Linking word charts

Sentence Structure
Joining Words: Reason words: Adding ideas:
Introducing and supporting so and
your reasons because*, since, now that in addition, furthermore
therefore, as a result
because of* (noun or noun
phrase)
Joining Words: Direct contrast words: Unexpected result words:
Introducing and refuting a but even though
contrasting opinion while Nevertheless
on the other hand
Introducing advantages and One advantage/disadvantage is… Negative: drawback, disadvantage, argument
disadvantages, the vocabulary Most importantly, … against, negative effect, risk, negative consequence
of advantages and One positive/negative effect… Positive: benefit, advantage, argument for, positive
disadvantages effect, positive consequence
Introducing examples for example, such as
one example is… for instance,
to illustrate,
to demonstrate,…
*Notice the difference between because (followed by a sentence) and because of (followed by a noun or noun phrase):
Because governments have vast human resources, they can assemble experts and professionals to study and solve environmental issues.
Because of their vast human resources, governments can assemble experts and professionals to study and solve environmental issues.
 Sentence Structure
Function Coordinating Conjunction Subordinating Conjunction Conjunctive Adverb

Add ideas and - moreover, furthermore, in

addition, additionally
Cause/Effect so (for this reason), for (because) because, since, now that (because therefore, consequently, for this
now) reason
Direct Contrast but while* however, on the other hand,
conversely
Unexpected Result yet even though, although, though nevertheless
Condition - if, only if, even if otherwise
Choice or (2 positive choices), nor (2 negative -
choices)
Time - when, after, while, since, before, as
soon as, once
Using in a sentence Sentence 1, [coordinator] sentence 2. [Subordinator] sentence 1, sentence Sentence 1; [conj. adv.],
2. sentence 2.
In formal writing, we do not begin a OR
sentence with these words if their Sentence 2 [subordinator] sentence 1. OR
purpose is to join sentences.
Exception: Sentence 1. [Conj. adv.],
They studied a lot. So they While when it is used for contrast sentence 2.
passed the exam. always requires a comma:
While Texas is the largest state, Rhode *There are other ways of using
She was worried about passing Island is the smallest. these words, but these two
the exam. But she got a great score. Rhode Island is the smallest state, methods are the most common.
while Texas is the largest.
 Sentence Structure

Function Common joining words Examples: Note the differences in punctuation!

Explanation or which, who, that, when, where, We need to write a summary which is between 5 and 75 words long.
Description whose Writers who have a good command of sentence structure do well in this section.
Contrast but The text is long, but the summary is short.
while The text is long, while the summary is short.
however, on the other hand, The text is long; however, the summary is short.
conversely
Unexpected yet The summary is short, yet it contains all the ideas in the longer text.
result although, even though, though Although the summary is short, it contains all the ideas in the longer text.
nevertheless The summary is short; nevertheless, it contains all the ideas in the longer text.
Cause/Effect so You can write only one sentence, so you need to combine ideas.
because, since, now that You need to combine ideas because you can write only one sentence.
therefore, consequently, as a You can write only one sentence; therefore, you need to combine ideas.
result
Time when, before, after, since, while,… You should highlight information while you are skimming the text.
After you skim the text, write the main and supporting ideas.
Condition if, even if, whenever, when If you go over the word limit, you will lose points.

Adding ideas and A summary has the main idea, and it includes the supporting points.
in addition, additionally, moreover A summary has the main idea; additionally, it includes the supporting points.
Options or, nor* You can take the test on paper, or you can go to a center that offers computer-
based version.
*note the sentence order change You can’t bring a digital watch to the test, nor can you use your own paper.
with nor
 Sentence Structure

EXTRA information
Description of a noun that is already unique to the
NECESSARY information
listener because 1) there is only one 2) it is a
Description that is necessary to identify
Function proper name 3) it has already been identified in
the noun as unique
the text or speech
Describe a part of a group
Description of a group that is unique and that
includes all members of that group.
Describe a person Medical professionals who want to live abroad MedPro Explorers, who prepare for both the NCLEX and an
must go through the immigration process. English exam, must go through the immigration process.
Describe possession ICU nurses whose experience is in pediatrics Pediatric ICU nurses, whose knowledge of child
can work in children’s hospitals. development is extensive, are able to explain complex
procedures in a way that a child can comprehend.
Describe an object, idea, Submissions which are too long will not be The Pearson Test of English, which is given on computer, is
concept graded. accepted by the Board of Nursing.

The text which you see on Slide 9 has 202 We need to write a summary. The summary, which cannot
words. be longer than 75 words, must contain all main points.
Describe a time (at a time, Medical professionals work extra hours on days The crisis period of the pandemic, when medical
on a day/date, in a year, when there are emergencies. professionals were in greatest demand, lasted for about a
month. “then”) year and a half.
Describe a place Medical professionals deploy to locations The United States, where many professionals hope to work,
(at/on/in/under/above… a where their skills are needed. has many important medical centers.
place. “there”)
Sentence Structure

Think of extra info clauses like a painting on a wall. The wall won’t fall
down without it, but it does make the wall look prettier!

For example: This sentence is perfectly understandable without extra

information. It can stand alone:

The PTE is accepted by the Board of Nursing.

However, it is more informative with extra information!

, ,
The PTE is
which is given on
computer

accepted by the Board of Nursing.