This lesson focuses on making your speaking and writing longer, clearer and more logical. You start by reading or listening to short texts that are easy to follow because ideas are well connected. You identify linking words and phrases that show addition, contrast, cause, effect and examples. Guided exercises help you combine shorter sentences into longer ones with words like because, although, while, in spite of and therefore. You also learn useful signposting expressions such as first of all, on the other hand and in conclusion for presentations or structured answers. You practise organising a short talk or paragraph with a clear beginning, middle and end. By the end, you can link ideas smoothly so that your stories, explanations and opinions are easier for other people to understand.
1. Listening to a short talk about city life.
In this first part of the lesson, I would like you to step into a real situation. Imagine you are in an English class. One of your classmates, Alex, is giving a short talk called “Why I enjoy living in a big city”. Your job is to listen, follow the main ideas, and pay special attention to how Alex connects those ideas. Do not worry about understanding every single word. Focus on questions like: How does Alex start the talk? How does he move from one idea to the next? What words does he use to add information, give examples or show a different side? After you listen, you will see some notes on the screen that highlight important linking phrases such as “first of all”, “in addition” and “however”. Then you will answer a few open questions so you can show what you understood and start noticing the language we will use throughout the whole lesson.
Step 1: A short talk you can really follow.
First, you will listen to Alex talking about life in a big city. His talk is short, but it is quite easy to follow because his ideas are clearly connected.
While you listen in the activity at the bottom of the block, try to notice:
How Alex begins his talk.
How he moves into his main points.
How he talks about advantages and disadvantages.
What he says in his ending.
Do not worry if you do not catch every word. Your aim is to feel the shape of the talk and notice the linking words.
Some key linking phrases to listen for.
As you listen, see if you can hear these useful phrases:
“First of all, ...” – Alex uses this to introduce his first main point.
“In addition, ...” or “Also, ...” – he uses these to add more information.
“For example, ...” – he uses this to give one clear example.
“However, ...” / “On the other hand, ...” – these show a contrast, a different side.
“As a result, ...” / “Therefore, ...” – these show a result or consequence.
“In conclusion, ...” / “To sum up, ...” – these signal that he is finishing.
You will hear some of these exact phrases in Alex's talk. They all help the listener understand where they are in the talk and how ideas are connected.
Later in the lesson, you will practise using the same phrases to talk about your own opinion on city life or another topic. By the end, you should be able to give a short, clear talk with a good beginning, middle and end.
For now, focus on three things as you listen:
What is Alex's main message about big cities?
What are two advantages he mentions?
What are two linking words or phrases you notice?
You will answer these questions in the activity below.
Practice & Feedback
Listen carefully to Alex's short talk in the audio. You can play it twice if you like. Do not try to write every word. Instead, listen for the main ideas and for linking phrases such as first of all, in addition, however, as a result, in conclusion.
Then answer these questions in full sentences in the box:
What is Alex's main opinion about living in a big city?
Write one advantage of big city life that he mentions.
Write one disadvantage or problem that he mentions.
Write two linking phrases you heard in his talk.
Try to write at least 4–6 sentences in total. Use your own words. It is completely fine if you are not sure of exact phrases; just explain what you understood as clearly as you can.
2. Adding ideas and giving examples clearly.
You have just listened to Alex’s talk and noticed how linking words make his message easier to follow. In this part, we will zoom in on two very friendly groups of linking phrases: words for adding ideas and words for giving examples. These are useful in almost any paragraph or short talk you give in English. Imagine you are explaining why you like or do not like living in a big city. One short sentence is not enough. You usually want to add another reason, and then maybe give a concrete example. Phrases like “in addition”, “also”, “another reason is that” and “for example” help you do this smoothly. On the screen, you will see a small table of common expressions with clear model sentences about city life. Read them carefully, then look at the short text in the activity. Your task will be to notice which linking words are used, and then create a few of your own sentences using the same patterns.
Linking words for addition.
When you want to add more information, you can use simple linking words at the start or in the middle of a sentence. Here are some useful ones:
and
also
in addition
as well
another reason is that ...
Look at these examples about living in a big city:
I enjoy living in a big city because there is a lot to do, and I never feel bored.
There are many job opportunities. In addition, public transport is usually quite good.
The city is very international. Also, my friends all live nearby.
Another reason is that there are many language schools, so it is easy to study English.
Notice how these phrases help the speaker build a list of reasons. The listener always feels that more information is coming.
Phrases for giving examples.
