1. Writing 1
Lesson 9

2. Homework for today P. 10 Task 2 P. 17 Task 3
(Check answers in Word doc ‘Answers homework for lesson 9’)
P. 19 Task 3
Finish writing task on decline in language learning

3. Example summary
The University of Florence is a case in point. Its Modern Languages Department offers a variety of degree courses in languages that students can begin from scratch. Three such examples are Chinese, Russian and Arabic. Along with the other ab initio language courses, these languages are very popular with undergraduates.

4. One of the reasons for the high number of enrolments is that the students are aware that the opportunity to begin a new language can potentially lead to new experiences outside the university and, after graduation, to greater employment possibilities.

5. Florence University is keen to promote its ab initio courses, thereby recognising the importance of modern languages and meeting students’ needs. Along with Manchester and Oxford, it hopes to reverse the current decline in language learning.

6. Task 3, p. 19
Bilingualism is commonly defined as the use of at least two languages by an individual (ASHA, 2004).
This sentence provides the reader with a definition of the word ‘bilingualism’. There is also reference to a source – ASHA – which corresponds to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association as cited at the bottom of the paragraph. This reference adds authority to the definition.

7. 2. It is a fluctuating system in children and adults whereby use of and proficiency in two languages may change depending on the opportunities to use the languages and exposure to other users of the languages.
The writer makes a series of distinctions here, focussing on the difference between children and adults and how age and circumstances can affect the extent to which a person is bilingual.

8. 3. It is a dynamic and fluid process across a number of domains, including experience, tasks, topics, and time.
Sentence 3 explains the range of areas that bilingualism affects, using exemplification.

9. Task 4, p.20
In the last sentence, the writer identifies four areas that are affected by bilingualism. Therefore, the reader expects the text to continue with the four examples developed into separate paragraphs.

10. Task 5, p.20
The two paragraphs are a classification of types of bilingualism. They make a differentiation between two different kinds of learning experiences.
The reference to U.S. schools would appear to indicate that the potential audience is American.

11. Lexical nets Group the key words.
bilingualism – languages – system – languages – languages – languages – languages – process
individual – children – adults – users
opportunities – exposure – domains – experience – tasks – topics – time

12. GROUP 6 13 – Writing Test
FRIDAY 20 January at 9am (aula 4 VSR)
90 minutes
No dictionaries
3 questions
Qs 1, 2: purpose / structure / cohesion / lexis / connectors
Q. 3 write a paragraph (120 words)

13. Grammar Test 13th January
Only for students who passed the week 4 Mock Grammar Test (+ 70%)
All other students take this test in June or September
Sign up using link on Lingua inglese 1 page on Moodle

14. Homework
Winter work will be posted on Moodle, along with preparatory work for semester 2.
Information regarding schedules and course materials will be posted on Moodle in February.
For office hours, please consult CercaChi.