GRAMMAR REVIEW: CONNECTING IDEAS BUILDING SUPPORTING SKILLS CAMBRIDGE PREPARATION FOR THE TOEFL® IBT TEST

 

CAMBRIDGE PREPARATION FOR THE TOEFL® IBT TEST BUILDING SUPPORTING SKILLS GRAMMAR REVIEW: CONNECTING IDEAS

 

Ideas must be connected within sentences and between sentences. Certain types of words and phrases smooth the flow of ideas and make sentences, paragraphs, and passages more connected and coherent. Some examples of these words and phrases and their functions within a text are outlined below. Connecting ideas within a sentence And joins two or more words, phrases, or clauses of similar value or equal importance: When and joins two equal subjects, the verb must be plural: Or joins two or more words, phrases, or clauses that contain the of choice: But shows a contrast between two or more words, phrases, or clauses: Either is used with or to express alternatives: Neither is used with nor to express negative alternatives: Both is used with and to combine two words, phrases, or clauses:     Connecting ideas between sentences or paragraphs (transition words) Transitional expressions can be used to connect ideas between sentences or paragraphs. Different categories of transition words and phrases are presented below. Words in the same category are not always interchangeable. You can use the following words as signals that additional information will follow: You can use the following words as signals that specific examples will be given: You can use the following words as signals to clarify information that has been presented: You can use the following words as signals to emphasize information that has been presented or will be presented: You can use the following words as signals that a cause-and-effect relationship will be presented: You can use the following words as signals that the information already presented will be compared or contrasted with new information: You can use the following words as signals of a time relationship: You can use the following words as signals for introducing disagreement or conflict: Making a concession or compromise about a point: Dismissing a previous statement or argument: Pointing out a contradiction: Indicating reservations: Indicating a digression to a previous point or resuming after a digression or interruption: Pointing out conditions: You can use the following words as signals that a summary or conclusion will be presented:   EXERCISE G20 Use Exercise G20 to practice your skills in using connecting words. EXERCISE G20 Choosing connecting words Choose the letter of the connecting word that best completes the sentence. 1 Whiskers are very sensitive, ________ animals can use them to avoid obstacles in the dark. A so B regardless of this C besides D granted that 2 Soil fertility is largely a consequence of the action of earthworms. ________, they have played an important part in world history. A Likewise B Because of this C For example D In contrast 3 In 1927, critics gave bad reviews to Buster Keaton’s film The General, which is now regarded as both a classic ________ the best work of a cinematic genius. A and B furthermore C nevertheless D beyond

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