Job Discussion Forums

Bethan · Joined: 10 Apr 2004 Posts: 23 Location: UK

I'm just trying to finish off this workbook I have been given to complete as part of my TEFL course...
I'm really struggling with a particular bit - they have given me a sentence and I have to say what each word in the sentence is, e.g. adverb, preposition..
The sentence is: "Students of grammar are usually good teachers and often enjoy working hard for long hours"
I can't work out what the 'of' is!! I thought it was a preposition but I only have so many terms to choose from, and that isn't one of them!! Help me please!!! Confused

johnslat · Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 6:18 pm Post subject: It's a preposition

Dear Bethan,
Well, to the best of my knowledge (also), the "of" in the sentence you gave IS a preposition (obj. of the prep. = grammar). Trick question?
I don't know, but I'd be VERY surprised to learn that, in the context you provided, it could be any other part of speech.
Regards,
John

Bethan · Joined: 10 Apr 2004 Posts: 23 Location: UK

So I was right.... I will just say that it is a preposition even though they haven't given me the option..... Idiots Mad

Thanks for your help John!!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

That is the clearest example of a preposition you can find. I would wonder about the workbook or its preparers.

Bethan · Joined: 10 Apr 2004 Posts: 23 Location: UK

Yeah, it is a bit of a worry really.. Doesn't instill me with any confidence about what the workbook has taught me about grammar.

johnslat · Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 9:44 pm Post subject: Better than the authors

Dear Bethan,
I wouldn't worry too much - you already had enough grammatical knowledge to think the workbook was wrong. So hey - you're more proficient than whoever wrote it.

Bethan · Joined: 10 Apr 2004 Posts: 23 Location: UK

Why thank you!! So I guess I'm not a hopeless case then Laughing

shmooj · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

In any case, the purpose of the workbook might not actually be to get you to learn parts of speech. It might simply be to get you to think about the structure of the language and simply pose the question... get you thinking kind of thing...

It is insightful that you felt an right/wrong answer was required and that you posted here obviously desperate to find one.

I think you should reflect on that because it will help you understand stress that learners put on themselves in similar situations but which is unnecessary in terms of helping them become fluent English communicators.

Justapirate · Posted: Sun May 02, 2004 10:52 pm Post subject: But I have another question...

Shouldn't the original sentence be written....'usually are'.....not 'are usually'???? Just a thought.

Ailian · Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Posts: 192 Location: PRC!