Introduction
Novelist John Galsworthy was elected President of the English Association for 1924. He ended his address to the members with a call not to give up on the English language, but to keep on expecting to meet round every corner something new: not a mere novelty, but something worthy to follow the noble beauty of the best that has gone before.
I often wonder, if only I didn’t know English, what I should think of the sound of it, well talked. I believe I should esteem it a soft speech very pleasant to the ear, varied but unemphatic, singularly free from guttural or metallic sounds, restful, dignified, and friendly. I believe — how prejudiced one is! — that I would choose it, well spoken, before any language in the world, not indeed as the most beautiful, but as the medium of expression of which one would tire last. Blend though it be, hybrid between two main stocks, and tinctured by many a visiting word, it has acquired rich harmony of its own, a vigorous individuality. It is worthy of any destiny, however wide.
The mind, taking a bird’s-eye view of the English language from Chaucer to this day, noting the gradual but amazing changes it has undergone, will find it impossible, I think, to give the palm to any particular period in all those centuries. As with the lover of flowers who, through the moving seasons of the year, walks in his garden, watching the tulip and the apple blossom, the lilac, the iris, and the rose bloom in their good time, and cannot tell which most delights his eyes, nor when his garden reaches its full sweetness, so it is with us who love good English.
Précis
Novelist John Galsworthy told members of the English Association that even if he did not speak English, it would still be his favourite language for its restful sound, blended from many sources. But he would not distinguish any particular historical period for its superior English, likening literature to a garden that is beautiful in all seasons, albeit in different ways. (60 / 60 words)
Novelist John Galsworthy told members of the English Association that even if he did not speak English, it would still be his favourite language for its restful sound, blended from many sources. But he would not distinguish any particular historical period for its superior English, likening literature to a garden that is beautiful in all seasons, albeit in different ways.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: about, because, besides, ought, unless, until, whereas, who.
Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Jigsaws Based on this passage
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
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Grok : Ask Grok
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