Korean Job Discussion Forums

[raewon]

I'm not sure if there is a "definite answer" for my question this time, but
here goes:

When a book contains reading passages with words that have a special/different meaning in their plural forms, should these words be listed in their plural or singular forms in the vocabulary lists (that appear at the side of the passages and/or at the back of the book)?

Example of words: relations (as in international relations, etc.)
papers (as in "I have submitted my papers ~)

Opinions and observations most welcome.

[Kwangjuchicken]

Yes.

[lifeinkorea]

It all depends on context. What is the sentence?

[cruisemonkey]

[raewon]

I'm not sure what a "Yes" reply means to an "Is it A or B" question.

to lifeinkorea - Sorry I wasn't clear about the context. I'm referring to
words that always appear in their plural forms.

Examples: We submitted our papers to the Embassy.

They will work hard to restore international relations.

For these cases, should "paper" or "papers" / "relation" or "relations" appear in the vocabulary list that is on the same page as the passage
itself?

[lifeinkorea]

Again, it depends on context. If I was preparing a vocabulary list, I would use the form that matched the context of the passage.

Ex. 1: "Please give me some paper." - Put "paper" in the vocabulary list.
Ex. 2: "Please get your papers ready." - Put "papers" in the vocabulary list.

Realistically, a dictionary should be used at this level. So, vocabulary lists are nothing more than cheat sheets. Students should have a dictionary and be looking up these words.

[martypants]

Holy moly - you took a job as an English teacher and you can't even figure out plurals?

Didn't you go to a real university? Or did you get your degree online with
diplomas-r-us.com

But...no matter...you make me look like a frickin' genius, so all is well.

International relations is fine. You can have more than one, can't you?

Never watched a WWII movie? "Your papers, please" (In my best German accent)

[raewon]

martypants:

[cruisemonkey]

[martypants]

[raewon]

I didn't ask a question about grammar. Had I asked the question that you implied I did in your first reply, I would be able to understand your
criticism. I don't feel there is an authoritative answer to my original question - so what's wrong with asking for opinions?

[martypants]

Maybe I'm just a grumpy old man who's had too much coffee this morning.
My apologies.

[raewon]

LOL - Thanks. And perhaps I need another cup. ^^

[Kwangjuchicken]

[Kwangjuchicken]