WRITING FOCUS - Grammar activities, sentence structure and using transition signals

Some Good Grammar Exercise websites:
http://www.englishpage.com/grammar/
http://a4esl.org/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/grammar/


Some Easy Grammar Activities which are clear and concise
http://classroom.jc-schools.net/basic/la-grammar.html

**Please note that some of these activities focus on using transition words in sentences – including effective comparison and contrast transition words.

In-text referencing sample worksheet

In-text referencing sample worksheet

Suggested ways to report the ideas of others, or refer to data in a survey.

1. According to Maslow (Bartol et al. 2006) the highest need for humans is Self-Actualisation, which refers to reaching one's full potential. Employers address this need by providing opportunities for self-improvement and success in the workplace. Recognition for hard work or superior ideas is also an important focus for employers, and relates to Maslow's Esteem Level in his Hiearchy of Needs Theory.



2. One way of keeping workers happy in the workplace is to give them a sense of belonging, by encouraging good relationships with their colleagues. (Burke 2006)


3. Workers in Hong Kong place a lot of importance on earning more money because of the high cost of basic education, health and general living expenses (Furnham 1995). For this reason money is a strong motivator in that country, and would be in other countries with similarly high living costs.

4. A survey carried out by the University of Wessex showed that both men and women considered having an interesting job to be of high importance to them in their workplace. (Phillips 2004)

5. According to Phillips (2004) studies prove that for most people, an interesting job is better than a well-paid one.


6. Do not do this question


7. Bailey (Bourke in Cotton et al. 2006) suggests that flexible leave banks is an effective way to cater to the family needs of employees outside the workplace.

Model Essay Plan - Motivation Essay

Task 1 Analysing the essay question

a task words discuss; explain

b content words strategies Infocision uses; how needs are fulfilled

c limiting words meet needs of employees; Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory

d questions What are employee needs?
How does Infocision know about these needs?
What strategies does Infocision use to meet these needs?
What is Maslow’s theory?
How does the theory apply to Infocision’s employees?

Task 2. Note taking – suggested main points

Infocision Management Corp. - founded 1982 by Gary Taylor - teleservices firm
Company philosophy: ‘happier employee is a better employee’
Employees respected and valued
Top performers frequently receive awards e.g. cash, TVs, iPods, cars
“Employee of the Month” ceremonies reward staff who perform above company expectations
Job satisfaction fulfilled by training, encouragement, development, recognition, and creating happy environment
Healthy employees encouraged by:having gyms, fitness programs, stop smoking program with free nicotine replacement therapy in many locations;on-site doctor for all staff, including those not covered by Infocision health insurance
Child-care subsidies recently introduced
Company values – every staff member is highly regarded
Company aim – provide enjoyable and worthwhile jobs
Company results exceed competition due to services for clients and employee performance

ESSAY QUESTION
Discuss the strategies InfoCision uses to meet the needs of its employees. Explain how the needs that are being fulfilled relate to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory.

Task 3 . Essay plan (SAMPLE ONLY)

Introduction
Maslow’s hierarchy – 5 levels/Lower order needs must be fulfilled before higher level needs
InfoCision – successful company – meeting needs of its employees
Essay will use Maslow’s theory to illustrate strategies

Body 1
Lowest level ‘Physiological’ – basic physical needs e.g. hunger, thirst, shelter
Theory in workplace – Need to earn enough money.
Infocision strategy:No mention of pay amounts.Assumption: higher level needs are being met therefore lowest need must already be satisfied due to hierarchy theory.

Body 2
2nd level ‘Safety’ – security, protection
Theory in workplace – safe and healthy environment, guaranteed benefits
Infocision strategy:Health looked after – fitness programs, gyms, on-site doctor, stop smoking program.Whole family health insurance helps workers with family, protecting more than employees. Healthy family results in workers not missing work to care for sick relatives.Child care – workers able to be at work when given child care place which can be hard to find. Reduced cost also helps family.

Body 3
3rd level ‘Social’ – sense of belonging, love
Theory in workplace – Good relationships with co-workers and bosses, social activities
Infocision strategy:Positive environment, want staff to enjoy their work.Company values each employee and client as individualTreat staff with respect and see as heart of business – staff feel they are central part of company

Body 4
4th level ‘Esteem’ – self esteem, recognition, status
Theory in workplace – High job status, valued by others, receive praise and recognition
Infocision strategy:Recognition – monthly awards “Employee of the month”Prizes for top performers – cash, iPods, TVs, cars.

