LANGUAGE UNIT, GENERAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT POLITEKNIK KOTA KINABALU COMMUNICATIVE ENGLISH 2 FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY DARSINAH PEDRO NOOR HERLINA LEE
COMMUNICATIVE ENGLISH 2 DARSINAH PEDRO NOOR HERLINA LEE
PUBLISHED BY: POLITEKNIK KOTA KINABALU NO.4, JALAN POLITEKNIK, KKIP BARAT, KOTA KINABALU INDUSTRIAL PARK, 88460, KOTA KINABALU, SABAH TEL : 088-401800 FAX : 088-499960 WEBSITE : HTTPS://POLIKK.MYPOLYCC.EDU.MY © POLITEKNIK KOTA KINABALU FIRST EDITION, 2021 ALL RIGHT RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY MEANS ELECTRONIC, MECHANICAL, PHOTOCOPY, RECORDING OR ANY INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM, WITHOUT PERMISSION IN WRITING FROM POLITEKNIK KOTA KINABALU. COMMUNICATIVE ENGLISH 2
PREFACE This book is the result of two very different journeys. It has been 3 years since DUE3012 Communicative English 2 was first published. This edition of Unit 1 DUE30022 is revised and greatly expanded, especially where texts, example sentences, exercises and pictures are concerned. This book also introduces basic concepts of grammar in a simpler way which is to engage its users in their daily conversation as well as comprehending text and messages. The book is written specially for diploma polytechnic students and structured for a semester course. It provides exercises and also a sample of the assessment papers. Darsinah Pedro Noor Herlina Lee Language Unit General Studies Department Politeknik Kota Kinabalu
CONTENTS PREFACE UNIT 1 PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Introduction 1.1 Describe products or services 1.1.1 Discuss the features, characteristics and functions of a product or service 1.1.2 Describe the types and functions of products or services 1.1.3 Differentiate features, characteristics and functions of products or services 1.1.4 Ask for clarifications on products or services 1.1.5 Make clarifications on products or services 1.1.6 Understand audiences’ needs and expectations 1.1.7 Present a product or service in pairs/groups by identifying values that appeal and proposing solutions 1.1.8 Use verbal and non-verbal communication skills
INTRODUCTION A service is a system or organization that is responsible to provide needs for the public. These can be services that are provided to the customer, like restaurants and supermarkets. Services or ideas are intangible. A product is something produced by human or machine. It can be any item, service, or idea that can be marketed. A tangible product is a physical object that can be seen or touch such as a building, vehicle or gadget. 1
1.1 Describe products or services 1.1.1 Discuss the features, characteristics and functions of a product or service When describing a product or service we need to identify its features, characteristics and functions. FEATURES: A typical/distinctive attribute or an important/noticeable part of something. E.g: The restaurant features a cashier, order management, staff management, and table management. CHARACTERISTIC: A particular quality that is typical of someone or something. The main/defining/distinguishing characteristic. E.g: The trustworthy cashier, smart menu planning, owners involvement, guest experience. FUNCTIONS: The special purpose or activity for which a thing exists or is used, the job or duty of a person and the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used. E.g: Beyond the basic purpose of restaurants is to provide food and drink, restaurants have, historically, fulfilled a human need for connection and shaped social relations. REMEMBER!! When describing a product or service, it is easier to FIRST identify the features. 2
Label the logos according to products or services. Write "P" for Product and "S" for service. 3
1.1.2 Describe the types and functions of products or services Order of Adjectives When more than one adjective comes before a noun, the adjectives are normally in a particular order. 4
Before the adjectives you will normally have the determiner. "determiner" : The determiner tells us if the noun is singular or plural, definite or indefinite. E.g: a,an, the, my, your, those, his..etc Opinion: Explains what we think about something. This is usually our opinion,attitude or observations. E.g: beautiful, boring, stupid, delicious, useful..etc Size: Tells us how big or small something is. E.g: big, smallm tall, huge..etc Age: Tells us how old someone/something is. E.g: old, new, ancient, antique...etc Shape/Weight/Length: Tells us about the shape of something/how long/short it is. E.g: round, long, skinny, heavy..etc 4
Condition: Tells us the general condition or state of something. E.g: broken, cold, hot, dry, dirty..etc Colour: Tells us the colour. E.g: Magenta, Neon, blue, red...etc Origin: Tells us where something is from. E.g: American, Japanese, Indian..etc Material: What is the thing made of or constructed of? E.g: gold, wooden, paper, cotton..etc Purpose: What is it for? These adjectives often end in -ing. E.g: sleeping(bag), gardening(glove)..etc 5
