Linking Ideas Smoothly in Emails and Short Essays.

Good grammar is not only about single sentences; it is also about how sentences connect. In this lesson you work with a short email and a simple academic-style paragraph that are clear but a little flat. You notice how linking words for addition, contrast, cause and result, time and exemplification can transform the flow. We also look at reference words such as this, that and such, and at how relative clauses help avoid repetition. You practise improving texts by adding appropriate linkers and reorganising information so that each paragraph has a topic sentence and logical support. Then you write your own short email or paragraph giving an opinion or explaining a small problem and solution, paying special attention to cohesion. By the end, you can make your writing easier to follow, which is essential for exams, reports and professional communication.

1. Noticing how ideas connect in an email.

In this lesson we are going to work on how your sentences join together, not only on whether each sentence is correct. To do that, we will stay inside one simple situation. Imagine you are Maya, a junior analyst. Every Friday you send a short email to your manager, Alex, with a quick update on the weekly sales report. You also study part-time, so you sometimes write short academic-style paragraphs for your course forum. In this first block, you will read one basic email and one basic paragraph. Grammatically, they are not terrible, but they feel quite flat and a bit childish. As you read, I would like you to notice where the flow stops, where information feels repeated, and where you would like more connection between ideas. Do not worry yet about adding linking words. Your job now is simply to feel the difference between clear but disconnected writing and writing that flows. After you read, you will answer a couple of questions about what works and what could be improved.

Our situation: a weekly update email and a short paragraph.

We will use the same situation throughout this lesson so that you can really focus on grammar and flow.

You are Maya, a junior analyst in a company. Each week you email your manager, Alex, about the sales report. You also study part-time and post short paragraphs on your course forum.

Here is a perfectly understandable but rather flat email:

> Email A

> Hi Alex,

> I am writing about the sales report for this week.

> It is not ready yet.

> The data from the French branch arrived late.

> I started the analysis this morning.

> I will finish it tomorrow.

> I am sorry for the delay.

> Best,

> Maya

Now read this course-forum style paragraph from Maya. Again, every sentence is basically correct, but the text does not really flow.

> Paragraph A

> I study online in the evenings. It is convenient for me. I work full-time in the day. Online classes are flexible. I sometimes feel lonely. I do not meet my classmates in person. I need a lot of self-discipline. I sometimes miss deadlines. My flat is small. I do not always have a quiet place to work.

What is “cohesion” and why does it matter?.

Both texts are clear, but they sound like lists. This is a cohesion problem.

Cohesion is how your ideas connect:

• with linking words like First of all, In addition, However, As a result, and For example,
• with reference words like this, that, such, it, and they,
• with relative clauses like the data that arrived late or the classmates who live abroad.

In this lesson, we will take simple texts like Email A and Paragraph A and make them smoother and more professional.

To start, look back at the email and the paragraph. Try to feel which parts are a bit “choppy” and where you would like more connection.

Quick reflection questions.

1. In Email A, where does the message feel most like a list of separate sentences?
2. In Paragraph A, where do you see repeated ideas or words that could maybe be joined?

Practice & Feedback

Write 4–6 sentences answering the two reflection questions. Try to be as specific as you can.

1. For Email A, mention at least one exact place where the email feels like a list (you can quote a sentence or two) and explain why it feels disconnected.
2. For Paragraph A, identify one or two ideas or words that are repeated and could be joined or linked. Explain briefly how you might improve them, without actually rewriting the whole text yet.

You do not need perfect grammar here; the main aim is to show that you can notice where cohesion is weak. Use English to describe what you see, for example: The transition between… is not clear because… or These two sentences repeat the same idea….

2. Using linking words to show connections.

Now that you have noticed how flat the original texts feel, let us start adding some energy and logic with linking words. We will stay with Maya’s weekly email to Alex about the sales report. This time you will listen to an improved version of the email where I have added several useful linkers. As you listen, pay attention not only to the words themselves, but also to the message: when is Maya adding information, when is she explaining a cause, and when is she talking about a result or time sequence? Phrases like "First of all", "In addition", "However" and "As a result" guide the reader through the ideas and make the text sound more professional. After listening, you will write down the linking expressions you heard and then create a few of your own sentences about your work or study using some of these linkers. This will help you move from recognising them to actually using them in realistic messages.

