San Juan, Joseph Matthew S.

ENG 13- English for the Workplace 2

READING/WRITING

A. Read each carefully. Then underline the word or expression in the following
sentences that are redundant (meaning not necessary to the meaning because the
same thing has already been said.) Then rewrite the sentences.

1. Our manager is more positively optimistic than was the case last week.
Our manager is more optimistic than was the case last week.
2. The secretary was often in the habit of returning late from her tea break.
The secretary was often returning late from her tea break.
3. The joint partnership between the solicitors meant that each was able to have more
leisure time.
The partnership between the solicitors meant that each was able to have more
leisure time.
4. The star was visible to the eye on a clear night.
The star was visible on a clear night.
5. The school cannot have too many checkers on duty during evening classes
The school cannot have many checkers on duty during evening classes.
B. Rewrite the following sentences to correct the modified errors and
ambiguities.

1. I just met a man with a wooden leg named Fred.

I met a man named Fred who has a wooden leg.
2. I let the cat out with my bathrobe on.
I was wearing my bathrobe on when I let the cat out.
3. My grandfather with the low memory will be testing the new computer.
My grandfather will be testing the new computer with the low memory.
4. The computer is in his room which is electronically-infected.
The computer in his room is electronically-infected.
C. Avoiding Verbiage
The following sentences are padded with a load of needless words. Read
and try to figure out the intended meaning and recast them in simple
language.
1. When I started my own business, it has given me a whole new perspective to see the
bigger picture when it comes to finding a work / life balance. (28 words)
Possible Answer (14 words)
Starting a business can give you a new perspective on finding a work/life
balance.
2. I provide you with suggestions so you can overcome the challenges you encounter
every day while working for a difficult boss, so you can feel less stressed. (27 words)
Possible answer (17 words)
I have provided you suggestions to feel less stressed when facing your difficult
boss.
3. The fact that she has not succeeded was brought to my attention (12 words)
Possible answer (5 words)
I noticed that she failed.
4. At this point in time we need to revise the course syllabus (12 words)
Possible answer (8 words)
The course syllabus needs to be revised now.
5. The degree of importance in the level of accuracy depends upon the individual
situation (14 words)
Possible Answer (8 words)
Level of accuracy depends on the individual situation.
5. Over consumption of high calories at breakfast, lunch or dinner can lead to a long-
term health problems (18 words)
Possible Answer (10 words)
High calorie consumption on every meal leads to health problems.
D. Read the following sentences. Find out what makes them blunt? Then
rewrite the sentences to express positive tone. You can use the given cues to
start your sentence
1. This letter is to inform you that you will attend the upcoming mandatory meeting
We are glad to inform you that you are needed for the upcoming mandatory
meeting.
2. You did not assemble the parts correctly, and so the product is malfunctioning.
The product is not functioning well, maybe because you did not assemble the part
correctly.
3. Because of recent declines in profits, no one will be getting a Christmas bonus this
year.
Due to insufficient funds this year, Christmas bonus will be postponed for now.
4. We cannot process your request because you failed to send us the needed
information.
Your request is incomplete that is why we cannot yet process your request.

E. Writing Precisely and Clearly.

Organize the paragraph below by emphasizing the most important
information to help the reader understand what is being communicated. You
may consider breaking the paragraph by using numbers or bullets (4 points)
The causes of burnout can be studied from three perspectives: psychological- the roles of
sleep, diet, and physical fatigue; psychological- the roles of guilt, fear jealousy, and
frustration; environmental- the roles of physical surroundings at home and at work

The causes of burnout can be studied from three perspectives:

 Physiological - the roles of sleep, diet, and physical fatigue;
 Psychological - the roles of guilt, fear jealousy, and frustration;
 Environmental - the roles of physical surroundings at home and at work