Introducing the Language of the News:

Chapter 9

Powerpoints for Instructors

Words in news

Exercises

Exercise 1-3: Lexical variation

I. Alternative words:

For each of the words in the Table here, choose an alternative from the list below it.

abundance		instances
accelerate		jeopardize
accomplish		locate
authorize		magnitude
begin		merchandise
beneficial		numerous
buy		obtain
combine		option
conceal		perform
conclusion		place
customary		preserve
demonstrate		regulation
disconnect		request
disseminate		solely
dominant		select
emphasize		solar
erroneous		undertake
frequently		utilise
furnish		visualise
generate		zone

rule
only
produce
main
size
wrong
enough
speed up
cases
allow

spread
do
commence
send
purchase
choice
give
many
see
mix

hide
stress
usual
helpful
promise
find
ask
put
goods
end

often
usual
show
keep
sunny
area
risk
get
choose
use

II. Alternative words: Adverbials and prepositions

For each of the words in the Table here, choose an alternative from the list below it.

as a consequence of		owing to
at the moment		per annum
despite the fact that		prior to
due to the fact that		regarding
for the duration of		subject to
for the purpose of		subsequent to
in case of		thus
in the near future		to date
on behalf of
on numerous occasions

so
because of
during
though
now
for

to
a year
so far
because
soon
if

because
depending on
about
often
before
after

III. Alternative words: Adjectives and ‘super’ adjectives

‘Super’ adjectives have the same meaning as basic adjectives but are more emphatic. Match each of the basic adjectives in the Table here with one of the trios of ‘super’ adjectives from the list below it.

wonderful	appealing	leading
best	new	different
easy	reliable	cool
mouthwatering	safe	unique
vivid	powerful	handy
improved	fabulous

attractive, alluring, fascinating
excellent, unsurpassed, paramount
trendy, fashionable, hip
unusual, exclusive, special
effortless, trouble-free, user-friendly
tremendous, magnificent, remarkable
functional, ideal, well-suited
enhanced, superior, refined
first-rate, top-notch, supreme

tasty, savoury, succulent
innovative, fresh, inventive
forceful, persuasive, compelling
dependable, steadfast, trustworthy
secure, fully guarded, guaranteed
distinctive, rare, matchless
vibrant, brilliant, stunning
magnificent, amazing, astonishing

Exercise 4: The language of tabloids

Here is a list of headlines from a number of tabloids. Observe the language used, and underline any slang and/or colloquial expressions. Rewrite the headline using less coloquial language.

Big Bro Paula: I’m nuts about Boris

(Daily Star, January 11, 2013)

Sicko shaved my shih-tzu

(the Sun, January 11, 2013)

Britain’s first hand swap op

(Daily Mail, January 4, 2013)

Nicked, Nicked

(the Sun, January 3, 2013)

Crims ain't what they used to be

(http://www.dailymail.co.uk, September 13, 2011)

I’m no Bully

Councillor denies wrongdoing as probe launched (Daily Post, October 27, 2010)