Lesson 2: Communicative & Writing Tasks

Welcome to A2 Communicative & Writing Tasks. My students often know a lot of vocabulary, but putting those words together into a smooth story can be hard.

When you write an email to a friend about your trip to Siem Reap, or leave a review for a cafe, you need "connecting phrases." Today, we will learn how to link your ideas together perfectly to write clear paragraphs.

warning Common Writing Mistake

In written English, avoid starting every sentence with "Because". "Because" is a joining word that connects a reason to an action in the same sentence.

Incorrect: "I like the temple. Because it is ancient."
Correct: "I like the temple because it is ancient."

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Key Phrases for Writing & Speaking

Sequence

First of all,

Used to introduce the first point in a list or the beginning of a story.

Email Example: First of all, we visited the famous ancient temple at sunrise.

Giving Examples

For example,

Used to give a specific instance to explain what you mean.

Review Example: The local food is delicious. For example, the Fish Amok at this restaurant is amazing!

Sharing Thoughts

In my opinion,

A polite way to state your personal belief or thought about something.

Speaking Example: In my opinion, taking a tuk-tuk is the best way to travel around the city.

Cause & Effect

Because of this,

Used to start a new sentence showing the result of the previous sentence.

Story Example: It was raining very heavily. Because of this, we stayed in the hotel and drank coffee.

Contrast

However,

Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something just said.

Review Example: The museum was very interesting. However, the tickets were a bit expensive.

Conclusion

To sum up,

Used to state the main points briefly before finishing a letter or speech.

Email Example: To sum up, our holiday was an unforgettable experience!

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Knowledge Check

rate_review Writing a Review

You are reviewing a cafe. You want to say the coffee is great, but it is too sweet. Which word connects these contrasting ideas?

(Hint: We need a word that shows contrast or "but".)

forum Giving Advice

A tourist asks why you recommend the Bamboo Train. How do you start to share your personal thoughts?

(Hint: Look for the polite phrase used to state a personal belief.)

mail Finishing an Email

You are at the end of a long email to your friend about your holiday. What phrase do you use to write your final sentence?

(Hint: Which phrase is used to conclude or finish a letter?)

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Task Complete!

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Study Resources

Lesson Summary & Review

Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above to ensure you are ready to write clear, connected paragraphs.

Connecting Phrases

• First of all: Start a sequence or list of points.
• For example: Provide evidence or specific instances for a point you just made.
• In my opinion: Politely introduce your own thoughts, especially in a review or essay.
• Because of this: Show a direct result or consequence of a previous action.
• However: Introduce a contrasting idea or a twist in your story.
• To sum up: Signal that you are finishing your writing and summarizing your main point.

The "Because" Rule

A very common mistake for English learners is trying to use "Because" as a transition word to start a brand new sentence. "Because" is a conjunction; it belongs in the middle of a sentence to connect an action to a reason.

If you want to start a new sentence to show a result, use phrases like "Because of this," or "Therefore."