Scaffolding Genre

Generally, when Canadians make requests or suggestions, the more indirect or soft we are, the more context we give. Giving context means we give reasons and details because we are concerned that the request is inconvenient or because we are worried that the other person will respond negatively.

When Canadians respond indirectly to requests and suggestions, we also give context, especially if we are saying “no.” Canadians often give more context with a negative response, especially if the relationship with the other person is important, delicate, distant, or unfamiliar. Sometimes, Canadians don’t even say the word “no,” they will just give a reason for refusing or not agreeing.

Scaffolding Genre-exploring Activity

Read one request from Wayne who attended the town hall meeting and filled out a suggestion card that Gilles handed out.

Card 1

Notice Wayne’s mix of questions and statements.

Look at the verbs that he uses to soften phrases. Wayne is definitely not making a demand.

Read the reply from Gilles and Claire.

Example Response

As the Folk Fest organizers, Gilles and Claire replied to Wayne using an informal note. Let’s look at the format and the style.

Find the following parts of the note:

a) A friendly greeting and informal punctuation

b) A reference to the original message

c) Using a sympathetic adverb to soften a rule

d) Mention of an exception to the rule to avoid misunderstandings

e) An explanation of the reasons(s) for a rule

f) Acceptance of an idea

g) A follow-up action

h) Expression of positive feelings

i) A casual closing

Someone else attended the community meeting and handed in a card anonymously. Read the comments. Look at verbs, as well as adjectives, to catch the writer’s feelings.

Card 2

Because the writer didn’t give a name, it’s impossible for anyone to write a personal reply to this emotional, rather threatening note. However, Gilles responded with an “open letter” in the Maskwa Times.

Look for

a) a greeting

b) a reference to the original message

c) an understanding tone

d) a rule or decision

e) a reason or two

f) acceptance of ideas

g) expressing the positive

h) ways to follow up

i) a closing

Scaffolding Mechanics, Grammar, and Syntax Activity

A gerund is an action word (verb) that ends with –ing. A gerund looks like a verb but does the job of a noun.

After you use the verbs recommend or suggest, use a regular noun or a gerund (-ing) as the object.

For example, Claire might say, “I recommend Kerry Ames.”

Or she could say, “I recommend calling Kerry.”

Here are some more examples of gerunds:

• I suggest calling him before noon.
• I would recommend calling him right away.
• I might suggest calling him as soon as possible.
• I wouldn’t suggest calling now.
• I don’t recommend calling him at home.

Other request phrases that use a gerund (-ing) are “Would you mind …?” and “How about …?”

• Would you mind answering the phone for me?
• How about calling Ivan about his dogs?

An infinitive is also a kind of verb but it has the word to before a basic action word. Some suggestions, requests, and instructions use an infinitive.

Here are several examples of infinitives:

• Would you be able to answer the phone?
• Would it be possible to call Claire?
• It might be a good idea to call her later.
• I was hoping to call her now.

When you use a modal verb (can, could, might, must, should, or would), the next word is always the base form of a verb, never a gerund or an
infinitive. The base form has no suffixes such as -ed or -ing. The base form matches the spelling of a dictionary entry.

Here are examples of correct modal verbs + base forms contrasted with common errors:

Practise using a gerund or an infinitive.

Match the modal verb expressions on the left with a phrase on the right to make correct suggestions, requests, or instructions. There is more than one correct way to complete some sentences.

Look back at Card 1 (page 87) and Card 2 (page 90) and the responses from Gilles and Claire.

Scan for and copy:

Writing 1

People in Maskwa County filled out cards at the town hall meeting. Here is another note from the community meeting suggestion box:

Take the role of either Gilles or Claire.

Write an informal note of 9 to 12 sentences to respond to the message from Marvin.

• Format your message as an informal note.
• Refer to the original message and the tone of the writer.
• Give context (reasons and details) for your responses.
• Accept ideas if possible and express positive feelings.
• Use gerunds and infinitives.

Production Task Rubric

You can us the rubric below to measure success on each part of the writing task.

Writing 2

Here is another card that Gilles and Claire received when they asked for written comments or questions at the community meeting.

Take the part of either Gilles or Claire. Write an informal note of 9 to 12 sentences to respond to the message from Mandy.

• Format your message as an informal note.
• Refer to the original message and the tone of the writer.
• Give context (reasons and details) for your responses.
• Accept ideas if possible and express positive feelings.
• Use gerunds and infinitives.

Production Task Rubric