Expressing Emphasis

Expressing Emphasis

Poll

• Vote for the sentence that sounds most emphatic and formal.

• Discuss: Why does the structure affect tone and emphasis?

• I enjoyed the conference.

• I did enjoy the conference.

• Never have I enjoyed a conference so much.

• It was the keynote speech that impressed me the most.

• At the centre of the discussion stood a surprising point.

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Emphatic Do

Analyse sentences to deduce the function and structure of Emphatic Do.

Look at the pairs of sentences below. What is the difference in meaning or tone between Sentence A and Sentence B?

Emphatic Do

Analyse sentences to deduce the function and structure of Emphatic Do.

Look at the pairs of sentences below. What is the difference in meaning or tone between Sentence A and Sentence B?

Inversions

Inversions: Rule

• When the sentence starts with a negative word (Never, Rarely, Under no circumstances, what happens to the standard Subject + Verb order?

It reverses to Auxiliary + Subject like in a question

• Why do we use this structure? For dramatic emphasis and formal writing

Inversion occurs when a negative or restrictive adverbial is placed at the beginning of the sentence, reversing the subject and auxiliary verb (Aux + S + V).

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Cleft-Sentences

​Analyze the following sentences. How is the highlighted information being given importance?

Fronting

Fronting & Cleft-sentences: Rule

• Cleft Sentences It or What structures split a sentence to emphasize one key piece of information.

• Fronting moves an element (Object Adverbial) to the start for emphasis, usually without inversion.

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Open Ended

Instructions: You are writing a formal email to the Regional Education Board about the difficulties preparing for the C1 exam. Rewrite the following simple facts using the structure requested.

1. We need clear guidelines, not more paperwork. (Use a What Cleft)

Open Ended

Instructions: You are writing a formal email to the Regional Education Board about the difficulties preparing for the C1 exam. Rewrite the following simple facts using the structure requested.

2. I have rarely been so disappointed by the lack of communication. (Use Inversion)

Open Ended

Instructions: You are writing a formal email to the Regional Education Board about the difficulties preparing for the C1 exam. Rewrite the following simple facts using the structure requested.

3. The course structure needs to be reviewed, I sincerely believe. (Use Emphatic Do)

Open Ended

Instructions: You are writing a formal email to the Regional Education Board about the difficulties preparing for the C1 exam. Rewrite the following simple facts using the structure requested.

4. The delays in providing materials caused the most frustration. (Use an It Cleft)

Open Ended

Instructions: You are writing a formal email to the Regional Education Board about the difficulties preparing for the C1 exam. Rewrite the following simple facts using the structure requested.

5. I consider the inadequate financial resources a severe problem. (Use Fronting for the object)