Reference Word

BEL 120 - REFERENCE WORDS

TUESDAY, 12.7.2011 - Contextual References 

are words which substitute for other words (to avoid using the same word over and over).They refer back towords that have been used. Also they may refer forward to ideas that will be stated. Contextual referrence is being able to recognize and identify contextual references and will help you understand the passage you are reading.You must pay attention to reference words when they occur in the text you are reading.You can find the meaning of references by searching the text and using your common sense and knowledge of the text.

Pronouns as Reference Words

The classical example of a reference word is the simple pronoun, as in example 1 above, where the pronoun she refers to Germany three times.

Pronouns are somewhat limited in that they may refer only to items within the same paragraph in which they appear. Moreover, they contain only a bare minimum of information and, if writers are not careful to place them close enough to their antecedents, their reference will not be clear to readers.

A second kind of pronoun reference word, which appears twice in the paragraph above, is the "reflexive," which ends in -self or -selves. Reflexives are even more limited in that they refer to a word within the same sentence.

In example 3, the reflexive herself shows an abrupt focusing of attention on the wordGermany, meaning that now Germany (and not the other countries) was suffering severe losses. In spoken English, the same effect could be achieved by simply stressing the word with one's voice.

A more frequent use of reflexive pronouns is to show that the subject of a sentence performs an action on itself, as in example 6, where the reflexive pronoun themselves refers to the wordpeople.

Noun Phrases as Reference Words

A "noun phrase" is simply a noun including any modifier such as an "adjective" or an "article." For example, people, the people, and the friendly people are all noun phrases. In contrast to pronouns, noun phrase reference words can carry more precise information, making it easier for the reader to follow them. As such, they may jump one or two paragraph boundaries to find their antecedents.

The most frequent noun phrase reference words are general words and "superordinates" that refer to more specific items in the text, as in the examples below:

Example 2: the continent refers to Europe.

Example 4: losses refers to Allied bombing raids and the destruction of German cities, farms, industries, and transportation systems.

Example 5: these essentials refers to food, water, and fuel.

Example 7: damage refers to bombing raids destroying 70% of Berlin and leaving it in ruins.

Example 9: the city refers to Berlin.

Example 11: vermin refers to rats, fleas, and roaches.

Example 12: conditions refers to the information in the whole bottom half of the paragraph.

Other Parts of Speech as Reference Words
The remaining reference words in the example paragraph above are the following:

Example 8: The "possessive adjective" its refers to the wordBerlin (or more accurately, its possessive form Berlin's).

Example 10: The short "locational adverb" there stands for in Berlin.

Example 12: The possessive adjective their stands for the possessive form of the word people(people's).

Reference words can be other parts of speech, idioms, and phrases, as well. You will come across more examples of them in other sections of this module.

http://www.rit.edu/~w-sea/referencewords/refw01intro.html

Main Idea...8 July 2011_Friday

Hye..Thank you very much for taking the time to read my blog:)..As you know,I will share about what I learn in my Bel 120 class..Today,I would like to share to you about a main idea..What is main idea? For those who do not know ,I will explain this to you all what is main idea..
               

Main Idea

This is the most important reading strategy you will ever learn

ž The main idea is the key thought or idea in a reading passage.

ž It’s what the author wants you to understand and remember most.

Finding Main Ideas in Passages

l  The main idea of a passage is the thought that is present from the beginning to the end.

l  In finding the main idea, ask yourself these:

–       What idea is common to most of the text?

–       What is the idea that relates the parts to the whole?

–       What opinion do all the parts support?

Finding Main Ideas

Paragraphs usually have 2 types of sentences:

l     ------a topic sentence, which contains the main idea, and

l     ------one or more detail sentences which support, prove, provide more information, explain, or give examples.

http://testprep.about.com/od/tipsfortesting/a/Main_Idea.htm

http://www.scribd.com/doc/17691757/How-to-Identify-Main-Id

       After Miss Zue explained this to us,she gave a exercise that is pairing up a group consisting of 4 

        people..The exercise are we were watching a video.After that,we must find the main idea for that video..Interesting right?.Let me show one of the video and hope you all find the main idea for this video ..

What is the main idea?did you find the right main idea.Let me show the answer...

There are many tricks of cockroaches to impose ogy..

That is a main idea for this video..simple right the answer..

I hope I have given you all a good knowledge to improve our reading skills..

