Connecting and sequencing ideas

1. Connecting and sequencing ideas Sample text: First I’d like to show you round the plant; after that you’ll have a chance to see the workshops. In particular, I’d like you to spend some time with the apprentices, which was not in the original programme. Therefore, the demo of the RD567 will take place a little later than planned.

2. Form Connectors and sequence markers are words or phrases which show the relationship between ideas, e.g. first of all (sequence), therefore(consequence), in brief(summary). This lever has been a little unreliable. So, we have a little overhauled it (cause); All machines are regularly checked, however some need more maintenance than others (contrast); After visiting the workshops, there’ll be time to talk to the apprentices (time)

3. The main relationships between ideas: • Time • Logic (cause, contrast, condition, comparison) • Text (addition, summary, paraphrase, examples, highlights).

4. Uses Below are the main phrases and words for the above relationships: Time relationships: BEGINNING • First, first of all, initially, to start with, the first step, at the first stage; • Second, secondly, the second step, at the second stage; • Third, thirdly, the third step, at the third stage; • Then, after that; • Next, subsequently, the next step, at the next stage; • Finally, the final step, at the final stage. END Other time relations: REMEMBER: after + -ing verb / before + -ing verb

5. Uses Logical relationships: Cause: therefore, so, accordingly, consequently, as a consequence / result, hence (formal), thus (formal), because of this, that’s why (informal); Contrast/alternation: yet, instead, alternatively, however, nevertheless, still, but, even so, all the same (informal); Condition: then, in that case; Comparison: similarly, in the same way; Concession: at any rate, anyhow, anyway; Confirmation and reinforcement: in fact, actually, as a matter of fact, indeed;

6. Uses Textual connectors: Addition: also, in addition, moreover, furthermore, besides, too, overall, what’s more (informal); Summary: to sum up, in brief, in short; Conclusion: in conclusion, to conclude, finally, lastly; Equivalence: in other words, that means, namely, that is to say, or rather; Inclusion: for example, for instance, say, such as, as follows (written), e.g. (written, Latin), i.e. (written, Latin), that is; Highlight: in particular, in this case, in detail, especially, notably, chiefly, mainly; Generalisation: usually, normally, as a rule, in general, for the most part, in most cases, on the whole; Stating the obvious: obviously, naturally, of course, clearly.

7. Task 1 Read the following extract about energy production. Identify and underline all the connectors. Indicate what kinds of linkers they are: To begin with we need to consider the long-term implications of the decision to increase our dependence on gas-fired energy production. For example, let us say we do go ahead. In this case we decrease our reliance on coal. As a result we reduce costs because we understand that gas is cheaper than coal. In fact, the case is not proven, especially because we have no way of knowing what the relative costs of coal and gas will be in ten years’ time. However, as a rule gas is much cleaner than coal and this is a genuine advantage. As a consequence of these two advantages gas looks a better option. In other words, it’s cheaper and cleaner, so it’s better. In that case we don’t need to hesitate. Naturally, nothing is so simple. In short, cost is an unknown factor. We don’t know which would be the most economical choice.