Often, after you make a general statement, you want to make it more concrete. Phrases like these introduce examples:
for example, ...
for instance, ...
such as ...
Examples:
There are lots of cultural events. For example, you can go to free exhibitions and street festivals.
Big cities offer many different types of food, such as Thai, Mexican and Ethiopian restaurants.
There is always something happening. For instance, last weekend there was a music festival in the park.
Your goal in this block.
By the end of this block, you should be able to:
Notice addition and example phrases in a short paragraph.
Use at least two of them to extend your own ideas about city or town life.
Try to remember: in a good paragraph or talk, we often see a pattern like:
> General idea → extra reason → extra reason → example
In the activity below, you will read a short text about why some people prefer small towns. Then you will identify the linking words and write a few sentences of your own.
Practice & Feedback
Read the short text in the reading box first. Do not worry about every single word. Focus on the linking phrases for addition and examples, like also, in addition, another reason is that, for example, such as.
Then write your answer in two parts:
Noticing task: Write a short list of all the linking words and phrases for addition and examples that you can find in the text.
Production task: Write 3–5 sentences about living in a big city or a small town. In your sentences, use at least three different linking phrases from the text or from the table above, for example: also, in addition, for example, another reason is that.
Try to connect your ideas logically, as if you are writing one short paragraph. Aim for 60–100 words in total.
Many people prefer living in a small town. First of all, it is usually quieter, and you can walk almost everywhere. In addition, people in small towns often know each other, so there is a strong sense of community. Another reason is that the cost of living is lower, for example, rent and food are usually cheaper than in big cities.
Small towns can be good for families too. For instance, children can often play outside safely. There are local activities such as sports clubs and music groups, so young people have things to do after school as well.
3. Showing contrast with however and although.
So far you have practised adding ideas and giving examples. Real life is not only about positive points, though. Often you want to show two different sides of the same topic. For example, you might say that city life is exciting, but it is also stressful. In English, we use contrast phrases like “but”, “however”, “although”, “on the other hand” and “while” to do this clearly and politely. In this block, we will look at how these small words change the relationship between sentences. You will see some model sentences comparing big cities and small towns, and you will notice where the comma goes and how the sentence is organised. Then, in the activity, you will join pairs of simple sentences into more complex ones using a contrast linker. This is a very important step towards longer, more natural paragraphs and spoken explanations.
Why we use contrast linking words.
In real conversations and writing, topics often have good and bad sides. To show this clearly, we use contrast words. Here are some common ones:
but
however, ...
although ...
on the other hand, ...
while ... (meaning although)
These words tell the listener or reader, "Now I am going to show a different side".
Examples with city and town life.
Look at the pairs of ideas below and how we join them.
1. Using "but" inside one sentence
Big cities are exciting, but they can be very stressful.
We simply add but before the part that is in contrast.
2. Using "however" at the start of a new sentence
Big cities are exciting. However, they can be very stressful.
Here we have two sentences. However comes at the start of the second sentence and we usually write a comma after it.
3. Using "although" at the start
Although big cities are exciting, they can be very stressful.
After although, we put the surprising information later in the sentence.
4. Using "on the one hand" / "on the other hand"
These expressions are useful when you want to show two different sides:
On the one hand, life in a small town is peaceful. On the other hand, there is not much to do in the evening.
5. Using "while" for contrast
While small towns are safer, big cities offer more job opportunities.
Here while means something similar to although.
Your goal in this block.
By the end of this block, you should feel more confident about:
Choosing a contrast linker that fits your sentence.
Putting it in a correct position with commas.
Joining two simple ideas into one clear, connected sentence.
In the activity, you will see pairs of simple sentences. Your task will be to rewrite each pair as one or two better-connected sentences using a contrast word such as but, however, although, on the other hand, or while.
Practice & Feedback
Read the sentence pairs in the reading box carefully. Each pair shows two sides of the same topic. Your task is to join each pair using a suitable contrast linker.
Rewrite each pair as one or two connected sentences. For each one, choose a contrast phrase such as:
but
however,
although
on the other hand,
while
Write at least three complete rewritten versions, one for each pair of ideas in the box. You can write more if you like. Pay attention to capital letters, commas and full stops. Try to vary the linking words so you do not always use the same one.
Aim for about 60–90 words in total.
Big cities offer many cultural activities. They are often very expensive.
Small towns are quieter. There are fewer job opportunities.
Public transport in big cities is usually good. The buses and trains are sometimes very crowded.
