It is undeniable that English has become an integral part not only in workplace but also in daily life. Realizing its significant role, English has been considered as one of the mandatory subjects in every school as well as one compulsory subject which students need to overcome its challenges in the General Certificate of Secondary Education Exam (GCSE). Every year, there are nearly a million Vietnamese 12 graders taking the compulsory English test with the view to receiving a general certificate of secondary school education. Since 2015, the English test has been used for students to achieve two major goals: (1) to receive a general certificate of secondary school education and (2) to gain entrance to Vietnamese universities and colleges. As important it is, English seems to be ignored or paid much less attention in the last few years. Lack of attention combines with lack of skills in doing exercises makes students have many difficulties in learning English in class as well as taking the test. Recently, an English format test of GCSE has included 50 challenging questions ranging from simple to complicated form to check students’ ability in four levels: recognition; understanding, low application and high application. There are merely four questions in totally 50 questions relating to closetopposite meaning of wordsphrases in the format test of GCSE. However, as can be seen, in reading comprehensive exercises, there are also have questions relating to this type. If students are equipped with techniques on how to deal with this type of exercise, they can have a better result in their tests, especially the next GCSE. Thus, in this minor study, I would like to focus mainly on how to use various effective techniques to help students deal with closetopposite meaning of wordsphrases to my students at Tam Duong high school with the purposes of preparing them for the National School Education Examination. This minor research will be applied in teaching for students in 10 weeks with the knowledge ranging from basic (new words in the textbook) to complicated (expanding the topicteaching and learning the wordsidiomsphrasal verbs related to the topic: life storiesurbanization etc.).
Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise A INTRODUCTION I RATIONALE It is undeniable that English has become an integral part not only in workplace but also in daily life Realizing its significant role, English has been considered as one of the mandatory subjects in every school as well as one compulsory subject which students need to overcome its challenges in the General Certificate of Secondary Education Exam (GCSE) Every year, there are nearly a million Vietnamese 12 graders taking the compulsory English test with the view to receiving a general certificate of secondary school education Since 2015, the English test has been used for students to achieve two major goals: (1) to receive a general certificate of secondary school education and (2) to gain entrance to Vietnamese universities and colleges As important it is, English seems to be ignored or paid much less attention in the last few years Lack of attention combines with lack of skills in doing exercises makes students have many difficulties in learning English in class as well as taking the test Recently, an English format test of GCSE has included 50 challenging questions ranging from simple to complicated form to check students’ ability in four levels: recognition; understanding, low application and high application There are merely four questions in totally 50 questions relating to closet/opposite meaning of words/phrases in the format test of GCSE However, as can be seen, in reading comprehensive exercises, there are also have questions relating to this type If students are equipped with techniques on how to deal with this type of exercise, they can have a better result in their tests, especially the next GCSE Thus, in this minor study, I would like to focus mainly on how to use various effective techniques to help students deal with closet/opposite meaning of words/phrases to my students at Tam Duong high school with the purposes of preparing them for the National School Education Examination This minor research will be applied in teaching for students in 10 weeks with the knowledge ranging from basic (new words in the textbook) to complicated (expanding the topic-teaching and learning the words/idioms/phrasal verbs related to the topic: life stories/urbanization etc.) II ANALYSIS OF THE GCSE MATRIX I would like to give some analytical data about the matrix of the previous English test in the two latest general certificate of secondary exams MATRIX OF CODE 421 IN GCSE IN 2018 No Number of Recognitio Level Underst Low High Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise the sentences 2 anding Application 0 sound Stress 2 0 LARY (2 syllables) Grammar Vocabulary Synonym Antonym Error 2 0 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 LANGUA identification Language in 2 0 15 Closet 2 4 Sentence 1 0 transformation Sentence 0 PHONETI Pronunciation CS (Sound) “s” GRAMM AR VOCABU GE or n Application “i:” IN communication COMMU NICATIO N READING Close test Comprehensive reading meaning in reading WRITING Combination Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions Judy has just won a full scholarship to one of the most prestigious universities in the country, she must be on cloud nine now A extremely panicked B desperately sad C obviously delighted D incredibly optimistic Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise People nationwide have acted without hesitation to provide aids for the victims in