The Advanced Grammar Book - Jocelyn Steer, Karen Carlisi 1998

Chapter 9 Health and Fitness II

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you know what acupuncture is? Have you ever received an acupuncture treatment? Can you describe how it felt?
2. In your native country, is there a newspaper column where you can write to a doctor?
3. What kind of alternative medical treatments, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, relaxation therapy or biofeedback, are practiced in your native country?

Objectives

In tins chapter you will learn:

1. To use a variety of sentence connectors and sentence types to express relationships between ideas.
2. To write more sophisticated sentences through sentence combining

3.То recognize faulty paraIIelism and to use correct parallel structures in sentences.

Preview

DIRECTIONS: Read the following letter from a newspaper column entitled “Doctor Jones” in which a medical doctor answers health-related questions submitted by readers.

Dear Doctor Jones:

1 I have suffered from migraine headaches for years now, and have found no cure for them. The other day a friend suggested that I try acupuncture. However, the thought of those needles really scares/me. Since I have found no other remedy, I would like to know more about this method. Can it be effective for migraines? How do those needles feel? Would you recommend acupuncture?

Desperate For A Cure

Dear Desperate:

2 At one time, not only was I very skeptical about acupuncture but I also wanted to prove that it was merely a placebo. Therefore, I conducted a series of experiments using acupuncture needles on animals. I used electrodes to measure the pain responses in individual nerve cells. To my surprise, it worked! The nerves which transmit pain did not respond; as a result, I became convinced that this treatment was more than a placebo.

3 Although many medical doctors are still opposed to such an unconventional method of treatment, I now support the treatment of many medical conditions with acupuncture. Furthermore, I see the value of combining conventional methods of treatment with acupuncture at times. For example, acupuncture can be used to prevent nausea before administering anesthesia for surgery. Similarly, positive results can be seen with cancer patients using the lifesaving but usually nauseating chemotherapy drug cisplatin.

4 Because of the debilitating effects of migraines and the lack of effective medication, I would definitely recommend acupuncture as a method of treatment. If you’re afraid of the needles, let me assure you that unlike the needles you find in your traditional doctor’s office, acupuncture needles are painless. You feel a slight twinge when the needle goes in and then a tingling or a buzz, nothing more. Moreover, due to the release of endorphins, you leave an acupuncture treatment feeling something similar to a runner’s high. Try it and let us know how it goes!

VOCABULARY

remedy: cure

skeptical: unwilling to accept something as truth without questioning

placebo: something inert given as medicine; the psychological result of receiving it may have the same effect as the medicine

unconventional: outside the norm, nontraditional

nausea: the sick feeling in the stomach which often precedes vomiting

chemotherapy: a treatment for cancer using a systemic, highly concentrated administration of chemicals or drugs

debilitating: weakening or harming, usually to the point of making it difficult to function

twinge: a very slight sensation, i.e., a “twinge” of pain

tingling/buzz: a slight resonating feeling

endorphins: opiates made in the brain in response to pain

runner’s high: a feeling of elation or lightness after vigorous exercise

Focus ON GRAMMAR

The following questions are based on the preview text and are designed to help you find out what you already know about the structures in this chapter. Some of the questions may be hard and some of them may be easy. Answer as many of the questions as you can. Work with a partner if your teacher tells you to do so.

1. Read through the Preview and try to find sentences expressing each of the logical relationships stated below.

Example

ADDITION: Furthermore, I see the value of combining conventional methods of treatment with acupuncture at times.

ADDITION: ...

CAUSE/EFFECT: ...

CONCESSION: ...

OPPOSITION: ...

COMPARISON: ...

2. Underline the word or phrase that connects the ideas in each of the above sentences and expresses the relationship between the ideas.

Example

ADDITION: Furthermore, I see the value of combining conventional methods of treatment with acupuncture at times.

3. Notice the word order in the following sentence from paragraph 2. What generalization can you make about the word order used with the correlative conjunctionsnot only ... but also?

At one time, not only was I very skeptical about acupuncture but I also wanted to prove that it was merely a placebo.

Grammatical Patterns

1. Sentence Variety

By using a variety of sentence connectors and sentence types, one idea can be expressed in different ways. The following section shows the variety of possible connectors to express each function.

1. Addition

9.1 Written Activity: Addition

DIRECTIONS: Below is a passage about homeopathic medicine. Combine two sentences whenever appropriate, using a connector to introduce the additional idea. Also is used as a hint to indicate when an additional idea is being expressed. Use as many different connectors as possible.