delicious comfortable friendly intelligent silly tasty uncomfortable clever big French green Japanese old red small young General 1.......................... 2.......................... 3.......................... 4.......................... 5.......................... 6.......................... 7.......................... 8........................... Specific 1.......................... 2.......................... 3.......................... 4.......................... 5.......................... 6.......................... 7.......................... 8.......................... Descriptive 1............................. 2............................. 3............................. 4............................. 5............................. 6............................. 7............................. 8............................. Grammar reference: Order of adjectives Put the adjectives into the correct group. Awful bad beautiful good horrible lovely nasty nice 6
Two adjectives We often have two adjectives in front of a noun: a handsome young man a big black car that horrible big dog Some adjectives give a general opinion. We can use these adjectives to describe almost any noun. Nice Beautiful Brilliant Excellent Awful Important Wonderful Nasty He's a good/wonderful/brilliant/dreadful friend. That's a good/wonderful/brilliant/dreadful book. It's a good/wonderful/brilliant/dreadful sight. t Good Bad Lovely Strange 7
We usually put a general opinion in front of a specific opinion: nice tasty soup a nasty uncomfortable armchair a lovely intelligent animal We usually put an opinion adjective in front of a descriptive adjective: a nice red dress a silly old man those horrible yellow curtains Food delicious tasty Some adjectives give a specific opinion. We only use these adjectives to describe particular kinds of noun, for example: Furniture, buildings comfortable uncomfortable People, animals clever intelligent friendly 8
1.1.3 Differentiate features, characteristics and functions of products and services. 1.Features PRODUCTS It is physical and it is also tangible. This implies that a product can be held, it can be seen, felt or smelled. Example: A MacBook pro has the following features: Retina Display Keyboard Battery life Camera 9
1.1.3 Differentiate features, characteristics and functions of products and services. 2. Characteristics PRODUCTS Shape Size Colour Strength Appearance Height Weight Thickness Diameter Volume Example: A MacBook pro Features: Camera Characteristics: 720p FaceTime HD 10
1.1.3 Differentiate features, characteristics and functions of products and services. 3. Function PRODUCTS The purpose for which something is designed or exists; role. For example: A MacBook pro Features: Camera Characteristics: 720p FaceTime HD Function: To capture and record video. It functions as a webcam, digital camera, and snapping still images 11
1.1.3 Differentiate features, characteristics and functions of products and services. A service is work done by another person for another individual. It is intangible. For instance, a person will visit a restaurant to have the desired services performed by other people while they relax on their tables. Education is another good example of a service provided to students by teachers/lecturers. SERVICES 12
1.1.3 Differentiate features, characteristics and functions of products and services. Four characteristics of service are: Intangibility- It means that services cannot be seen, tasted, felt, heard, or smelled before they are bought. For example: A bank must plan strategic plan to provide quick and efficient service. Inseparability- services are generated and consumed simultaneously and cannot be separated from their providers, whether they are people or machines. For example: a company selling ironing services also iron the clothes for you. Variability – It means that quality may vary greatly, depending on who provides them and when, where, and how they are provided. For example: Sutera Harbour Resort has a reputation for providing better service than others. Perishability - Services cannot be stored for later sale or use. For example: A GSC movie ticket at 10am cannot be used for watching a movie at 8pm. 13
Task/ exercise 1) In group, discuss and identify the features and function of the product as shown below. Product: __________________ Feature 1:...................................................................................... Characteristic:.............................................................................. ........................................................................................................ Function:....................................................................................... ........................................................................................................ Feature 2: ..................................................................................... Characteristic:.............................................................................. ........................................................................................................ Function:....................................................................................... ........................................................................................................ 14