the disaster-stricken areas A awareness B uncertainty C willingness D reluctance Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the word(s) CLOSET in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions The football final has been postponed until next Sunday due to the heavy snowstorm A cancelled B continued C changed D delayed The chairman’s thought-provoking question ignited a lively debate among the participants in the workshop A triggered B defined C arose D hosted Reading Americans who don’t know each other well will keep a distance of four feet between them, whereas South Americans in the same situation will stand two or three feet apart North Americans will stand closer than two feet apart only if they are having a confidential conversation or if there is intimacy between them The word “intimacy” in paragraph is closet in meaning to A strength B agreement C enjoyment D closeness Gestures are often used to communicate We point a finger, raise an eyebrow, wave an arm – or move any other part of the body – to show what we want to say However, this does not mean that people all over the world use the same gestures can communicate different meanings, depending on the country An example of a gesture that could be misinterpreted is sticking out the tongue The word “misinterpreted” in paragraph is closet in meaning to A misspelled B misunderstood C mispronounced D misbehaved Reading Another solution is to reduce the amount of energy required in a building It is possible to cut electricity use noticeably by improving natural lighting and installing low-energy light-bulbs To reduce the amount of fuel needed for heating or cooling, builders also add insulation to the walls so that the building stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer The word “insulation” in paragraph refers to _ Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise A devices that monitor changes in temperature B materials that prevent heat loss and absorption C systems that protect buildings from sun’s rays D panels that convert solar energy into electricity A large project is under way in China The first phase of this project will include houses for 400 families built with solar power, non-polluting bricks, and recycled wall insulation The phrase “under way” in paragraph mostly mean _ A being inspected B being certified C being notified D being launched MATRIX OF CODE 401 IN GCSE IN 2019 No Number PHONETIC Pronunciation S (Sound) of Recognit Understand ion ing Level Low High the sentences 2 Application Application 2 0 7 2 0 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 13 2 4 1 0 “ed” or “aʊ” sound Stress (2-3 syllables) GRAMMAR Grammar Vocabulary VOCABUL Synonym ARY Antonym Error LANGUAG E identification Language in IN communication COMMUNI CATION READING Close test Comprehensive reading (closet WRITING meaning: 3) Sentence Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise transformation Sentence 0 Combination Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions Children brought up in a caring environment tend to grow more sympathetic towards others A lowing B dishonest C healthy D hateful It’s quite disappointing that some people still turn a blind eye to acts of injustice that witness in the street A take no notice of B have no feeling for C show respect to D pay attention to Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the word(s) CLOSET in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions These photos brought back many sweet memories of our trip to Hanoi last year A recalled B released C revised D caught At first, John said he hadn’t broken the vase, but later he accepted it A denied B Discussed C protected D admitted Reading 1: Not everyone is convinced that tribal tourism is a good thing and opinions are divided The word “divided” in paragraph is closet in meaning to A similar B important C different D interesting Reading 2: Computers and other electronic equipment become obsolete in just a few years, leaving customers with little choice but to buy newer ones to keep up The word “obsolete” in paragraph is closet in meaning to A outdated B inaccurate C broken D incomplete To address the problem of the international trade in e-waste, 170 nations signed the 1989 Basel Convention, an agreement requiring that developed nations notify developing nations of hazardous waste shipments coming into their countries The word “notify” in paragraph is closet in meaning to Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise A assure B notice C excuse D inform As can be seen from the English test matrix’s analysis, there are and questions/statements related to closet/opposite meaning including reading comprehension exercise, accounts for 14% to 16% of the test’s result It is not a large percentage but students cannot get the high score without this type of exercise III OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The study is designed to obtain the following objectives: Study and find out various effective techniques to closet/opposite meaning of words/phrases exercises in classes Apply these techniques in teaching and learning English for the upcoming General Certificate of Secondary Exam IV METHOD OF THE STUDY Integrated methods used in this study such as: Making reference to linguistic books and articles on how to cope with closet/ opposite meaning of words/phrases exercises Putting the techniques into practice of teaching and learning English in classes Considering the effectiveness of applying these techniques and creating any necessary modification V SCOPE OF THE STUDY This seminar is applied to teach Grade 12 students at Tam Duong high