SPM COHESIVE DEVICES

Paper 2
1119/2
Writing

Cohesive Devices







Types of cohesive devices

1. Pronouns

Reflexive pronouns.
Examples : he, she, it, they

Reflexive pronouns refer to a pronoun that was previously mentioned in the
text.
Example : He introduced himself.
(Noun and pronouns must agree in gender, number and person)

2. Conjunctions

The most basic way to connect parts of text together. The links create
cohesion by joining clauses and explaining how they are joined.

Conjunctions can give meaning to the links, to do with …..

Time Place Cause Condition Contrast

when where because if although
while wherever so unless though
since for even if whereas

as since while
before

3. Adverbial conjunctions

These are more complex cohesive devices. Also known as transitional
tags, they can be divided into several groups.

Examples : even, thus, although, instead and many more

Pronouns

Pronouns are easy to use, just stick to the simple rule. – it should be very
clear what your pronoun refers to. Avoid using too many pronouns in one
sentence – it can easily confuse your reader.

If you have to refer several subjects within one sentence, substitute the
pronoun for something else. For example :

Original sentence :
She said she doesn’t know him.

Corrected sentence :
1. Alice said she doesn’t know him
2. She denied knowing him

Original sentence:
They refused to cooperate with him

Corrected sentence:
They refused to cooperate with the policeman

Original sentences:
Johnny had found a hat. The hat was a large one. The hat was far too
large to fit on Johnny’s head. But Johnny liked the hat. “The hat is
Johnny’s hat, Johnny said.

Corrected sentences:
Johnny had found a hat. It was a large one. It was far too large to fit on
his head. But, he liked the hat. “It is mine, he said.

* The underlined word is a determiner. It come before and specifies the
noun (head) telling us whose head it is.

Adverbial Conjunctions

Purpose of conjunction Conjunctions

Adding something Also, besides, finally, furthermore, In
addition, moreover, still, therewith, too, on
top of that

Comparing Also, as well, alike, similarly

Contrasting Although, yet, at the same time, despite
that, even though, however, in contrast,
instead, in spite of, nevertheless, on the
other hand, though

Emphasising Certainly, definitely, indeed, in fact

Giving example For/ as an example, for instance, to
illustrate, in other words, it is true that,
namely, specifically, case in point

Showing equality as….as, both…..and, either….or,
neither….nor, not only…..but also

Summarising, concluding As it was/has been said, in conclusion,
finally, in short, in other words, to put it
simply, on the whole, summarizing

Comparison Listings Giving Examples Generalising

similarly Firstly for example in general
equally Finally for instance generally
in the same way in the first place such as in most cases
compared with then as follows most of the
like to conclude namely time
to begin on the whole
next

I can speak I love Malaysia a I like small pets In general,
Mandarin; lot. First, I love such as cats and people don’t
similarly, my its food. birds.
brother can speak Secondly, I love like getting up
Mandarin. its people.
early.

To put your ideas in To show evidence To show explanation
order/ start a sentence
The evidence that This suggests that…
or a paragraph supports this is …. This infers that …
Primarily This is evident when… This implies that …
Initially This is apparent when
Firstly This insinuates that …
Secondly … This shows that …
This is illustrated by …
Furthermore This is demonstrated
Moreover
Also by …

In addition to
Essentially
Evidently

Connectors : Notes and Examples

They can be at the beginning, middle or end of a sentence.
The words in bold are SIMPLE CONNECTORS.

To Show Contrast

Connector Meaning Sentence

But I wanted to go swimming but I am so tired.

However/ The film received good ratings; however, it
Nonetheless was very long.
The problems are not serious. Nonetheless,
we shall need to tackle them soon.

On the other hand/ I was eager to join them for the vacation but
on the one hand on the other hand, my exam dates were
getting closer.

Otherwise Remind them beforehand. Otherwise, they
might leave without taking the tickets.

Connector Meaning Sentence
Unlike
Conversely Jenny loved hot chocolate, unlike Belle.

At the same time Richard may not perform up to mark in
In spite of science subjects, but conversely, he is
excellent in English.
Despite
Even though/ He felt guilty and depressed at the same time.
Although
Still/ Yet/ In spite of heavy rainfall, she took out her
Nevertheless motorbike and headed towards the hospital.

