Use of nominalization in History Miss Lee Chun Fa SKH Tang Shiu Kin Secondary School

Level:F.2 Topic: The French Revolution Prior knowledge: -background of absolutism -underlying causes of the French Revolution

Objectives Students master the skills of nominalization and learn how to use written language to express their opinions in History. To enhance students ’ critical thinking ability via group discussion: they form groups and discuss which underlying cause is the most important in causing the French Revolution.

Work schedule Three workshops were held in May: First workshop: identify the differences between spoken and written language and practise ‘ nominalization ’ Second workshop: use of linking devices

First workshop: Identify differences between spoken and written language

Compare Text A to D Text A Faced with this economic situation where prices were rising and unemployment was growing, the government responded with a number of economic measures all of which proved ineffectual. They raised interest rates, which only served to make consumers demand more, leading to prices going up even further. Text B S 1: So what do you think we can do about that? S 2: Well all I'm hearing from the Treasury lot is to increase interest rates. S l: Can't be done! They'll slaughter us at the polls. S 2: They'11 slaughter us if we don't.

Compare Text A to D Text D The finance minister reporting to cabinet 'Well, we've now had advice from all quarters. I've spoken at length to Treasury who are of the view that we must raise interest rates or the economy will continue to struggle. Others, and this includes Tony and me, are of the view that increasing the interest rates will be politically damaging in the short term. But, having said that, we feel that we have no choice but to make some adjustment in the going rate, suffer the short term fallout and benefit in the long term. What do people think? Text C Faced with rising prices and growing unemployment, the government undertook a number of economic measures all of which proved ineffectual. An early response to the situation was to raise interest rates which only served to drive up consumer demand, leading to further increases in prices.

Answer Most spoken  Most Written Text B  D  A  C

Nominalization Nominalization is a process whereby a number of words (usually verbs and adjectives but they can also be conjunctions and prepositions) or a process of events are turned into nouns

Spoken language  written language Many people are unemployed because recently many small companies have closed. The reason for high unemployment can be traced to the recent closure of many small companies.

Spoken language  written language The Greeks were not happy because the Turks ruled them badly. The bad Turkish rule led to the unhappiness among the Greeks.

Nominalization Original formNominalized form Because  reason / leads to / causes / results in Unemployed  unemployment Have closed  closure Not happy  unhappiness Ruled  rule

Activities: Nominalizing 1.Because of the Industrial Revolution, the German society changed dramatically. 2.Because the Earth ’ s crust moves, we have earthquakes. 3.As human technology grows, humans have led a more comfortable life. 4.When the pressure of the air changes, the point at which water boils changes as well. 5.Many people opposed Martin Luther ’ s ideas, but there were more who were growing to accept and support equal rights for all Americans.

The use of sequencing words and linking devices First of all Secondly Thirdly Last but not least Finally In short To summarize

The use of sequencing words and linking devices Furthermore Meanwhile Also In addition Moreover Besides

Teacher first demonstrates the skills of nominalization Students are asked to write the ‘ economic cause of the French Revolution ’ in written language Sharing of students ’ work

Discontent with the king In 1774, Louis XVI became the French king. Because he ruled very badly and his government was inefficient, many French people were discontented. In 1774, Louis XVI became the French king. His bad rule and inefficiency of his government led to the discontent among the French people.

Economic problem The French government had a serious financial problem because: 1) Louis XVI ’ s court lived too luxuriously 2) Louis XIV and Louis XV fought too many wars 3) His tax system was not fair. Only the commoners paid heavy taxes, but the rich people paid very few taxes. Result:  the state treasury became empty  The commoners were more and more discontented with the king.

Economic problem There were several reasons that caused serious financial problems in France. The first reason was the luxurious life of Louis XVI ’ s court …

Group discussion ‘ What is the most important factor in causing the French Revolution in 1789? ’

Group discussion Please put a “  ” next to your option. Explain your answer. Discontent with the king Economic problem Social inequality Effects of the Enlightenment Effects of the American War of Independence

Assignment

Reminder Remember to use written language and linking devices in your own work

Students ’ feedback Have a better understanding about the differences between spoken and written language Helps to enhance their language proficiency Not only useful for essay writing in history, but also good for writing composition in English Language

Teacher ’ s evaluation 1.Most of our students nowadays are influenced by the ‘ language ’ used in msn, icq or sms  write with ‘ casual language ’ 2.Essay writing / long questions 3.Not time consuming but effective 4.Start in junior form (F.2-F.3)  easier to shape when they are young  scaffold our students into better writing  beneficial to their further studies

Thank you