1. Learning Intentions: We are learning to identify and understand the correct use of abbreviations. We will know we have achieved this when we can: Recognise abbreviations.Recognise abbreviations. Know what an abbreviation is.Know what an abbreviation is. Understand why we use abbreviations.Understand why we use abbreviations. Understand when to use a full stop in an abbreviation.Understand when to use a full stop in an abbreviation. Know what an Acronym is.Know what an Acronym is. Use abbreviations in our writing.Use abbreviations in our writing. See a big smile on Mr De Beer’s face.See a big smile on Mr De Beer’s face.

2. ABBREVIATIONS An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase. It is often used to save time.

3. When we speak, we pronounce Mr as Mister. Read the following sentences: The line is 1 mm long. Dr De Beer told me to stay at home. Your test is on p. 5. Do no. 6 and 9. You are watching way too much TV. I received an e-mail from a friend. What differences can you see between the abbreviations? Capital letters Full stops 1.An abbreviation is usually found in writing and is not pronounced as it is written.

4. 2. An abbreviation usually ends in a full stop. * Prof. (Professor) no. (number) Pres. (President) etc. (etcetera) * With common usage the full stop is often omitted, irrespective of the rule. This is a controversial rule and many dictionaries and grammarians differ in this regard

5. 3. If the abbreviation ends in the last letter of the word, then the full stop is omitted / left out. Dr (Doctor) vs. Prof. (Professor) Mr (Mister) vs. no. (number) Mrs (Mistress – Married) Jnr (Junior) vs. etc. (etcetera) Find two more examples of each:

6. 4.In modern usage, if the initial letters of words are used, the full stop is omitted / left out. USA (United States of America) CNN (Cable News Network) SAA (South African Airways) SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) ICU (Intensive Care Unit) VIP (Very Important Person) Can you think of other examples?

7. 5.Acronyms: If the initials of a group of words are used to form a new word, we call this an acronym. The word is pronounced as it is spelt. No full stops are used here. AIDS(Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) UNICEF(United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration Who can think of two more acronyms?

8. Lets Practise: In your group: Find the abbreviations in your dictionary and select the correct abbreviation: 1.Aug or Aug. 2.Fri or Fri. 3.am or a.m. 4.p or p. 5.pa or p.a. 6.Ave or Ave. 7.kg or kg. 8.eg or e.g. 9.abbr or abbr. 10.DVD or D.V.D. 11.UK or U.K. 12.FBI or FBI. 13.ie or ie. 14.St or St.