Even so He kept on arguing despite his mistake.

She could manage the cooking part even
though that would not taste awesome.

They are still here.
I have not confirmed it yet.
What you said was right but nevertheless
harsh.

She had a headache but even so, she went to
pick him up.

To Show Cause & Effect

Connector Meaning Sentence
Therefore
So I slept very late last night. Therefore, I was
Because late to school the following day.
Thus
The red bag was full so she kept the packet in
the turquoise bag.

He couldn’t sleep because of the noise
outside his window.

She didn’t work hard. Thus she was fired.

Connector Meaning Sentence
Hence
I fell off my bicycle yesterday, hence the
Due to bruises.
It is very late; hence you must go to bed.
As a result
The football match got cancelled due to the
Consequently, as heavy rain.
a consequence
Since As a result of the heavy rain, the football
match got cancelled.
Seeing that
We talked until the early hours and
On account of consequently I overslept the next morning.

Since she loves ice cream so much, I decided
to give her an ice-cream printed dress

Seeing that he was losing the fight, he started
blaming his coach.

Both the siblings were mentally unstable on
account of their disturbed childhood.

To Show Sequence/ Time

Connector Meaning Sentence
Later
After Later, it all got resolved.

Before It was after midnight by the time he returned
Then home.

Next She gave everyone a present before she left.

I left my house in the morning then I went to
pick up Johnny at his house.

The next episode is going to be very
interesting.

Connector Meaning Sentence
Soon
Finally They are soon to graduate.
Second/
Secondly Finally, the war came to an end.
At first sight
First Secondly, you have to manage the team.

First of all At first sight, he appeared to be arrogant.

In the first place First, you should go to the washroom and
take a bath.
To start with
First of all, they are not my family and I
Lastly cannot be held responsible for their immature
And finally behaviour.
In the meantime
In the first place, take care of the pets and
Meanwhile then do the rest of your work.

Subsequently To start with, I asked him to tell us about his
hobbies.

Lastly, we had our dinner and left.

And finally, the day of the verdict came.

The next programme starts in fifteen minutes;
in the meantime, here’s some music.

The children are excited about the beach.
Meanwhile, someone has to think about
dinner.

The East India Company came to India as
traders and subsequently became the ruler.

To Show Purpose

Connector Meaning Sentence
In order to
So as to In order to prove him wrong, he started
So that shouting.

You have to study hard so as to improve your
career.

Give me your resume so that I can forward it
to the right department.

To Show Condition

Connector Meaning Sentence
If
Unless If you brush your teeth every day, you
Since probably won’t get cavities.

Unless you really need me to, I can’t take the
time to help you with your homework today.

Since I’ll be out of town, I’m looking for
someone to feed my hamsters.

To Show Illustration/ Example

Connector Meaning Sentence
For example
For instance You can use any two colours- for example,
Such as blue and yellow.

I like a few vegetables, for instance, ladies
finger and cabbage.

Aerobic exercises, such as jogging and
running, are good for your stamina and heart.

Connector Meaning Sentence
In this case
For one thing In this case, emotion will matter more than
To illustrate logic.

He was an excellent colleague. For one thing,
he was very reliable.

To illustrate my point, let me tell you a story.

To Show Opinion

Connector Meaning Sentence
To tell the truth To tell the truth, I didn’t like the show at all.
Personally
To be honest The show must go on, personally I think so.

I think that To be honest, I don’t support the idea of
It is true that destroying her career.

I agree I think that you’re being unfair.
As far as I am
concerned It is true that a lot of hard work has been put
I disagree in here but I really can’t see any reflection of

From my point of that.
view,
I agree with his decision.

As far as I am concerned, I am done with it.

I disagree with the thought of buying a new
car even because we already have two.

From my point of view, this seems an
incredibly easy task.

To Show Clarification/ Restatement

Connector Meaning Sentence
More or less
In general There will be more or less 50 guests.
Especially
In particular Old people, in general like to spend time with
Essentially grandchildren.
Basically
In other words It’s tough to sleep especially after the strong
In short coffee we took.
Above all
All the women, in particular, have to be strong
At least and determined.
In a nutshell
An electric kettle is useful essentially for the
winter months.

