商務(wù)英語教學(xué)chapter 2d

1、整理課件Chapter 2 Diction & Effective SentencesnLearning ObjectivesnTo learn how tonChoose words precisely.nChoose words with appropriate connotations.nChoose between active and passive voice.nVary sentence patterns.整理課件Chapter 2 Diction & Effective SentencesnDiction is the choice and use of wor

2、ds.nIn business writing, use concrete, specific terms whenever possible; use abstractions only when necessary.nExample, instead of referring to “a sizable loss”, talk about “a loss of $ 32 million”.nWord ChoicenUse short, familiar words . Occasionally need a long or an unfamiliar word because it is

3、the only 整理課件Word that exactly conveys your meaning.nWhenever you can choose between two words that mean the same thing, use the shorter, more common one.nExamples:nCommence-beginnReside -livenSubsequently-laternUtilize-usenRemittance-check, payment整理課件Compare the following sentences:nA. This letter

4、 is a confirmation of the details of our meeting last Tuesday.nB.This letter confirms the details of last Tuesdays meeting.nA. Preparation of an agenda should be done before a meeting.nB. Prepare an agenda before the meeting. 整理課件A.It appears the figures are inaccurate. nB. The figures are inaccurat

5、e.nAvoid using these weak expressions:nIt was suggested, it seems,it appears, we should consider, we seem to be in favor, it may be that nAlso avoid using cliches(套話)nAt your earliest convenience,nAt an early date,(if you have a date, give it.)整理課件Thanking you in advance.Better: Thank you fornAttach

6、ed/Enclosed please find/You will find/Please find enclosed two copies of our invoice No.456.nBetter: Attached/Enclosed /Here is/are two copies of our invoice No.456.整理課件Reducing sexual bias in business writingnNonsexist language treats both sexes neutrally. Using nonsexist language is a good idea fo

7、r at least three reasons.First, the language we use reflects and reveals our understanding of the world around us. An organization that treats people fairly should use language that treats people fairly. A second reason for using nonsexist language 整理課件Is to remove a potential barrier tonThe images

8、people create of themselves. The third reason to use nonsexist language ,and perhaps the most important, is that its fairer and friendlier.nWhen you know your readers name but not the gender. You may use the readers full name in the salutation:nDear Chris Crowell, Dear J.C. Meath,nWhen you know neit

9、her the readers name nor gender. You have several options:整理課件1. Use the readers position or job title:Loan Officern2. Use a general group to which your reader belongs: Dear Investor: Dear Admissions Committee:nDo not use Dear Sir or Madam:, Dear Gentlepersons:, or To whom it may concern. These term

10、s may be nonsexist, but they are stuffy, and sound silly.整理課件PronounsnFour ways to eliminate sexist generic pronouns: use plurals,use second-person you, revise the sentence to omit the pronoun,and use pronoun pairs.nExample:nEach supervisor must certify that the time sheet for his department is corr

11、ect.整理課件Nonsexist: n1. Supervisors must certify that the time sheets for their departments are correct.n2. You must certify that the time sheet for your department is correct.n3. The supervisor must certify that the time sheet for his or her department is correct. n4. The supervisor must certify tha

12、t the time sheet for the department is correct. 整理課件Effective SentencesnThree Types of Sentences: simple, compound, and complex.nThe structure of the sentence should match the relationship of the ideas. For example, if you have two ideas of equal importance, they should be expressed as two simple se

13、ntences or as one compound sentence, but if one of the ideas is less important than the other, it should be placed in a dependent clause to form a complex sentence.整理課件Effective writing balances all three sentence typesnIf you use too many simple sentences, your writing sounds childish and cannot pr

14、operly express the relationship among ideas. nIf you use too many long, compound sentences, your writing will sound boring. Moreover, a long series of complex sentences is hard to understand.整理課件Example:nOur intent in forwarding the list of priority short-term capital projects in advance of the fina

15、l report has been to fast track the approval process in anticipation of a review of each capital project to be conducted by government staff with your staff.整理課件Better:nAttached is the list of priority short-term capital projects. We are sending you this information before the final report is releas

16、ed to fast track the approval process. This early release of the information should help your staff be prepared when the anticipated government review occurs.( a long sentence splited into 3 sentences, which is clear to be understood.) 整理課件The best length of a sentence in business nIs about 15-18 wo

17、rds, which is easy to read.nThe best business writing should include a variety of sentence lengthnWith short and long sentences. 整理課件Sentence StylenKeep sentences shortnRely on the active voice:nTom played the violin/ The violin was played by Tom.nThe shipment was lost/ You lost the shipment. 整理課件El

18、iminate unnecessary words /phrasesnAvoid obsolete and pompous languagenModerate your enthusiasmnBreak up strung-out sentencesnAvoid hedging sentencesnWatch for indefinite pronoun startersnExpress parallel ideas in parallel formnCorrect dangling modifiersn( For details : Read the textbook)整理課件Keep wo

19、rds together that work togethernEmphasize key thoughtsnExample: In the near future, sales will be hiring two new account managers as we work on improving our customer service.nBetter: Two new account managers , who will be hired by sales in the near future, will help us improve customer service.(Two new account managers and improve customer service are now the key points.)整理課件What should you look for whe