OMAN COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
English Language III Reading Worksheet No.5
Topic/s: Living together (Mod 7)
Module 7: Vocabulary
shipwreck – destruction or loss of a ship
volunteer – a person who performs a service willingly and without pay
primitive – early in the history of the world
tropical – very hot and humid
shortlist – a list of the people most likely to be chosen
assessment – the act of evaluating
puberty – the state of growing to maturity
astrologer – the person who studies the movements or position of the heavenly bodies
Reading Internal (refer to page 70: Shipwrecked)
Answer the questions below.
1. It is inferred from the passage that….
A. people will be on an island to live for a couple of years with the family
B. people will live on an island but must complete the whole year to get paid
C. people volunteer to go to an island to enjoy and have a wonderful holiday
D. people will stay on an island as a consequence for what they have done wrong
2. What are the aims of this program?
a. ______________________________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________________________
3. The word uninhabited in paragraph 3 is synonymous to….
a. populous
b. deserted
c. crowded
d. congested
4. the pronoun who in line 2 refers to ______________________
5. Volunteers will be given these things EXCEPT…
a. materials to build their camps
b. emergency supplies and medical kits
c. gadgets to use and meals three times a day
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OMAN COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
Grammar: Gerund and Infinitives
When are verbs followed by gerunds and when are they followed by infinitives? Study the
grammar reference chart below.
Some verbs are followed only by infinitives. For example: “He wanted to
play football.”
agree
want
choose
forget (to do something)
decide
remember (to do something)
Some verbs are followed by objects and infinitives. For example: “My
father taught me to drive a car.”
allow
send
ask
teach
invite
warn
Some verbs are followed only by gerunds. For example: “I enjoy watching
action movies.”
avoid
finish
consider
quit
enjoy
miss
Some verbs are followed by a preposition and gerunds. For example:
“Sometimes I worry about growing old.”
believe in
talk about
feel like
think about
plan on
worry about
Some verbs are followed by either infinitives or gerunds with no change
in meaning of the sentence. For example: “I like to swim.” OR “I like
swimming.”
begin
like
continue
love
hate
start
Some verbs are followed by either infinitives or gerunds, but there is a
change in the meaning of the sentence. For example: “I remember visiting
my grandmother when I was a child.” “Did you remember to study for the test?”
forget
stop
remember
try
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OMAN COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
Complete these sixteen sentences to score your knowledge of GERUNDS and
INFINITIVES.
1.
My friend really enjoys … books and
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I think that… a second language is
magazines.
fun.
a) to read
a) learn
b) reading
b) learning
c) to reads
c) to learning
2.
… enough sleep is very important for
good health.
a) Getting
b) Get
c) Is getting
10.
Steven dislikes … , so he usually
takes a bus to work.
a) to drive
b) diving
c) drives
3.
… is not allowed inside the building.
You should go outside.
a) Smoke
b) Smokes
c) Smoking
11.
I like …, but unfortunately I’m not
very good at it.
a) to cook
b) cook
c) cooks
4.
I love … a cup of tea in the early
afternoon.
a) to drink
b) drink
c) to drinking
12.
5.
Thomas usually … TV after he
gets home from school.
a) watches
b) to watch
c) watching
13.
Jennifer wants … her friend in San
Francisco next week.
a) to visit
b) visits
c) visiting
… at this beach is not allowed after
sunset
a) To swimming
b) Swim
c) Swimming
6.
I really dislike … on holidays and
weekends.
a) working
b) to work
c) work
14.
I … one or two cups of coffee every
morning.
a) to drink
b) drinking
c) drink
7.
... along the beach is a great way
to relax.
a) Walk
b) Walking
c) Walks
15.
(A) Do you … every day?
(B) No, I don’t.
a) exercising
b) exercise
c) to exercise
8.
(A) Do you like … Italian food?
(B) Yes, I do.
a) eat
b) to eating
c) to eat
16.
… is a great exercise, but you should
remember to wear a helmet.
a) Cycles
b) Cycle
c) Cycling
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OMAN COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
Reading External
Indian Marriages
Marriage is one of the oldest human institutions and this is as true in Indian culture as anywhere else. In
India marriage, called “Kanyadana or “donating a virgin”, is thought of as the greatest sacrifice that a
father can make and for the groom as an obligation to perpetuate his bloodline. Many people believe that
a marriage is still binding after death.
In early times girls were thought to be ready for marriage after puberty and later even children could be
married. Divorce and remarriage were not always possible. By Medieval times Marriage was compulsory
for girls, who very often married between the ages of eight and nine. Among those able to afford it,
polygamy was common and rulers would often have one wife from their own region and other minor
wives from other areas. Now, divorce and remarriage is possible and non-Muslim Indian men can only
have one wife.