school and help them how to cope with synonym or antonym exercises This seminar is planned to teach within 10 weeks This seminar tends to deal with the knowledge ranging from basic (new words in the textbook) to complicated (expanding the topic-teaching and learning the words/idioms/phrasal verbs related to the topic: life stories/urbanization etc.) B DEVELOPMENT I TECHINIQUES TO TEACH AND LEARN ENGLISH SYNONYM/ANTONYM: Teaching and Learning Synonym/Antonym in Context Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise At first, students can be shocked or confused when reading synonym or antonym exercises because the given underlined words may be unfamiliar words/idioms or phrasal verbs However, how normal it is when you not know these words Therefore, in this situation, students need to calm them down and the exercise in a logical and analytical way Guessing the contextual meanings of words plays an important role in language learning It is common that ESL students not pay much attention to the various meanings of new words in different contexts Basing on the context of the words in the sentence combines with the meaning of the familiar words, students can get the meaning of the given words It is more effective for students to learn language in meaningful contexts than learn isolated words through memorization and drilling Teachers should introduce the new words by making examples and asking students to guess their meanings in these contexts Example 1: It is quite common for students to gather at the canteen and shoot the breeze during the break A enjoy fresh air B check the homework C gossip about unimportant things D fight with each other T: What purpose students gather at the canteen during the break time? Can you guess? Ss: May be they gather here to eat and chat while they are eating, so I think the answer is C Example 2: I shouldn’t go outside without a raincoat because it’s raining cats and dogs A it’s just started to rain B it’s raining very heavily C it’s going to rain D it’s raining a little => in this sentence “it’s raining cats and dogs” means “it’s raining heavily” based on the given words: not go outside and without raincoat This technique is not only effective with closet/opposite meaning, but also really efficient with reading comprehensive exercise in finding the meaning of the bold words in the paragraph You can see the following example for this conclusion: Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions Theresa May, the second female Britain's prime minister following Margaret Thatcher, revealed in 2013 that she had been given a diagnosis of Type diabetes, a condition that requires daily insulin injections Asked later how she felt about the diagnosis, she said her approach to it was the same as toward everything in her life: “Just get on and deal with it.” That kind of steeliness brought her to center stage in the aftermath of Britain's vote to leave the European Union and the feuding that erupted in the Conservative Party over who would succeed David Cameron Example 1: The word approach in paragraph is closest in meaning to Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise A means B advance C technique D trick => Based on the familiar words’ meaning for example “just get on and deal with it” students can give their understanding about the word “approach” means a way to solve a problem – diabetes so the closet meaning word here is A Example 2: The increase in urbanization causes different problems Air and water pollution are amongst the major issue we have to tackle The word tackle in paragraph is closest in meaning to A deal with B make up C try on D turn down => In this sentence “tackle” means “deal with” based on the words “cause different problems” and “among the major issue” Teaching and Learning Synonym/Antonym with Personal Experience: It is dependable on the given context of the sentence; students can put themselves in the writer’s shoes to giving the solution Using the knowledge, they have combines with their own experiences to choose the best answer for the sentence Make the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word or phrase that is OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined part in each of the following questions Example 1: After knowing that he was the winner of Viet Lott lottery, he was walking on air A feeling embarrassed B feeling shocked C feeling broken-hearted D feeling elated => Based their own experiences or their knowledge, students may feel “what” when they won “special prize” got a lot of money from Viet Lott such as 98 billion Vietnam Dong=> students surely answer that they feel so happy or excited => the opposite meaning of happy is sad/broken-hearted so the answer here is C Teaching and Learning Words with Their Synonym/Antonym: When T introduces new words in each lesson/unit, T should give their students some popular synonyms or antonyms so that students can expand their vocabulary not only with the purposing to dealing with closet/opposite meaning exercise, but also with the aim to improve their vocabulary for writing skills Unit 1: Life stories in Grade 12 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise + anonymous = unnamed = unidentified >< known=named=identified + amputate = cut off >< join/mend + overcome = get over >< fail + generosity = goodness/kindness/unselfishness >< selfishness/meanness/unkindness + prosperous = rich/wealthy/thriving >< poor/needy/humble Make the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word or phrase that is CLOSET in meaning to the underlined part in each of the following questions Example 1: The wound had become so