Speaking:
Fill in the Gaps
Grouping:
Time:
Pairs
20 minutes
Aim
Students will practice identifying and using ellipsis and substitution in spoken formal contexts.
Materials
• A dialogue with missing words where ellipsis and substitution are used.
Preparation
• Prepare a formal dialogue with parts removed (e.g., auxiliary verbs, repeated nouns).
Activity Breakdown
1. Students listen to a formal dialogue read by the teacher.
2. They identify missing words and fill them in.
3. They discuss their answers with a partner.
4. The teacher reviews correct answers and explains usage.
Instructions
1. Listen to the formal dialogue.
2. Identify where words have been omitted.
3. Fill in the missing words.
4. Compare your answers with a partner.
5. Discuss why ellipsis or substitution was used.
Concept Checking Questions
• Are the omitted words still understood from context? (Yes)
• Does this structure make the sentence shorter and clearer? (Yes)
Examples
• The first proposal was too expensive, but the second one wasn’t. (Substitution)
• We have received your request and will respond shortly. (Ellipsis of “we” before “will”)
Extensions/Varations
• Harder: Students create their own formal dialogues using ellipsis and substitution.
• Easier: Provide a word bank with missing words.
Error Correction
• The teacher highlights correct and incorrect uses of ellipsis and substitution.
Writing:
Academic Editing Challenge
Grouping:
Time:
Small groups
25 minutes
Aim
Students will edit an academic text to improve cohesion using ellipsis and substitution.
Materials
• A short academic essay with excessive repetition.
Preparation
• Select or modify an academic text with redundant phrasing.
Activity Breakdown
1. Each group receives a short academic text.
2. They identify overused words and phrases.
3. They rewrite the text for better cohesion.
4. Groups present their changes.
Instructions
1. Read the academic text in your group.
2. Identify where cohesion is weak.
3. Rewrite the text using ellipsis and substitution.
4. Compare with another group’s version.
5. Present your changes to the class.
Concept Checking Questions
• What happens if we remove too many words? (The meaning becomes unclear.)
• Can ellipsis make a sentence too informal? (Sometimes, but in formal writing, it’s used carefully.)
Examples
• Many students struggle with writing. Writing is a skill that takes practice. → Many students struggle with writing, which takes practice. (Ellipsis)
• The results were significant, and the results led to further research. → The results were significant, leading to further research. (Substitution)
Extensions/Varations
• Harder: Students write their own academic paragraphs.
• Easier: Provide a list of common words to omit.
Error Correction
• The teacher highlights the most effective edits and corrects overuse of ellipsis.
Listening:
Summarizing Formal Texts
Grouping:
Time:
Individuals
25 minutes
Aim
Students will summarize a formal text using ellipsis and substitution.
Materials
• A complex formal text (e.g., an academic article, report).
Preparation
• Select a formal text with frequent use of cohesive devices.
Activity Breakdown
1. Students read a short formal text.
2. They underline redundant words and repeated phrases.
3. They rewrite the text using ellipsis and substitution.
4. The teacher reviews key changes as a class.
Instructions
1. Read the formal text carefully.
2. Underline repeated words and phrases.
3. Rewrite the text, replacing them with ellipsis or substitution.
4. Compare your revised text with a partner.
5. Share key changes with the class.
Concept Checking Questions
• Are we removing key information? (No, just making it more concise.)
• What can we replace long noun phrases with? (Pronouns or substitution words like “one.”)
Examples
• The committee discussed the first proposal, but the second [proposal] was not considered. (Substitution)
• Several recommendations were made, and some [recommendations] were accepted. (Ellipsis)
Extensions/Varations
• Harder: Students summarize a full-page text using ellipsis and substitution.
• Easier: Provide an already shortened version with some words missing.
Error Correction
• The teacher provides written feedback on students’ summaries.
Reading:
Formal Writing Makeover
Grouping:
Time:
Individuals, then peer review
30 minutes
Aim
Students will rewrite an informal email into a formal response using ellipsis, substitution, and cohesive devices.
Materials
• A sample informal email with redundant wording.
Preparation
• Write or find an email that contains unnecessary repetition.
Activity Breakdown
1. Students read an informal email.
2. They identify where cohesion can be improved.
3. They rewrite the email formally using ellipsis and substitution.
4. Pairs review each other’s work.
Instructions
1. Read the informal email.
2. Highlight repeated words and unnecessary phrases.
3. Rewrite the email in a formal style, using ellipsis and substitution.
4. Exchange with a partner and provide feedback.
5. Discuss strong examples with the class.
Concept Checking Questions
• Does formal writing allow for repetition? (No, it should be concise.)
• What phrases can be replaced with ellipsis or substitution? (Repetitive nouns, auxiliary verbs, whole clauses.)
Examples
• I would like to request information. Could you send me the requested information? → I would like to request information. Could you send it to me? (Substitution)
• The company has made several policy changes. The company believes the changes will improve efficiency. → The company has made several policy changes, which it believes will improve efficiency. (Ellipsis)
Extensions/Varations
• Harder: Students write their own formal emails from scratch.
• Easier: Provide sentence starters or a checklist of formal writing tips.
Error Correction
• The teacher provides written feedback on clarity, cohesion, and conciseness.