Basically, you don’t have to spend a fortune
to look beautiful.

The problem, in other words is that we have
to rewrite the whole script.

The outing, in short, could not lift up my
mood.

The idea behind the meeting is, above all, to
make the employees aware of the current
financial crisis faced by the company.

It wasn’t tasty, but at least it was palatable.

Well, to put it in a nutshell, we’re lost.

To Show Emphasis

Connector Meaning Sentence
Also
Indeed She was told to study and also to take care of
Of course the baby.
Certainly
Specifically It’s very cold indeed.
Significantly
Notably Of course, he would be ashamed to borrow
In fact often.

Connector Certainly, she has witnessed something cruel.
As well as Otherwise, she would not be so nervous.
Further
and then He specifically looked for a diamond-studded
And ring.

His health was significantly improving.

Her academic career has been notably
amazing.

She seemed rather aloof when in fact she
was just shy.

To Show Addition

Meaning Sentence

The sound, as well as the picture quality, is
amazing.

I introduced him to the other members and
that’s it, I had no further conversation.

Richard came back from swimming and then
left for badminton coaching.

Alan is both brother and friend to me.

Connector Meaning Sentence
Too
She too felt nervous about leaving the kittens
In addition to on their own.

Not only – but also In addition to the notes, the teacher also
suggested some reference books for the
Or preparation.
Besides/ Apart
from (that) We are not only harming the environment but
Apart from/ Other also becoming inhuman day by day.
than
On top of that We can go to the shopping mall or the park.
Furthermore
The umbrella will protect you from the sun.
Moreover Besides. It will also come handy if it rains.

What’s more Apart from the low salary, it’s not a bad job.

In addition On top of that, you will also get incentives.

Additionally She was tired and hungry. Furthermore, she
was ill.

The rent is reasonable, and moreover the
location is perfect.

What’s more, now you have all that is
required to have a wonderful vacation.

Students are advised to stay indoors in this
hazy weather. In addition, they are told to
wear mask when they need to go out.

We need to hire some programmers.
Additionally, we’ll need to find someone to
help out at the reception desk.

To Show Comparison

Connector Meaning Sentence
As….as
Equally She is as good as her brother.
As if
Similarly Both of them are equally talented.
Comparable
Like It seems as if they have cried a lot.
In like manner
Alternatively Cars must stop at red traffic lights; similarly,
bicycles have to stop too.
Connector
To conclude Today’s weather is comparable with that of
In conclusion Cameron Highlands.

In summary She was determined to get a high – rank job
To sum up like her cousin.
All in all
Alan responded in like manner.

You can go to that Thai restaurant or
alternatively you can even choose the Korean
food counter on the opposite side of the road.

To Show Conclusion

Meaning Sentence

To conclude, students have to put more effort
into their schoolwork.

In conclusion, walking is a cheap, safe,
enjoyable and readily available form of
exercise.

In summary, governments have many
reasons for spending so much on defence.

To sum up, some people are better suited to
working from home than others.

All in all, you have to make sure both you and
your customers are satisfied with your work.

Practice 1

Highlight or underline the cohesive devices used in the following paragraph.

I personally believe that libraries are among humanity’s most important
institutions for several reasons.

Firstly, most of humanity’s collective knowledge is stored in libraries.
Secondly, libraries protect and preserve this knowledge. They also
classify or group the materials into logical and easily available divisions.
Furthermore, libraries make the materials available to everyone and
even provide librarians to help us find what we need.
Finally, libraries are our link to the past and our gift to the future.

In conclusion, libraries are important institutions for humanity.

Read the following paragraph of a narrative and underline the connectors.

This past weekend I had the time of my life. First, Friday night, I had my
best friend over and we made a delicious, mouth-watering pizza. After we
ate, we had a friendly video game competition. On Saturday, my dad took
us out on the boat. The weather was perfect and the water was warm. It
was a great day to go for a swim. Later that night, we went to the movies.
We saw an action packed thriller and ate a lot of popcorn. Finally, on
Sunday, we rode our bikes all over town. By the end of the day, my legs
were very tired. I only hope that the next weekend can be as fun as this
one.

