English writing skills lesson

• Maatschappijleer
• HBO
• Studiejaar 3,4

Connectors

What are connectors?

Why do you need them?

How can you use them?

What is a connector?

- Conjunctive words

- Connecting ideas in different sentences, paragraphs or sections

Why do you think connectors are important?

Why are connectors important?

- You can better express relationships between ideas

- Your sentences become more sophisticated

- Your story becomes more coherent

- Connectors add structure and flow

Type of connectors

1. Contrast → contradiction between ideas

2. Cause & effect→ the idea is the result of previous idea

3. Sequence --> order of various steps or actions

4. Addition --> idea supports the previous one

5. Emphasis --> adding emphasis to your idea

6. Comparison --> similarity between two ideas

What kind of connectors are used?
First, go straight until you reach the grocery store. Next, turn left. Then, drive about 100 metres. Finally, turn right.

1. Cause & effect
2. Sequence
3. Addition
4. Emphasis

What kind of connector is used?
There’s a new competitor in the market. Consequently, we’ll have to be more aggressive with our marketing.

1. Comparison
2. Contrast
3. Cause & effect
4. Sequence

What kind of connector is used?
He has been late three times this week. Clearly, something is going on.

1. Emphasis
2. Contrast
3. Addition
4. Comparison

However

Because of that

Secondly

Moreover

Particulary

Similarly

Contrast

Cause & effect

Sequence

Addition

Emphasis

Comparison

Practice your knowledge!

Find the connector words and replace them with a different connector!

You can use the chart on the slide before.

Time: 5 minutes

Which connectors have you found and what did you replace them with?

Short assignment

Write a quick review on the last movie/show you watched.

Use 3 connector words! 

The review has to be around 100 words.

Share your review!

How to write a recommendation?

What is a recommendation?

• It is usually used when someone is making a suggestion based on his or her personal experience.

• Friends, family and coworkers, for example, often recommend things to each other. Even a stranger can recommend something based on experience.
  

For example: 

Can you recommend a good restaurant in the area? I need to eat something.

A recommendation is slightly different than a suggestion or advise.

My friend suggested a Tapas restaurant not far from here

Writing a recommendation is important for your thesis

• In the recommendation of your thesis, you give advice on the issue you have researched. You explain which concrete solutions are possible (short and/or long term) and which measures you think should be taken based on your research.
  

• The recommendations in your thesis are usually a separate chapter after the conclusion.
  

Experts advice limiting use of digital media before bed.

This is a recommendation

1. True
2. False

How to write a recommendation?

• First substantiate your recommendation and then give your advice
  

• First write down your recommendation and then underpin it

• There is also a letter of recommendation (reference letter)

Letter of recommendation

• This letter is written by someone who can recommend an individual's work or academic performance
  

• A letter of recommendation describes a person's qualifications and skills as they relate to employment or education

•  Written letter usually comes from previous employers, professors, colleagues or clients

Write a letter of recommendation!

• A recommendation about yourself to a possible master's degree
  

What to include: 

1. Salutation of one line
   
2. One paragraph detailing how you know the person and why you are qualified
   
3. One paragraph explaining why you recommend the person and details on what they’ve done or accomplished
   
4. One summary reinforcing that you highly recommend the person
   
5. A brief conclusion with an offer to chat if they have questions
   
6. Polite sign off with your name and title