Blood Donation Musical.. 28 June 2011_Tuesday

Hello…I want to share what I have learn on this class.. Actually, this class I entered  it been 2 week ago ..I don’t have any idea to write in my blog..hee  However,I must share what I learn to you all..Firstly.Miss Zu want  we all sit at our previous group.. After that, she called the leader  from  each group to came infront.. They must choose a newspaper that contain a topic..Miss Zu insist we all to create a story about a topic given. But,this task most difficult because we must sing..This like High school musical.hee  My group get a topic of blood donation.. After half an hour discuss in group ,group one present their story..My group is the last group present..Let me told what we have done about blood donation ..We act like this situation was at shopping complex..opss,I forgot to introduce the character of my friend and me..Faiq as Dr ,Nur and me as a nurse,sue,linda and sam as a patient..let me start..Su,Linda and Sam went to the shopping complex for shopping.They also sing a price tag song..Hence, me and Nur saw they all and invite them to take part of blood donation. I sing a avril lavigne song..After that ,Su wanted to join for blood donation and other friend agree too because Sam see  faiq as Dr DAfi.huhu Next,I sing the barney song but I change the lyrics..We also sing many song that releated to our topic..We end our show with sing a twinkle2 song.. We got a big hand from audience.. We proud and happy..I think this activity is interesting and fun..That all from me..

Topic sentences...30 June 2011

Topic Sentence Essentials

Complete Sentence

        There are several things you need to
        remember when  writing topic sentences. 
        The first is that topic  sentences are 
        always complete sentences.

Topic Sentence Essentials

       A topic sentence contains the topic of the paragraph and a controlling idea.  The controlling idea limits the topic to something very specific.

Supporting Sentences

Definition

     Every paragraph has sentences that relate to the ideas in the topic sentence.  These sentences are called supporting sentences. Look at the supporting sentences on the next page to see how the writer provided more information on the subject in the topic sentence

http://www.writingcentre.uottawa.ca/hypergrammar/partopic.html

Introduction Of an essay....23 Jun 2011_Thursday

On that day,I learn about Introduction of an essay..Miss zu explained and gave me exercise..Let me share what the Introductory paragraph...

The Parts of the Introductory Paragraph

n  The Hook - Designed to grab attention immediately and give some indication about the essay’s topic

n  The Transition - Moves the reader from the hook to the driving force of the essay….

The Thesis - Makes the contract with the reader about what will be discussed without a blatant         announcement

Types of Hooks

1. Personal examples

2. Quotations

3. Facts or statistics

4. Rhetorical questions

5. Current events

6. Contrast to the thesis statement

7. Definition

Personal Examples

n  Provides strong, dramatic incidents to use. Honesty in expressing thoughts and feelings will ring true with the reader. While you can make up the personal experience, be careful that it sounds credible.

n  Personal observation -  different from a personal example, an observation is something you saw happening.

Using Quotations

n  Content of quote should be:

q  Dramatic

q  Emotionally appealing

q  Surprising

q  Humorous

n  Quote does not have to be from a famous person

n  Must be relevant to thesis statement

Using Facts or Statistics

n  Must be startling or unusual

n  Must be from a credible source

n  Use journal as a place to record both quotes and facts or statistics that might work for an introduction

Using Rhetorical Questions
Example 1:  

n   Why is it that we continue to take Mother Nature for granted? Do we really need a catastrophe to occur before we actually stop our errant ways? Research has shown that global warming in now at a very dangerous level. If environmental pollution continues to go unchecked, it may not be long before disaster actually strikes. Hence, it is high time that we did something to stop global warming by cutting down on the use of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), reducing the number of cars on the road and protecting our green lungs.  

Using Current Events

n  Must be recent

n  Must be important

n  Should be made public by newspapers, television, or radio

Using Contrast to the Thesis Statement

n  In direct contrast to the thesis statement

n  It’s fun to prove an expert wrong

            Using Definition
             Example: 

n  Haemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen and stretched-out veins which line the upper part of the anal canal and lower rectum. The first symptom is usually bleeding. If the haemorrhoids become larger and bleed during a bowel movement, they generally protrude through the anal canal and are visible as a lump. In this case, they are called ‘prolapsed’. External haemorrhoids is a condition in which a small blood vessel burst just under the surface of the skin at the opening of the anal canal. Regardless of type, haemorrhoids cause distress and embarrassment. They hurt, burn, itch, irritate the anal are, and often, bleed. To save ourselves from all this pain, it is good for us to know the factors which contribute to haemorrhoids and ways to avoid them    

Pronouns...24 June 2011

hello...what is pronouns?? did do you know that? Let me share what I learn about pronouns..

What is a Pronoun?

A pronoun can replace a noun or another pronoun. You use pronouns like "he," "which," "none," and "you" to make your sentences less cumbersome and less repetitive.

