Sentence Connectors - Showing Opposition

Sentence connectors are words and phrases that connect sentences to help
with understanding. Sentence connectors are also known as linking
language. This linking language can be used to order what you have to say,
show opposition, provide clarification and so on. In many grammar books,
you will find information about sentence connectors when reading about
subordinating conjunctions, coordinating conjunctions and so on.
Type of
Connector
Coordinating
conjunction

Connector(s)

Examples

but

High level positions are stressful at

times, but professionals can learn to
manage their stress levels.
Subordinating although, despite
Despite the fact that high level
conjunctions
the fact that
positions are stressful at times,
professionals can learn to manage
their stress levels.
Conjunctive
however,
High level positions are stressful at
adverbs
nevertheless times; nevertheless, professionals can
learn to manage their stress levels.
Prepositional despite, in spite In spite of the stressful nature of high
phrases
of
level positions, professionals can
learn to manage their stress levels.
Sentence Connectors - Showing Addition
Type of
Connector
Coordinating
Conjunction

Connector(s)

Examples

and

Conjunctive
adverbs

in addition,
additionally,
furthermore,
moreover, also
not only...but also

High level positions are stressful

at times, and can be harmful to
your health.
High level positions are stressful
at times; furthermore, they can
be harmful to your health

Correlative
conjunctions
Prepositional
phrases

Not only are high level positions

stressful at times, but they also
can be harmful to your health.
in addition to, along Along with being stressful, high
with, as well as
level positions can also be

harmful to your health.

Sentence Connectors and Sentences - Showing Cause / Effect
Type of
Connector
Coordinating
conjunctions

Connector(s)

Examples

for (cause), so
(effect)

Professionals can sometimes be

extremely impatient, for their
positions are at times rather
stressful.
Subordinating
because, since
Since high level positions are at
conjunctions
times rather stressful, professionals
can sometimes be extremely
impatient.
Conjunctive
therefore, as a
High level positions are at times
adverbs
result,
rather stressful; therefore,
consequently
professionals can sometimes be
extremely impatient.
Prepositions because of, due to, Due to the stressful nature of high
as a result of
level positions, professionals can
sometimes be extremely impatient.
Sentence Connectors and Sentences - Showing Comparison
Type of
Connector
Coordinating
Conjunction
Subordinating
conjunction
Conjunctive
adverbs
Prepositions

Connector(s)
and...too

Examples

High level positions are stressful, and

can be harmful to your health too.
just as
Just as high level positions are
stressful, they can be harmful to your
health.
similarly, in
High level positions are stressful at
comparison
times; similarly, they can be harmful
to your health.
like, similar to
Similar to other important
professions, high level business
positions are stressful at times.

Sentence Connectors - Showing Condition

Type of
Connector
Subordinating
conjunctions
Conjunctive
adverb

Connector(s)

Examples

if, unless, only If you consider the financial rewards of

if, even if
high level positions, the stressful nature
of these positions becomes less
important.
otherwise
You should remember the financial
rewards of high level positions;
otherwise, you might find the stressful
nature of these positions too demanding.

There are four sentence types used to construct a paragraph:

1.

Topic sentence
One sentence which states your idea, point, or opinion. This sentence
should use a strong verb and make a statement.
For example: Students require more recreational time in order to better
focus on lessons in class.

2.

Supporting sentences
Supporting sentences (notice the plural) provide explanations and
support for the topic sentence (main idea) of your paragraph.
For example: In fact, studies have shown that students who enjoy a
recess of more than 45 minutes consistently score better on tests
immediately following the recess period. Clinical analysis further
suggests that physical exercise greatly improves the ability to focus on
academic materials.

3.

Concluding sentence

The concluding sentence restates the main idea (found in your topic
sentence) and reinforces the point or opinion.
For example: Longer periods of recess are clearly required to allow
students the best possible chances of success in their studies.
NOTE: Concluding sentences repeat the main idea of your paragraph
in different words.
4.

Transitional sentence
The transitional sentence prepares the reader for the following
paragraph.
For example: Clearly, physical exercise is just one of the necessary
ingredients for improving student scores on standardized tests.
NOTE: Transitional sentences should help readers logically understand
the connection between your current main idea, point or opinion and
the main idea of your next paragraph. In this instance, the phrase 'just
one of the necessary ingredients ...' prepares the reader for the next
paragraph which will discuss another necessary ingredient for success.

Tips for Writing a For and Against Argument

Before you begin, write down at least five positive points, and five
negative points for your argument.

Begin your writing by making a statement about the general

statement about outcome of an action, or the overall situation.

Dedicate the first paragraph to one side of the argument. This can be
either positive or negative. Generally, it is the side with which you agree.

The second paragraph should contain the other side of the argument.

The final paragraph should shortly summarize both paragraphs, and

provide your own general opinion on the matter.

Helpful Language
Expressing Both Sides
advantages and disadvantages
Providing Additional Arguments
What is more,
In addition to ..., the ...
Further,
Not only will ..., but ... will also ...
Showing Contrast
However,
On the other hand,
Although .....,
Unfortunately,
Ordering
First of all,
Then,
Next,
Finally,
Summarizing
To sum up,
In conclusion,
In summary,
All things considered,
Expressing Your Opinion
In my opinion,
I feel / think that ...
Personally,

Explanation
The Introduction contains 2 types of information:
1. information about the report
2. an introduction to the content of the report.
2. An introduction to the content of the report.
2.1 The background of the report (Past tense or present perfect)
The situation or problem that the report discusses
2.2 The aim of the report (Present tense, as the aim is true all the time)
The report might make suggestions to solve a problem, or to take advantage
of a situation
2.2 An overview of the organisation of the report (Present tense, as this is
the organisation all the time)
Reports can have a wide variety of organisational structures, so it helps the
reader to inform them of the structure of this one.
Explanation
This section of the report tells your reader how, when and from whom you
collected the data for your report.
Content
The section should convince the reader that the data is accurate, and is
therefore suitable for making recommendations.
The data collection should be valid, which means that it should really
measure what it is trying to measure. For example, the data should not be
only from one group of people who do not represent everybody.
The data collection should be reliable: that is, if the same data was
collected by another person, the result should be the same.

-How the data was collected

e.g. By observation, survey (a written questionnaire, or a researcher asking
the same questions to everybody), a vote, or research online or in a library.
-From surveys, interviews and focus groups:

Who the data was collected from: e.g. a random sample, or a speciallyselected group of people, or all the people involved.
Grammar
Generally uses past tense.
This is because the data was collected in the past, before the report was
written.
Vocabulary
People who reply to a written questionnaire are called respondents
People who take part in an experiment, and are experimented on, are called
subjects
Style and Tone
This section should be formal.
Like most formal business writing, it should be clear, concise, and correct.
1

solve

hold

reduce

make

draw

gather

suggest

administe
r

conduct

10 undertake

a survey
changes
a questionnaire
research
a meeting
problems
data
costs
recommendations
conclusions

The Conclusion should give the main

cause(s) of the problem or opportunity that
is the topic of the report.
The section should summarise the main
findings and link to the Recommendations.