Mastering English: Structures and Connectors

Posted on Feb 16, 2025 in English Studies

CONTENTS

Second and Third Conditional // Passive // Used to // Relative Clauses // Should, Could // Possibility, Uncertainty // Because of, Due to // Present Perfect Continuous // Past Perfect // Reported Speech

Informal Letters and Emails

  • Beginning: It’s been such a long time since we wrote to each other. // I’m sorry I haven’t written for such a long time, but…
  • Introducing the topic: Guess what? // Do you remember what I told you in my last letter?
  • Ending: I’m looking forward to hearing from you. // Please keep in touch. // All the best. // See you soon.

Structure:

  1. Dear + name,
  2. Give the reason you are writing.
  3. Paragraph with one idea.
  4. Paragraph with another idea.
  5. Write soon, + name.

Formal Letters and Emails

  • Introduction: I’m writing to inform // in response // to complain about // to express // in reference to
  • Second paragraph: As you must realize… // I am sure you can imagine… // I feel very strongly that… // As you can see… // I have been waiting for… // As you stated in your letter…
  • Concluding: I would be very grateful if… // Thank you for considering… // I look forward to hearing from you. // Thank you in advance for your…

Articles

  • Title (Suggests the theme of the article)
  • Introduction (Defines the topic and keeps readers’ attention)
  • Main body (Two to five paragraphs)
  • Conclusion (Summarizes the topic or gives an opinion)

Reviews (Opinion)

  • Introduction (Catches readers’ attention, identify the thing you are reviewing): This work is based on the script… // This film is based on the novel… // This is the first novel written by…
  • Description: The plot concerns… // The tale begins… // The film reaches its climax when… // The plot has an unexpected twist when… // I was particularly concerned when…
  • Analysis (Use similar vocabulary as before)
  • Recommendation, judgment: This film is a must for anybody interested in good cinema. // Don’t miss it. // It is well worth seeing.

Reports

  • Introduction: This report is intended to… // The objective/aim of this report is to… // A number of … were interviewed…
  • Reporting results: Many of those interviewed stated that… // Others pointed out that… // Several people thought that… // Some people are saying… // Many people complained, suggested, recommended…
  • Giving ideas: The following items should be taken into account… // Some people gave the following reasons: // They made the following points:
  • Conclusion: Taking all the points into consideration… // Some of the ideas have benefits… // In the light of the above… // All things considered…
  • Recommendations: Without a doubt, the first option was… // It would seem that… is the best idea.

Essays

  • Descriptive:
    • First paragraph: Explanation
    • Second paragraph: More information and detail
    • Third paragraph: Opinion, conclusion
  • Discursive:
    • First paragraph: Short paragraph presenting the two points of view.
    • Second paragraph: Reasons in favor (on the one hand, examples).
    • Third paragraph: Reasons against (on the other hand).
    • Conclusion: Your own point of view.
  • Discursive essay:
    • Introduction: Present the topic and express your opinion.
    • Second paragraph: First reason for your opinion, consequences.
    • Third paragraph: Second reason and consequences.
    • Conclusion: Summarize reasons, rhetorical question.

Connectors

  • Addition: Besides, in the first place, in like manner, likewise, not to mention, equally important, furthermore, in addition.
  • Support, examples: In other words, for this reason, in fact, must be remembered, for instance, for example.
  • Result: Because of, due to, as a result, in that case, therefore, consequently.
  • Opposition: In contrast, on the other hand, in spite of, even though, although, instead of, nevertheless, however.
  • Conclusion: As can be seen, as shown above, to sum up, in conclusion.