Task/ exercise 2) In group, discuss and identify the features and function of the service as shown below. Feature 1: Coffee machine Characteristic: An electric countertop appliance It consists of a hot plate, a carafe or glass coffee pot, filter basket, and water reservoir. Function: To brew coffee automatically Feature 2: Barista C h a r a c t e r i s t i c : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Function: ......................................................................................... 15
Task/ exercise 2) In group, discuss and identify the features and function of the service as shown below. Feature 3: ......................... Characteristic: ......................................................................................... ......................................................................................... ......................................................................................... Function: ......................................................................................... Feature 4: ........................... Characteristic: ......................................................................................... ......................................................................................... ......................................................................................... Function: ......................................................................................... 16
When you ask someone for clarification, you are asking them to say something in a different way or provide more information so that you understand them better. This is different from asking a person to repeat something. These are some common expressions to ask for clarification. What do you mean by that? Can you give us an example? Could you give us an example? Could you be more specific? Could you elaborate on that? These are some expressions to indicate that you didn’t understand I don’t understand what you mean I am not sure what you mean I didn’t get it I didn’t catch that 1.1.4 Ask for clarifications on products or services 17
Ask for clarifications on products or services: When you ask someone for clarification, you are asking them to say something in a different way or provide more information so that you understand them better. This is different from asking a person to repeat something. The person might not have explained themselves clearly, for example. Or maybe they used difficult language. Or maybe you think you know what the person means but want to make sure that you are correct. Here are some useful expression which can be used in the following situations: 1.1.4 Ask for clarifications on products or services 18
An explanation or more details that makes something clear or easier to understand. Here are some useful expression which can be used in the following situations: 1.1.5 Make clarifications on products or services Task/ Exercise Now, you try it! Choose any of the situations below. Situation 1 You are in a bank and you want to open a new account. The bank representative is describing the different types of accounts and telling you about online banking. You are not sure you understand his explanation of online banking. Express your lack of understanding and ask for clarification. Situation 2 You missed an important assignment in one of your classes. Your lecturer is telling you about things you can do to improve your grade. But she is not giving a lot of detail and hasn’t said how much each thing will raise your grade. Ask her for more information. 19
1.1.6 Understand audiences' needs and expectations Understanding audiences’ needs and expectations are important to win their attention to your presentation. Audiences’ expectation refers to the wants and needs of the people you want to attract audiences to listen to your products and services presentation. Your presentation should be based largely on audience expectation, which means that you communicate the qualities that make your products and services attractive to your targeted audience. Ways to meet you audiences’ need and expectations. 1. Get To Know Your Audience. The first step in meeting audiences’ expectations is simply establishing a clear picture of who, exactly, your audience is. 2. Look for New Ways to Meet Audiences’ Needs. They want a presenter who understands them — someone who not only understands who they are on the outside, but who has insight into their beliefs, attitudes and opinions. They want the information for their presentation to be tailored to their specific needs and interests. 3. Get to the point as soon as possible. Audiences want presenters to get to the point as soon as possible. They want to know how they should apply the information (informative presentation) or take action on it (persuasive presentation) early in the process. In order for them to choose the best product or services. 20
4. Presenter needs to be well prepared. They will want the speaker to be well prepared. Audiences will want visuals that are clear, concise and of a high quality. One message/ feature/ characteristic of a product or services per visual aid, for example, on a slide there should only be one key point. 5. Q & A session Q & A sessions give audiences the opportunity to find out more about a product or servcie. When presentations are interactive, members of the audience are significantly more likely to pay attention, to stay engaged, and to stay tuned in. 21