Although are many regional variations, some features of the Indian wedding ceremony are similar
throughout the country. In general weddings are very complicated events and involve long negotiations
about dowry payments prior to the event. After this has been decided a day is chosen by asking an
astrologer to find a lucky day. Preparations begin early because a marriage is not only one of the
highlights a person’s life, but a large and complex social gathering to organize.
The night before, the bride, her friends and female relatives gather together for a party called a
“mehendi”, where they paint each other’s hands and feet with Henna and dance and listen to music. Her
guests often give the bride advice about married life and tease her about her future husband. Weddings
are traditionally held at the bride’s home or in a temple, but parks, hotels and marriage halls are
becoming increasingly popular. On the day a wedding altar or “mandapa” is built and covered in flowers.
All of the wedding ceremony will be held in the altar.
The clothing a couple wears on their wedding day varies between regions and ethnic groups. Women
most commonly wear a sari. The bride wears a lot of jewelry as this symbolizes the prosperity she will
bring to her new family. In the South wearing flowers is common. The groom wears traditional costume
or a suit. Turbans are also popular headgear.
The ceremony begins with a mixture of turmeric, sandalwood paste and oils being applied to the couples
face and arms. In the past this was done to the whole body, but now it is only
symbolic, with only a little being rubbed on. Then they are showered in flowers. After this they perform
the rituals that will make them man and wife. First they garland each other and then take seven symbolic
steps together representing seven gifts and seven promises.
Finally they say the vows and then they are legally married. The bride’s father or guardian takes her
hands and puts them in her husband’s giving her to him. Now she is no longer a member of her father’s
family, but a member of her husband’s. They then touch the feet of their elders for luck.
After the wedding ceremony, the couple goes to the groom’s house. The bride should be careful to enter
the house right foot first for luck. In the evening and late into the night the families and their guests
celebrate with dancing, music and food.
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OMAN COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
Circle the correct answers A – C.
1. In India weddings are …
A a duty for the man to continue his family.
B thought to end at death.
C a duty for the father.
D seen as a benefit for the father.
2. Divorce and remarriage …
A are only possible for non-Muslims.
B were sometimes not possible in the past.
C have always been possible.
D have only become possible in modern times.
3. Indian weddings …
A are straightforward and brief.
B are thought to be lucky
C are intricate and time consuming.
D involve only the immediate family.
Complete the statements below. Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
4. Before the wife-to-be is given recommendations about ____________________.
5. The wedding ceremony is conducted in a special ____________________.
6. The gold and jewels the bride wears represent ____________________.
7. These days the materials applied prior to the ceremony are only __________________
8. After the wedding, the bride has left ____________________ and belongs to her
husband’s.
9. The new bride should go into her new house _____________________.
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OMAN COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
Tips for Writing A Good Reaction Paper
Format of a reaction paper
-it consists of not less than 4 paragraphs
-on the first paragraph – mention the topic that you are making a reaction paper for
Example: In the 2003 Universal Pictures version of “Peter Pan,” the children are depicted
as strong, independent individuals with their own agency throughout a great portion of the
film. However, there are numerous examples of interpellation, during which the children
fight against and conform to the interpellation of family and society. In the following
paragraphs, I will explain how “Peter Pan” is a movie with both interpellation and
agency. Also, I will explain how the film is adult-centered in spite of the agency the child
characters possess.
-on the second paragraph – mention the parts that you liked or agreed on and give
examples cited from the article or story or describe the good parts or characters of the
film/story and give your thoughts about it.
Example: The conservative nature of this text is overwhelming. The author is not
challenging children to do anything; but rather teaching them that if they are obedient then
they will be happy. For example, Snow-white and Rose-red are described in various ways
throughout the story: “ . . . the sweetest and best children in the world, always diligent and
always cheerful . .
-on the third paragraph – mention the things that you disagreed on or hate about the
story or article or the parts/characters that you disliked in the film/story and give your
reaction to it
Example: I hate Marjorie because she doesn’t know what she got until she is about to lose
it. For example, at first Warren was in love with Marjorie, but she thinks that she is too
good for him. Then, when Warren pays more attention to Bernice, she envies Bernice…
-on the fourth paragraph – mention your personal thoughts regarding the
story/article/film
Example: I noticed that while there is a distinction between the classes of the main
characters, none of them seem to have a problem with the fact that they are from different
levels of society. …
-on the final and last paragraph – give your overall reaction to the film/story etc…
Example: I think that the film wants the audience to walk away with a feeling of
possibility. Anything is possible. While there are several indications in the film that boys
are better rescuers, and that women are just emotional and have to have the assistance of
a male, I don’t feel that this is the main message of the film.
In the end, the witches return, wanting the powerless cauldron back. Taran bargains
with them again and asks that Gurgi be returned to them from the cauldron. His demands
are granted but only once he tells the witches that they can keep his sword. Taran has
saved the day again and become the hero after all. He has given in to his role as a hero
and a rescuer.