Example

Homeopathic medicine can now be found in most health food stores. Also, it is becoming easier to find doctors that prescribe homeopathic formulas.

Not only can homeopathic medicine now be found in most health food stores, but it is also becoming easier to find doctors that prescribe homeopathic formulas.

Homeopathy is an alternative healing method which can be more effective than conventional approaches. It can also be safer. In a homeopathic treatment, the patient is given a specific medication. The patient may also be given advice on changes in diet and other health- related lifestyle patterns. Homeopathic medicine works on the same principle as all effective vaccines — “treat like with like.” The medication is composed of whatever is making the patient sick. The advantage is that rather than treat the symptoms, homeopathic treatment helps the body to build resistance to the bacteria or virus causing the illness. The patient can also avoid many side effects brought on by conventional medication, most commonly antibiotics. Hany people are turning to homeopathy due to this holistic approach. Also, in many cases a homeopathic treatment produces results where conventional methods fail.

1. Concession

In a sentence expressing concession, the second idea is surprising or unexpected based on the information in the first idea.

9.2 Written Drill: Concession

DIRECTIONS: Complete the sentences to express concession.

1. Despite ..., Robin gets sick often.
2. ...; nevertheless, Jim is a vegetarian.
3. Stephen buys organic fruits and vegetables despite the fact that ...
4. Carla has a very healthy diet; however, ...
5. In spite of a daily workout at the gym, ...
6. ... although home-coooked meals are time-consuming.
7. Despite the effectiveness of acupuncture, ...
8. ..., but he smokes anyway.
9. In spite of the medication Juan takes for his headaches, ...
10. The city I live in has few recreational facilities; nevertheless, ...
11. Opposition

The following connectors help to express opposition or difference between two things or ideas.

9.3 Written Activity: Opposition

DIRECTIONS: Use the connectors from the chart to write a sentence expressing opposition between each of the two ideas presented below.

Example

running/swimming

While running is very good aerobic exercise, swimming is considered to be better for you.

1. antibiotics/herbal medication
2. taking a walk/taking a nap
3. hiking up a mountain/running around the track
4. fast food/home-cooked meals
5. good nutrition/regular exercise
6. tennis/ping pong
7. going to the doctor/going to the dentist
8. junk food/fruits and vegetables
9. body building/aerobics
10. taking vitamins/eating well

9.4 Written Activity: Concession/Contrast

DIRECTIONS: The sentences below are about proposed legislation to prohibit advertising that encourages smoking. In each pair of sentences determine whether the relationship is concession or contrast. Then combine the sentences using an appropriate connector. Use a variety of connectors.

1. Some people believe the government has no right to prohibit advertising of a product that is legal but dangerous. This administration is fighting to institute such a law.

Relationship: ...

New Sentence: ...

2. Adults may be immune to cigarette advertising. Children are very impressionable.

Relationship: ...

New Sentence: ...

3. There is free speech protection in the First Amendment to the Constitution. The government must protect citizens from misleading claims by advertisers.

Relationship: ...

New Sentence: ...

4. Some lawyers are defending the proposed restrictions on cigarette ads. Others are fighting to uphold the First Amendment.

Relationship: ...

New Sentence: ...

5. In 1971, cigarette ads were banned from radio and television by the Federal Communications Commission. Advertising in magazines and on T-shirts is not so easy to regulate.

Relationship: ...

New Sentence: ...

6. Three thousand children a day begin smoking and nearly a thousand will go on to die. Many people support unlimited advertising by the tobacco industry.

Relationship: ...

New Sentence: ...

7. The tobacco industry claims their advertising is intended to draw smokers to their brand of cigarettes, not to persuade nonsmokers to take up the habit. Two administration officials proposed several restrictions on tobacco-related advertising.

Relationship: ...

New Sentence: ...

1. Cause/Effect

9.5 Written Activity: Cause/Effect

DIRECTIONS: Go back to the Preview and answer the questions below using a variety of sentence connectors from the above chart to express cause/effect. Use complete sentences to answer the questions.

Example

Why do people write to Dr. Jones?

(Many people have medical questions that they would like answered without having to visit a doctor; therefore, they write to this column for advice.)

