Multiple Choice is a subcategory of Language in Context in which respondents are provided with a 'stem' (i.e., base of the question or item. For example: The past tense form of the verb 'eat' is... ) followed by one correct response and several distractors. Here, items are interspersed throughout a text.
ACTIVITIES:
1. Choose an appropriate logical connector from the options provided. Make sure your choice reflects the correct, logical relationship and the grammatical constraints. There may be more than one correct choice, so prepare to explain why you chose your answer.
Both Canada and the United States have large minorities that speak languages
other than English. Canada has a large French-speaking minority. (1)The United States, (on the
other hand, furthermore, consequently, yet) has a large Spanish-speaking minority. (2)(But,
However, So) the way the two countries deal with this fact are rather different.
Canada has adopted a policy of bilingualism, and has two official languages. All
students study both languages in school. (3)(Moreover, Nevertheless, Therefore) all official
government activities are conducted in both languages.
However, in the United States, there is a movement to make English the only
official language. (4)(So, So that, As a result), some people may be officially discouraged from
using languages other than English at work. In some parts of the country, there are very few
facilities available to people who can't speak English, (5)(and, but, yet, so) (6)(under such
circumstances, on the other hand, in addition to) Spanish-speaking people may be required to
provide their own translators in such places as hospitals or government offices. (7)(In Spite of,
Even though, Consequently) all students in the public schools are taught English, (8)(but, and,
for, no connector) English-speaking students are not usually required to study Spanish.
These differences in bilingualism may spring from geographical considerations. In
Canada, the French-speaking minority constitutes a majority in certain parts of the country,
primarily in the province of Quebec. In the United States, (9)(however, on the other hand, in
spite of this, therefore) Spanish-speaking concentrations are spread around the country. Large
concentrations of Spanish-speaking people are found in New York, Florida, New Mexico, and
California. (10)(As a result, Under such circumstances, In addition, Besides) there are
significant concentrations in many other large cities. (11)(Although, However, In spite of) they
do not constitute a majority in any single region.
Thewlis, S. (1993). Grammar Dimensions, Book Three.
2. Work with a partner. Choose the correct form of the verb. Check your answers with the class.
VITAMINS
Scientists (believe/believes/believing) that in the near future the value of taking
vitamins will (becomes/becoming/become) clear to everyone. Many (think/thinks/thinking) that
vitamins will (help/helps/helping) people live longer, healthier lives. This will (means/meaning/mean)
that the drug companies will (make/makes/making) a great deal of money from the sale of vitamins,
but more importantly, the public will (benefits/benefit/benefitting) from this new medical knowledge.
What exactly (is/are/were) vitamins? They (is/are/were) not food. We
(find/finds/finding) them in food and they (keep/keeps/keeping) us alive. They (is/are/were)
chemicals. They help the body (uses/using/use) food. They (help/helps/helping) build and repair the
human body.
A proper diet can (provide/provides/providing) all the nutrients we
(need/needs/needing) to stay healthy. Extra doses of certain vitamins can (helps/helping/help) to
prevent many problems such as heart attacks and cancer. Most doctors will not
(encourages/encouraging/encourage) people to take large doses of vitamins. Vitamins (are/is/were)
not magic, doctors say. Taking too much of anything can (hurts/hurting/hurt) you. The best source
of vitamins will always (be/are/being) food and a proper diet.
McKay, I. (1996). Grammar Strand 1.
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