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OMAN COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
Do
1. Read the given article carefully.
2. Think about 1 or 2 major points you want to articulate in your reaction paper.
3. Describe your point first ("Lessons Learned," "What you agreed on…" or "What you
disagreed on…")
4. Justify why you think that way.
5. Provide one or two real-world example(s) - You may use any example you are
familiar with, including ones we discuss in class or ones from the textbook. However,
please do not assume that I know what you are talking about when you just mention
a name (e.g. Enron or Wal-Mart). Provide sufficient background information and how
your example(s) support your argument.
6. Provide how your point relates to Public Relations (e.g. so what does this mean in
Public Relations?)
Desirable Formats
1. Follow step 3 - 6 to make each point clearly (make 1 - 2 major points per each
reaction paper) (normally one argument per one paragraph)
2. After you finish articulating all the points, have a conclusive statement at the end.
3. Limit your quantity to 1 page
4. Please proofread your reaction paper carefully to avoid any grammatical mistakes or
typos.
What Not To Do
1. Just summarize what you read (I want to see your professional opinions - not a
summary)
2. No evidence to back up your point (e.g. no examples)
3. Provide random examples without making careful effort to relate to your point
http://public.wsu.edu/~moonlee/WritingReactionPaper.html
Sample 1 (for a short story)
The short story “Bernice Bobs Her Hair” by Fitzgerald is an example of a short story that
shows us many real life situations. This story uses many examples that can strongly
describe our day to day life. In the next paragraphs, I will explain my views to this story,
give examples to support my views and give my personal reactions regarding it.
I love that short story about Bernice who bobs her hair. I have never read a short story that
is so interesting like that one. I wish the author would make it into a novel instead. I
wonder if Bernice will get in trouble for what she did at the end. I know my mother would
yell at me for hours. She thinks that other mothers would say that she doesn’t know how to
discipline her children. I have always wanted to do something similar to my older sister, but
I don’t have the guts to do so.
I hate Marjorie because she doesn’t know what she got until she is about to lose it. For
example, at first Warren was in love with Marjorie, but she thinks that she is too good for
him. Then, when Warren pays more attention to Bernice, she envies Bernice, and talks
Bernice into cutting her hair. I think Marjorie did all of this because she wanted Warren to
pay attention to her instead of Bernice,. I think all of Marjorie’s friends are somewhat like
Marjorie. No one even stops Bernice, instead they talk her into it. I think where Marjorie
lived is for all cruel people. I admire Bernice for staying at Marjorie’s house that long. If I
were her, I would be long gone. I love the ending more than anything.
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OMAN COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
In some ways, I think Marjorie is somewhat a lot like Tom. At the end, Tom has realized
that what he got was good. Maybe Marjorie is not exactly like that, but she wanted Warren
to pay attention to her like he used to. Bernice is like Gatsby because they are being fooled
by the people around them. At home, people like Bernice, and they never say anything bad
about her. Gatsby, when he was alive, people attended his parties, at the same time they
say bad stuff behind Gatsby’s back. At his funeral, no one attended, but when he was alive,
everyone attended his parties without being invited. Bernice, maybe people do say bad stuff
about her, but she just doesn’t know.
I find that all of Fitzgerald’s stories are all similar in one way or another. His stories always
introduce, or the narrator always starts the whole story. He describes a lot of things in such
meaningful words. Whenever I read his stiff, I always reread everything because his writing
make you think a lot. He is not like other authors that just explain everything to you. He
always leaves you to think of the conclusion or anywhere in the story. It seems like
Fitzgerald understands a lot about life, and that is why he writes mostly about something
that happens in someone’s life. His writing is fiction, but things that he writes about could
be someone in real life. Definitely the story of “Bernice Bobs Her Hair” really can relate to a
lot of real life stuff. Some of his points in the story really made me admire him. I think that
there could also be a lesson to learn in each story that he wrote.
http://www.seattlecentral.edu/faculty/jgeorg/ESL098ReactionSamples.htm
Sample 2 (for a movie)
The classic Disney movie “Mary Poppins” is a wonderful story of how a
stereotypical, upper class family in London has their world turned upside down by their new
nanny. Even though the movie is one of the most popular Disney films it shows some
underlying examples of interpellation. There are also some issues of agency that display
the intricate way that Mary Poppins changes the degree of agency in the household.
When watching the film and trying to figure out who has agency over whom it
seemed difficult because of the fact that there are several characters that are
involved. When the film begins everything seems to be typical when it comes to
agency. Mr. Banks is the man of the house and tells everyone what to do and everyone in
return obeys him. The first song Mr. Banks sings is about how proud he was of how orderly
his life was. He felt that it was his duty to give commands and do everything in the exact
order that they were supposed to be done in a stereotypical sense. It seemed that all was
in order and that order was given by Mr. Banks alone. The minute that Mary Poppins comes
into their door the agency is taken away from Mr. Banks immediately. Even though he has
no idea that he no longer has power because of the fact that Mary Poppins is wise enough to
know that if she lets him think that he tells her what to do and that he comes up with all of
the ideas then he will never know. This does create a slight fight for power between Mr.
