GRADE 10
ENGLISH A
ONLINE
CLASSES
MISS DEVIKA DHANRAJH
WEDNESDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2024
OBJECTIVES
Discuss the purpose of
‘construction shift’ in language.
Examine some examples of how
to use construction shift
effectively.
Rewrite sentences using given
prompts.
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Let’s Think About It
What comes to mind
when you hear the
following words?
Construction Shift
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Did these, or similar ideas come to mind?
CONSTRUCTION SHIFT
Build
A change
To move
in position
Recreate Create
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What is Construction Shift in
Language?
Construction shift involves recreating a sentence
or shifting phrases in the sentence to write it
differently.
However, you should not change the overall
meaning of the original sentence.
Construction shift is one way of paraphrasing (a
skill that is needed for summary writing).
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EXAMPLE
CONSTRUCTION SHIFT 1
ORIGINAL Mrs. Smith took Mr. Semple’s place because she
was better at her job than he was, and he was
transferred to Georgetown.
When Mr. Semple was transferred
to Georgetown on promotion,
CONSTRUCTION SHIFT 2
Mrs. Smith took his place.
Mrs. Smith took Mr. Semple’s place after he was
transferred on promotion to Georgetown.
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Which sentence was the better option?
The original sentence has sections containing The equivalent sentences both shifted the parts of
meanings; the sentence around.
-Who was transferred?
-Where were they transferred to? The first option is NOT a good reflection of the
-Why were they transferred? original sentence because it includes meaning not
-Who took over? expressed in the original sentence (because she
was better at her job than he was) and it excludes
NB. It is necessary to identify these pockets of information included in the original (where he was
meanings to ensure that they are not changed or promoted – to Georgetown and when his place was
altered in any way. taken – after he was promoted).
The original sentence can be divided into two The second option is a good example of a
main parts: construction shift. The main parts of the sentence
are shifted around, without any change to the
Mr. Semple was transferred to Georgetown on meanings and without any omissions.
promotion/ Mrs. Smith took his place
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In-Class Practice
Reconstructed Sentences
Original Sentences
1. Being a female jockey, she was often
interviewed.
2. If he had enough strength, Shaun would
move the box.
3. The band began to play, and then the
real party started.
4. Alisa heard no unusual noises when she
listened in the park.
5. In a large city, you may have massive
traffic jams on your daily commute to
work.
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In-Class Practice
Reconstructed Sentences
Original Sentences
1. She was often interviewed because she was a female
1. Being a female jockey, she was often jockey.
interviewed. 1. As a female jockey, she was often interviewed.
2. If he had enough strength, Shaun would 2. Shaun would have moved the box, if he had enough
move the box. strength.
3. The real party started when/ after the band began to
3. The band began to play, and then the play.
real party started.
4. Alisa listened in the park and heard no unusual noises.
4. Alisa heard no unusual noises when she 4. While listening in the park, Alisa heard no unusual
listened in the park. noises.
5. In a large city, you may have massive 4. Alisa did not hear any unusual noises as she listened in
traffic jams on your daily commute to the park.
work. 5. On your daily commute to work, you may have massive
traffic jams in a large city.
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Rewrite these sentences using the given prompts.
1. The old man likes to look at the children playing.
Begin with: The old man enjoys …
2. It was difficult to travel under those conditions.
Begin with: Travelling …
3. I don’t think it is necessary for you to stay tonight.
Begin with: I don’t think you …
4. Jack was able to leave the store early yesterday.
Begin with: It was possible …
5. This box is too big to fit into any of the cupboards.
Begin with: This box is so big …
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Rewrite these sentences using the given prompts.
1. The old man likes to look at the children playing.
Begin with: The old man enjoys looking at the children playing.
2. It was difficult to travel under those conditions.
Begin with: Travelling under those conditions was difficult. / Travelling was difficult
under those conditions.
3. I don’t think it is necessary for you to stay tonight.
Begin with: I don’t think you staying tonight is necessary. / I don’t think you need to stay
tonight.
4. Jack was able to leave the store early yesterday.
Begin with: It was possible for Jack to leave the store early yesterday.
5. This box is too big to fit into any of the cupboards.
Begin with: This box is so big that it cannot fit into any of the cupboards.
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THANK
YOU
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