18 Questions
Why is the choice of words important in writing?
It reflects the writer's values, education, and social standing
What is the purpose of grammar in writing?
To clarify the message being communicated
What are the two commonly recognized levels of usage in English?
Standard English and Substandard English
Which considerations give vigor and effect to the level of usage in writing?
The targeted audience, purpose, and occasion
Why is it essential for a good writer to be familiar with standard and nonstandard English?
To adapt their writing style based on audience and purpose
In what ways does formal language differ from informal language?
Formal language is rigid while informal language is flexible
What is the defining characteristic of Standard English according to language specialists?
Has uniform spelling and punctuation
What type of language is standard English considered to be?
Formal
Why is it important to know Standard English in the 'age of information'?
To stay updated and avoid falling behind
Which type of English is commonly used by educated individuals?
Standard English
What is essential in written English?
Uniform spelling and punctuation
What distinguishes Standard English from regional variations?
Uniform spelling and punctuation
Which of the following sentences contains an error in reflexive pronoun formation?
They submit the letter theirselves.
In the context provided, which phrase demonstrates redundancy?
Don’t repeat it again.
Which of the following sentences uses substandard English?
I can’t hardly wait to see you.
Which sentence demonstrates the correct usage of a reflexive pronoun?
They themselves completed the project.
Identify the sentence that corrects a cliché or overused expression.
Every difficulty has a hidden opportunity.
Which sentence contains a correct form of expression, avoiding the use of substandard terms?
I am not affected by your opinion.
Study Notes
Standard and Nonstandard English
- Proficiency in English Language is key to academic success
- Grammar operates in phrases, clauses, and sentences, and requires careful choice of words
- Word choice and use reveal values, education, family, and social standing
Characteristics of Standard English
- The working language in academe, government, business, and media
- Considered "correct" and shows no regional or other variations
- Widely used, understood, accepted, and valued in English-speaking countries
- Especially important in written English
- Contains uniform spelling, standard usage, conventional sentence and paragraph structure, and consistent punctuations
- Easiest to recognize in print due to common worldwide written conventions
Examples of Standard English
- My part-time job limits my study time
- Liza failed her grammar test yesterday
- Cats and dogs are sometimes the best of friends
- He is the taller of the two
Errors in Standard English
- Errors in reflexive pronouns (e.g. He hisself did it, They submit the letter theirselves)
- Cliches or overused expressions (e.g. She is head over heels in love with you, Every dark cloud has a silver lining)
- Redundancy (e.g. Don't repeat it again, This is unexpected surprise)
Substandard English
- Commonly used in playful conversations, dialogues, and writings
- May include expressions such as "off of", "irregardless", "not unless", "can't hardly", "attached herewith", "kind consideration", and "entering into"
- May become standard in the future, and vice versa
Communication Situations
- Formal language is used in formal writing, official events, and professional settings
- Informal language is used in casual conversations, social media, and personal writing
- Choice of language depends on audience, purpose, and occasion
Test your knowledge on standard and nonstandard English in the context of global communication. Explore the impact of grammar and word choice in effective speaking and writing.
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