IMPERIAL BRANDS— PROMODIM IDEAL ENGLISH

IN-COMPANY TRAINING English for secretaries

English for emails

Linking words and phrases/Describing a process
When we describe a simple process, whether it is how to delegate successfully within an office, we usually need to
connect our ideas using linking words for sequencing and adding steps. However, when a process or system is more compli
cated, we may also need to use linkers of reason, purpose, and result, depending on how much detail we have to go into.

Task 6
You are going to email a colleague who is developing the programme for a conference. You would like to make the following
points as a result of your experience of the last conference.

 programme should be varied , why? danger times: after lunch – energy at low ebb

 result – lack of enthusiasm

 solution: move speakers round;

 select topics or type of activity carefully;

 think about the length of session;

 Additional note: housekeeping requirements? water, equipment?

Additional note: I’ll need that information for booking

Study the email below and complete each gap with a suitable linking word or phrase. In addition, say which type of
linker you have chosen. Choose from: sequencing, adding, reason, purpose or result. The first one has been done
as an example.
Task 6
Check Appendix A for alternative words/phrases for each category, e.g., purpose.
1. result e.g., as a result, therefore, result e.g., consequently/ addition e.g., in addition, also
2. purpose e.g., in order to, so that
3. reason e.g., because, 7. reason e.g., otherwise
8. sequencing e.g., Finally,/In addition e.g., Furthermore
Dear Sasha
How are you getting on finding speakers and putting together the programme for the conference?
I’ve just been looking through some feedback from the last conference and (1) as a result, I’d like to point out the im
portance of variation within the programme. This is essential (2) .......... deal with what I call dangers times; e.g., after
lunch, (3) .......... This is when delegates’ energy is low and (4) .......... enthusiasm is at a low ebb. We need,
(5) .......... to put speakers in different rooms to energise them and (6) .......... be very careful about the topic or type of
activity we choose to put in these slots. We could also perhaps reduce the time span of the first session after lunch,
(7) .......... we might find delegates falling asleep! (8) .........., we should bear in mind any housekeeping requests, e.g.,
water and equipment requests, (9) .......... we can include these in the booking to the venue.
Best wishes
Tom