Then English language is noted for its “short
answers”. It seems that everyone nowadays is in a hurry and
this is reflected in their language usage.
Let’s take an example. A simple question…
”Are you going to Rome this summer?”
Not many people would answer “No, I’m not going to
Rome this summer”, or “Yes, I’m going to Rome this summer".
Instead they respond with a simple ….”No, I’m not”, or else,
“Yes, I am.”
Now let’s say we’re not sure if we’re going
to Rome this summer. We can answer briefly:
I don’t know yet. I don’t
think so. Who knows?
It’s hard to say. I’m not sure. I
haven’t decided yet.
Maybe.
I may. It depends.
All of these short answers are complete thoughts
and used when one can’t answer either “Yes” or “No”.
Let’s take another example. Are you cold?
Yes, I am. No,
I’m not.
A
little. No, not at
all.
Yes, very. No,
not much.
It’s good for the students to take notice of, and
then use these short answers in their conversation.
The teacher can divide the class into two groups.
One group will take turns asking simple questions to the
students in the second group. Those in this group will answer
using the above “short answers”.
Both groups can copy these short answers and keep
them handy in their notebook for future reference. As the old
saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.”
A Nice Thought.
“The most valuable of all talents is that of
never using two words when one will do."
Thomas Jefferson