One paragraph (Carrie Lam): to learn a lot from it

From one single paragraph, we can learn a lot of English, including:

• Vocabulary items (pronunciation and meaning)
• Sentence structures (complicated structures)
• Sentence structures (simple structures)
• Collocations (verb + noun)

Extracted from the opening remarks by Carrie Lam, Chief Secretary for Administration, at a press conference on 4 December 2013

Thirdly, we fully understand the complexity of constitutional development issues and the divergent views held by different sectors of the community on many of them. We do not underestimate the challenges in forging a consensus. Yet, I am hopeful that with the concerted efforts and collective wisdom by all concerned, we will be able to find common ground. I appeal to all quarters of the community, particularly political leaders and Legislative Council Members, to take into full account that if we do not seize the opportunity, constitutional development in Hong Kong will have to suffer from an impasse again, and to seriously consider what possible implications this may bring about to the political, social and economic stability of Hong Kong. I sincerely appeal to all members of the community to engage in rational, peaceful and pragmatic discussions, with an open, accommodating and inclusive mind.

I. Vocabulary items

You can listen to the pronunciation and meaning of individual words/phrases highlighted below.


…we fully understand the complexity of constitutional development issues and the divergent views held by different sectors of the community on many of them. We do not underestimate the challenges in forging a consensus. Yet, I am hopeful that with the concerted efforts and collective wisdom by all concerned, we will be able to find common ground. I appeal to all quarters of the community, particularly political leaders and Legislative Council Members, to take into full account that if we do not seize the opportunity, constitutional development in Hong Kong will have to suffer from an impasse again, and to seriously consider what possible implications this may bring about to the political, social and economic stability of Hong Kong. I sincerely appeal to all members of the community to engage in rational, peaceful and pragmatic discussions, with an open, accommodating and inclusive mind.

II. Sentence structure (Complicated)

Here is a verbal presentation.


I appeal to all quarters of the community, particularly political leaders and Legislative Council Members, to take into full account that if we do not seize the opportunity, constitutional development in Hong Kong will have to suffer from an impasse again, and to seriously consider what possible implications this may bring about to the political, social and economic stability of Hong Kong. (62 words)

This long and complicated sentence can be reduced to:

I appeal to all quarters …, particularly … leaders and … Members, to take into full account [X], and to seriously consider [Y].

III. Sentence structure (not complicated)

Here is a verbal presentation.


Noun + participial phrase led by a past participle

1.  … the divergent views held by different sectors of the community
2. Most of the people invited to the party were old friends.
3. Any coins found on this site must be returned to the police.

With + noun + principal clause

1. With the concerted efforts and collective wisdom by all concerned, we will be able to find common ground.
2. With enormous confidence, he pressed ahead to fulfill his dream.
3. With financial support from his father, John set up a café.

 IV. Collocations (verb + noun)

Here is a verbal presentation.

1. to hold divergent views on …
2. to underestimate a challenge
3. to forge a consensus
4. to find common ground
5. to seize an opportunity
6. to suffer an impasse
7. to engage in a discussion