Practice 2

Choose the correct answer by circling the letter A, B or C.

1. ___________ the heavy snow, we managed to get home.

A In spite of B However C While

2. ___________ needing a rest, the team continued to work.

A In spite B Despite C Although

3. I like peaches. I don’t like bananas _____________.

A whereas B on the other hand C though

4. The film was good ________ it was also frightening.

A despite B but C in spite

5. Paul drives a car __________ Charles rides a motorbike.

A whereas B even though C despite

6. _________ she isn’t fond of classical music, she went to the concert.

A However B Even though C While

7 _________ being hungry, Sally didn’t eat anything.

A However B Yet C In spite of

8 The alarm went off, __________ he didn’t wake up.

A whereas B yet C while

9 _________ we left the house early, we still missed the bus.

A Although B Despite C In spite of

10 He wasn’t wearing a coat _________ it was very cold.

A whereas B even though C despite

Practice 3

Choose the correct answer by circling the letter A, B or C.

1. We went out _________ the rain.

A in spite of B however C although

2. They went swimming _________ it rained.

A despite B however C although

3. Mrs. Brown went on working __________ she was tired.

A although B despite C however

4. The number of these endangered animals has multiplied over the last ten

years. __________ there are good reasons for continuing their protection.

A Although B However C Despite

5. She went to school ___________ the fact that she had a terrible headache.

A although B despite C however

6 __________ she was a nice girl, I don’t quite like her.

A However B Although C In spite of

7 __________ it was inexpensive, it was a good watch.

A Although B Despite C However

8 __________ we are not in a strong financial position, our profits have
increased over the past months.

A Nevertheless B However C Although

9 I didn’t like the film. ___________, everybody seemed to enjoy it.

A Although B However C In spite of

10 ___________ I didn’t like the film, everybody seemed to enjoy it.

A Although B Despite C However

11 We managed to do it, ___________ the fact that he was not there.

A however B despite C although

12 In the developing world, salaries are low. __________ goods cannot
always be produced more cheaply that may lead to famine.

A Although B However C Despite

13 _________ I was feeling very ill, I did not go to the hospital.

A Although B However C Despite

14 She refused the job _________ the low salary.

A because B because of C despite

15 _________ he has a number of relatives living nearby, he never visits them.

A Despite B However C Although

16 He runs fast ______________ his old age.

A in spite of B however C because

17 _________ not doing any exercises, she doesn’t get fat.

A Although B because C Despite

18 I eat a lot of chocolate everyday ____________ being overweight.

A although B however C in spite of

19 She accepted the job ___________ the salary was low.

A although B however C despite

20 _________ we had planned everything carefully, lots of things went wrong.

A Although B However C Because

Practice 4-

Choose the correct option.

1. London is the capital of the UK. It is ( also/ too ) its largest city.

2. The most well-known monument has always been Big Ben. The London
Eye has ( also/ besides ) become popular with tourists in more recent times.

3. Carnaby Street is a popular shopping centre. ( In addition/ as well ). It is
not far from the city centre.

4. The city’s parks are relaxing places for a packed lunch,
. ( In addition to/ Furthermore ), you can play sports there.

5. To visit the city centre, you can walk, cycle or take a bus;
( as well as/ moreover ) you can ride the Tube.

6. ( What is more/ In addition to ) the historical buildings, you can visit many
museums.

7. ( As well as/ In addition ), the British Museum, the National Gallery is
worth a visit.

8. However, not everything is perfect: accommodation may be quite expensive,
and so are many restaurants. ( What is more/ As well as ), you may find
long queues in the most popular museums.

9. ( Furthermore/ As well ), the weather is unreliable; ( as well/ besides ).
public transport can be expensive.

Practice 5

Choose the correct option.

1 Fans were celebrating last night after England beat Italy 4 – 0
( despite/ although ) missing some of their key players.

2.A family of five were rescued by coastguards yesterday off the coast of
Pembroke. The Davis family had insisted on taking their boat out,
( in spite of/ though ) they had been given repeated warnings about the
possibility of a summer storm.

