Answer — Exercise 5

a)

1. This figure has been taken out of context.
2. Let me put it in perspective.
3. What we're seeing is actually a positive, in that more women ...
4. Well, what we have to take into account is that there can be many reasons ...
5. I'm glad you've brought that up because there's another point that needs addressing ...
6. Before I answer that, let me just add to that what I was saying.
7. Well, what we plan to do is to set up a review to look into the issue ...
8. All I'm saying is that the government admits there is a problem.

b)

1. 5 and 6
2. The sentences or clauses begin with 'What ...' or 'All ...' -cleft structures (students are not expected to remember the term). The structure helps to emphasise the information immediately after 'What' or 'All'.
3. Well. Other ways: Let me see ... Let's see ... That's a very good question ... That's an interesting question ...

c)

1. What we're planning to do is (to) crack down on drug abuse first. / What we're planning to do first is (to) crack down on drug abuse.
2. All that's happening is that it's taking longer for us to fulfil our promises.
3. What the council will do is (to) promote the development of tourism. / What the council will promote is the development of tourism.
4. Let me clarify the facts before we hold a vote.
5. All I meant was that we have kept our manifesto promise.
6. What the union will always do is (to) stand up for Its workers' rights. / What the union will always stand up for is its workers' rights.