9 WRITING EXTRA

ELEMENTARY UNIT 9
linkers
WRITING TIP
We use linkers such as and, so, but and
because when we’re describing a list of
events or writing a story. Using linkers will
help the reader understand your texts better.
We use and to add and join similar ideas
The weather is warm and sunny today.
We use but to show contrasting ideas
The weather is sunny but cold today.
We use because to give a reason
I wore a coat because it was cold.
We use so to explain a result
It was cold so I wore a coat.
We use other linkers to describe a list of
events.
We use first of all at the beginning of a story
It was a terrible meal. First of all the soup was
cold …
We use then and after that to describe what
happens next
… then my steak was burnt
We use finally at the end of a story
Finally, there was a hair in my ice-cream.
2 Read the text and choose the correct linker(s). There may be
more than one correct option.
The Best Day Ever!
My best day ever was my birthday last year 1because/so/then I had
such a surprise! 2First of all/Then/After that, my family woke me up
with breakfast in bed and birthday cards. 3Then/After that/And
they told me to get dressed in my oldest but warmest clothes.
They said I didn’t have to have a shower but they didn’t say why.
4
After that/Because/Finally, we got into the car and drove out to the
country.
Aer about half an hour, we arrived at an old airport. I asked my
family why were stopping there 5and/but/because they said they
had a surprise for me. I love surprises, 6so/because/then I didn’t ask
any more questions. 7Finally/And/So, my dad stopped the car next
to a small aeroplane with some men standing around it. He told
me that my birthday present was a parachute jump. I was afraid
8
but/because/finally also excited – it was the best birthday
present ever!

1 Complete the texts with the linkers in

the box.

Aer that (x3) but (x4) Finally (x1)

First of all (x2) because (x2)
then (x1) so (x2)
The day started badly. 1 , 3 Write a description of your best or worst day ever. Tell the reader
I didn’t hear my alarm clock. what happened and why it was so good or bad.
2
, I looked in the fridge
3
there wasn’t any milk. I
felt angry 4 I always have
milk for breakfast. 5 , I had
a shower 6 there wasn’t
any hot water, 7 I had a
cold shower. 8 , I wanted
to go out but I couldn’t find my keys!
I went to see a film last night with my
brother. 9 , we bought the Plan your writing
tickets. 10 , we got some
• Think about the day you’re going to write about.
popcorn and 11 we went
into the auditorium. It was fairly full • What happened first?
12
we found some good • What happened next?
seats. I was very hungry, 13 • How did your day end? Did it end well or badly?
I started to eat the popcorn Check your writing
immediately. I liked the film a lot • Did you use linkers to connect your ideas and sequence events?
14
it was very romantic,
• Did you check your grammar and spelling?
15
my brother said that it
• Did you find any mistakes?
was boring.

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