Things to check when you write
Despite the fact that we comment on several common mistakes over and over again, most of you still make some of these mistakes. Here is a list of things which you must check before handing in your weekly assignment.
Please, remember that you will not be evaluated for the content alone, but also for the form of your final paper. You must be correct when you write. If you make too many grammar mistakes, you will fail the exam, even if the content is good.
Moreover, you should try to write in a more formal style when you answer the questions of the questionnaire for the analysis of the tourist materials: do not use contractions, and use that after verbs like think.
Grammar check list
subject-verb agreement: the -s in the 3rd person singular (simple present tense)!!!!
verb tense
verb combination: verbs following like, love, prefer, go, can, must, want, etc.
one of my friends, a friend of mine, some friends of mine, a friend of mine, etc.
singular and plural form of nouns
nationality adjectives
prepositions: go TO, attracted TO
word order: SVOCA
articles: a/an, the vs. no article at all
many and much
It is also very important that you use a dictionary and that you use it in a correct way.
Do not leave words in Italian if you do not know how to say things. I posted a couple of links to freely accessible online dictionaries: use them!!!
Do not choose the first word that you find in the definition: check to see if the sense that you need is actually the one that you selected. Most words have many senses and, often, more than one meaning!!!
Check the spelling! A paper full of spelling mistakes is a paper which shows low interest and much carelessness. This is not acceptable.
In the next few days, I will post links to useful pages, with grammar rules. I will also post exercises for you to do. Please do them, because without efforts there is no progress.
You need to learn English if you want to work in the tourism world. If somebody tells you that you will be able to work in this field without being proficient (at least in English), they are lying to you! No other profession needs English as much as yours. It is in your best interest to work hard in order to improve.
I hope this check list will be useful for you. I am always available if you need help.