Banks and Mary Poppins because Mary always has to stay one step ahead of Mr. Banks and
he is always a very close step behind her. When the dynamics of the household become so
happy and seemingly perfect Mr. Banks is angry because he can almost feel himself losing
his power which is what causes him to become so bossy. When things involve Jane and
Michael they are not directly given any agency but seems to be able to take some of the
agency away in certain circumstances. Anytime they seemed to disobey an adult it was
either a misunderstanding or they were quickly turned around. The only obvious time that
agency was displayed by the children was when Michael was at the bank and he was
adamant that his money go to feeding the birds instead of in the bank. When Mary, Bert
and the children jumped into the picture they were able to go out on their own for awhile
without supervision but that would be the person with the agency allowing them to have a
little leeway. Mary gave them chances to be their own judge but she was always there to
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OMAN COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
pull them back and take over when things were out of hand. She allowed agency to be
taken when there was a lesson to be taught in letting them go. After Mary has
accomplished what she came to do, which would be to show the family how to be a family
and how to have fun and take the time they have and cherish it, she allowed the agency to
be taken back by Mr. Banks. It was very interesting to see how manipulative Mary could be
when dealing with people and getting her way; it was apparent that she was an expert at
stealing agency from others.
This film drips with interpellation even though it is not always obvious. The first
example that comes up is the fact that Mr. Banks has the final say in everything and that is
played out as if it should be that way. I found it ironic that the spunk Mrs. Banks had when
Mr. Banks was not around was astounding but that changed as soon as he enters the
picture. She is introduced in the film as a women’s rights activist and how she protests all
the time and is incredibly active in things that could easily get her arrested; when Mr. Banks
is home she is extremely submissive. For example when she is leaving the house to go to a
protest Mr. Banks runs into her at the door and tells her to sit down and start taking notes
and immediately she then replies “yes dear” with a smile and obeys. Though there may be
some sarcasm meant by the writers of the film it still says to society that it is okay to have
your own opinions as a women but when it comes to her husband she better be obedient
and believe what he says. Mrs. Banks opinions are totally contradictory to things that Mr.
Banks says but when she talks to him she agrees with everything he says. Something else
that was interesting is that Mary Poppins is continuously viewed as being “practically perfect
in every way” which makes people believe that she is the ideal women. Her description is
rosy cheeks, never cross or cheery disposition, she is thin, and this is what most would
consider very ladylike as well; this all points to what women are continuously told to
be. When Mary, Bert and the children are in the painting and they get on Merry-go-round
horses Mary rode the lavender one with a smug ladylike look on its face, Jane rode the pink
one with long eyelashes, Michael rode the blue one with slit eyes and Bert rode the orange
one. Even though this was a small detail of the movie it still displays what girls and boys
should be like and what colors they should wear. When the children went to the bank with
their father the whole trip was centered on Michael, even though Jane went along he was
the one that was supposed to invest his money and see what his dad does. The thought of
Jane investing her money in the bank was never even thought of or even the idea that she
had any money. Men are supposed to take care of all the money and be the ones that earn
it and that is what the whole bank trip reinforced. Michael always seems to be the one
taking the action, in the end when they go fly a kite Michael is the one flying it with his
father and Jane and Mrs. Banks are in the background watching. And when the children run
from the bank and Bert grabs Jane she is the one that’s helpless and Michael is trying to get
him off. The film interpellates us to think that the men are supposed to be the ones acting
on their feelings and saving people and even thinking. The only dominant role that a
women plays in the film are the cook, maid and nanny; Mary Poppins is a controversial
character because of her ability to do as she pleases even around men but she still plays
right into the stereotype that the male should be in the dominant seat. The film does seem
to have a hint of sarcasm about the role of the women as stated earlier but in the end it
seems to be just a bit of humor that does not disprove the interpellation.
In the end everything is “as is should be” says Mary Poppins as she
leaves. Apparently “as it should be” means that the father is back in a domineering role
although he is a bit more relaxed and the mother is still beneath him. Things seem to all
fall into the stereotypical place that society likes for them to be in both in terms of agency
and interpellation. It seems as if in this case interpellation coincides with agency which
seems to put the happy ending to the movie.
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OMAN COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
Choose an article to write a reaction paper on. (Refer to pages 9 (A changing city,
34 (The explosive growth of email…), 48 (Watching TV is bad for toddlers)
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OMAN COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
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OMAN COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
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OMAN COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
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