Unit 5: Basic Exercises

I. Comprehension Questions

1. What is the main idea of this article?
2. What similarities do Singapore and Brunei share?
3. How do these two countries differ?
4. Why do you think Singapore is so affluent today?
5. What's the source of Brunei's affluence?
6. In what ways are Singapore and Taiwan similar? How do they differ?
7. When did Brunei become independent? What about Taiwan?
8. Do ethnic Chinese living in Brunei have much freedom?

II. Questions for Further Exploration

1. Where is Taiwan located in relation to Singapore?
2. How close are the economic ties between Taiwan and Singapore?
3. What industries propel Taiwan's economy?
4. Are there many foreign residents in Taiwan? What about Brunei?
5. Where does Taiwan get its oil?
6. Why do you think many Taiwanese enjoy visiting Singapore?
7. How would you like to live in Singapore or Brunei?
8. Compare Singapore and Taipei.

III. Structured Composition

Techniques for comparing/contrasting
(1) Mention key features first, then less important features later. (2) Generally, mention similarities first - then differences later. (3) Redundant and obvious points can be deleted.

INSTRUCTIONS: This composition has mistakes and the sentences are out-of-order. Correct the mistakes, then rearrange the sentences in a better sequence. Sentence B is already completed.        - Suggested Answers -

1. _____ The weather in Taipei and Kaohsiung is much different.
2. _#1_ Taipei and Kaohsiung are the two big cities in Taiwan.
3. _____ It almost rains in Taipei, but Kaohsiung is more dry.
4. _____ Taipei, the capital of R.O.C., has over two million inhabitants.
5. _____ Kaohsiung, the second large city in Taiwan, has about one millions.
6. _____ In summary, both cities differ in many way, yet also face many common problem.
7. _____ Kaohsiung is Taiwan's biggest port and industry center.
8. _____ Taipei's price is not very cheep, but Kaohsiung is less expensive.
9. _____ Air in both cities is very dirty - Kaohsiung's water is more polluted.

IV. Writing

1. Compare any two cities or countries. Highlight the points they have in common, and some ways they differ.
   
   
2. Compare the flags of Singapore and Brunei (see below).
   

- Suggested Answers -

- Practical English 3 -
UNIT 1 * UNIT 2 * UNIT 3 * UNIT 4 * UNIT 5 * UNIT 6 * UNIT 7 * UNIT 8

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copyright (c) 1999, 2000 by Ming Chuan University
Ver. 3.7 - Updated 15 Jan 2000
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