1 Reading
Before You Read
Complete these pre-reading activities to help you recognize formality and distance, and to understand conversations better.
Formal and Informal Ways of Talking
In Focus Questions 1 and 2, you filled in tables. Tables are a type of form that controls what we write and how much we write. When we communicate formally, we have to control the words we use to be polite or well organized. In formal speech, we also control how fast we speak and how carefully we pronounce words.
Decide how formal the following communication styles are.
When Roshan and Kerry are sitting in the coffee shop, Kerry said, “C’mon. You’ve gotta be kidding me. Look at all those cars. They’re at a stand still. We’re gonna be late. Darn construction…”
When Roshan and Nick were talking, Roshan said, “Hey Nick… See ya.”
When Gilles phoned Claire, he said, “Am I speaking with Mrs. Turner? Good morning… It’s Gilles Doucette here.”
Place for Kerry, for Nick, and for Gilles along the scale.
Vocabulary: Multiple-meaning Words
Many English words have two or more definitions. These words are called homographs because they are spelled the same but have different meanings.
Look at the table below. One word or phrase on the right does not have the same meaning as the word on the left. Choose that word or phrase.
| sweet | a candy | pop | very nice | sugary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| match | a game between two teams | a large amount of something | a marriage partner | a small stick for starting fire |
| trade | to exchange things | a kind of skilled work | to make a deal | a kind of characteristic |
Predictions
You’re going to read text messages by Roshan and his friend Nick, as well as an email from Dev Mehta (Roshan’s father). These people know each other very well; they are very close. Before reading, predict how they will talk to each other.
- Will they always be informal with each other? If not, when will they switch to formal writing?
- Will they always be direct, or blunt, with each other? If not, how will their writing show directness or indirectness?
Roshan and Kerry found that the shortest, most direct road was closed. If they had continued on that highway, they would have run into danger. They had to choose a route that was less direct. Sometimes conversations must become less direct, too. Speaking more indirectly can help speakers avoid some dialogue dangers.
Reading 1
Read the text messages sent between Roshan and his friend Nick.
Read an email from Roshan’s father.
From: Dev Mehta
To: Roshan Mehta
Cc:
Subject: Happy Birthday
Dear Son,
Twenty years ago today, you arrived at Lethbridge Regional Hospital. So much water under the bridge…
Your sister reports that Auntie has a good eye when it comes to husbands. I’m sure your aunt is considering more than handsome appearance. It gives your mother and I great happiness to know that Priya trusts the wisdom of her elders in choosing a life partner. Be assured that it will be our pleasure to do the same for you.
Si