3 ( In spite of/ Though/ But ) bad weather, the annual mountain marathon
went ahead as planned. And ( however/ despite/ though ) more than half
of the runners failed to complete the course due to the wet conditions,
there were many athletes who managed to cross the finishing line.
( Although/ However/ In spite of ), the winner Matthew Goldy didn’t
succeed in setting a new record.

Practice 6

Choose the correct option.

1 I think junk food advertisements on TV should be banned
( because/ because of ) the danger to children who watch them.

2. I suggest we take an early train, ( so that/ in order not to ) be late.

3. Many of the clothes are made by people who are paid very little.
( So that/ Consequently ), the clothes are very cheap.

4 I don’t like it, ( although/ therefore ) I’m not going to buy it.

5 I couldn’t come to your party ( as/ despite ) I was away on holiday.

6 I stood for an hour in the queue ( to/ so that ) get tickets.

7 ( In order to/ So to ) be able to deal with your query as quickly as possible,
please tell us what you are calling about.

Practice 7
Choose the correct option.
1 He was eating something ( and/ because/ but ) he was hungry.
2 This insect is quite beautiful ( but/ or/ because ) it’s very dangerous.
3 They were playing football ( because/ or/ when ) it started to rain.
4 You have to cook these eggs ( before/ after/ or ) you eat them.
5 I don’t like windy ( because/ and/ or ) rainy weather.
6 I always brush my teeth ( because/ after/ when ) I’ve had breakfast.
7 I like school ( because/ after/ but ) I don’t like exams.

Practice 8
Choose the correct option.
1 He runs fast ( despite/ although ) being fat.
2 ( Despite/ Although ) I was tired, I enjoyed the film
3 ( Despite/ Although ) the heat, I felt a chill.
4 ( Despite/ Although ) she’s not pretty, she’s very popular.
5 ( Despite/ Although ) his riches, he’s very unhappy.
6 ( Despite/ Although ) her fame, she feels unfulfilled.
7 ( Despite/ Although ) the prices are high in this restaurant, the food’s not

very good.

8 ( Despite/ Although ) we don’t usually eat pasta, we really enjoyed the meal.
9 ( Despite/ Although ) their hard work, they couldn’t finish the project.
10 ( Despite/ Although ) his advanced age, he is very quick-witted.

Practice 9
Choose the correct connectors to complete the passage.

Next week, my friends and I are going to take a course in First Aid
1 ( as a result/ because/ because of ) we cannot help people unless we know
what to do. 2 ( Therefore/ However/ Moreover ), I firmly believe that it is
something that everyone should be familiar with. If you witness an accident,
3 ( for example/ such as/ whereas ), it is useful to know how to act if there
are people injured.

4 ( Despite/ First of all/ Although ), it is important to know if you should
move the injured person or not, and 5 (nevertheless/ even though/ secondly ),
it might save his/ her life. Surprisingly, few people know anything about First
Aid, 6 ( in spite of/ although/ despite ) they may know a lot about health in
general.

7 ( Likewise/ Unlike/ Similarly ) courses in art and music, courses in
First Aid are not very popular and 8 ( because of/ even if/ as a result ) of this,
relatively few people know how to treat someone who has been injured or
become ill. My friends and I will go every Monday evening for eight weeks,
and 9 ( finally/ in short/ whenever ) we will have to take a short written test..
It will be hard work. 10 ( In conclusion/ Since/ But ) we think it will be worth it.

Practice 10

Fill in the correct connectives and linking words from the list below.

as well as during because either … or
neither … nor when although unless
which so that then so
despite while such as however

1 _________ Dad comes home from work, he has to lie down on the sofa
_________ he is tired.

2 Jerry had a bad headache yesterday, _________ he couldn’t come to
football practice.

3 This is Jeremy’s new mountain bike, __________ he got from his parents.
He locks it up every evening ____________ nobody can steal it.

4 _________ Alice was tired, she watched TV until well after midnight.

5 First, cut out the pictures, _________ paste them into your book.

6 I would like to learn Chinese, __________ I don’t know anyone who can
teach me.

7 _________ we were driving through the countryside, we say many
picturesque villages.

8 The Hemingways are our neighbours _______________ our friends.

9 You can have _________ tea _________ coffee for breakfast.
What would you like?

10 _________ being a great skier, only few people outside of Europe know him.

