Speaking clearly, and writing a report

Say it right. Some words are not said the way they are spelt:

• jewellery = 'jool-ree' (three syllables, not four);
• clerk = 'claak';
• dessert (sweet dish) = 'dih-ZUHT' (stress on the second part); desert (sand) is stressed on the first;
• January = 'ja-nyoo-uh-ree';
• sour = 'sau-uh';
• pizza = 'peet-zaa';
• Wednesday = 'wenz-day' (the first d is silent!);
• bowl rhymes with roll;
• buffet = 'buh-FAY';
• pronunciation = 'pruh-nuhn-see-AY-shn' (no 'nounce' in it).

A group discussion has rules. The moderator:

• opens the discussion and invites speakers;
• makes sure everyone takes part equally;
• brings the views together and sums up;
• suggests what to do next, and thanks the group.

Speakers take turns. To come in politely: 'If I may say something…', 'May I draw the attention of this group…', 'I would like to add to what the last speaker mentioned…'

To agree: 'I'm totally in agreement with that', 'That's absolutely true', 'I fully agree'.

To disagree, stay polite: 'I'm afraid I don't agree', 'I'm sorry, but I don't quite agree', 'Maybe I'm wrong, but if you look at it this way…' You disagree with the idea, not the person.

Writing a report. A report describes an event that has already happened, giving the details in order. It is written in the past tense. It has a title and a byline (the reporter's name and class).

Paragraph 1: what, who, when and where: 'An Inter-school Football Tournament was organised by our Vidyalaya from 21 April to 24 April at Motinagar Football Ground. Ten teams participated.'

Paragraphs 2 and 3: describe the event, using sequence markers (following, after, subsequently, finally) and the passive: 'was declared open', 'were held', 'were cheered'. The passive keeps the focus on the event.

Paragraph 4: the prizes, the chief guest's words, and a closing line on how it went.