Body 5
Highest level ‘Self-actualisation’ – self development
Theory in workplace – develop talent and skills; interesting & challenging job; make own decisions about work
Infocision strategy:Give training, encouragement and development

Conclusion
Restatement – 5 levels of Maslow’s hierarchy. Infocision satisfies all needs of employees. Company results reflect staff satisfaction.

Answers to Reading Practice 25/1/10

Reading Test Practice: School Uniforms: Neat and Tidy and.....

Task 1

1. False (practical not impractical)

2. True

3. True

4. False (girls not boys)

5. False (might be distracted not might not be distracted)

6. True

7. False (the senior vie-president)

8. False (she thinks good discipline results from good relationships)

9. False (cheap not expensive)

10. False (not a social leveller but perpetuates differences)

Task 2 - Vocabualry

ludicrous

review

suspended

restraint

Task 3 - Note-taking

David Tuck (FOR)

• Uniforms are practical working clothes/unique


• Makes someone identifiable/makes a person identify with something


• Can have important psychological benefits - removes conflict competition


• Prevents social rejection by peers (which may create problems further down the track i.e. rejecting school)


• Free dress can add to children's problems/uniform makes everyone look equal


• Makes it easier for teachers to control students


• Teachers could be distracted i.e. by well developed girls if not in a uniform


• Allows students to learn self-discipline/principals


• Encourages 'allowable' behaviour - shows students they have to conform to society


• Long wearing qualities


• Tax deductible

Ruth Hoadley (AGAINST)

• Too much unnecessary pressure - can be reprimanded for minor/small reasons


• Requires strict policing - students can be suspended for disobedience


• Can lead to dislike/distrust/bitterness between teachers and students


• That self discipline comes from trust and good relationships, not uniforms


• Uniforms are not always cheap and functional - are expensive/children grow out of them quickly


• Not a social leveleer because minor details in uniforms become more apparent - i.e. if a student misses an expensive bit it's noticed by other students, or members of a family may have to share the uniform (or parts of the uniform)


• That students would settel sooner or later in functional gear - not way out dress and then teachers etc. could focus on more important issues


• Tax deduction does not benefit low income earners

Answers to Task 3 (Work Vocabulary Worksheets)

ESSAY TOPIC

'Some people live to work, and others work to live. In most cases, this depends on the job they have and the conditions under which they are employed. In your opinion, what are the elements that make a job worthwhile?'

In answering this question, I would like to look first at the elements that combine to make a job undesirable. By avoiding such factors, potential employees are more likely to find a job that is more worthwhile, and by doing so, to achieve happiness in their work.

First of all, it doesn't matter if you are an unskilled worker cleaning the floor, a 3. semi-skilled blue-collar worker on a production line in one of the manufacturing industries, or a white-collar worker in a bank, shop or one of the other service industries; if you lack job security, with the knowledge that you might lose your job at any time, you will never feel happy. Everybody would like a steady job in which he or she is guaranteed work. Nowadays, however, companies have a high turnover of staff, hire new staff and fire others on a weekly basis. Such companies are not popular with their workers.

The same can be said of a job in which you are put under a lot of stress and worry, a job which is so demanding that it takes over your life, a job where you work unsociable hours and so never get to see your family or friends, or a physical job in which you do the same thing every day and end up iwth the industrial disease that is always in the papaers nowadays - repetitive strain injury (RSI).

With all these negative factors, it would be difficult to believe that there are any elements that make a job worthwhile. Money is, of course, the prime motivator, and everybody wants a good 1 salary, but of course that is not all. The chance of promotion, of being given a better position in a company, is a motivating factor. Likewise, perks such as a free lunch or a company car, an incentive scheme to make you work hard such as a regular increment or pay rise above the rate of inflation, sickness benefit in case you fall ill and a company pension scheme so that you have some money when you retire all combine to make a job worthwhile.

Unfortunately, it is not always easy to find all of these. There is, however, an alternative. Forget the office and the factory floor and become self-employed and work for yourself. Your future may not be secure, but at least you will be happy.

VIDEO: Dokkoon gives birth to a girl

VIDEO: Dokkoon gives birth to a girl

Baby Elephant born in Melbourne Zoo

It's a girl!

Dokkoon gives birth to a girl - Melbourne Zoo is celebrating the birth of a baby elephant – only the second to be born in Australia

Read and watch here:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/baby-elephant-born/story-e6frf7jo-1225820305366