11 _________ the hike up the mountains, we saw a lot of deer.

12 _________ you finish the essay by tomorrow, you won’t be able to get
a good mark.

13 _________ my father _________ my mother will be able to attend the
meeting tomorrow.

14. He likes all kinds of sports, ____________ skiing, hockey and volleyball.

Practice 11
Complete the sentences using “ so “ or “ because “.
1 I am happy ____________ today is my birthday.
2 I am hungry __________ I’m going to make a sandwich.
3 I eat a lot of vegetables and fruits __________ it is healthy.
4 it is sunny today ________ I am playing in the garden.
5 My friend is thirsty ___________ it is very hot.
6 I usually make fruit salad ___________ it is easy.
7 I like learning English __________ it is an international language.
8 My bedroom is a mess _________ my brothers were playing there.
9 Johnny works near his house ______ he goes there by foot.
10 I have a television in my bedroom ______ I can watch NETFLIX at night.
11 I feel tired ___________ I have a lot of homework.
12 I drink apple juice ___________ apple is my favourite fruit.
13 It is mum’s birthday ________ we are organising a party.

Practice 12
Complete the passage with “ and “, “ but “, “ so “ or “ because “

A Day during Quarantine

Last Monday, I woke up early in the morning. It was raining ______ I
didn't go out to my garden. I had breakfast while watching “Friends” _______
I love watching television while eating. I like films _________ series, too. My
favourite film is “ Beauty and the Beast “. I like Belle _______ I don’t like
Gaston. He is mean.

After having breakfast, I did my homework. Teachers send me
homework by e-mail ___________ we are on quarantine ______ we have to
stay at home. I did Mathematics _______ English language homework. By
the end of the morning, I was happy _________ exhausted.

I had lunch. I ate fish ______ chips. It was delicious! After lunch, I
tidied my bedroom ___________ it was a mess! After that, I phoned my
grandmother. She is 65 years old _______ she can’t go out of her house.
Old people have to be very careful with COVID – 19. I miss her so much
_______ she misses me, too!

I am happy staying at home and waking up late _______ I want to go
out again and meet my grandmother. Anyway, I know everything will be
fine _________ we are all taking care of ourselves.

Practice 13
Fill in the correct connectives and linking words from the list below.

but after because Then
After that before First of all so

Everyone in my family likes to take part in the household chores.
________________, we all wake up early in the morning and make our
own beds. _______________, we have breakfast together. My sister loves
milk and cereal, ______________ , we join our Zoom meetings from
school and our parents go to work. When it’s lunchtime, my parents take
turns to cook. My sister always lays the table __________ the food is
ready and I wash up __________ we finish eating. Today , so fat , we have
done our homework and we have vacuumed the floor, _______ we can
play for a bit. We like helping each other ____________ we love spending
time together!

Practice 14
Read the following descriptive essay and fill in the blanks with these connectors.

however In addition overall moreover furthermore for example

An Important Possession

If I have to choose one thing that is important in my life, it is my
netbook computer. It is a Samsung netbook running Windows 10. It’s a fairly
cheap netbook that I bought about five years ago. It’s black and thin and has
rounded edges that are soft and smooth when you pick it up. It’s also light
enough for me to carry in my backpack. (1. _____________), it can do nearly
everything I need it to do. (2. _______________), I can create documents,
design new pages on my website, make recordings and download television
shows. (3. _______________) to many files I have saved for my work, it
contains a lot of photos and music. (4. __________________), its not a
perfect computer. It crashed last year and since then, it’s been much slower.
(5. ________________), it has downloaded some programmes that I hate.
I don’t know how to get rid of them. (6. _________) though, this computer is
pretty reliable, convenient and allows me to work anywhere I go.

Practice 15
Read the following narrative essay and fill in the blanks with these connectors.

