Reading: Understanding Text Structure, Cohesion & Coherence (Basic): A2 Lesson 3: Recognizing Basic Connectors (and, but, so, because)

Reading: Understanding Text Structure, Cohesion & Coherence (Basic)

A2 Lesson 3: Recognizing Basic Connectors (and, but, so, because)

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Building Bridges Between Ideas

We have learned how pronouns connect sentences. Today, we will learn about another type of connecting word called a Connector¹.

Connectors are like bridges. They join two ideas to show the relationship between them. We will learn the four most common connectors: and, but, so, and because.

Part 1: The Connector 'and'

and

Function: To ADD a similar idea or list items. (Idea 1 + Idea 2)

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Example 1: I like to eat rice and fish.

Example 2: The sun is shining, and it is a hot day.

Part 2: The Connector 'but'

but

Function: To show a contrast² or an opposite idea. (Idea 1 →← Idea 2)

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Example 1: He is tired, but he is not sleeping.

Example 2: The moto is fast, but the bicycle is slow.

Part 3: The Connector 'so'

so

Function: To show a result³. (Cause → so → Effect)

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Example 1: It was raining, so I took my umbrella.

Example 2: She studied hard for the test, so she got a good grade.

Part 4: The Connector 'because'

because

Function: To show a reason⁴. (Effect ← because ← Cause)

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Example 1: I took my umbrella because it was raining.

Example 2: He is happy because it is his birthday.

Your Turn to Connect the Ideas!

Practice Quiz: Choose the Connector

Choose the best connector (and, but, so, because) to complete the sentence.

1. I want to swim in the river, _____ I have to finish my homework first.

Answer: but (This shows a contrast between what you want and what you have to do).

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2. The student was tired, _____ he went to bed early.

Answer: so (Going to bed early is the result of being tired).

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3. She likes living in Kampot _____ she can see the mountains and the river.

Answer: because (This gives the reason why she likes it).

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Connector (*noun*)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: ពាក្យតភ្ជាប់ (Peak dâ-chɔap)
   A word that joins two ideas or sentences, like a bridge. ↩ back to text
2. Contrast (*noun*)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: ភាពផ្ទុយគ្នា (Pheap phtuy knea)
   A clear difference between two things. 'But' is used to show a contrast. ↩ back to text
3. Result (*noun*)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: លទ្ធផល (Lăt-tha-phŏl)
   Something that happens because of an earlier action. 'So' is used to show a result. ↩ back to text
4. Reason (*noun*)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: ហេតុផល (Haet-phŏl)
   The explanation for why something happened. 'Because' is used to show a reason. ↩ back to text

Homework Task

Make Your Own Sentences!

Complete the sentences below with your own ideas.

1. In my bag, I have a book and __________.
2. I like the rainy season, but __________.
3. My friend was sick, so __________.
4. I am studying English because __________.

Write your completed sentences in your notebook.