Connecting words

Today we are going to learn about...

Connecting words

START

Read the following paragraph about E-readers. What is the problem with this text?

E-readers In the last few years, e-readers (electronic gadgets for reading books) have become better and cheaper. The e-readers of today are nicer to use and have some useful new features. They are now easier to read in different situations. They usually have a screen that you can see well even in bright sunlight. Many come with an internal light. They are very useful when you are travelling and if you like reading in bed. If you read a book on an e-reader, you don’t have a real book in your hands. You can’t really share books with friends. E-readers can be very convenient. However, many people still prefer the experience of reading real books.

What was the problem with the text?

That's Right !

The text did not have proper connection among ideas.

Fortunately, we have connectig words... or connectives!

Connectives help us be more specific about the relationships among ideas. These words have specific purposes. For example, they can indicate addition of information, contrast, explanation, result, conclusion or a relationship in time or sequence. Let’s explore some of them.

Connectives for sequence:

They help us put ideas in order. Without them, the text doesn’t have proper connection among ideas. Some of them are firstly (secondly, ...), to begin with, First, (second...) Examples:

• At night, I usually follow a strict routine. Firstly, I always brush my teeth before going to bed. Secondly, I read one of my favorite books.

• We need to get ready for the party. To begin with, let's make a list of all the things we need to buy.

• My perfect morning routine has two elements. First, I like to have a cup of coffee before I start my day. Second, I make a list of all the activities I need to complete during the day.

Connectives for contrast:

They are useful to introduce contrasting information. Some of them are on the other hand, however, in contrast, nevertheless, yet, although*, despite* Examples:

• I love having free time. On the other hand, I prefer to stay at home on the weekends rather than going out.
• I loved spending time with you. However, I didn't enjoy the movie as much as I thought I would.
• My sister loves spicy food. In contrast, I prefer mild flavors.
• This topic seems difficult. Nevertheless, I'm still going to try my best.
• I had a lot of other things to do. Yet, I still managed to finish the project on time.
• Although it was raining outside, we decided to go for a walk in the park.
• Despite I woke up late, I was still able to make it to my morning meeting on time.

Used to start the idea

Connectives for restatement:

They help us say the same thing in a different way. Some of them are in other words, to put it differently, more simply, that is. Examples:

• I don’t want to go to Argentina in Winter. In other words, I want to go on vacation somewhere warm and sunny.

• The dress is too big for me, and I need a smaller size. To put it differently, this dress does not fit me.

• This recipe is the chef’s favorite. More simply, the recipe only requires a few basic ingredients.

• We need to finish the project by Friday to meet the deadline. That is, we have only 1 day to do it.

Connectives for addition:

They can be used to add extra information to support your main idea. Some examples are In addition, moreover, furthermore, additionally, Apart from this, not only ... but also... Examples:

• In addition to my regular job, I also teach a yoga class on the weekends.
• The restaurant is well located. Moreover, it has a great atmosphere and friendly staff.
• The new system will save the company a lot of time. Furthermore, it will be cheaper than the old one.
• The company offers flexible working hours. Additionally, it has a great benefits package.
• Apart from the beach access, the hotel also has a gym and swimming pool for guests to use.
• Not only did she graduate with honors, but she also received a scholarship to attend graduate school.

Connectives for illustrating points:

They are used to introduce an example. The most used ones are for example, for instance, ...such as... like... including... Examples:

• I love to eat different kinds of fruit, such as apples, bananas, and oranges.

• I enjoy playing a variety of sports, for example, basketball, tennis, and soccer.

• There are many different types of flowers in the garden, for instance, roses, daisies, and tulips.

• There are various music genres that I love including rock, pop, and hip-hop.

• Some popular social media platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, are great for sharing photos and staying in touch with friends.

Connectives to express result:

They can be useful when we need to introduce a result or consequence. These are some of them: as a result, for this reason, therefore, consequently, thus. Examples:

• I missed my bus this morning. As a result, I was late for work.

• I'm allergic to dogs. For this reason, I can't visit my friend's house.

• It's raining heavily. Therefore, we won't be able to have our picnic today.

• I forgot to charge my phone. Consequently, it died in the middle of the day.

• I lost my keys. Thus, I couldn't enter my house.

• I'm feeling tired. Therefore, I'm going to take a nap.

Connectives for conclusion

They are used at the end of a paragraph or a text. They introduce a conclusion. Some of them are Overall, in conclusion, finally, to conclude. Examples:

• Overall, the conference was a great success, with many engaging speakers and thought-provoking discussions.

• In conclusion, I believe that technology has brought many benefits to our society, but we must also be mindful of its potential drawbacks.

• Finally, after weeks of hard work, we were able to finish the project on time.

• To conclude, I want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement throughout this difficult time.

QUIZ

TRIVIA TIME

connecting words

START

question 1/6 - Film & music

Connectives affect my writing positively because they improve...

My grammar structures

My use of vocabulary

The Coherence of the text

question 1/6 - film & music

Right answer!

Reason: Coherence refers to the logical and orderly flow of ideas and information in a written or spoken text. A text that is coherent is easy to understand and follow because the ideas are presented in a clear and organized manner, with each sentence and paragraph logically connected to the ones that came before and after it.

question 2/6 - geography

Which of the following are NOT connectors to express consequence:

therefore

furthermore

thus

question 2/6 - geography

Right answer!

Furthermore is used to add another supporting point. For example, "I love to travel to new places. Furthermore, I enjoy experiencing different cultures and trying new foods." Here, furthermore is used to add an additional point that supports the previous sentence, showing the connection between the two ideas.

question 3/6 - History

Which types of connectors can be used to explain an idea?

such as...

nevertheless

in other words

question 3/6 - HISTORY

Right answer!

"In other words" is used to clarify or rephrase something that was said before in order to make it easier to understand. For example, "I have a lot of work to do, in other words, I have a busy day ahead." Here, "in other words" is used to clarify what the speaker means by "a lot of work," emphasizing the fact that their day will be busy.

question 4/6 - science

Which type are these connectives: for example, for instance, ...such as... like, including...

To illustrate points

For contrast

To introduce a conclusion

question 4/6 - science

Right answer!

These connectives help us give examples of the previous argument. For this reason, they illustrate' or 'present' a mental image of what we wanted to say.

question 5/6 - sports

Which connective can be used in the following sentence. “The food was delicious. ____ There was a great variety of drinks.”

Moreover

For that reason

More simply

question 5/6 - sports

Right answer!

The connector 'moreover' adds a point. If we use 'for that reason' we are saying that there were a lot of drinks because the food was delicious, and that is not true. If we use 'more simply', we are saying that ' the food was delicious' is the same idea as ' there were a lot of drinks, and this is not true either.

question 6/6 - Art & literature

Which connective can be used to give examples?

including

despite

overall

QUESTION 6/6 - ART & LITERATURE

Right answer!

Reason:'Despite' is used to generate a contrast. 'Overal' is used to conclude.

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