Listening to an improved version of the email.

In the audio you are about to hear, you will listen to a more cohesive version of Email A. The basic information is the same, but the flow is smoother.

Before you listen, review the types of linking words we are focusing on:

• Addition: First of all, In addition, Moreover, Also
• Contrast: However, On the other hand, But
• Cause and result: Because of this, As a result, Therefore
• Time and sequence: First, Then, After that, Finally
• Examples: For example, For instance

These small expressions are powerful. They show the reader how each sentence connects logically to the previous one.

Example: from list to flow.

Compare these two short versions.

> List style

> The data from the French branch arrived late. I started the analysis this morning. I will finish it tomorrow.

> Linked style

> The data from the French branch arrived late, so as a result I only started the analysis this morning. However, I will finish it tomorrow.

The second version is not only longer. It is clearer and more natural because the linkers show the relationship between events.

As you listen to the improved email in the activity below, try to:

1. Notice which linkers show addition of ideas.
2. Notice which linkers show cause and result.
3. Notice how at least one linker helps to change direction or contrast expectations.

After listening, you will write down the linkers you hear and then create some sentences using them in a short mini-paragraph about your own work or study.

Practice & Feedback

First, listen carefully to the improved email. You can play the audio more than once if needed.

Then do two things in your answer:

1. List the linking expressions you heard in the email. Try to catch at least five (for example, expressions like First of all, or As a result,). Write them in a small list.
2. Write a short mini-paragraph of 4–6 sentences about your own work, study or daily routine. Use at least three of the linkers that appeared in the audio. For example, you might start with First of all, I usually… In addition, I… However, this week… As a result, I….

Focus on making your ideas clearly connected. It is fine if the content is simple; the goal is to use the linking words naturally.

3. Using reference words and relative clauses.

Linking words are one part of cohesion, but they are not enough on their own. Another key skill is avoiding heavy repetition. If you repeat the same nouns again and again, your email or paragraph can sound childish or mechanical. Instead, good writers use reference words like "this", "that" and "it" to point backwards, and they combine sentences using relative clauses with words like "who", "which" and "that". We will keep working with Maya’s situation. You will see a more polished version of her email and a short course-forum paragraph. In both texts, notice how reference and relative clauses help the ideas flow. For example, "this delay" clearly refers to the late data, and "the colleagues who work in France" is more natural than repeating "the colleagues" in a new sentence. After you study the examples, you will practise by rewriting some repetitive parts and adding reference words or relative clauses. This is a powerful way to make your writing more compact and more professional.

Cutting repetition with reference words.

Read this improved version of part of Maya’s email. Notice how reference words help avoid repeating long phrases.

> The data from the French branch arrived late. This delay meant I could only start the analysis this morning. I have explained this to our contact there.

Instead of repeating the data from the French branch arriving late, we use this delay and this. The words this, that, these, those, such, it, they help us point to earlier ideas.

Here are some useful patterns:

• This delay / problem / situation means…
• Because of this, …
• Such issues can cause…
• It is important to… (where it refers to the whole previous idea)

Joining ideas with relative clauses.

Now look at how we can join two simple sentences using a relative clause.

> The French branch sent the data late. They also made several mistakes in the spreadsheet.

We can combine them:

> The French branch, which also made several mistakes in the spreadsheet, sent the data late.

Or:

> The spreadsheet that they sent contained several mistakes.

Relative clauses with who, which, that, where, when let us add extra information without starting a new sentence every time.

Maya’s forum paragraph with better cohesion.

> I study online in the evenings, which is convenient because I work full-time in the day. However, I sometimes feel lonely, as I do not meet classmates who live in other cities in person. I need a lot of self-discipline in this situation, and because of this I sometimes miss deadlines. My flat, which is quite small, does not always give me a quiet place to work.

Notice how we now have fewer sentences but more connections.

In the activity, you will practise turning repetition into smooth reference and relative clauses.

Practice & Feedback

Your task is to practise using reference words and relative clauses instead of repeating the same nouns.