4. Explaining reasons and results in one flow.
You can now add ideas and show contrasts. Another important skill for clear communication is explaining **why** something happens and **what the result is**. In English, we often use pairs of cause and result words, such as “because” and “so”, or more formal phrases like “as a result” and “therefore”. Imagine you are talking about transport in your city. You might say, “The buses are slow because there is a lot of traffic,” or “There is a lot of traffic, so the buses are slow.” In this block, we will look at different ways to join reasons and results into smooth sentences. You will see some model patterns and then read a short paragraph about city transport. Your task will be to combine sentence halves using appropriate connectors. This will help your paragraphs and short talks sound logical, not just like a list of separate statements.
Talking about cause and result.
When we explain ideas, we often say why something happens (the cause) and what happens because of that (the result).
Here are some very common patterns:
because + reason
so + result
therefore, ... + result
as a result, ... + result
the main reason is that ... + reason
Examples about city life.
Look at these pairs of sentences and how we join them.
1. Using "because"
I do not drive in the city because the traffic is terrible.
Many young people move to big cities because there are more jobs.
Here, because introduces the reason.
2. Using "so"
The traffic is terrible, so I do not drive in the city.
There are more jobs in big cities, so many young people move there.
With so, we give the result after the comma.
3. Using "as a result" and "therefore"
These sound a bit more formal. We often put them at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma.
Rent is very high in the city. As a result, many people share a flat.
Public transport is fast and cheap. Therefore, a lot of people do not need a car.
4. Using "the main reason is that"
This is useful when you want to highlight the most important cause:
The main reason I live in a big city is that my university is here.
Your goal in this block.
By the end of this block, you should be able to:
Recognise when a sentence shows a reason and when it shows a result.
Choose whether to join them with because, so, as a result or therefore.
Write smooth sentences that explain why and what happens next.
In the activity below, you will read some simple sentence halves about transport and housing in cities and towns. Your job is to join them into full sentences using the linking words from this section.
Practice & Feedback
Look at the sentence halves in the reading box. Each line has two parts – one shows a reason, the other shows a result.
Your task is to join each pair into one or two full sentences using suitable cause and result linkers, for example:
because
so
as a result,
therefore,
the main reason is that
Write at least four complete sentences. You can combine more than one pair in one longer sentence if you like. Try to vary the linking words you use and keep the meaning clear.
Aim for around 70–100 words in total.
There are not many buses in the evening. / People often have to take a taxi.
The rent is very high in the city centre. / Many people move to cheaper areas outside the city.
There are lots of jobs in the capital. / Young people from small towns go there after university.
The trains are fast and comfortable. / I prefer travelling by train to driving.
5. Planning a short talk in a chat-style conversation.
You now have a good collection of linking tools: phrases for addition, examples, contrast, cause and result. In real life, you often use these when you plan something to say, not only when you actually speak. Imagine you are chatting with a classmate online and you are planning a short talk for your English class. You might write messages like, “First of all, I’ll explain why I live in a small town,” or “On the other hand, I want to mention one problem.” In this block, we will simulate that kind of chat. On the screen, you will see a simple outline for a one‑minute talk about city versus small town life. In the activity, you will write several short chat-style messages to me, as if I am your classmate, explaining how you plan to organise your talk and which points you want to include. This is a good chance to practise **signposting expressions** such as “First of all”, “then”, “on the other hand”, “for example” and “in conclusion” before we move on to the final performance.
Using signposting expressions to organise your talk.
Signposting expressions are phrases that tell your listener where you are in your talk. They are like road signs for your ideas.
Useful signposting expressions include:
First of all, ... – to introduce your first main point.
Then / Next, ... – to move to another point.
On the one hand, ... / On the other hand, ... – to show two sides.
For example, ... / For instance, ... – to introduce an example.
In conclusion, ... / To sum up, ... – to finish your talk.
A simple outline for a short talk.
Imagine you are going to give a one‑minute talk in class on this question:
> "Would you rather live in a big city or a small town? Why?"
Here is one possible structure:
Beginning – say what you prefer and give a quick overview.
First of all, I would like to say that I prefer living in a small town.
Middle – advantages – give two or three reasons, with examples.
In addition, it is quieter and safer. For example, children can play outside.
Middle – one disadvantage or the other side.
On the other hand, there are not many cultural events.
Ending – repeat your main idea in a different way.
To sum up, even though small towns can be boring, I still prefer the peaceful atmosphere.
Your goal in this block.
In the activity below, you will chat with me about your plan. You will:
Decide whether you prefer a big city or a small town.
