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ENGLISH GUIDE - Part 6
LESSON THIRTY-TWO
(Interrogative Words)
There are words in the English language that, standing on their own, ask questions. They are such words as “who”, “what”, “when”, “where”and “why”.
These are called “Interrogative words”, better known as the “question words”. Each of the words listed requires an answer, hence “interrogative” (from the word “interrogate”).
EXAMPLES: (All correct)
(1) “Why did you eat that piece of cake?”
(2) “Who is your friend?”
(3) “Where is the pencil?”
(4) “What is your name?”
(5) “When are you going to Atlanta?”
As you can see from the question marks, each sentence is a question. Each sentence requires an answer because it interrogates the person to whom it is directed.
Use an interrogative word any time you need an answer to a particular question.
LESSON THIRTY-THREE
(Mention Subject in First Paragraph)
The best indication of a good writer is how he uses words and expressions to convey his thoughts to others.
One of the uses of those words is to choose a certain subject in one of the first paragraphs of his speech or writing, then expound upon that subject through apropos words in subsequent paragraphs. The recipient is entitled to quickly know the subject of his attention, and it is the accepted method of advising him of that subject.
After advising the subject, other aspects may then be discussed.
The prudent use of the English language is best demonstrated by the speaker if this rule of etiquette is followed.
RULE THIRTY-EIGHT: Always state the subject of your speech or writing in one of the first paragraphs thereof. Always advise the recipient of your intent as quickly as possible, then elaborate in following paragraphs.
LESSON THIRTY-FOUR
(Using “Past” or “Passed”)
Sometimes people get confused about the correct spelling of words they are using to convey their thoughts. Although the sound of two words is almost identical, it is never-the-less imperative that the correct spelling of the word being used is utilized.
Another such two words are “passed” and “past”, each having their own specific meaning, and are not interchangeable.
EXAMPLES:
(1) The two men past each other on the street.
(2) The time really past quickly because I was pre-occupied.
(3) In the passed, a lot of boys wore knickers.
(4) The passed tense of the word ended in “ed”.
(5) At the dinner table, Johnny passed the peas to his wife.
In the above examples, only one sentence contains the correct spelling of the subject words. Can you determine which is correct? Lets analyze them. The correct sentence is example number (5).
The word “past” is defined as something that has previously happened, or in a time preceding the present time, as opposed to the present or to the future. It also means “over” (such as “His worries were past”), or now left behind. The word could also be used to denote something that has just gone by (such as “the past week”). In grammar, the word “past” defines one of the tenses (such as the past tense”). In every sense, each definition of the word “past” pertains to something that happened or preceded the present time, and should ONLY be used in that sense.
The similar sounding word “passed” is defined as the past tense of the word “pass”, which has numerous meanings. The problem with the spelling used in various sentences seems to apply to almost any of these meanings.
Any meaning, other than that described for the word “past” (as defined above), should be spelled “passed”. Sentences such as “They passed each other on the street”, “He passed his examination with flying colors”, “Each player passed three cards to the player on his left”, “They passed greetings to each other”, “We have passed his house”, etc., are good indications of the use of the word “passed”.
RULE THIRTY-NINE: Use “past” to denote something that has preceded another thing, otherwise use “passed”. Although exceptions apply, by following this rule, you will be using correct spelling the majority of the time.
LESSON THIRTY-FIVE
(Using “Curse Words”)
Now we arrive at the final chapter in this book. Congratulations to you for having come this far.
One of the most UNACCEPTABLE forms of speech (and writings) is the frequent use of curse words. This is TOTALLY unnecessary, and in reality expresses the implied ill-breeding of the speaker. The use of curse words adds NOTHING to the conversation, and is highly offensive to the listener. Some people, especially in the young, think that by using curse words, they portray themselves as a macho man of the world, a big-shot who is completely in control of himself.
The truth is that anyone who frequently and indiscriminately uses curse words is broadcasting his illiteracy, and stands out as a very “small person” who would best be eliminated from the listeners group of friends.
The educated listener would definitely prefer NOT to hear such language. He finds it an intrusion of his morals, as he does not use such words in his vocabulary.
The use of such words reduces the speaker to an infinitesimal being, in the eyes of the majority of listeners.
RULE FORTY: Intelligent speakers AVOID the use of curse words in their conversations, and NEVER offend their listeners by using such words. Be a smart conversationalist and ELIMINATE curse words from your vocabulary.
SUMMATION
With diligence and hard work, you will learn to improve your use of the English language by adhering to the information contained in these lessons.
As previously cautioned, you should attempt to learn no more than two lessons at a single sitting. These lessons should be thoroughly learned before proceeding to the next group of lessons.
Pronunciation is a key factor to speaking correctly. Learn to pronounce your words in a clear and distinctive manner. If doubtful about certain pronunciations, check the word in the dictionary for the correct use of syllables to determine its pronunciation.
If you have diligently studied each lesson in this book, and have applied the contents of those lessons into your daily speech and writings, and if you feel that you can comfortably carry on a conversation utilizing those contents, then CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ! ! ! You have successfully earned your IMAGINARY DIPLOMA.
On the other hand, if you do not think you have progressed to the point of comfortably using the information contained in these lessons, it is suggested that you review each lesson. Take your time, because time is NOT of the essence. You have all the time in the world to learn the intent of each lesson, and you should not try to rush learning such knowledge. Be persevering and it will come to you.
Do not give up on the lessons contained in this book, but exert all of your energy and efforts toward accomplishing your goal of learning to speak better English. Perseverance is an attribute not all people possess, but with your continued devotion to learning, you will prevail.
Good luck to you.
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