1.1.7 Present a product or service in pairs/ groups by identifying values that appeal and proposing solutions Look at the picture and answer the questions. Discuss in group. 1. Who is in the picture? 2. In your opinion, what are they discussing? 3. As a friend, which one would you advice to subscribe and why? 4. In groups, identify values that you can get from the picture? 5. In groups, discuss how to propose solution to a problem? 22
1.1.8 Use verbal and non-verbal communication skills Verbal communication is the use of words to convey a message. Some forms of verbal communication are written and oral communication. Nonverbal communication is the use of body language to convey a message. One main form of nonverbal communication is body language. Identify which of the following are examples verbal and non- verbal communication skills. 23
Non- Verbal Activity 1: Wordless Acting 1.Separate students into groups of two. One student in each group will perform the role of Student A, and one will perform as Student B. 2. 3.Give each student a copy of the script below. Student A will read his/her lines out loud, but student B will communicate his/her lines in a nonverbal manner. 4. Provide student B with a secret emotional distraction that is written on a piece of paper. For example, student B may be in a rush, may be really bored, or may be feeling guilty. 5. After the dialogue, ask each student A to guess what emotion was affecting their partner, student B. 6. Dialogue: Student A: Have you seen my book? I can’t remember where I put it. Student B: Which one? Student A: The murder mystery. The one you borrowed. Student B: Is this it? Student A: No. It’s the one you borrowed. Student B. I did not! Student A: Maybe it’s under the chair. Can you look? Student B: OK--just give me a minute. Student A: How long are you going to be? Student B: Geez, why so impatient? I hate when you get bossy. Student A: Forget it. I’ll find it myself. Student B: Wait—I found it! 24
Non-verbal Activity 2: Silent Movie Divide students into two or more groups. For the first half of the class, some students will be screenwriters and other students will be actors. Roles will switch for the second half. The screenwriter students will write a silent movie scene, with the following directions in mind: Silent movies tell a story without words. It is important to start the scene with a person doing an obvious task, like cleaning the house or rowing a boat. 1. This scene is interrupted when a second actor (or several actors) enters the scene. The appearance of the new actor/s has a big impact. Remember that the new characters could be animals, burglars, children, salesmen, etc. 2. 3. A physical commotion takes place. 4. The problem is resolved. 5. The acting groups will perform the script(s) 6. while the rest of the class sits back and enjoys the show. After each silent movie, the audience should guess the story, including the conflict and resolution. 7. 25
Simple Present tense The simple present tense is one of several forms of present tense in English. It is used to describe habits, unchanging situations, general truths, and fixed arrangements. The simple present tense is simple to form. Just use the base form of the verb: (I take, you take, we take, they take) The 3rd person singular takes an -s at the end. (he takes, she takes) The simple present tense is used: To express habits, general truths, repeated actions or unchanging situations, emotions and wishes: I smoke (habit); I work in London (unchanging situation); London is a large city (general truth) To give instructions or directions: You walk for two hundred meters, then you turn left. To express fixed arrangements, present or future: Your exam starts at 09.00 To express future time, after some conjunctions: after, when, before, as soon as, until: He'll give it to you when you come next Saturday. Be careful! The simple present is not used to express actions happening now. Remember: When describing types and function, you will need to use simple present tense 25
Examples For habits He drinks tea at breakfast. She only eats fish. They watch television regularly. For repeated actions or events We catch the bus every morning. It rains every afternoon in the hot season. They drive to Monaco every summer. For general truths Water freezes at zero degrees. The Earth revolves around the Sun. Her mother is Peruvian. For instructions or directions Open the packet and pour the contents into hot water. You take the No.6 bus to Kelombong and then the No.10 to Tuaran. For fixed arrangements His mother arrives tomorrow. Our holiday starts on the 26th March With future constructions She'll see you before she leaves. We'll give it to her when she arrives. 25
Exercise ( Simple Present Tense) Complete the following sentences using the appropriate simple present tense form of the verb given in the brackets. In the case of questions, use the indicated subject as well. 1. He …………………… (work) best in the evening. 2. The train ……………………. (arrive) at 4.15. 3. How often …………………….. (you / visit) your grandparents? 4. She …………………….. (be) from Malaysia. 5. James ……………………. (not smoke). 6. How often ……………………. (he / go) to the library? 7. Where …………………… (you / live)? 8. He ……………………. (play) tennis on Sundays. 9. He …………………… (not work) hard. 10. Jack ………………… (not speak) English. 11. ……………………. (you / know) English? 12. How …………………….. (you / start) a washing machine? 13. The boys ………… a song. (sing) 14. I ………… in a school which is the best in the city. (read) 15. The sun ………… during the day. (shine) 16. God ………… those who ………… themselves. (help) 17. Farmers ………… a hard life. (lead) 18. Mr. Ram Lal ………… us English. (teach) 19. He …………… his lesson regularly. (learn) 20. The toy …………… a child happy. (mak Write an essay about your daily routine in dorm. Later present it to your class. 25
