctor.

Question: Is he a doctor?

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2. Modal verbs: Modal verbs (such as can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should,
must) do not require an auxiliary verb for inversion in yes-no questions. The modal verb itself
is used for inversion.

Examples:

- Statement: They can swim.

Question: Can they swim?

EXERCISE 1:

Rewrite the following statements as yes-no questions:

1. She is studying for the exam.

2. They have been to Japan before.

3. He will finish the project tomorrow.

4. We went to the beach last weekend.

5. You can speak Spanish fluently.

6. It is raining outside.

7. The train arrives at 9 AM.

8. They should start the meeting now.

9. She has read the book.

10. You were at the party, right?

EXERCISE 2:

Answer the following yes-no questions:

1. Did you watch the movie?

2. Do they like sushi?

3. Has she finished her homework?

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4. Will you come to the party?

5. Can he play the guitar?

6. Is it cold outside?

7. Did they go on vacation?

8. Do you have a pen?

9. Has he seen that movie before?

10. Will they be here soon?

6. Use of "isn't it" for positive statements: In some cases, the tag question "isn't it" is used for
positive statements, especially when expressing an assumption or seeking agreement.

Examples:

- Statement: The weather is nice, isn't it?

- Statement: That was a great movie, wasn't it?

Tag Questions

Definition:

Tag questions are short questions added at the end of a statement to seek confirmation,
agreement, or to express doubt. They are used to create a conversational tone and involve the
listener in the conversation.

Rules:

1. Matching the auxiliary verb: In tag questions, the auxiliary verb used in the tag should
match the tense and form of the main verb in the statement.

Examples:

- Statement: She is coming.

Tag question: isn't she?

- Statement: You don't like coffee.

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 Tag question: do you?

2. Inversion: In tag questions, the subject pronoun is used in the tag, and the subject and
auxiliary verb are inverted.

Examples:

- Statement: He is studying, isn't he?

- Statement: They have finished their work, haven't they?

3. Positive statement, negative tag: If the main statement is positive, the tag question is
typically negative. The negative tag adds a seeking confirmation or agreement element to the
statement.

Examples:

- Statement: You like ice cream, don't you?

- Statement: She can swim, can't she?

4. Negative statement, positive tag: If the main statement is negative, the tag question is
typically positive. The positive tag adds a seeking confirmation or agreement element to the
statement.

Examples:

- Statement: You don't know the answer, do you?

- Statement: They won't be here, will they?

5. Use of pronouns: In tag questions, the pronoun used in the tag should match the subject of
the statement.

Examples:

- Statement: He is coming, isn't he?

- Statement: We should leave, shouldn't we?

Exercise 1:

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Add the appropriate tag question to each statement:

1. He doesn't know the answer, ______?

2. They will be here soon, ______?

3. You have finished your homework, ______?

4. We shouldn't be late, ______?

5. She can swim, ______?

6. It is a beautiful day, ______?

7. They didn't go to the party, ______?

8. She won't forget, ______?

9. You like chocolate, ______?

10. We are going to the beach, ______?

Exercise 2:

Answer the following tag questions:

1. He is coming, isn't he?

2. You don't like coffee, do you?

3. She can play the piano, can't she?

4. They won't be late, will they?

5. We should leave now, shouldn't we?

6. It's a lovely day, isn't it?

7. You didn't go to the store, did you?

8. She won't forget, will she?

9. They like ice cream, don't they?

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10. We are going to the party, aren't we?

6. Use of "isn't it" for positive statements: In some cases, the tag question "isn't it" is used for
positive statements, especially when expressing an assumption or seeking agreement.

Examples:

- Statement: The weather is nice, isn't it?

- Statement: That was a great movie, wasn't it?

7. Use of "aren't I" for first-person singular: When referring to oneself in the first person, the
tag question "aren't I" is used, regardless of the verb tense or form.

Examples:

- Statement: I am going, aren't I?

- Statement: I didn't make a mistake, did I?

8. Use of "aren't they" for indefinite pronouns: When referring to indefinite pronouns such as
everyone, somebody, nobody, etc., the tag question "aren't they" is used, regardless of the
verb tense or form.

Examples:

- Statement: Everybody is here, aren't they?

- Statement: Nobody likes spiders, do they?

9. Use of "is it" for time expressions: When referring to time expressions, the tag question "is
it" is used, regardless of the verb tense or form.

Examples:

- Statement: It is 9 o'clock, isn't it?

- Statement: It was a long day, wasn't it?

10. Use of "will you" for requests or invitations: When making a request or extending an
invitation, the tag question "will you" is used, regardless of the verb tense or form.

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Examples:

- Statement: Help me, will you?

- Statement: Come with us, will you?

