Linking words join one idea to another and help the reader to see how your argument is developing. Underline five linking words or phrases in this report extract about Kalia, an imaginary country.
Finally, the Kalian government is giving more control of economic policy to the regions. For instance, foreign companies do not need a license from the Industry Ministry. Moreover, these companies pay part of their taxes directly to the region where they are based rather than paying the whole amount to central government. On the whole, this has made investing in Kalia much easier. However, some problems, like the reform of agriculture, can only be dealt with at a national level.
Now complete the table with the words you underlined
Match each word or phrase from the top box with one from the bottom box
Now complete the table by adding the ten words
Choose the correct words in this report extract. Look carefully at the whole context.
How to Cut the Time You Spend On Reports
Does information technology mean the end of paper in our offices? (1) In fact/Moreover, the amount of paper used in business is slowly going down, but not in all areas. (2) For this reason/ln particular, the number of reports actually seems to keep growing. (3) CIearly/Nevertheless some reports are essential and need to be studied carefully, but (4) above all/in general reports are only read very quickly, and some are never read at all.
What can you do to reduce the amount you read and write? (5) First/As a matter of fact, see if each report is really needed. (6) That is to say/However, ask yourself ‘If this report was destroyed in a fire tomorrow, what would be the result?’ The answer might surprise you. (7) For example/Second, keep your reports short and easy to understand. Can you use a graph instead of text? Is the writing clear and simple? (8) Typically/Above all, think of your readers: are you telling them more than they need to know? One suggestion is only to circulate the summary and recommendations. Your readers may miss some of the details, but (9) especially/on the other hand if they want the full report they can ask for it.
(10) In conclusion/Nevertheless, it is possible to save time on reports, but it may mean there is less information in circulation.wiki
| Look at paragraphs 1-4 from a report about Kalia. The first sentence is missing each time.
Investment opportunities in Kalia 1 ….. The Government is liberalizing the economy and many nationalized industries are being privatized. Inflation is finally under control and industrial output is growing. 2 ….. Roads and telecommunications are being modernized and a new port is being built at the mouth of the Delta river. 3 ….. One of Kalia’s success stories has been the growth of software exports, and leading multinational suppliers like Hewlett-Packard and Acer have strong Kalian partners. 4 ….. The reform process has slowed down in recent months as politicians fear that their policies are becoming unpopular, particularly among workers in large state-owned industries. There are also doubts about Kalia’s ability to generate enough electricity for its industrial sector. |
Choose the best opening sentence for each paragraph from those in the box below (two are not used).
a However, there are still many problems ahead.
b Opportunities for investing in Kalia have never been better.
c High-interest rates are not the only cause of the economic recession.
d Rapid progress is being made in the area of infrastructure.
e Reform of the financial sector will be crucial to Kalia’s continuing development.
f The government has recognized the importance of information technology.
- The sentences in the box are called topic sentences. What is a ‘topic sentence’?
- In general, when do you start a new paragraph?
Reference Adapted from Business Builder, Paul Emmerson 1999