Write short chat-style messages explaining your beginning, middle and ending.
Use several signposting phrases to show the order of your ideas.
Write as if you are messaging a friendly classmate about what you are going to say in class. This will make it easier to write a full talk in the next block.
Practice & Feedback
Imagine we are chatting in a messaging app about our homework. Your homework is to give a one‑minute talk on the question: "Would you rather live in a big city or a small town? Why?"
Write a short chat conversation with me where you explain your plan for the talk. Do not write the full talk yet; just explain what you want to say and in which order.
Write at least 6 separate chat messages (you can put them all in one box, but show the turns with line breaks). Use signposting expressions such as:
First of all, ...
Then / Next, ...
On the other hand, ...
For example, ...
In conclusion, ... / To sum up, ...
Tell me:
Which option you choose (big city or small town).
Two or three advantages, with one example.
One disadvantage or problem.
How you will finish your talk.
Write in a relaxed, friendly style, as if you are really chatting to a classmate.
Sample planning message:
"Hi! For my talk, first of all I am going to say that I prefer small towns. Then I will explain two reasons: it is quieter and cheaper. For example, I will talk about how my rent is lower than in the city. On the other hand, I want to mention that there are not many concerts. In conclusion, I will repeat that I still prefer a peaceful life."
6. Writing your full talk with clear links.
You have reached the final step of this lesson. You have listened to a model talk, noticed linking words, practised adding ideas, giving examples, showing contrast, and explaining reasons and results. You have also planned your own short talk in a chat-style conversation. Now it is time to bring everything together. In this block, you will write the full text of your talk or paragraph on the question of whether you would rather live in a big city or a small town. Think of this as the script you could use in class. Aim for a clear beginning, a well-connected middle and a short conclusion. Use a good range of linking expressions: for addition, examples, contrast, cause and result, and to signpost the stages of your talk. On the screen, you will see a simple checklist to help you. Take your time, read your text again before you submit it, and try to make your ideas flow smoothly from one to the next.
Your mini‑performance: a connected short talk.
Now you are going to perform the main task of this lesson in writing. You will write the script of a short talk on this question:
> "Would you rather live in a big city or a small town? Why?"
Imagine you will read this script aloud in front of your class. It should be:
Clear and logical.
About 150–200 words.
Easy for other people to follow.
Suggested structure.
You can follow this simple plan:
Beginning (2–3 sentences)
Introduce the topic and give your opinion.
Use a signposting phrase such as First of all, ... or To begin with, ....
Middle – reasons and examples (6–8 sentences)
Give two or three reasons for your choice.
Add extra points with In addition, ..., Also, ... or Another reason is that ....
Give at least one clear example with For example, ... or For instance, ....
Show a different side with However, ... or On the other hand, ....
Explain cause and result with because, so, as a result or therefore.
Ending (2–3 sentences)
Repeat your main idea in different words.
Use a closing phrase such as In conclusion, ... or To sum up, ....
Checklist: before you submit.
When you finish your text, check these points:
Organisation: Do you have a clear beginning, middle and end?
Linking for addition: Did you use phrases like in addition, also or another reason is that?
Examples: Did you include for example or for instance at least once?
Contrast: Did you show the other side with however, although or on the other hand?
Cause and result: Did you use because, so, as a result or therefore correctly?
Signposting: Did you guide the reader with expressions like first of all and in conclusion?
If you can tick most of these boxes, your talk will be much easier for other people to understand and remember.
Practice & Feedback
Write the full script of your short talk in the box. Imagine that you are going to speak for about one minute, which is around 150–200 written words.
Your talk should answer this question:
> "Would you rather live in a big city or a small town? Why?"
Use your plan from the previous block and follow the suggested structure on the screen:
A clear beginning with a signposting phrase.
A connected middle with 2–3 reasons, examples, and at least one contrast.
A short ending that sums up your opinion.
Try to include a good variety of linking words from this lesson, for example: first of all, in addition, for example, however, because, so, as a result, in conclusion. After you finish, re‑read your text once to check for basic spelling and punctuation before you submit it.
Quick model opening and closing (do not copy exactly):
"First of all, I would rather live in a small town because I enjoy peace and quiet. In addition, I like knowing my neighbours. For example, in my town people often stop and talk in the street. However, I have to admit that there are not many interesting events in the evening.
In conclusion, even though life in a small town can sometimes be boring, I still prefer it. The main reason is that I feel more relaxed there, so I can enjoy my free time much more."