Exercise 3:

Add the appropriate tag question to each statement:

1. She is a doctor, ______?

2. We should go now, ______?

3. They won't be late, ______?

4. I can borrow your book, ______?

5. It's a beautiful day, ______?

6. Nobody knows the answer, ______?

7. You've seen that movie, ______?

8. Someone will help us, ______?

9. The meeting starts at 10 AM, ______?

10. The party was fun, ______?

Exercise 4:

Answer the following tag questions:

1. The weather is nice, isn't it?

2. I am going, aren't I?

3. Everybody is here, aren't they?

4. It's 9 o'clock, isn't it?

5. Help me, will you?

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6. She is a doctor, isn't she?

7. We should go now, shouldn't we?

8. They won't be late, will they?

9. You've seen that movie, haven't you?

10. The meeting starts at 10 AM, doesn't it?

7. Use of "aren't I" for first-person singular: When referring to oneself in the first person, the
tag question "aren't I" is used, regardless of the verb tense or form.

Examples:

- Statement: I am going, aren't I?

- Statement: I didn't make a mistake, did I?

8. Use of "aren't they" for indefinite pronouns: When referring to indefinite pronouns such as
everyone, somebody, nobody, etc., the tag question "aren't they" is used, regardless of the
verb tense or form.

Examples:

- Statement: Everybody is here, aren't they?

- Statement: Nobody likes spiders, do they?

9. Use of "is it" for time expressions: When referring to time expressions, the tag question "is
it" is used, regardless of the verb tense or form.

Examples:

- Statement: It is 9 o'clock, isn't it?

- Statement: It was a long day, wasn't it?

10. Use of "will you" for requests or invitations: When making a request or extending an
invitation, the tag question "will you" is used, regardless of the verb tense or form.

Examples:

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- Statement: Help me, will you?

- Statement: Come with us, will you?

EXERCISE 3:

Add the appropriate tag question to each statement:

1. She is a doctor, ______?

2. We should go now, ______?

3. They won't be late, ______?

4. I can borrow your book, ______?

5. It's a beautiful day, ______?

6. Nobody knows the answer, ______?

7. You've seen that movie, ______?

8. Someone will help us, ______?

9. The meeting starts at 10 AM, ______?

10. The party was fun, ______?

EXERCISE 4:

Answer the following tag questions:

1. The weather is nice, isn't it?

2. I am going, aren't I?

3. Everybody is here, aren't they?

4. It's 9 o'clock, isn't it?

5. Help me, will you?

6. She is a doctor, isn't she?

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7. We should go now, shouldn't we?

8. They won't be late, will they?

9. You've seen that movie, haven't you?

10. The meeting starts at 10 AM, doesn't it?

Wh- Questions:

Wh- questions are questions that begin with a question word (such as who, what, when,
where, why, how, etc.). They are used to gather specific information about a person, thing,
time, place, reason, or manner.

Meaning of Wh- Words:

- Who: Refers to a person or people.

- What: Refers to a thing or an action.

- When: Refers to a specific time or period.

- Where: Refers to a specific place or location.

- Why: Refers to the reason or purpose.

- How: Refers to the manner or way in which something is done.

- Which: Refers to a choice or selection among options.

Exercise 1:

Rewrite the following statements as Wh- questions:

The first one had been done for you?

1. He is going to the store. Ans: Where is he going to?

2. They bought a new car.

3. She is reading a book.

4. We went to the park yesterday.

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5. You can speak French fluently.

6. It is raining outside.

7. The concert starts at 8 PM.

8. They should start the meeting now.

9. She has visited London.

10. You were at the party, right?

EXERCISE 5:

Answer the following Wh- questions:

1. What is your favorite color?

2. Where did you go on vacation?

3. When will the movie start?

4. How did you learn to play the piano?

5. Who is your best friend?

6. Why are you late?

7. What did you have for breakfast?

8. Where can I find a good restaurant?

9. How many siblings do you have?

10. Which book did you choose?

MODAL VERBS

Modal verbs are a category of auxiliary verbs that express various levels of possibility,
necessity, ability, permission, and obligation. They are often used to modify the main verb in
a sentence and indicate the speaker's attitude towards an action or situation. Modal verbs have
specific negative forms that are used to express the opposite meaning.

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Modal verbs and their negative forms:

1. Can / Cannot (Can't):

- Can: Used to express ability or possibility.

- Cannot (Can't): Used to express inability or impossibility.

Example:

- Positive: She can swim.

- Negative: She cannot swim. / She can't swim.

2. Could / Could not (Couldn't):

- Could: Used to express past ability or possibility.

- Could not (Couldn't): Used to express past inability or impossibility.

Example:

- Positive: He could solve the problem.

- Negative: He could not solve the problem. / He couldn't solve the problem.