infected that the doctors had no choice but amputate the soldier's arm A cut off B bring around C recover D replace Make the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word or phrase that is OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined part in each of the following questions Example 2: They are going to have to amputate his left leg which was badly injured in the accident A remove B separate C cut off D mend Teaching and Learning Words with Positive or Negative Meaning of the Given Words: Teacher can guide students to pay attention to some prefixes which has negative meaning when they are added to the beginning of a word Teachers asks student to remember them for identification in the exams When doing this type of exercise, using prefixes to guess the meaning of the word: is it positive or negative? Based on the prefixes, student can guess the meaning of the words: positive or negative and then give their answers Prefix Meaning Examples Based words Adding prefixes Amoral Anti-fan a-, anwithout, lack of, not Moral antiagainst, opposite of Fan contra-, contro- against, opposite controversy dedown, off, away from value devalue disnot, apart, away appear disappear il-, im-, in-, ir- not, without legal illegal nonnot, without essential nonessential unnot, lacking, opposite of friendly unfriendly Example 1: Mutualism is a type of symbiosis that occurs when two unlike organisms live together in a state that is mutually beneficial A alike B likely C similar D dislike Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise When looking at the given words, students can realize that “un” has opposite meaning and it means “not” => the opposite meaning of “unlike” is “similar” Example 2: My little daughter would spend an inordinate amount of time in the shop, deciding which goods she was going to buy A excessive B limited C required D abundant When looking at the given words, students can realize that “in” has opposite meaning and it means “lack” => the opposite meaning of “inordinate” is “far more than usual=excessive” II- Practice WEEK 1+2: TOPIC (LIFE STORIES) Vocabulary to focus on + anonymous = unnamed = unidentified >< known=named=identified (a) + amputate = cut off >< join/mend (v) + overcome = get over >< fail (v) + generosity = goodness/kindness/unselfishness >< selfishness/meanness/unkindness (a) + prosperous = rich/wealthy/thriving >< poor/needy/humble (a) + adopt >< abandon (v) + adoptive = foster (a) + waver = hesitate (v) + influential = inspirational (a) + devoted = dedicated (a) Exercise Mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions (from to 10: understanding; from 11 to 21: low application) The speaker paused He hesitated to answer the direct question raised by the audience A decided B continued C determined D wavered Correct answer is D: Hesitate = waver: dự, lưỡng lự Her courage not only inspired her followers but moved her rivals as well A depressed B motivated C overlooked D rejected Correct answer is B: Inspire = motivate: truyền cảm hứng, làm động lực The government's plans to cut taxes really stimulated the economy A discouraged B started C weakened D improved 10 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise 25 The biological agents now in use are environmentally benign and are harmless to humans A hostile B unfriendly C friendly D unfavorable Correct answer is C 26 Renewable resources are exploited so much that they will never be able to recover completely A destroyed B run off C utilized D built up Correct answer is C Exercise Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions The new policy will help generate more jobs A bring out B form C produce D terminate Correct answer is D: generate – to produce, create st = produce >< terminate - to end; to make something end Her only problem is the limited experience because she is too young A narrow B considerable C insufficient D restricted Correct answer is B: limited = restricted >< considerable The river is badly polluted with toxic chemicals from that factory A poisonous B harmful C all right D deadly Correct answer is B: toxic = poisonous = harmful = deadly >< all right - safe and well I don't believe in anything he says, he is unreliable A inaccurate B unstable C trustworthy D irresponsible Correct answer is C: unrealizable >< trustworthy 29 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise 'If we continue to deplete our planets natural resources, we will damage the environment significantly A use up B add to C reduce D exhaust Correct answer is B She stays incredibly focused and is never distracted by others A disturbed B confused C bewildered D concentrated C make road to D intrude Correct answer is D Globally, farmers encroach on forest land to grow crops A leave B invade Correct answer is A Poverty in many African countries increases the likelihood that people poach animals to earn their living A chance B prospect C possibility D improbability Correct answer is D: likelihood - the chance of something happening; how likely something is to happen = probability >< improbability Funds are diverted from conservation to military because of war A redirected B shifted C stayed D turned aside Correct answer is C 10 The number of rhinos is in steady decline There are fewer rhinos than ever before A occasional B constant C stable D Persistent Correct answer is C 11 Contaminants are subsequently removed by harvesting the above-ground shoot biomass for volume reduction and storage A later B eventually C previously D afterwards 30 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise Correct answer is C 12 The introduction of harmful substances in the air