Generalisations & specifics

A. Match the sentences in the list below with an appropriate sentence in the list opposite. The underlined expressions in the first list should have a similar meaning to the words or expressions in bold in the second list.

FIRST LIST

1. Small items of information are very important in a curriculum vitae.

2. I need to have precise (adj-đúng, chính xác) information about your new proposals.

3. The plan was unable to go ahead because of a small important detail which is important in order to  make something happen.

4. He demanded to know the small, precise and sometimes unimportant details.

5. When you read a piece of text in the exam, you should read it quickly first to get the general idea.

6. Before you write an essay, you should plan it first and give a broad description without giving much detail.

7. Odd features or details which make something different make the world a more interesting place.

8. Saying that all seventeen-year-olds take drugs is a bit of a general statement.

9. Many cars have very similar typical features.

10. The huge rise in computer sales is a good example of the direction in which technology is heading.

11. Normally, most students sitting the exam manage to pass with a good grade.

12. The new library shows a good example of British architecture at its best.

13. Before you travel somewhere, it is important to make a detailed list of things that you need to take.

14. French fries with mayonnaise is a dish which is an odd feature or detail of Belgian cuisine.

15. The article shows as an example his views on the way the company should develop.

Don’t forget to keep a record of the words and expressions that you have learnt, review your notes from time to time and try to use new vocabulary items whenever possible.

SECOND LIST

A. Please let me have the specifics as soon as possible.

B. It’s very frustrating when a minor technicality puts a stop to your plans.

C. In the same way, kimchii is a concoction of cabbage, chilli and garlic which is peculiar (adj-khác thường) to Korea.

D. You should include full details of your past experience.

E. Once you have an outline (n-phát thảo, đề cương), you will discover that your work is easier to organise.

F. We must be careful not to make this kind of generalisation (n-khái quát, tổng hợp).

G. Itemise (v-ghi thành từng khoản) everything in order of importance, beginning with your passport and visa.

H. As far as he was concerned, the minutiae (n-những chi tiết vụn vặt) could not be overlooked (v-bỏ sót, ko nhận thấy).

I. Most manufacturers are aware that these characteristics are what help sell their product.

J. It also provides us with an accurate illustration of the advances we have made in the last twenty years.

K. It illustrates his preference for increased automation.

L. Once you have the gist (n-điểm chính), it should be easier to understand it.

M. It exemplifies (v-sao, minh họa, làm thí dụ cho) the style that is becoming increasingly popular with town planners.

N. In general, the average result is a B or C.

O. For example, it one of the peculiarities (n-khác thường, riêng biệt) of the British system that judges and lawyers wear wigs (n-bộ tóc giả) in court.

B. Write a list of the words and expressions in bold above. Put them into two groups based on whether they are talking about general things or specific things. Try to give examples of each word in a sentence of your own.

Don’t forget to keep a record of the words and expressions that you have learnt, review your notes from time to time and try to use new vocabulary items whenever possible.