Grammarians classify pronouns into several types, including the personal pronoun, the demonstrative pronoun, the interrogative pronoun, the indefinite pronoun, the relative pronoun, the reflexive pronoun, and the intensive pronoun.

Personal Pronouns

A personal pronoun refers to a specific person or thing and changes its form to indicate person, number, gender, and case.

Subjective Personal Pronouns

A subjective personal pronoun indicates that the pronoun is acting as thesubject of the sentence. The subjective personal pronouns are "I," "you," "she," "he," "it," "we," "you," "they."

In the following sentences, each of the highlighted words is a subjective personal pronoun and acts as the subject of the sentence:

I was glad to find the bus pass in the bottom of the green knapsack.

You are surely the strangest child I have ever met.

He stole the selkie's skin and forced her to live with him.

When she was a young woman, she earned her living as a coal miner.

After many years, they returned to their homeland.

We will meet at the library at 3:30 p.m.

It is on the counter.

Are you the delegates from Malagawatch?

Objective Personal Pronouns

An objective personal pronoun indicates that the pronoun is acting as anobject of a verb, compound verb, preposition, or infinitive phrase. The objective personal pronouns are: "me," "you," "her," "him," "it," "us," "you," and "them."

In the following sentences, each of the highlighted words is an objective personal pronoun:

Seamus stole the selkie's skin and forced her to live with him.

The objective personal pronoun "her" is the direct object of the verb "forced" and the objective personal pronoun "him" is the object of the preposition "with."

After reading the pamphlet, Judy threw it into the garbage can.

The pronoun "it" is the direct object of the verb "threw."

The agitated assistant stood up and faced the angry delegates and said, "Our leader will address you in five minutes."

In this sentence, the pronoun "you" is the direct object of the verb "address."

Deborah and Roberta will meet us at the newest café in the market.

Here the objective personal pronoun "us" is the direct object of the compound verb "will meet."

Give the list to me.

Here the objective personal pronoun "me" is the object of the preposition "to."

I'm not sure that my contact will talk to you.

Similarly in this example, the objective personal pronoun "you" is the object of the preposition "to."

Christopher was surprised to see her at the drag races.

Here the objective personal pronoun "her" is the object of the infinitive phrase "to see."

Possessive Personal Pronouns

A possessive pronoun indicates that the pronoun is acting as a marker of possession and defines who owns a particular object or person. The possessive personal pronouns are "mine," "yours," "hers," "his," "its," "ours," and "theirs." Note that possessive personal pronouns are very similar to possessive adjectives like "my," "her," and "their."

In each of the following sentences, the highlighted word is a possessive personal pronoun:

The smallest gift is mine.

Here the possessive pronoun "mine" functions as a subject complement.

This is yours.

Here too the possessive pronoun "yours" functions as a subject complement.

His is on the kitchen counter.

In this example, the possessive pronoun "his" acts as the subject of the sentence.

Theirs will be delivered tomorrow.

In this sentence, the possessive pronoun "theirs" is the subject of the sentence.

Ours is the green one on the corner.

Here too the possessive pronoun "ours" function as the subject of the sentence.

Demonstrative Pronouns

A demonstrative pronoun points to and identifies a noun or a pronoun. "This" and "these" refer to things that are nearby either in space or in time, while "that" and "those" refer to things that are farther away in space or time.

The demonstrative pronouns are "this," "that," "these," and "those." "This" and "that" are used to refer to singular nouns or noun phrases and "these" and "those" are used to refer to plural nouns and noun phrases. Note that the demonstrative pronouns are identical to demonstrative adjectives, though, obviously, you use them differently. It is also important to note that "that" can also be used as a relative pronoun.

In the following sentences, each of the highlighted words is a demonstrative pronoun:

This must not continue.

Here "this" is used as the subject of the compound verb "must not continue."

This is puny; that is the tree I want.

In this example "this" is used as subject and refers to something close to the speaker. The demonstrative pronoun "that" is also a subject but refers to something farther away from the speaker.

Three customers wanted these.

Here "these" is the direct object of the verb "wanted."

Interrogative Pronouns

An interrogative pronoun is used to ask questions. The interrogative pronouns are "who," "whom," "which," "what" and the compounds formed with the suffix "ever" ("whoever," "whomever," "whichever," and "whatever"). Note that either "which" or "what" can also be used as an interrogative adjective, and that "who," "whom," or "which" can also be used as a relative pronoun.

You will find "who," "whom," and occasionally "which" used to refer to people, and "which" and "what" used to refer to things and to animals.

"Who" acts as the subject of a verb, while "whom" acts as the object of a verb, preposition, or a verbal.