Look at these simple sentences, which are based on Maya’s situation:

a) The data from the French branch arrived late. The data from the French branch caused a delay.

b) I have a manager. My manager is very understanding.

c) I work in a small flat. The flat is noisy in the evenings.

Rewrite each pair as one or two more cohesive sentences. Use:

• a reference word like this, that, it, this delay, and/or
• a relative clause with who, which, that, or where.

Write at least three improved sentences in total (one for each pair). If you want extra practice, you can also improve one sentence from your own life, for example about your manager, colleagues or study situation.

4. Building a clear paragraph with topic and support.

You have now worked on linking words, reference and relative clauses in individual sentences. The next step is to think about how whole paragraphs are organised. A good paragraph normally has one clear main idea, often in a topic sentence, and then supporting sentences that explain, add reasons, give examples or show results. At the end, you may have a short concluding sentence. In this block we will look at a more developed paragraph from Maya, this time for her course forum. She is explaining the main problem she faces when studying online and how it affects her. Notice how the paragraph starts clearly, how linking words guide you through the reasons and examples, and how reference words keep the flow. After analysing the model, your task will be to reorganise and join a set of jumbled sentences into one coherent paragraph about the delay with the sales report. This will help you practise moving from separate sentences to a well-structured, cohesive text.

What makes a strong paragraph?.

A good paragraph usually:

1. Starts with a topic sentence that gives the main idea.
2. Adds supporting sentences with reasons, examples, contrasts or results.
3. Uses linking words and reference words to connect these ideas.
4. Often ends with a short conclusion or comment.

Model paragraph: Maya on studying online.

Read this more developed paragraph from Maya.

> Paragraph B

> First of all, the main difficulty I face with online study is staying motivated. I work full-time in the day, so by the evening I am often tired. As a result, it is easy to postpone my coursework until the next day. In addition, I study from my small flat, which is quite noisy, and this situation makes it harder to concentrate. For example, my neighbours sometimes play loud music when I am trying to write. Because of this, I sometimes miss deadlines, even though I enjoy the subject.

Notice how:

• the topic sentence is in bold at the start;
• linking words like First of all, As a result, In addition, For example, Because of this guide the reader;
• reference words like this situation refer back to the noisy flat;
• the final clause even though I enjoy the subject adds a small contrast.

Your turn: organise a report-style paragraph.

Now you will work with a paragraph about the delayed sales report. The ideas are jumbled and the connections are missing. Your job in the activity is to:

1. Decide a logical order for the sentences.
2. Combine them into one paragraph.
3. Add linking words and reference where useful.

Think about a good topic sentence (what is the paragraph mainly about?) and then which information should come first, what should come next, and how to finish.

Practice & Feedback

Below you have a set of simple sentences about the delayed sales report. They are in a basic list and the order is not ideal.

Your task is to turn them into one cohesive paragraph of 6–8 sentences:

• First, decide a logical order: what should the topic sentence be, and what should follow?
• Second, join and improve the sentences. Use at least four linking expressions (for example: First of all, In addition, However, As a result, Because of this, or In conclusion,).
• Third, add reference words or relative clauses where they help you avoid repetition.

Write your final paragraph as if you were Maya explaining the problem to Alex in a short incident-style note. Aim for around 120–150 words.

5. Planning a cohesive email in a chat with a colleague.

Before you write a final cohesive email, it can help to plan your ideas in a more informal way. In real life, you might message a colleague to decide what to include and how to organise it. This kind of quick chat is a good place to practise linking ideas too, even if the style is more relaxed. In this block, you will see a short chat between Maya and her colleague Sam. They are discussing how Maya should explain the late report to Alex and what solution to propose. Notice that even in messages, they use simple linking phrases like "First of all", "Also" and "Because of this" to keep the story clear. Your task will be to continue the chat, writing both your own messages and Sam’s replies. This will give you a chance to rehearse the content and the connections before you write your final, more formal email in the next block.

Using a quick chat to plan your email.

When you plan a more formal email, it is natural to discuss the situation first in a chat app. Even in short messages, linking words and reference phrases can keep the story clear and avoid confusion.

Here is part of a chat between Maya and her colleague Sam about the delayed sales report.

> Maya: Hi Sam, I need to email Alex about the sales report. It will be late.