3. May / May not:

- May: Used to express possibility or permission.

- May not: Used to express prohibition or possibility of not happening.

Example:

- Positive: You may come in.

- Negative: You may not come in.

4. Might / Might not:

- Might: Used to express possibility or uncertainty.

- Might not: Used to express possibility of not happening.

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 Example:

- Positive: It might rain tomorrow.

- Negative: It might not rain tomorrow.

5. Must / Must not (Mustn't):

- Must: Used to express obligation or strong necessity.

- Must not (Mustn't): Used to express prohibition or strong advice against something.

Example:

- Positive: You must finish your homework.

- Negative: You must not leave the room. / You mustn't leave the room.

6. Should / Should not (Shouldn't):

- Should: Used to express advice, recommendation, or expectation.

- Should not (Shouldn't): Used to express advice against something.

Example:

- Positive: You should study for the test.

- Negative: You shouldn't eat too much junk food.

7. Ought to / Ought not to (Oughtn't to):

- Ought to: Used to express moral obligation or strong recommendation.

- Ought not to (Oughtn't to): Used to express advice against something.

Example:

- Positive: They ought to help those in need.

- Negative: They ought not to waste food. / They oughtn't to waste food.

EXERCISE 6:

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Rewrite the following sentences using the negative forms of the modal verbs:

1. She can speak French fluently.

2. We may go to the party tonight.

3. He should apologize for his behavior.

4. They could solve the problem.

5. You must finish your homework before going out.

6. I might visit my grandparents next weekend.

7. You should try the new restaurant in town.

8. He may not arrive on time for the meeting.

9. They mustn't forget to lock the door when they leave.

10. We ought to help those in need.

EXERCISE 7:

Complete the following sentences with the appropriate negative form of the modal verbs:

1. I ____________ understand what he is saying.

2. They ____________ attend the meeting tomorrow.

3. You ____________ eat too much sugar.

4. She ____________ be late for the appointment.

5. We ____________ forget to buy milk from the store.

6. He ____________ swim in deep water.

7. They ____________ waste their time on unnecessary tasks.

8. You ____________ worry too much about the future.

9. It ____________ rain later in the day.

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10. We ____________ make noise in the library.

PREPOSITIONS

Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words
in a sentence. They are used to indicate location, time, direction, manner, possession, and
more. Prepositions often come before nouns or pronouns and help give additional information
about the relationship between different elements in a sentence.

1. In: Used to show location or position within a place or time.

Example: The book is in the bag. She arrived in the morning.

2. On: Used to show location or position on a surface or time.

Example: The cup is on the table. The meeting is on Monday.

3. At: Used to show location or position at a specific point or time.

Example: He is waiting at the bus stop. The party is at 8 PM.

4. By: Used to show means of transportation, proximity, or method.

Example: We traveled by train. The park is by the river. She communicated by email.

5. For: Used to show purpose, duration, or intended recipient.

Example: This gift is for you. She studied for two hours.

6. With: Used to show association, accompaniment, or means.

Example: He went to the party with his friends. She wrote with a pen.

7. From: Used to show origin, source, or starting point.

Example: I received a gift from my parents. The train departs from the station.

8. To: Used to show direction, destination, or goal.

Example: She is going to the park. He gave the book to his friend.

9. Of: Used to show possession, origin, or material.

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 Example: The color of the car is red. The book is made of paper.

10. With: Used to show possession, association, or instrumentality.

Example: This is the house with the blue door. She painted with a brush.

These are just a few examples of common prepositions. It's important to note that
prepositions can have multiple meanings and can vary in usage depending on the context.

EXERCISE 8:

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate prepositions:

1. The cat is sitting __________ the chair.

2. We are going to the beach __________ the weekend.

3. The keys are __________ the table.

4. He traveled __________ plane to Europe.

5. She is going __________ the store to buy groceries.

6. The gift is __________ you.

7. The book is made __________ paper.

8. The car is parked __________ the garage.

9. They arrived __________ the party together.

10. The meeting is scheduled __________ 9 AM.

EXERCISE 9:

Rewrite the following sentences, filling the spaces with appropriate prepositions:

1. The book is ............. the shelf.

2. He ran ………. the park.

3. The pen is ……. my hand.

4. The cat is ……… the table.

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5. She walked ………. the beach.

6. The keys are ……… the door.

7. They traveled ……… car.

8. The dog is ……… the backyard.

9. The picture is ………. the fireplace.

10. The train departs ……….. the station.

Apologizing

An apology is a formal statement or expression of regret or remorse for a wrongdoing or

mistake. It is a way to acknowledge and take responsibility for one's actions and the impact
they had on others. Apologies can be verbal or written and are meant to show sincere remorse
and a willingness to make amends.

