Gendered and Gender Neutral Pronouns

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary issue with using masculine pronouns in generic references?

They are never grammatically correct.

They can confuse the audience.

They are considered outdated and sexist. (correct)

They are preferred in formal writing.

Which pronoun is commonly used as a gender-neutral option in modern English?

Him

He or she

They (correct)

What was a reason for using feminine pronouns in some modern writing?

To avoid using plural forms.

To comply with formal writing standards.

To follow traditional grammar rules.

To highlight gender inclusivity. (correct)

What is one drawback of using 'he or she' instead of 'they'?

It adds unnecessary length to sentences. Signup and view all the answers

In which context would using 'he or she' be more appropriate than 'they'?

In formal writing situations. Signup and view all the answers

How long has the singular use of 'they' been part of the English language?

Since the 14th century. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with using masculine or feminine pronouns in English exams?

Examiners may find it confusing. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'he or she' imply when used in sentences?

That both genders are implicitly included. Signup and view all the answers

Why might it be considered non-inclusive to use 'he or she'?

Because it assumes a binary understanding of gender. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason for using gender-neutral pronouns like 'they' in writing?

To avoid making assumptions about gender. Signup and view all the answers

What might be a stylistic choice when referring to a cyborg doctor?

Using a feminine pronoun. Signup and view all the answers

What alternative option is available for more formal writing when gender is unknown?

Using 'he or she'. Signup and view all the answers

How can repeated use of 'he or she' be perceived in writing?

As awkward or clumsy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor to consider when choosing pronouns in writing?

The formality of the context. Signup and view all the answers

What formal structure can replace 'they' in sentences while addressing gender?

He and she Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using cleft sentences?

To emphasize a particular part of the sentence. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'cleft' refer to in cleft sentences?

The division or splitting of a clause. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of cleft sentence mentioned?

You cleft Signup and view all the answers

In what context can cleft sentences be effectively used?

Both formal and informal contexts. Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly demonstrates an it cleft sentence for the statement 'I find Nature Documentaries fascinating'?

It is Nature Documentaries that I find fascinating. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is suggested to impress examiners in writing?

Cleft sentences. Signup and view all the answers

In the cleft sentence 'What this video is going to help you improve is your writing and speaking,' which part is emphasized?

Writing and speaking. Signup and view all the answers

For the basic sentence 'The study explores the impact of social media on teenagers,' which is a valid cleft transformation?

It is social media's impact on teenagers that the study explores. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a teacher prefer to use cleft sentences in an exam context?

They can add variety and sophistication to writing. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does using the cleft structure have on a basic sentence?

It allows for additional emphasis on a particular element. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences is an example of an H cleft sentence?

Where the majority of the story takes place is Japan. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about English native speakers is true according to the content?

They tend to underestimate the challenges of learning languages. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of cleft sentences allows a writer to change their writing style?

Focusing on different parts to emphasize. Signup and view all the answers

What can hinder native English speakers from learning other languages?

Not seeing the necessity to learn new languages. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Using Gendered Pronouns

In the past, it was common to use masculine pronouns (he, him, his) even when referring to a person of unknown gender or a generic noun.
This practice has changed in recent decades, and it's now widely considered outdated and sexist.

Gender Neutral Pronoun Options

They/Them/Their: This is the most common and widely accepted gender-neutral pronoun, used in cases where the person's gender is unknown or irrelevant. It's been used in English for centuries.
He or She: This option is more formal than "they" and can be used to refer to a person of unknown gender, but it can become awkward or repetitive.
Avoid using only feminine pronouns (she, her, hers) in place of masculine pronouns to achieve gender neutrality. This can be perceived as equally problematic for different reasons.

Using "They" as a Singular Pronoun

“They” is a traditional grammar rule and is not a new invention.
Using "they" as a singular pronoun is often preferred in informal settings and when speaking about people or concepts where the gender is unknown or irrelevant.
Examples: “The author makes it clear that they support government intervention,” or, “If anyone calls, tell them I'll call them back.”

Understanding Gender Neutrality

When discussing gender neutrality pronouns, it's important to distinguish between:
- Gender-neutral pronouns for situations where the gender of the person is unknown or irrelevant (focus of this video)
- Pronouns used by individuals who identify as non-binary or gender-fluid. This is a separate and increasingly important topic, needing sensitive handling.

Choosing the Right Pronoun

Context matters: Consider the formality level of the situation, the specific noun being referred to, and the target audience when choosing a pronoun.
The choice of gender-neutral pronouns is ultimately up to the speaker or writer, but it's essential to be aware of potential issues with using "he or she" for inclusivity.

Ben’s background

Ben is originally from London but moved to a village near Cambridge when he was six years old
Ben has a neutral accent and does not speak with a strong London accent anymore
After university, Ben worked for three years at a language school in Safron Walden, which is near London
He was organizing social activities for the school and met people from various cultures, which opened his mind to the world of English learning
Ben lived in Madrid for a long time and learned Spanish
Ben started teaching English in Madrid eighteen years ago and initially did not view it as a long-term career
He taught in groups and companies, mostly on-site
Ben enjoys teaching both children and adults but finds that some children can be challenging to teach
He prefers one-to-one classes but is currently producing videos for YouTube as a new project

Ben’s YouTube channel

Ben started his YouTube channel four months ago and is still new to the platform
He started by creating two introductory videos
Ben feels that viewers who actively search for English learning content on YouTube are more motivated than some of his private students
Ben thinks that Christian Sanders from Kangaroo English is a great teacher who has helped him to develop his own teaching style
Ben strives to create interesting and memorable content by using humorous anecdotes and engaging his viewers emotionally

Ben's Beliefs about English Learning

Ben believes that people who do not use English on a daily basis find it difficult to maintain a consistent level of motivation
He advocates for making English learning a priority in order to achieve progress
Ben believes that native English speakers often don't realize how challenging it is to learn English
He emphasizes the importance of understanding the language as a whole, in chunks, rather than focusing too much on individual details or direct translation
Ben believes that creating an emotional connection with the language is essential for successful learning, especially for children
He highlights the need to see phrasal verbs as a single unit rather than separate elements, especially when translating

Ben's future plans

Ben is interested in participating in future conversations with the group members
Ben is happy that his videos have been well-received and hopes to continue making content for the community

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Description

Explore the evolution and usage of gendered and gender-neutral pronouns in contemporary English. This quiz covers traditional practices, current standards, and the significance of using inclusive language. Test your understanding of how to navigate pronoun usage effectively.