3. Rhetorical questions

1. So, what are the results?

2. So, what conclusions can be drawn from this?

3. So, why did we decide to use this scheme?

Ex. 31. Transform the following sentences into rhetorical questions.

1. We have chosen water injection for several reasons.

2. And now we can make a few observations.

3. These figures have a very important meaning for our research.

4. And now we must determine the location of the most productive layers.

5. This diagram shows an interesting trend.

6. I want to speak about the main results of our study.

4. Creating rapport

1. Pronouns: we, us, our, we all, us all, all of us

e.g. I am sure this picture is familiar to all of us. Now I want us to pay attention to the following slide. We all know that oil is the main energy source today.

2. Question tags

e.g. This trend is quite unusual, isn’t it? We all know what it means, don’t we?

3. Negative question forms

e.g. Isn’t it surprising that these figures are so high? Wouldn’t it be better to use another technique?

Ex. 32. Use the techniques above to change the sentences in a way to show rapport with your audience.

1. I am glad that you have gathered here today.

2. It will be more reasonable to cut down transportation costs.

3. You are aware that oil prices have been growing steadily for the last few years.

4. Now you see that this project is economically viable.

5. We understand that there is a need for large investments.

6. It is better to use both traditional and innovative methods.

7. You know about the recent changes in OPEC price policies.

Grammar

Ex. 33. Study the following information.

Past tenses

Sample sentences

Last year we began a study of airbags on our four wheel drive vehicles. First we analysed the results of the tests that we had carried out. After the results had been compiled, we used modelling software to evaluate the performance of the airbags. This showed how well they had

performed under different conditions. While we were evaluating the physical performance, another study was assessing the materials that we were using. All the results were then recorded into a database.

Forms

Study the following table.

1. Past Simple and Past Continuous

	Positive	Negative	Question
Past Simple Active	Last year we began a new study.	We didn’t develop the software ourselves.	Where did you record the results?
Past Simple Passive	The performance of the airbags was assessed.	The results weren’t recorded.	Where were the findings published?
Past Continuous Active	While the analyst was carrying out the test…	... the other technicians were not recording the results.	What were you doing during the test phase?
Past Continuous Passive	While the test was being carried out …	… the results were not being recorded.	Why were the findings being written down?