Understanding Emphasis: Using Marked Language in B2 Level English
In this activity, you will see around 10 sentences with a blank space. Your task is to choose the correct option from 3 possible answers. Only one is correct. At the end, you will see a summary with the correct answers and explanations, so you can learn and improve. Good luck!
Understanding emphasis in English sentences is crucial for effective communication. One way to create emphasis is by using the structure ‘It was… that…’. This structure allows you to highlight specific parts of a sentence, drawing the listener’s attention to what is most important.
Concept Explanation
When you use the phrase ‘It was… that…’, you can emphasize different elements of your sentence, such as the subject, the action, or even the time and place. For example:
- It was John who broke the window. (Emphasizes John as the doer of the action)
- It was last summer that we went to Italy. (Emphasizes the time of the trip)
- It was at the party that I met her. (Emphasizes the location of the meeting)
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is to confuse what is being emphasized. For instance, in the sentence ‘It was the book that fascinated me’, some might mistakenly focus on ‘fascinated me’ instead of ‘the book’. Remember, the emphasis is on the part that follows ‘It was…’.
Tips and Tricks
To practice, try rewriting sentences by changing the emphasis. For example, take the sentence ‘I completed the project yesterday’ and change it to ‘It was yesterday that I completed the project’. This will help you understand how emphasis can change the focus of your sentences.
How to Practice
To improve your skills in using emphasis, consider creating your own sentences using the ‘It was… that…’ structure. You can also practice by listening to native speakers and noting how they use emphasis in their speech.
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Preguntas frecuentes
What does 'marked' mean in grammar?
‘Marked’ refers to the way certain structures or phrases are used to emphasize specific information in a sentence.
How do I create emphasis using 'It was... that...'
You can create emphasis by placing important information after ‘It was’ and before ‘that’. For example, ‘It was my sister who helped me.’
Can I use 'It was... that...' for any type of sentence?
Yes, you can use this structure to emphasize different elements in various types of sentences.
What are some examples of emphasis in sentences?
Examples include ‘It was the weather that ruined our picnic’ and ‘It was last year that we traveled to Spain’.
Is there a difference between 'marked' and 'unmarked' sentences?
‘Marked’ sentences emphasize specific information, while ‘unmarked’ sentences present information in a neutral way without emphasis.
How can I practice using emphasis in my writing?
Try rewriting sentences to change the emphasis or create new sentences using the ‘It was… that…’ structure.
What should I avoid when using emphasis?
Avoid overusing emphasis, as it can make your writing seem forced. Use it only when you want to highlight important information.
Where can I learn more about marked?
You can learn more about marked at dimeloeningles.com, a platform for learning English that offers interactive exercises, clear explanations, guided practice, conversation clubs, and close support.
