6. Sentence linking activities 

Our goal through this type of activity is to begin to familiarize the students with the cohesive devices which are used in composing a text. They can then begin to combine structures which they have learned orally to form an acceptable sequence in writing. For this purpose, in order to make any headway, it will be necessary to introduce a selected number of linking devices and to practise these through writing. A basic kit at this stage might consist of the following:  

Coordinators      and, but, or, so 

Conjunctions      although, when, until, so that (etc.) 

Sequencers       then, after that, meanwhile, first, next, finally 

Linkers             moreover, however, therefore, as a result, in fact, of course, on the other hand, etc.

Some procedures for practising these are suggested below. Although this should normally be done within the context of a text, such as a letter, this does not preclude some initial practice for the purpose of familiarizing the students with linking sentences, as in the first example below.

The students then have to write four true sentences about themselves.

(b) The students complete a short text, using suitable linking words or phrases from a given list.

For example:

Complete the letter below. Use suitable words or phrases from this bo

Notice that 'exercises1 like these, in the form of a complete text, also serve to introduce the student to such points as the layout of a letter, different modes of address and salutation, etc. Examples of these should be written up on the board and the students asked to copy them into their notebooks for reference. It is important, therefore, to incorporate a range of such features which will be useful to the students when they themselves are asked to write letters (as communication tasks, for example).