The Elements of Style_Lecture 3.ppt

General and Specific Words Some words are more general or more specific in imeaning than others. For instance, professionals, is more general than scientists, doctors, teachers, lawyers, journalists, etc., all of which are more specific. A student learning to write should make an effort to master and use specific words wherever possible. Specific words help to make writing clear, exact, vivid, and striking, for they are more informative and expressive than general words. a good man kind, honest, just, generous, sympathetic, warm-hearted, selfless, brave, honorable good food tasty, delicious, nourishing, rich, wholesome, fresh, appetizing, abundant house mansion, villa, chateau, cottage, bungalow, cabin, hut, shack, shanty, shed, barn laugh smile（微笑）, grin（咧嘴笑）, beam（面露喜色）, giggle（傻笑）, titter（紧张地窃笑）, snigger（不怀好意地窃笑）, chuckle（轻声地咯咯笑）, guffaw（开心地哄笑）, chortle(咯咯地笑) General It is often windy and dusty here in spring. Specific In spring there is often a very strong northwest wind. It carries so much fine dust with it that sometimes the sun becomes obscure. There is no escape from the fine dust; it gets into your eyes, your ears, your nostrils, and your hair. It goes through the cracks of closed windows and covers your desks and chairs. General Students do many interesting things after classes. Specific Every morning and afternoon the sports fields are alive with energetic students. Football and basketball matches, volleyball, and badminton, track-training and gymnastics are all in full swing. Even the alleyways under the trees and around the flower beds provide enough space for enthusiasts to practise. Through the windows comes the pitter-patter of ping-pong balls, the sound of songs and music, or laughter and discussion. Practice Give a description to your mother. 描写人物外貌和性格特征的常用词语： good-looking 长得好看的 ugly-looking 长得难看的 funny-looking 长相滑稽的 ordinary-looking 长相一般的 white-haired 白头发的