1. Why did “Desperate” write to Dr. Jones?
2. Why do you think Dr. Jones was skeptical about acupuncture in the beginning?
3. What convinced him that acupuncture was more than a placebo?
4. How can acupuncture be used for surgery?
5. How could cancer patients benefit from acupuncture?
6. Why do patients feel so good immediately after an acupuncture treatment?
7. Do you think “Desperate” will try acupuncture?

9.6 Oral Activity: Interview

DIRECTIONS: Interview at least two English-speaking people and find out about their knowledge of and experience with acupuncture. Use the questions below for the interview. Then report to the class using a variety of sentence connectors to express cause/effect.

QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever tried acupuncture? Why/why not?
2. Do you think acupuncture can be an effective healing method? Why/why not?
3. Do you think alternative healing methods such as acupuncture should be covered by health insurance? Why/why not?
4. Comparison

9.7 Written Activity: Cause/Effect and Comparison

DIRECTIONS: The percentage of overweight Americans is twice as high today as it was in 1900, because of the change in the environment in which Americans live. The box below lists some of those changes. For each change write one sentence expressing comparison between the past and the present and another sentence expressing the effect of that change on a person’s diet, health and lifestyle.

Example

1900s: People walked or rode bicycles as their primary mode of transportation.

PRESENT: Many people drive instead of walking to get places.

COMPARISON: Whereas in the past, people walked or rode bicycles as their primary mode of transportation, today people drive instead of walk to get places.

CAUSE/EFFECT: Because many people drive instead of walk to get places, they don’t burn as many calories during the day.

1. 1900s: Much time was spent preparing fresh meals.

PRESENT: Microwave ovens make it possible to prepare fast food meals very quickly.

COMPARISON: ...

CAUSE/EFFECT: ...

2. 1900s: People ate fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks.

PRESENT: There are over 1000 new commercially produced snack foods every year.

COMPARISON: ...

CAUSE/EFFECT: ...

3. 1900s: Families spent time together talking or in other activities, with little focus on food outside of mealtimes.

PRESENT: People sit and watch T.V., where they see advertising that encourages them to go to the kitchen for a snack.

COMPARISON: ...

CAUSE/EFFECT: ...

4. 1900s: People rarely went out to restaurants, and when they did it was a special occasion.

PRESENT: It is common to go to restaurants that feature “all you can eat” for a low price.

COMPARISON: ...

CAUSE/EFFECT: ...

5. 1900s: People were physically active throughout the day attending to their survival needs.

PRESENT: Convenience stores, moving sidewalks at airports, drive-through banking and fast food restaurants encourage laziness and lack of movement.

COMPARISON: ...

CAUSE/EFFECT: ...

9.8 Written Activity: Sentence Combining

DIRECTIONS: For each of the following pairs of sentences, identify the relationship between the two sentences. Then, combine each pair of sentences into one sentence, using one of the connectors from the preceding charts. Write the new sentence on the line.

Example

Most fitness centers provide a variety of exercise equipment for their members. A running track, a sauna, and a pool are available too.

RELATIONSHIP: Addition

In addition to a running track, a sauna, and a pool, most fitness centers provide a variety of exercise equipment for their members.

1. Some members come to the fitness center to work out daily. Other members can only fit it into their schedule once or twice a week.

RELATIONSHIP: ...

NEW SENTENCE: ...

2. The membership is supposed to be limited. My fitness center is often too crowded.

RELATIONSHIP: ...

NEW SENTENCE: ...

3. Sometimes my fitness center is full of people. Sometimes I can’t even use the equipment.

RELATIONSHIP: ...

NEW SENTENCE: ...

4. At my fitness center there are qualified, professional instructors. There is state-of-the-art equipment.

RELATIONSHIP: ...

NEW SENTENCE: ...

4. I never buy any snacks at the juice bar. The prices are very high.

RELATIONSHIP: ...

NEW SENTENCE: ...

6. Most fitness centers have a membership fee that members must pay on an annual basis. My fitness center does too.

RELATIONSHIP: ...

NEW SENTENCE: ...

7. I’ve been a member of this fitness center for one year. I’ve never attended an aerobics class.

RELATIONSHIP: ...

NEW SENTENCE: ...

8. I like to work out on equipment that is straightforward and fun. I stay away from the more technically difficult machines.

RELATIONSHIP: ...

NEW SENTENCE: ...

