Think and Speak
Exercises in oral and written expression, based on old school textbooks
Exercises in oral and written expression, based on old school textbooks
Words ending in -ly are often adverbs, but it’s a dangerous rule to follow: see if you can do better.
Adverbs (words that indicate in what manner something was done) often end with -ly, e.g. slowly, neatly, surreptitiously. However, the ending -ly is not an infallible guide to spotting adverbs. Use each of the words below in a sentence, and say what part of speech it is (e.g. adverb, adjective, noun etc.).
Choose a word from our list, and then use it in any one of the three basic types of sentence — if possible.
Use each word below in a sentence. Try to include at least one statement, one question and one command among your sentences. Note that some verbs make awkward or meaningless words of command, e.g. need, happen.
Develop your vocabulary and exercise your imagination by conjuring up a mermaid on the shore, or a train waiting at the station.
Choose one of the nouns below, and then collect as many words connected with it as you can. When you have gathered at least three words, see if you can compose an interesting scene or little story from them. You will find this much easier if you remember to include some sort of action.
Find a way to let people know what is happening without actually saying it.
‘Show, don’t tell’ is one of the first rules of good story-telling. Rather than make bald statements about a person or situation, the author assigns actions or dialogue to his characters from which the reader infers facts that he has not been explicitly told — much more satisfying for everyone. How would you show (without actually saying in so many words) the following?
Express the idea behind each of these proverbs using different words as much as you can.
On this page you will a find a selection of brief sayings, including short quotations from English literature as well as traditional proverbs. Choose a saying, and try to express the idea in different words as much as you can. In what circumstances might you use this quotation?