Precision
Under Pressure.
Describe things the way professionals do, and take a clear, respectful stand on a controversial case.
Sharper adjectives
carpeted area · ongoing investigation
Formal connectors
nevertheless · nonetheless · that said
Critical speaking
A formal panel debate
Cambia tu mentalidad. Habla inglés.
Spot the Sign.
You see these on gym walls, office doors, and race courses. Read them out loud.
With your partner (breakout room · 2 min)
Look at the white signs and the black signs. What is different about the words ending in -ed and -ing? Who or what is doing something?
Receiver or Doer?
One quick question decides the ending: Did someone do something to it, or does it do something?
You see the result.
- carpeted area ← someone carpeted it
- shared equipment
- restricted access
- designated medical area
- a televised event
- a widely shared video
- a calculated risk
- an informed decision
It keeps going, or it affects others.
- an ongoing investigation ← it continues
- a leading contender
- a misleading headline
- a growing concern
- a compelling argument
- conflicting reports
- mounting pressure
- a lasting image
Same word. Different story.
Tap a pair to see the difference.
A carpeted area is not a waiting area.
reserved seat → someone reserved it.
dining area · changing room · parking lot
Ask: "What is it for?" If the answer is an activity, use -ing.
Three ways to say -ed.
Tap the speaker to listen. Repeat each word twice.
The case.
Read the report. Then highlight the adjectives to see who is the Receiver and who is the Doer.
Your turn (1 min)
Find two more adjectives in the report. Are they Receiver, Doer, or neither?
Say "but" like a professional.
You already know although and despite. Now add four more.
| Connector | How it sounds in the case |
|---|---|
| Nevertheless, | The runner was in visible distress; nevertheless, she continued. |
| Nonetheless, | The risk was documented. Nonetheless, officials did not intervene. |
| Even so, | The decision was legal. Even so, it raised serious questions. |
| That said, | Her courage is undeniable. That said, the danger was real. |
| Whereas | Some fans praise her, whereas others criticize the officials. |
| Although / Despite | Although the footage was widely shared, the race was not reviewed. |
Notice Board Challenge.
Breakout rooms. Write four formal notices for one place. Then the other team guesses your rule.
Pick a place
A gym · an office · a marathon course
Say four notices
Two Receiver + two Doer. Example: "Restricted access." "Ongoing maintenance."
Add contrast
Join two with a connector. "The area is designated for staff; nevertheless, visitors may enter."
Choose the form.
You have 90 seconds. Seven sentences. Tap fast.
Match the halves.
Tap a start, then tap its ending. 75 seconds.
Two sentences. One.
Combine each pair with a contrast connector. Say it out loud, then check.
Flash scene.
A scene appears for 15 seconds. React with one formal sentence: one adjective + one contrast connector.
Mechanize it.
Three more rounds — write, complete, combine. No timer. Go at your own pace, then compare with a partner.
A · Write the correct form
B · Complete the sentence
C · Combine two sentences
Speak without stopping.
Partner A: give a formal statement to the race committee about the case. Partner B: listen and tick the checklist. Then switch.
Your statement
"Was it right for the runner to continue? Explain your position."
Partner checklist
Should an athlete compete through a serious medical problem?
Each person takes a role. Speak in formal English. Respond to each other with a contrast connector.
Race Medical Director
"The documented risk is…"
Sports Journalist
"A growing number of fans…"
Coach
"It was a calculated risk…"
Sponsor Representative
"Our binding agreement…"
Ethics Commentator
"A compelling argument…"
It could be argued that…While this is admirable, the risk remains…I see your point; nevertheless…That said, we must consider…The regulations governing this event…
One precise sentence.
Write one formal sentence about the case with one Receiver, one Doer, and one contrast connector.
This week
Find three -ed or -ing adjectives on signs, emails, or news. Decide: Receiver or Doer?
Your cheat sheet.
carpeted area · shared equipment · restricted access · designated zone · reserved seat · televised event · documented case · calculated risk · informed decision · widely shared video
ongoing investigation · leading contender · misleading headline · growing concern · mounting pressure · compelling argument · conflicting reports · governing body · lasting image
waiting area · dining area · changing room · parking lot
although · despite · whereas · ; nevertheless, · . Nonetheless, · . Even so, · . That said,