9.9 Written Activity: Sentence Variety

DIRECTIONS: Read the paragraph below about Jennifer’s decision to improve her health. For each function given below the paragraph, write three sentences using different connectors to express the same idea from the paragraph. As the example shows, identify the connector and circle the connector in the sentence.

One year ago, Jennifer decided that she was going to change her lifestyle and start taking better care of her health. She was overweight from a diet high in fat and sugar. She was out of shape from a lack of exercise. She also felt tired most of the time, with hardly enough energy to climb the stairs to her apartment at the end of the day. She smoked a pack of cigarettes a day and frequently drank beer. When she decided to change her ways, she started by changing her diet so that grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits took the place of the fat and sugar. She quit smoking, signed up for an aerobics class, and started cycling on weekends. Since then, she has lost 25 pounds, and is now in excellent shape. Only one problem remains. She still gets tired climbing the stairs to her tenth-floor apartment.

Example

FUNCTION: Cause/Effect

COORDINATING CONJUNCTION: Her diet was very high in fat and sugar, (so) she was overweight.

SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION: (Because) her diet was very high in fat and sugar, she was overweight.

CONJUNCTIVE ADVERB: Her diet was very high in fat and sugar; (therefore,) she was overweight.

1. FUNCTION:Addition
2. FUNCTION:Contrast
3. FUNCTION:Opposition
4. FUNCTION:Cause/Effect
5. Special Problems with Sentences

9.10 Editing Activity

DIRECTIONS: Find and correct the error in each of the following sentences. Some of the sentences may be correct as they are.

1. Because a very good diet, Sandra is always healthy.
2. The common cold can make you feel very miserable; therefore, staying at home in bed.
3. Although I’ve been maintaining a very healthy diet, but I’ve been sick.
4. She is in very good shape; consequently, she exercises regularly.
5. With excellent nutrition, a generous supply of vitamins, a lot of rest, and plenty of exercise.
6. Not only is medicine important when you’re sick, but take care of yourself too.
7. But the relationship between body and mind is very interesting.
8. Many doctors charge very expensive rates for example my doctor.
9. The magazine that I read, it is about how to increase longevity through better health.
10. The sun shines my window, so I have my plants in the window box.
11. I heard about an acupuncture clinic it also has a specialist on herbal medicine.

Focus on Writing

Parallelism

In English, any time two similar structures are joined, they must be parallel. Notice how the first sentence below contains two parallel structures. Compare this with the second sentence, which is incorrect because the structures are not parallel.

1. In addition toplaying tennisand hiking in the mountains, I also enjoy surfing.
2. In addition toplaying tennisand I hike in the mountains, I also enjoy surfing.

The following chart demonstrates the variety of parallel structures that are possible.

9.11 Editing Activity: Faulty Parallelism

DIRECTIONS: Find the faulty parallelism in each of the following sentences and correct it.

1. What great shape she’s in, and she looks healthy!
2. The doctor wanted to find out why Linda was underweight and about her blood sugar level.
3. Following a regular program of exercise is more beneficial for me than to be on a fad diet.
4. What I like best about my fitness center are the modern Lifecycle™ machines and they have such a beautiful Olympic size swimming pool.
5. Not only is Jim healthy, but how athletic he is.
6. Due to his son’s persistence and because he wanted to lose 10 pounds, Frank decided to join a fitness center.
7. When Richard realized that his eating habits were the cause of his illness, he began to plan his meals more conscientiously and in a careful way.
8. Julian decided to try a homeopathic treatment as well as he changed his diet.
9. Shari really enjoys ocean kayaking and to go hiking in the desert.
10. This is a combination of vitamins that build up the immune system and they prevent infection from spreading.

9.12 Written Activity: Parallel Structures

DIRECTIONS: To each sentence below, add a structure that is parallel to the one that is underlined. Use the information provided in parentheses for the additional structure.

Example

CUE: Kathy knows that she has too much stress in her life. (As a result, Kathy’s health is not very good.)

NEW SENTENCE: Kathy knows that she has too much stress in her life and that she is unhealthy as a result.

1. Because she has two jobs, Kathy leads a very stressful life. (She is a single mother.)
2. In order to reduce the level of stress in her lie, Kathy hasquit one of her jobs. (She now has a live in housekeeper.)
3. Kathy is not happywith her present physician’s attitude about stress. (She doesn’t like the way he treats the problem.)
4. Despite the fact that she gets a lot of exercise, which supposedly reduces stress, she still feels stressed out. (She’s taking special vitamins designed to lower stress.)
5. Joining a stress-management program has helped her. (She learned how to meditate.)
6. The program has taught herhow to prioritize her responsibilities. (She is also finding out what she can do in stressful situations.)
7. Taking positive action to change her routine, Kathy has begun to experience less stress. (She is also seeking help from outside sources.)

