GST111: Complete Cheat Sheet

A concise summary of key concepts in English language sounds, structure, and usage.

1. Sound Patterns in English

  • Phonetics The study of the physical properties of speech sounds.
  • Phonology The study of how sounds are organized and used in a language.
  • Vowel Sounds Speech sounds produced with an open vocal tract. Classified by tongue height (high/low), tongue backness (front/back), and lip rounding.
  • Consonant Sounds Speech sounds produced with some closure or obstruction in the vocal tract. Classified by place of articulation (e.g., bilabial, alveolar) and manner of articulation (e.g., plosive, fricative).

2. The Sentence in English

  • Sentence A complete unit of thought, typically containing at least a subject and a verb.
  • Structural Types of Sentences Simple: One independent clause.
    Compound: Two or more independent clauses.
    Complex: One independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
  • Functional Types of Sentences Declarative: Makes a statement.
    Interrogative: Asks a question.
    Imperative: Gives a command.
    Exclamatory: Expresses strong emotion.

3 & 4. Grammar and Word Classes

  • Grammar The set of structural rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in a language.
  • Word Classes (Parts of Speech) Categories of words based on their function in a sentence.
    Open Classes (new words can be added)
    • Nouns
    • Verbs
    • Adjectives
    • Adverbs
    Closed Classes (membership is fixed)
    • Pronouns
    • Prepositions
    • Conjunctions
    • Determiners

5. Logical and Critical Thinking

  • Logic The study of correct reasoning and the principles of valid inference.
  • Inference The process of deriving logical conclusions from premises known or assumed to be true. It's how we determine truth without direct observation.
  • Proposition A statement that can be either true or false. Logic analyzes the relationships between propositions.

6. Ethical Considerations & Copyright

  • Ethics in Writing The moral principles that guide the responsible creation and use of written information.
  • Plagiarism Presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own without giving proper credit. It is a serious academic and ethical offense.
  • Copyright A legal right that grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights for its use and distribution.