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 Before you read Work with a partner.

• Do you have good spelling and grammar in your native language?

 Reading Read the text and fill in the blanks.

Are you a stickler for correct language? Recently there have been a number of stories in the 1
media about a perceived decline in the ability of many native speakers of English to use
their mother tongue correctly.

English is regularly viewed as being one of the harder languages to master. This
1
……………… is only enforced by native speakers being unable to spell, punctuate and use 5
grammatically correct English.

Recently, there has been debate concerning the use of apostrophes in English. Proponents
of reform to the English language 2……………… that the rules are unnecessarily complex. It
is certainly a common source of errors, especially in the use of the apostrophe for
possession. Although signs saying ‘Taxi’s Only’ and ‘All Meal’s Made To Order’ are seen as 10
minor transgressions by some, they provoke great anger in others.

It is not just punctuation that seems to defeat many people. The difference between ‘less’
and ‘fewer’ is well known to most students of English. However, a quick trip to a
supermarket will show that many people do not 3……………… between the two, with signs
proclaiming that certain checkouts are for ‘10 items or less’. 15

A final bone of contention is the misuse of vocabulary. Pupils at school could be forgiven
for mixing up words such as ‘effect’ and ‘affect’. However, there are many who froth at the
mouth when these kinds of errors creep into the mainstream media.

It could be argued that English is an 4……………… language, and that usage considered
incorrect today will be acceptable in the future. However, this is unlikely to satisfy those 20
who believe that non-standard spelling, punctuation and grammar are symptoms of a
‘dumbed-down’ culture, where standards count for naught.

Choose From Ÿ differentiate Ÿ evolving Ÿ reputation Ÿ argue

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 Comprehension Work with a partner.

In the context of this article, choose the best explanation for the following phrases:

1) A stickler for correct language is: A) someone who doesn’t care about grammar and spelling
B) someone who thinks that correct English is very important
C) someone who makes many English mistakes

2) A perceived decline is: A) a definite decline

B) to think there is a decline
C) a large decline

3) A proponent of reform: A) is in favour of reform

B) opposes reform
C) is someone who becomes angry about reform

4) A minor transgression is: A) a small idea

B) a small word
C) a small error

5) A bone of contention is A) something that causes disagreement.

B) something that isn’t true
C) a suggestion that someone makes

6) If you froth at the mouth A) something is making you feel sick

B) you are very angry
C) you start laughing

7) When something counts for naught A) there are too many to count
B) it has no importance
C) it doesn’t exist

 Language Check Are these sentences right or wrong? Correct the mistakes!

1) I threw out both my sister’s clothes.

2) James’ brother is an architect.

3) There are less people on the trains if you don’t travel at rush hour.

4) More police officers would lead to less crime.

5) Jim finds that the weather effects his mood.

6) What’s the most affective way to improve your English?

 Discussion Ask your partner(s) these questions. Ask follow-up questions!

 Are you a stickler for correct grammar and vocabulary?

 Do you think that standards of grammar, punctuation and spelling are dropping?
 What examples of incorrect language have you seen recently?
 What do you think of the argument that errors are acceptable because of the evolving nature of language?
 Some people think that English should be simplified, especially in terms of spelling. Do you think this is
a good idea?

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Target Structure: Reading and Discussion

Vocabulary: General
Level: Upper-Intermediate / Advanced
Time: 90 minutes, depending on discussion
Preparation: None

Suggested Teaching Method

Falling standards of spoken and written language is a common complaint in many cultures. This worksheet
takes language as its theme, with a reading followed by vocabulary and discussion questions.

 Give one worksheet to each student. Follow the instructions for exercise one. This should be quite brief: the
main discussion questions are at the end.

 Before reading the text, you should set the reading task. Draw your students’ attention to the words in the box
below the reading text. Explain that they should read the text quickly, and fill in the blanks.

Go through the answers to the reading task.

 Students can work in pairs. Begin by having students scan the text for the phrases. Explain that they can refer to
the text while doing this exercise. Go through the answers with the group. When finished, answer any other
pressing vocabulary concerns from the text.

 This exercise looks at some of the language points mentioned in the text. Students can work alone and then
check in pairs. Go through the answers with the group.

 These questions are only suggestions. If, for example, you have Chinese / Japanese students, you could ask
questions about people’s knowledge of the Chinese characters.

Leave plenty of time for class discussion. To maximize student talking time, it’s best to put students in pairs, or
small groups. Students should read all the questions first, before beginning the discussion.

Encourage eye contact and follow-up questions. Some discussion phrases might also come in useful.

While the students are speaking, monitor the conversations. When the discussion comes to a close, ask a few of
the questions yourself, and go through any points of English you made a note of while monitoring.

The answer key is on the next page.

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Answer Key (Other answers may be possible.)

 1) reputation
2) argue
3) differentiate
4) evolving

 1) B
2) B
3) A
4) C
5) A
6) B
7) B

 1) Wrong. >> I threw out both my sisters’ clothes.

2) Right.
3) Wrong. >> There are fewer people on the trains if you don’t travel at rush hour.
4) Right.
5) Wrong. >> Jim finds that the weather affects his mood.
6) Wrong. >> What’s the most effective way to improve your English?

Do you have any feedback on this worksheet? Send your comments to editor@handoutsonline.com.

Updated 9/27/2011

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