9.13 Written Activity: Research Report

DIRECTIONS: Choose one of the healing methods below and write a report about it using what you have learned in this chapter. Find information about the method by doing research in the library and through oral interviews. In your report you should describe the method, explain what kind of conditions it is most effective in treating, and discuss response to the method by people who have experienced the treatment.

Biofeedback

Homeopathy

Aromatherapy

Herbal Medicine

Diet—e.g., Yeast-Free, Pritikin™

Analysis of an Authenic Text

DIRECTIONS: Read the following text about fast food, referring to the vocabulary below.

Fast Food Fare and Nutrition

by Connie Roberts, M.S., R.D.

1 Every second, an estimated 200 people in the United States order one or more hamburgers. The U.S. National Restaurant Association estimates that on a typical day 45.8 million people—a fifth of the American population—are served at fast-food restaurants. The fast-food industry boasts phenomenal growth. From 1970 to 1980, the number of fast-food outlets increased from 30,000 to 140,000, and fast-food sales increased 300%. Fast-food chains have expanded to college campuses, military bases, and other countries. The menus have become more varied, and hours of operation have expanded to include breakfasts.

2 The trend toward increased consumption of fast foods by Americans has been attributed to the growing employment of women outside the home, the increasing number of people living alone, smaller families, the prevalence of less formal lifestyles, the increase in disposable income, and consumers’ desire and demand for convenience. These trends suggest a growing reliance on fast food for more than one meal a day, beginning at a young age. Because such foods serve a need in a fast-paced society, they are probably a permanent part of the lifestyle of many Americans. We must, therefore, be concerned about the effect of fast foods on our health and nutritional status.

3 ... Fast-food dining has been so well accepted that recommendations to reduce or eliminate it are likely to meet with little or no success. The more efficacious approach is to improve the nutritional quality of fast foods and the eating practices of its consumers.

4 Fast-food chains should be regarded as one of many possible food sources, with advantages and limitations that must be considered within the context of one’s total diet. For such considerations, consumers need to be educated about how to choose foods, especially when eating out. Health professionals should be able to provide some advice, but much more could be done by the fast-food establishments themselves. First, in addition to disclosing the protein and vitamin contents of their foods, fast-food restaurants should provide information on the number of calories and the levels of important minerals and fats (quantity and type), so that consumers can make informed choices. Second, they should provide printed menus for consumers wishing to restrict their intake of sodium, calories, or fats, indicating the best choices for such a meal. Third, they should expand their efforts to identify the nutrient content of foods—for example, at salad bars. Fourth, they should make readily available such items as skim or low-fat milk, margarine, low-fat salad dressings, and 100% whole-grain buns, so that consumers will find it easier to make healthful choices. Finally, for the health of all of us, these important purveyors of food should work with experts to provide optimal nutrition for the public.

VOCABULARY

prevalence: frequency or noticeability

disposable income: the part of a salary that can be spent after all fixed expenses are paid

efficacious: having a result

disclosing: giving information

consumers: those who eat or use a commodity

purveyors: suppliers

DISCUSSION

1. What kind of fast food is available in your country? How would you rate this food in terms of nutritional value?
2. Do you think it is possible to produce fast food that is healthy?
3. What cultural differences or similarities exist between your country and the United States as reflected by the prevalence or scarcity of fast-food chains?

WRITTEN EXERCISE

1. The following is a revised version of the beginning of the first sentence in paragraph 2. Complete the sentence by making the other necessary changes. Then discuss which sentence is better.

Americans are eating more fast foods because ...

2. Paragraph 3 is composed of two sentences. Combine them into one sentence.
3. In the following sentence, replace in addition to with not only, and make any other necessary changes.

First, in addition to disclosing the protein and vitamin content of their foods, fast-food restaurants should provide information on the number of calories and the levels of important minerals and fats.

Composition Topics

1. Write a composition describing the general health and fitness of people in your country. Include information about diet, exercise, illness, and attitudes about health.
2. Write a composition about the ideal lifestyle a person should have for optimal health.
3. Describe the medical system in your country, emphasizing its strong and weak points.