Finally After a while Most importantly However Although

At the same time At first Soon Later

First Day at University

What important days in your life do you remember? I remember my first day at
university very clearly. I felt excited and happy. (1. ____________) I was very
nervous because I didn’t know anyone. (2. ______________), my first day at
university was memorable. (3. _______________) I was confused and lost. I
didn’t know where to go. I had to ask a stranger where the first year students
were going to meet. This person was very polite and showed me the way. I
walked through some big buildings, and when I arrived, I saw many students
and I felt scared. (4. _____________) I told myself to be braver. I asked one
girl what was happening and we discovered that we were in the same group.
We introduced ourselves. Her name was Alice. We joined in with the activities
for “freshie” students.(5. ____________) I started feeling much better. The
activities helped me feel part of a team and I was beginning to feel that I had
become a university student. (6. ____________), we began our classes.
However, all our classmates were quiet. The lecturer talked for a while and
then we introduced ourselves. I met two girls. Their names were Jenny and
Helen. Soon, we became good friends and started chatting and learnt more
about each other. (7. _______________) we came from different states, we
had a lot in common. We spent the rest of the day together until we had to go
home. I am always going to remember that day because I had the opportunity
to meet many people. (8.___________), I met the best friends that I have ever
had. (9. _______________), I think that is natural that on the first day at
university, we feel nervous, but often difficult experiences have happy endings.
That’s why I say that my first day in the university was very memorable.

Practice 16

Read the following comparison essay and underline the connectors.

High School Students and University Students

Education is very important for society. It is very important in the
development of the individual, too. However, there are many methods of
learning and ways to develop students’ skills, so it is very difficult to work out
which are the best paths to educational success. Nothing demonstrates this
more than the differences between the lifestyles of high school students and
university students.

First of all, university students have more responsibilities than high
school students. They have to be more independent and make decisions by
themselves. For example, they have to manage their schedules and do
assignments. In contrast, high school students just have to follow the rules
and obey their teachers.

Second, high school students usually have more fun than university
students. Their lives are not so serious. They are more carefree and they do
more fun activities. University students, however, often do not have much free
time. And they are more stressed because their exams are more serious.

Finally, university students mix with more people. They meet different
kinds of people. They have to start to learn to live in the real world. As a
consequence, most university students become more open minded. High
school; students, on the other hand, live in a smaller, narrower world. They
usually go to school with prople similar to themselves. They live similar lives
and think alike. No one challenges their ideas.

In conclusion, it seems clear that different educational situations and
environments suit different age groups. Is this really true? Or do we just rely
on ideas handed down from earlier generations? Perhaps, we need to try and
pick the best features of the lifestyles of high school students and university
students. Then we might be able to create better educational systems for the
21st century.

Practice 17
Read the following factual essay and fill in the blanks with these connectors

In conclusion Furthermore As a result For instance

For example Consequently Moreover

What effects has the computer had on our lives?

The twenty-first century is already turning out to be the century of the
computer. The computer revolution that started after the Second World War
is now developing more quickly and computers are beginning to influence
and take over nearly every aspect of our lives. Computers are clearly
changing and affecting society in many ways. The two main effects
computers have had on our lives are in the areas of economics
and communications.

The computer has led to big changes in our economic and business
lives. Businesses now have to be computerized or they risk failure.
(1. _______________). Every big corporation bases its operations on
computing, regardless of which sector they are in. (2. _____________),
Coca-Cola, the BBC and Levi’s market and sell different products and
services, yet they all share one basic property – without computers, their
operations would collapse. Computing is a generator of economic
dynamism. China and India and many other developing countries have
large IT sectors which drive their economies upwards. (3. _____________),
the more advanced economies, including Germany, the United States, Japan
and Korea are moving from an industrial-based economy to a computer and
IT-based one.

The other important effect of the computer is that communication has
been totally revolutionized. (4. _______________), in the past, people wrote
letters, which would often take weeks to reach their destinations, or speak on
the phone, which was terribly expensive. Now, they send e-mail instead of
waiting weeks for a letter, we can read it instantly, seconds after it’s been
written. (5. _______________), many people use computers to communicate
with people all around the world using chat rooms and chat programmes, this was
impossible before the computer became widespread. (6. _______________),
Now people who live thousands of kilometres away from each other can
communicate as much as they want and whenever they want using e-mail
and'/or chat rooms.

(7. _______________), computers have had a profound effect on our
lives in many ways and it is in business and communication that they have
had the greatest influence. In the future, if the computer continues evolving
at such speed, our business practices and methods of communication will
undergo even greater changes.