> Sam: Hi! First of all, you should explain the main reason.

> Maya: Right. The data from France arrived late. There were errors in the spreadsheet.

> Sam: You can link those ideas. For example, you could say: The data from France arrived late, and in addition there were several errors.

> Maya: Good idea. I also want to say I will finish it tomorrow.

> Sam: In that case, you can use As a result and However.

Even though this is an informal chat, Sam uses linking expressions to help Maya organise her explanation.

Useful chat-friendly linkers.

Some linkers feel natural in both emails and chats:

• First of all, Also, In addition, By the way
• But, However, On the other hand
• So, As a result, Because of this
• For example, For instance

Reference words still help in chats:

• this delay, this problem, it, they, that situation

In the activity, you will continue the chat. Imagine you are Maya, and you are checking your ideas and wording with Sam before writing to Alex. Try to keep your tone friendly but clear, and practise joining ideas just as you will in the real email.

Practice & Feedback

Continue the chat between Maya and Sam. Write it as a series of short chat messages.

1. Start from Sam’s last line: "In that case, you can use As a result and However."
2. Write at least 4–6 new messages in total, some from Maya and some from Sam. Use the format:

• Maya: ...
• Sam: ...

In the chat, you should:

• decide what order Maya will use in her email (reason → actions → when it will be ready → future solution),
• use at least three linking expressions (for example: First of all, Also, However, As a result, Because of this),
• use at least one reference phrase like this delay or this problem.

Do not write the full email yet. Just use the chat to plan what Maya will say. Sam can give short suggestions or corrections.

6. Writing a cohesive problem and solution email.

You have now practised all the key pieces: linking words, reference phrases, relative clauses, paragraph structure and even planning your message in a chat. It is time to bring everything together in a final, realistic task. You will write a short email from Maya to her manager, Alex, explaining the late sales report and how she will solve the problem. This is exactly the type of message many professionals need to send in English. As you write, focus on cohesion: the reader should easily follow the reasons, the actions and the next steps. Make sure you use a clear structure with one main idea per paragraph, linkers to show addition, contrast and result, and reference words to avoid repeating long phrases. At the end, you will see a simple checklist and mini rubric on the screen. Use it to review your email before you send it. I will then give you feedback on how clearly your ideas are linked and how professional your message sounds.

Your final task: a cohesive workplace email.

You are now ready to perform the core situation of this lesson: writing a clear, well-linked email about a small problem and solution.

Role: You are Maya, writing to your manager Alex.

Purpose: Explain that this week’s sales report is late, give reasons, and show clearly what you will do and by when.

Use the ideas you developed in the previous blocks:

• the delayed data from France and the errors in the spreadsheet;
• the actions you have already taken;
• when you will finish the report;
• how you will prevent this problem in future.

Helpful phrases you can use.

From the chunk bank and earlier blocks:

• Opening and topic: First of all, I am writing because… The point I would like to highlight is…
• Addition: In addition, Moreover, Also,
• Contrast: However, On the other hand,
• Cause and result: Because of this, As a result, This means that… One of the main reasons is that…
• Examples / clarification: For example, For instance,
• Conclusion: In conclusion, In the end,

Remember to use reference words like this delay, this problem, it, this situation and, where useful, a relative clause such as the data that arrived late.

Mini checklist and rubric.

Before you submit, check:

Structure

• Clear subject line and greeting?
• 2–3 short paragraphs with one main idea each?

Cohesion

• At least five linking expressions used naturally?
• Reference words instead of repeating long phrases?

Content

• Reason for the delay?
• Current status and deadline?
• Future action to avoid the same problem?

Aim for about 130–170 words.

Practice & Feedback

Write the full email from Maya to Alex.

• Include a subject line, greeting and closing.
• Organise your email into 2–3 short paragraphs.
• Use at least five linking words from this lesson (for example: First of all, In addition, However, As a result, Because of this, For example, In conclusion).
• Use at least two reference words or phrases such as this delay, this problem, it, this situation.

Make sure you clearly:

1. Explain why the report is late.
2. Say what you have already done.
3. Say when you will finish.
4. Mention how you will try to prevent the problem in future.

Aim for 130–170 words. Write the email as one continuous text.