The highlighted word in each of the following sentences is an interrogative pronoun:

Which wants to see the dentist first?

"Which" is the subject of the sentence.

Who wrote the novel Rockbound?

Similarly "who" is the subject of the sentence.

Whom do you think we should invite?

In this sentence, "whom" is the object of the verb "invite."

To whom do you wish to speak?

Here the interrogative pronoun "whom " is the object of the preposition "to."

Who will meet the delegates at the train station?

In this sentence, the interrogative pronoun "who" is the subject of the compound verb "will meet."

To whom did you give the paper?

In this example the interrogative pronoun "whom" is the object of the preposition "to."

What did she say?

Here the interrogative pronoun "what" is the direct object of the verb "say."

Relative Pronouns

You can use a relative pronoun is used to link one phrase or clause to another phrase or clause. The relative pronouns are "who," "whom," "that," and "which." The compounds "whoever," "whomever," and "whichever" are also relative pronouns.

You can use the relative pronouns "who" and "whoever" to refer to the subject of a clause or sentence, and "whom" and "whomever" to refer to the objects of a verb, a verbal or a preposition.

In each of the following sentences, the highlighted word is a relative pronoun.

You may invite whomever you like to the party.

The relative pronoun "whomever" is the direct object of the compound verb "may invite."

The candidate who wins the greatest popular vote is not always elected.

In this sentence, the relative pronoun is the subject of the verb "wins" and introduces the subordinate clause "who wins the greatest popular vote." This subordinate clause acts as an adjective modifying "candidate."

In a time of crisis, the manager asks the workers whom she believes to be the most efficient to arrive an hour earlier than usual.

In this sentence "whom" is the direct object of the verb "believes" and introduces the subordinate clause "whom she believes to be the most efficient". This subordinate clause modifies the noun "workers."

Whoever broke the window will have to replace it.

Here "whoever" functions as the subject of the verb "broke."

The crate which was left in the corridor has now been moved into the storage closet.

In this example "which" acts as the subject of the compound verb "was left" and introduces the subordinate clause "which was left in the corridor." The subordinate clause acts as an adjective modifying the noun "crate."

I will read whichever manuscript arrives first.

Here "whichever" modifies the noun "manuscript" and introduces the subordinate clause "whichever manuscript arrives first." The subordinate clause functions as the direct object of the compound verb "will read."

Indefinite Pronouns

An indefinite pronoun is a pronoun referring to an identifiable but not specified person or thing. An indefinite pronoun conveys the idea of all, any, none, or some.

The most common indefinite pronouns are "all," "another," "any," "anybody," "anyone," "anything," "each," "everybody," "everyone," "everything," "few," "many," "nobody," "none," "one," "several," "some," "somebody," and "someone." Note that some indefinite pronouns can also be used as indefinite adjectives.

The highlighted words in the following sentences are indefinite pronouns:

Many were invited to the lunch but only twelve showed up.

Here "many" acts as the subject of the compound verb "were invited."

The office had been searched and everything was thrown onto the floor.

In this example, "everything" acts as a subject of the compound verb "was thrown."

We donated everything we found in the attic to the woman's shelter garage sale.

In this sentence, "everything" is the direct object of theverb "donated."

Although they looked everywhere for extra copies of the magazine, they found none.

Here too the indefinite pronoun functions as a direct object: "none" is the direct object of "found."

Make sure you give everyone a copy of the amended bylaws.

In this example, "everyone" is the indirect object of the verb "give" -- the direct object is the noun phrase "a copy of the amended bylaws."

Give a registration package to each.

Here "each" is the object of the preposition "to."

Reflexive Pronouns

You can use a reflexive pronoun to refer back to the subject of the clause or sentence.

The reflexive pronouns are "myself," "yourself," "herself," "himself," "itself," "ourselves," "yourselves," and "themselves." Note each of these can also act as an intensive pronoun.

Each of the highlighted words in the following sentences is a reflexive pronoun:

Diabetics give themselves insulin shots several times a day.

The Dean often does the photocopying herself so that the secretaries can do more important work.

After the party, I asked myself why I had faxed invitations to everyone in my office building.

Richard usually remembered to send a copy of his e-mail to himself.

Although the landlord promised to paint the apartment, we ended up doing it ourselves.

Intensive Pronouns

An intensive pronoun is a pronoun used to emphasise its antecedent. Intensive pronouns are identical in form to reflexive pronouns.

The highlighted words in the following sentences are intensive pronouns:

I myself believe that aliens should abduct my sister.

The Prime Minister himself said that he would lower taxes.

They themselves promised to come to the party even though they had a final exam at the same time.

That all from me..I hope you all will apply this to your essay:)