Classwork - 1

Name: Farhan Tamzid

Ans: There is a difference in formality between the language used by the person in the two
pictures. In "A" the customer displays a very informal or casual use of language. On the
contrary, "B" exemplifies the use of a very formal set of phrases. 

For example:
A) Hello (Informal) -> B) Good Morning (Formal)
A) I've just popped in to see if you could let me have some money (Informal) -> B) I've
called to see if it's possible to have a personal loan. (Formal)

b) What other differences are there in the way he presents himself (non-verbal
communication), and what effect do they have?

Ans: There are some differences in his mannerisms and his appearance. In "A" we can see
the customer is very laid back, showing no signs of cordiality. He is seen with his hands in
his pocket demanding a loan. On the other hand, in "B" the customer seems to be wearing a
very formal attire. He is sitting down in a respectable manner with his hands on his knees. 

These differences in the way he presents himself can lend to a plethora of effects. Wearing
informal attire and failing to show respect can make you come off as rude to the listener.
Therefore the listener will have a wrong impression of you.  

But being polite, presenting yourself in a formal and respectable manner, being appreciative
and soft-spoken will help you leave a good impression on the listener.

2. Identify the style of the sentences below and then rewrite them in the style stated:

(a) If you could possibly lend me $5 until the end of the week, I'd be extremely grateful.
(Change to: Informal)

Ans: Can you give me $5 for a week? I'll appreciate it.

(b) You're not supposed to give the lion's food. (Change to: Formal)

Ans: Feeding the lion is against the rules.

Ans: Passengers, you all will hurt yourselves if you don't stand back from the doors.

(d) Dude! Stop hogging that and gimme me the sugar. (Change to: Formal)

Ans: It would be very kind of you if you could pass me the sugar. Thank you.

(e) If you would kindly seat yourselves at the table, dinner will be served directly. (Change
to: Formal)

Ans: Please, have a seat at the table. The dinner will be served very shortly.

(f) This concert is a total ripoff, there’s not a hope in hell of getting your money’s worth
with these terrible bands playing.
(Change to: Formal)

Ans: This concert seems to be grossly overpriced. I do not think it is worth the money since the
quality of the performers is sub-par at best.

(3) The language of the sentences below is inappropriate. Either the style is wrong or the
register/formality is incorrect. Re-write these sentences in BUSINESS ENGLISH making
any changes you need to keep the meaning.

A. A Doctor talking to Mr. Hannan, his patient: Yeah, so, dude, you broke like, three pieces
of the humerus bone on your arm, and it’s going to be set in those cast things, cause you
totally need to keep the arm like, not moving, yeah, umm... keep it immobile, I guess you
could say.

Ans: Mr. Hannan, I am very sorry to inform you that it seems you have broken three pieces of
the humerus bone on your arm. To facilitate the healing process, we will have to set your arm in
a cast to ensure that it is immobile.

b. One colleague to another colleague: “It's obvious that the office environment is now bad
because of the new girl’s issues. She is a whiner; she is always nagging about others. It’s
always about stupid stuff too, like what someone said to her in the lift. I really hate her!”

Ans: I think our new colleague's behavior is having a negative impact on the office environment.
She seems a bit touchy or more inclined to complain about things we aren't too bothered about.
For example, about what someone once said to her in the lift. I don't find working with her
enjoyable.

c. An Advertising agency executive, discussing a new client: “I think that the new client is
just a strange guy. As he can’t guide us on the new ad campaign, we should leave him out
of
our plans. He doesn’t know how to sell his own product; can you imagine how dumb he is?
If the maker isn’t sure about a product’s good points, how can us advertising guys sell it?”

Ans: I feel that our new client is somewhat eccentric. I fail to see how the maker of a product
can be oblivious to it's qualities. If he himself is struggling to put forth a strong argument for his
creation, how can he expect us, advertising guys, to sell it? I firmly believe that we should leave
him out of our plans. 

d. One client referring a law firm to another: “I made a lot of illegal deals and bank loans
over the last 5 years, but Rahim Law Firm took care of all my corruption and bribing legal
work. If
you have money you need to hide in some account outside the country, they are the best for
illegal, corrupt activities. Go to them to get help hiding your black-market money!”

Ans: Trust me dude, I've been doing loads of shady stuff for the past 5 years and Rahim Law
Firm took care of all of it. If you wanna slip through the cracks, you gotta hide your money in
some account outside the country. Rahim Law Firm is the best at these sorts of things. Get help
from them and you'll be laughing your way to the bank in no time.

e. One worker requesting help from his colleague: “Can you stop being distracted with
online surfing and face book actually help me with this project? You know that the boss
gave both of us this work to do, right? Are you going to help me or are you going to be lazy
and just not do
your job?”

Ans: Could you please spare some time to help me with this project? Since the boss gave both of
us this work to do, I think it will be best for you and me both if we can complete it in time.