Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which type of English is typically used in scholarly articles, official documents, and formal letters?
Which type of English is typically used in scholarly articles, official documents, and formal letters?
Slang words always have a good chance of being accepted as Standard English.
Slang words always have a good chance of being accepted as Standard English.
False
Error in the use of idioms is unacceptable in ______ English.
Error in the use of idioms is unacceptable in ______ English.
Standard
What should you choose for effective diction according to the content provided?
What should you choose for effective diction according to the content provided?
Signup and view all the answers
What is emphasized as a powerful writing and speaking tool in the text?
What is emphasized as a powerful writing and speaking tool in the text?
Signup and view all the answers
What word should not be used unnecessarily?
What word should not be used unnecessarily?
Signup and view all the answers
The text encourages readers to actively participate in discussions on Academic-Clinic's Facebook Page.
The text encourages readers to actively participate in discussions on Academic-Clinic's Facebook Page.
Signup and view all the answers
To improve your vocabulary, the text recommends reading extensively and including the __________ in your reading list.
To improve your vocabulary, the text recommends reading extensively and including the __________ in your reading list.
Signup and view all the answers
What should you avoid when writing for a general audience?
What should you avoid when writing for a general audience?
Signup and view all the answers
Figures of speech are used to make writing dull and uninteresting.
Figures of speech are used to make writing dull and uninteresting.
Signup and view all the answers
What strategy is recommended for building a better vocabulary?
What strategy is recommended for building a better vocabulary?
Signup and view all the answers
A thesaurus groups words within constellations of ________.
A thesaurus groups words within constellations of ________.
Signup and view all the answers
What does the root 'phil' in a word signify?
What does the root 'phil' in a word signify?
Signup and view all the answers
A sophomoric person is someone who knows a lot about many things.
A sophomoric person is someone who knows a lot about many things.
Signup and view all the answers
The period before a war is referred to as ______.
The period before a war is referred to as ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following examples with their meanings:
Match the following examples with their meanings:
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Diction and Vocabulary Pointers
- Diction has different levels of usage:
- Standard English:
- Formal: used in scholarly articles, official documents, and formal letters
- Informal (General): used in everyday conversations, books, magazines, and newspapers
- Colloquial: language used in familiar conversations among educated people
- Substandard English:
- Dialectical: words common to a particular region and not used throughout the country
- Slang: unconventional words used to express an idea without a standard equivalent
- Illiterate (or Vulgate) or Errors in Idiom: using incorrect idioms or prepositions
- Standard English:
Exact Diction
- Choose words that precisely convey the intended meaning
- Use specific words instead of general terms unless there is a good reason to be general
- Make verbs work by choosing specific verbs or verbs that signify a specific action
- Avoid using too explosive verbs or verbs that are too strong for their context
- Use the active voice instead of the passive voice when possible
Effective Diction
- Make diction natural and sincere
- Be direct and concise
- Use fresh and unhackneyed phrases
- Avoid needless technical language
- Avoid pretentious language and strained circumlocutions
- Avoid using jargon and overly technical terms
- Choose words with the exact connotation required by the context
Vocabulary Building
- Start a vocabulary list to write down words that are unknown or unfamiliar
- Review the words regularly to commit them to memory
- Use different resources such as dictionaries, journals, and newspapers to learn new words
- Make reading and using new words a daily habit
- Play dictionary games with family and friends to make learning fun### Thesaurus and Vocabulary Building
- A thesaurus is a reference book that groups words with similar meanings together, unlike a dictionary which alphabetically lists words with their definitions.
- Using a thesaurus can help in discovering the right word to express a thought or idea.
- Online resources like Merriam-Webster's WWWebster Dictionary and Visual Thesaurus provide access to both dictionaries and thesauri.
Learning Roots and Prefixes
- At least half of the words in the English language are derived from Greek and Latin roots.
- Knowing these roots can help in understanding the meaning of words before looking them up in a dictionary.
- Examples of common Greek and Latin roots include:
- aster, astr (G) - star
- audi (L) - to hear
- bene (L) - good, well
- bio (G) - life
- dic, dict (L) - to speak
Learning Prefixes
- Prefixes show quantity, negation, time, direction, or position.
- Examples of prefixes include:
- ante - before
- non - without, not
- re - again
- supra - above, over
- trans - across, over
- sub - below, under
Using Suffixes
- Suffixes modify the meaning of a word and determine its function in a sentence.
- Examples of suffixes include:
- -ence (noun)
- -ify (verb)
- -able (adjective)
- -ly (adverb)
- Suffixes can change the part of speech of a word, such as nation (noun) to national (adjective) to nationalize (verb).
Using a Dictionary
- A dictionary should be a frequently used reference book.
- A good dictionary should contain extensive definitions, word origins, and notes on usage.
- It's also helpful to carry a pocket dictionary with concise definitions.
Effective Vocabulary Usage
- An extensive vocabulary can be a powerful tool for writing and speaking.
- Avoid using complex words unnecessarily, and use simpler words when possible.
- Use the internet to explore reading opportunities and develop vocabulary.
- Understand the nuances of meaning in words and use them efficiently to convey ideas.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Prepare for UPCAT, ACET, USTET, DLSUCET, PSHS-NCE, and other entrance tests with tips and strategies for college entrance exams and science high school entrance tests, including vocabulary and diction improvement.