results in detrimental impacts to the environmental and humanity A harmful B benign C noxious D disastrous Correct answer is B 13 Offshore oil drilling has a significant negative impact on fragile marine and coastal ecosystems, and that the risk of a devastating spill isn't worth taking A durable B easily broken C vulnerable D delicate Correct answer is A 14 Without action, the impacts of climate change threaten to catastrophically damage our world A beneficially B ruinously C fatally D terribly Correct answer is A 15 Global Forest Watch has also initiated a project to counteract deforestation through awareness A introduced B commenced C launched D completed Correct answer is D 16 Some groups of animals such as amphibians are particularly vulnerable to these chemical pollutants and suffer greatly as a result of the high levels of herbicides and pesticides in their habitat A in peril B in jeopardy C open to attack D durable Correct answer is D 17 Cigarette butts are not biodegradable and contain extremely toxic soluble chemicals A venomous B deadly C endangered D harmless Correct answer is D 31 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise 18 By 2020, global surface temperature will be more than 0.5°C (0.9°F) warmer than the 1986-2005 average, regardless of which carbon dioxide emissions pathway the world follows A irrespective of B without respect to C in respect to D disregard for Correct answer is C 19 Every day, the world produces carbon dioxide that is released to the earth's atmosphere and which will still be there in one hundred years time A trapped B let off C discharged D emitted Correct answer is A 20 Global warming is now accelerating the rate of sea level rise, increasing flooding risks to low-lying communities A decelerating B gaining momentum C picking up speed D getting a move on Correct answer is A WEEK 7+8: TOPIC (THE MASS MEDIA) Exercise Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions Each form of mass media has an important impact on society A influence B pressure C affection D role Correct answer is A: impact=influence (+on) The programmer invited viewers to write in with their ideas A people who watch the programmer B people who sponsor the programmer C people who produce the programmer D people who edit the programmer 32 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise Correct answer is A Journalists can make mistakes, so don't believe everything you read in the press A publications B news bulletins C reference books D newspapers and magazines Correct answer is D Face-to-face socializing is not as preferred as virtual socializing among the youth A Direct B Facial C Available D Instant Correct answer is A She thinks that unfortunately they may not understand the benefits of online information A advantages B points C features D amounts Correct answer is A: benefit = advantage The webs update news about the latest breakthroughs in the field of medicine, technology, and other domains of science A setbacks B demerits C hindrances D headways Correct answer is D Finding the latest updates about celebrities and exploring lifestyle websites have become day-to-day activities of many Internet consumers A abnormal B extraordinary C exceptional D habitual Correct answer is D These days, online gaming has tasted dramatic and phenomenal success because of its ever-increasing demand throughout the world A usual B ordinary C remarkable D run-of-the-mill 33 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise Correct answer is C Social networking has also evolved as a great medium to connect with like-minded Individuals and become a part of interesting groups and communities A having similar ideas and interests B having indifferent behaviors C having habits in common D having similar mental disorders Correct answer is A 10 Children addicted to computers are being sent on camping holidays designed to help them kick the habit A dependent on B hooked on C indifferent to D exhausted by Correct answer is B 11 Media plays a significant role in keeping everyone updated about the various events around the world A informed B disinterested C indifferent D reluctant Correct answer is A 12 Today, we can check out the latest news and current affairs with just few clicks of mouse or by simply switching on the radio or television A matters B meetings C affections D approval Correct answer is A 13 The main purpose of media is to disseminate the information and knowledge A restrict B spread C conceal D make it off the record Correct answer is B 14 Cyber-bullying is commonplace online, causes emotional trauma, and sometimes even leads to suicide A stimulation B motivation C disorder D excitement 34 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise Correct answer is C 15 The Internet is a treasure trove of information, which offers knowledge on any given topic under the sun A sparsely B scarcely C abundantly D undoubtedly Correct answer is C Exercise Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions The library reduced the number of print newspapers and magazines that they used to subscribe to A increased B decreased C risen D fell Correct answer is A: reduce = fall = decrease >< increase Using social networks helps you keep in touch with friends and family any time A put up with B keep track of C lose touch with D catch up with Correct answer is C: keep >< lose They had the volume turned down, so I couldn't make out what they were talking about A reduced the noise B increased the noise C limited the noise D controlled the noise Correct answer is B Teenagers can become addicted to social networking if they can't control they spend online