When it comes to grammar, there are a few key points to keep in mind when apologizing:

1. Use the appropriate verb: The most common verb used when apologizing is "apologize." It
can be used in different forms depending on the context:

- I apologize: This is a simple statement expressing regret.

- I am sorry: This is a more informal way to apologize.

- I would like to apologize: This is a more formal and polite way to apologize.

2. Use modal verbs to convey sincerity: Modal verbs such as "will," "can," or "would" can be
used to express sincerity and a willingness to make amends: - I will apologize: This shows a
commitment to apologize and make things right.

- I can apologize: This implies that you have the ability and intention to apologize.

- I would like to apologize: This expresses a desire to apologize and make amends.

3. Use appropriate pronouns and possessive adjectives:

- Use "I" or "we" to take responsibility for your actions.

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 - Use "you" to address the person you are apologizing to.

- Use possessive adjectives like "my" or "our" to show ownership and responsibility for
your actions.

4. Use the appropriate tense: Apologies can be expressed in different tenses depending on the
situation:

- Present tense: "I apologize for my mistake."

- Past tense: "I am sorry for what I did."

- Future tense: "I will apologize for my actions."

5. Use adverbs and adjectives to express the degree of remorse:

- Use adverbs like "sincerely," "deeply," or "truly" to emphasize the sincerity of your
apology.

- Use adjectives like "regretful," "remorseful," or "sorry" to convey the level of remorse.

Example sentences:

1. I apologize for my behavior at the party last night.

2. I am truly sorry for the inconvenience I caused you.

3. We would like to apologize for the misunderstanding.

4. I deeply regret my actions and the pain they caused.

5. I want to apologize for any harm I may have caused.

Synonyms and Antonyms:

Synonyms are words that have similar meanings, while antonyms are words with opposite
meanings. Understanding synonyms and antonyms can help enhance your vocabulary and
improve your language skills. Here are some notes, definitions, examples, and exercises to
practice using synonyms and antonyms:

Notes:

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1. Synonyms can be used to add variety and richness to your writing or speech.

2. Antonyms can be used to express contrasting ideas or to emphasize differences.

3. Context is crucial when choosing the appropriate synonym or antonym.

Synonyms:

1. Synonyms are words that have the same or similar meanings.

2. They can be used interchangeably in most contexts.

3. Synonyms can vary in intensity, formality, or connotation.

Antonyms:

1. Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings.

2. They can be used to express contrast, contradiction, or opposition.

3. Antonyms can be classified as gradable (having varying degrees) or complementary

(complete opposites).

Examples:

Synonyms:

1. Happy - Joyful, delighted, content, pleased

2. Big - Large, huge, enormous, gigantic

3. Brave - Courageous, fearless, valiant, bold

4. Begin - Start, commence, initiate, launch

5. Intelligent - Smart, clever, brilliant, knowledgeable

Antonyms:

1. Hot - Cold, cool, chilly, freezing

2. Love - Hate, dislike, detest, loathe

3. Easy - Difficult, challenging, hard, complicated

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4. Beautiful - Ugly, unattractive, plain, hideous

5. Buy - Sell, trade, barter, exchange

Exercise

1. Choose the appropriate synonym to complete the sentence:

"She looked gorgeous in her new dress."

a) beautiful

b) ugly

c) plain

d) unattractive

2. Choose the appropriate antonym to complete the sentence:

"He was to willing admit his mistake."

a) brave

b) courageous

c) fearless

d) unwilling

3. Rewrite the following sentence using synonyms:

"I am very happy with my test results."

4. Rewrite the following sentence using antonyms:

"The journey was easy and straightforward."

Formal Letters

Formal letters are written communications that follow a specific structure and tone, typically
used for professional or official purposes. They are often used for business correspondence,

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job applications, complaints, inquiries, or formal invitations. Here is an overview of the
definitions, forms, parts, explanations, and a sample letter of a formal letter:

Parts of a Formal Letter:

1. Sender's Address: The sender's address is typically placed at the top left corner of the
letter.

2. Date: The date is written below the sender's address, aligned with the left margin.

3. Recipient's Address: The recipient's address is written below the date, aligned with the left
margin.

4. Salutation: The salutation is the formal greeting used to address the recipient, such as
"Dear Mr. Smith" , Dear Sir, or "To whom it may concern."

5. Body: The body of the letter contains the main message or purpose of the communication.
It is usually divided into paragraphs and written in a concise and clear manner.

6. Closing: The closing is a formal ending to the letter, such as "Sincerely" or "Yours
faithfully."

7. Signature: The sender's signature is placed below the closing, followed by their printed
name and job title (if applicable).

Assignment

After the publication of results for English 151, you noticed that your marks were wrongly
recoded. Write a letter to your course instructor, pleading on him to rectify this problem.

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