Comparatives and superlatives are special types of adjectives used when comparing two or more things. The trickiest thing when using comparatives and superlatives is making sure we are writing them the correct way, but with a little practice, comparatives and superlatives can quickly be mastered. What is a Comparative? Comparative Adjectives are words used to describe a noun by comparing it to another noun. We usually think of ‘er’ words like bigger or smaller, but they can be a little trickier than that. The way we form comparative adjectives is based on the number of syllables in the adjective and whether or not the adjective ends with the letter ‘y’. Comparatives and Superlatives 26
What is a Superlative? Superlative Adjectives are words used to describe a noun when comparing it to two or more nouns to the highest or lowest degree. Think: big, bigger, biggest, or small, smaller, smallest. Like with comparative adjectives, it’s not always as simple as adding ‘est’. The number of syllables and whether or not the adjective ends with the letter ‘y’ also help us determine how to form a superlative adjective. 27
Adjective Comparative Superlative Fat Tall Big Small Taller Tallest Fatter Bigger Smaller Fattest Biggest Smallest One Syllable Adjectives We add ‘er’ for the comparative and ‘est’ for the superlative. *Note: when the adjective follows the CVC, or Consonant, Vowel, Consonant spelling, the final consonant is doubled. Comparative Adjectives: I am faster than my friend. Arizona is hotter than Alaska. Superlative Adjectives: She is the tallest student. That was the shortest movie in the series. Notice the bold words around the comparative and superlative adjectives. Most comparatives are followed by ‘than’, and most superlatives follow the word ‘the’. 28
Two Syllable Adjectives Comparative adjectives with two syllables can be formed by making the ‘er’ ending or by adding the words ‘more’ or ‘less’ before the adjective. For superlative adjectives, you make the ‘est’ ending but use the word ‘most’ or ‘least’ instead of ‘more’ or ‘less’. Adjective Comparative Superlative Happy Nervous Crazy Massive Quiet Happier Quieter or more/less quiet More/Less massive Crazier More/Less nervous Happiest Most/least nervous Most/least massive Craziest Quietest or most/least quiet 29
*Note: In many cases, either form of the comparative or superlative can be used, but there is generally a ‘most common’ usage. The adjective does not need to end in ‘y’ in order to use the ‘er’ or ‘est’ usage. Your ear will often be able to recognize what sounds best. Comparative Adjectives: She tends to be less passive than her brother. This quiz is simpler than the last one. Superlative Adjectives: Fall is the busiest shopping season. This is the most rapid method of delivery. Notice again how the comparative adjectives are followed by ‘than’, and superlative adjectives follow the word ‘the’. 30
Three or More Syllables Adjectives that are with three or more syllables long, we always add ‘more’ or ‘less’ before a comparative adjective and ‘most’ or ‘least’ before a superlative adjective. More/Less Mysterious Comparative Adjectives: I tend to be more reluctant than my friends when trying new things. The noise at the pool was less bothersome than the noise on the beach. Superlative Adjectives: Her second compilation was the most exceptional of them all. Those were the least comfortable couches I have ever sat on. Adjective Comparative Superlative Mysterious Most/Least Mysterious Complicated More/Less Complicated Most/Least Complicated Wonderful More/Less Wonderful Most/Least Wonderful 31
Irregular Adjectives When using comparative and superlative adjectives, it is important to note that there are a handful of irregular adjectives that don’t follow the rules above. Adjective Comparative Superlative Good Better Best Bad or Ill Worse Worst Little Less Least Far(Distance) Farther Farthest Far(Extent) Further Furthest Many or Much More Most Comparative Adjectives: I did better than the rest of my class on the final. She ran farther in this race than she did in the last one. Superlative Adjectives: That was the best birthday present ever! I bought the least expensive souvenir that I could find. 32
Task/ Exercise Fill in the blanks in the table with the correct comparative and superlative forms. POSITIVE Superlative FORM Comparative 33
ORAL PRESENTATION 33
REFERENCES 33 dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/service www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/feature www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/characteristic_ www.grammar.cl/english/adjectives-word-order.htm www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2guides/guides/hyper/indexeng.html?lang=eng&page=usetense.html www.edufind.com/english-grammar/comparative-andsuperlative/ www.albert.io/blog/comparatives-and-superlatives/