A dependent on B hooked on C indifferent to D exhausted by Correct answer is C: addicted (to something) unable to stop taking harmful drugs, or using or doing something as a habit >< indifferent (to somebody/something) having or showing no interest in somebody/something 35 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise New electronic devices have been developed to cater to users' ever-changing needs A changeable B unstable C constant D predictable Correct answer is C Excessive amounts of time at a computer can contribute to obesity, undeveloped social skills and a form of addictive behavior A over the top B a bit much C unrestrained D limited Correct answer is D The Internet has become an indispensable business tool, which has helped bring the world closer A fundamental B vital C dispensable D significant Correct answer is C Newspapers enjoyed the position of the most preferred medium to reach a wider audience until electronic communication emerged on the media scene A turned up B came into view C came out D disappeared Correct answer is D For many teens, texting is the dominant way that they communicate on a day-to-day basis with their friends A secondary B principal C leading D outstanding Correct answer is A 10 Duolingo helps you learn multiple languages simultaneously at no extra charge A concurrently B together C at the same time D singly Correct answer is D 11 These days more and more children are experiencing a stressful and miserable adolescence due to bullying 36 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise A sorrowful B depressed C contented D tragic Correct answer is C 12 Studies show that bullying can greatly impact a child's life and have long-lasting negative effects A durable B short-lived C permanent D lifelong Correct answer is B 13 Until recently, many teachers and school officials turned a blind eye to bullying, believing that the students would eventually sort it out by themselves A became attentive to B paid no attention to C seemed ignorant of to D took no interest in Correct answer is A 14 Some people with large enough fans bases can earn a very wealthy living by uploading a few videos every week A impoverished B well off C rolling in money D well-to-do Correct answer is A 15 Face-to-face socializing is not as preferred as virtual socializing among the youth A facing B eyeball to eyeball C indirect D direct Correct answer is C WEEK 9+10: TOPIC (CULTURAL IDENTITY) Exercise 1: Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions When it comes to diversity, language can be a bridge for building relationships, or a tool for creating and maintaining divisions across differences 37 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise A assimilation B distinction C uniformity D variance Correct answer is D The situation got out of hand when the festival organizers couldn't foresee that the mob would get angry because they were stopped from taking the offerings A hard to complete B difficult to control C impossible to find D unlikely to happen Correct answer is B A number of practices at local festivals have come under strong scrutiny in recent years A approval B attention C disapproval D examination Correct answer is D Local people believe that the festival is an opportunity to teach younger generations about patriotism and bravery A heroism B.justice C loyalty D truth Correct answer is C A smiling Princess Anne was attired in an aqua-blue hat and matching jacket, with white top A caught B grabbed C revealed D shown Correct answer is B This is especially important in the age of globalization, where countries face a daunting challenge to preserve their own cultural identities A intimidating B delighting C encouraging D urging Correct answer is A The Indigenous experience, like with any form of belonging, is highly fluid and context-specific, meaning there are countless examples of what such cultural pluralities can look like 38 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise A countable B uncountable C too few to count D too many be counted Correct answer is D Steve Kootenay-Jobin, Aboriginal housing coordinator at Mount Royal University, notes that many Indigenous students who move to the city for education, encounter culture shock A avoid B confront C overcome D wipe out Correct answer is B Culture has been described as features that are shared and bind people together into a community A divide B engage C force D unite Correct answer is D 10 Once you have been accepted as a pupil or student at the school or college, it's against the law for them to discriminate against you because of your religion or belief A judge B neglect C misinterpret D expel Correct answer is A 11 Changes in attitudes, family values, generational status can occur in both the majority and minority cultures as the two interact; however, typically one culture dominates A normally B rarely C specially D uncommonly Correct answer is A 12 Integration and assimilation can help reduce feelings of loss and grief as the migrant starts to incorporate aspects of the majority culture A disadvantage B disapproval C discrimination D sadness Correct answer is D 13 It's incredible to see him fitting in the new environment such a short period of time A creditable B increasing C unthinkable D unbelievable 39 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise Correct answer is D: ("incredible” “unbelievable” mang nghĩa “thật khơng thể tin được”, lưu ý mang nghĩa tích cực) 14 She was angry because he disregarded her feelings in this matter A did not ignore B discharged C paid no attention to D considered Correct answer is C - ("disregard" mang nghĩa “không