The function of conjunctions is to bring ideas in a text together, either oral or written. But their purpose is different.
In this topic you will be able to discriminate three of them: and, but and then. You will also use them to relate ideas coherently.
(n. d.) (2013). Huayra [photo]. Taken from https://flic.kr/p/f1xUUY
By the end of this topic you will:
Use linkers and, but and then to join sentences based on their purpose.
Linkers are words or phrases to bring ideas together. Concerning grammar, they connect words and sentences. These cohesion devices link in different ways, so in this set of activities, you will practice with three of them.
And is an addition linker used to add one concept, idea, phrase or sentence to another.
a) A, B and C.
But is a contrast linker used to show contrasting or contradictory concepts, ideas, phrases or sentences.
a) A but B.
b) A-Z but C (as an exception).
Then is a sequence linker used to join a part of a process.
1. A referent (of time):
2.1 A linker to indicate sequence:
a) 1. A – 2. B – Then C…
2.2. A linker showing cause-effect (like a famous syllogism in a deductive reasoning):
a) A = B and B = C. Then, A = C.
Activity 1
Linkers are relevant to bring cohesion to elements of a text. Without them, comprehension is not possible.
Part 1.
Complete the text with one single linker (and, but or then).
Part 2. Indicate if the following sentences are true or false, according to the text.
Activity 2
Linkers are necessary for the production of either written or oral speech. In this case, you’ll use them to produce more complex sentences.
Read each pair of sentences, identify the proper type of relationship and connect them correctly.
Look at the example:
Fukushima’s disaster has consequences for the Japanese.
Fukushima’s disaster has consequences for the rest of us.
Your sentence: Fukushima’s disaster has consequences for the Japanese and the rest of us.
Activity 3
Now that you are familiar to these linkers and the way they link information, it is convenient that you practice your listening ability.
Listen to the sentences and indicate the type of relationships.
Activity 4
If you want to connect oral speech ideas, it is necessary to practice pronunciation. The following activity will consist of sentence formation.
Look at the following pronunciations.
Then: /ðɛn/ like the Spanish
conjugation of dar: “den.”
But: /bʌt/ It’s a vowel sound a bit
weaker than a bar.
And: /ænd/ This vowel sound has no equivalence in Spanish. It’s similar to the English word cat.
Type in six sentences using each linker at least two times: and (2), but (2) and then (2). They must show a similar kind of relationship. After this action, record your sentences (maximum 60 seconds)
Addition
1.
2.
Contrast
3.
4.
Sequence
5.
6.
Then read aloud your work and record your voice.
Before recording yourself, study the aspects described in the following rubrics. It is essential that you know what will be evaluated.
Once you are ready, record your work.
This set of exercises will help you identify and practice cohesion in either oral or written texts.
English at home (2017). Section: Linking Words. Retrieved on 2017, May 14 from http://www.english-at-home.com/grammar/linking-words/
Writing right english (2011). Section: Using Linkers. Retrieved on 2017, May 14 from http://writeenglish.net/usinglinkers1-1.php
Young, E. (2015, November 23). Types of linkers [video file]. Retrieved on 2017, April 30 from https://youtu.be/yf3KpmwmU9E