B2 Skills Session 3 M2

Your objectives
YOU
CAN give constructive criticism
CAN use participial phrases

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B2 Skills Session 3 M2
CAN give constructive criticism
When giving someone constructive criticism, it is often necessary to
soften it up. These phrases can help you do this:
Its a bit, isnt it?
Why do you need to be so?
I just dont feel
I personally dont think that
Im afraid that
Try softening up this criticism.
This presentation is too long.
The instructions are too complicated.
I am not convinced by the advertisement.
Our client will find this solution too costly.
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B2 Skills Session 3 M2
CAN give constructive criticism
When criticising, you should follow some general rules.
Say something positive:
e.g. I like the way you used pictures in your presentation.
Point out behaviour that needs to change and why:
e.g. I need you to write your reports on time, otherwise everything
gets delayed as a result.
Offer them an opportunity to respond:
e.g. Id like to hear your opinion on this matter.
Express confidence that they can improve:
e.g. I am confident that with a little effort, you can turn this around.
Offer constructive criticism to 1) a colleague who had a boring
presentation, 2) a co-worker refusing to collaborate
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B2 Skills Session 3 M2
CAN use participial phrases
There are two main types of participles: present & past participles
present participles (which are active in meaning)
e.g. Leaving the airport, you will see a sign for Rome.
past participles (which are passive in meaning)
e.g. Disappointed by the result, he sat there speechless.
There is also the perfect participle (active)
e.g. Having finished his homework, Chris sat down to watch T.V.
Finally, there is the perfect participle (passive)
e.g. Having been warned, he stayed away from that area of town.
Provide one example of each type of participle.
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B2 Skills Session 3 M2
CAN use participial phrases
Present participles usually come after certain verbs: see, hear, feel,
smell, watch, catch leave, find, spend waste, be busy, etc.
e.g. We spent the last month learning this new program.
Participles can replace relative clauses
e.g. The person sitting (who is sitting) on my left is my boss.
e.g. The reports written (which are written) in red ink are final.
Participles can express time, reason, result, condition, etc.
e.g. Having informed her of my decision, I left.
e.g. Not drinking enough water, he became dehydrated.
e.g. Watered regularly, this flower will live year round.
Provide one example of each type of participial phrase.
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B2 Skills Session 3 M2
Have my objectives been met?
Not at all

With
difficulty

With some
difficulty

Quite easily

Very easily

CAN give constructive criticism

1

CAN use participial phrases

1

Can write a letter giving advice

1

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