cân nhắc, không quan trọng chuyện gì”) 15 During the ten years working in Germany he accumulated huge knowledge of German customs A made B expanded C collected D increased Correct answer is C: (“accumulate” mang nghĩa “thu thập, tích lũy”, “collect” mang nghĩa “thu thập”) 16 He did his work reluctantly because he did not like the culture of this company A slowly B unwillingly C inefficiently D successfully Correct answer is B: (“reluctantly" mang nghĩa “một cách dự, “unwillingly" mang nghĩa “một cách không tự nguyện”) 17 You shouldn't expect immigrants to assimilate into an a alien culture immediately A become accepted B get rejected C be alienated D be identified Correct answer is A: (“assimilate” mang nghĩa “hòa nhập, chấp nhận”) Exercise Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions They fear that with the enactment event taken off, the festival may fade away in obscurity A darkness B dimness C fuzziness D sharpness Correct answer is D 40 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise Launched by the federations and foundations, Group's brands find local expression through the promotion of social solidarity and culture A division B identity C teamwork D unity Correct answer is A Many ethnic groups find it hard to maintain their own languages A continue B discontinue C preserve D speak Correct answer is B The 21st century has witnessed the surprisingly increasing formation of multicultural societies where a varying number of ethnic people stay together A continental B global C universal D worldwide Correct answer is A The custom of worshiping ancestors is a beautiful, rich, and colorful and joyful tradition in Vietnamese culture A blaming B praying C honoring D respecting Correct answer is A He said he was only joking, but his comments were so close to the bone A annoying B offensive C personal D respectful Correct answer is D Hispanics are expected to abandon their heritage to live in the US A adopt B discard C drop out D withdraw Correct answer is A For this reason, many immigrants flock to this country in search for new beginnings and better lives 41 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise A crowd B gather C group D spread Correct answer is D Nothing valuable could come of a revival of the German martial spirit, better to leave it behind or bury it A awakening B destruction C improvement D population Correct answer is B 10 Kootenay-Jobin says the cultural integration experience can be exacerbated by challenges such as racism and housing A increased B improved C provoked D worsen Correct answer is B 11 Cultural changes in identity can be stressful and result in problems with self-esteem and mental health A anxiety B confidence C dissatisfaction D modesty Correct answer is B 12 Post-migration stresses include culture shock and conflict, both of which may lead to a sense of cultural confusion, feelings of alienation and isolation, and depression A disconnection B loneliness C sympathy D unfriendliness Correct answer is C III Implications I have applied these techniques in teaching English idioms for students at Tam Duong high school and got good results My students now find it a little bit easier to guess the meaning of the given words without using dictionary and can choose the correct answers for closet/opposite meaning exercises Interestingly, students can use the different synonyms or antonyms in their writing or speaking in the class This seminar will be reasonably modified to meet the real situation of each class and each group of students at their proficiency level Teachers need to consider what techniques are the most effective to their students or think of integrating some of which together in order that students can develop their skills and enhance their vocabulary 42 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise C CONCLUSION In brief, this study discovers some effective techniques to teach and learn synonym or antonym, in order to prepare students for the National Examination Students can use synonym or antonym not only for overcoming the upcoming challenging examination but also for their learning and using English in the future The important thing I would like to emphasis on is the ways teacher teach and how student learn synonym or antonym will change the access and method student themselves use to learn English To sum up, due to the limited time and scope this study only focus on a very small aspect of teaching and learning English in ESL environment and remains some limitations that need further studying However, it is in the hope that it may provide both teachers and students with useful techniques to teach and learn synonym or antonym in an effective way, raise students’ awareness of learning and understanding the contextual meaning of a language, and motivate students to learn English enthusiastically REFERENCES: Nguyễn Quỳnh Trang, “hướng dẫn ơn tập nhanh kì thi THPTQG năm học 2016-2017) – Nhà xuất tổng hợp TPHCM Bùi Văn Vinh, “Bài tập tiếng Anh 12 có đáp án” – Thanh Tu Nguyen Group Nguyễn Thị Chi, “Bài tập bổ trọe nâng cao tiếng anh 12”, Nhà xuất giáo dục 43 ... addition to B according to C with regard to D with a view to 18 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise Correct answer is C: With respect to: concerning... Synonym/Antonym in Context Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise At first, students can be shocked or confused when reading synonym or antonym exercises... his exceptional talent with "Free Student", a film that is more conventional in its form 14 Seminar on Techniques to Deal with Closet/Opposite Meaning of Words/Phrases Exercise A out of the ordinary