Adapted task – note for teachers
The book’s note-taking writing task has no direct A1+ CEFR writing objective. This unit’s writing section uses a personally relevant descriptive task instead. All note-taking and reading activities from the lesson continue as normal.
Learning aim: Students write a short paragraph about their studies and why English is important for them. They use and, but, and because to connect their ideas.
Before writing: Review all three words in one context on the board: ‘I study English, and I enjoy it. Grammar is difficult, but I study hard because I want to pass my exams.’ Ask which word shows addition? (and) Which shows contrast? (but) Which shows reason? (because). Do a quick drill before writing.
During writing: Prompt students to use a different linking word in at least three sentences. Encourage variety in how they start sentences — not every sentence with ‘I’.
Common errors: (1) Using only and for everything — no contrast or reason. (2) Every sentence starts with ‘I’. (3) Writing ‘because of’ + a verb: ‘because of I want to travel’ → should be ‘because I want to travel’.
After writing: Students label each linking word in their paragraph: (A) addition, (C) contrast, or (R) reason.
Model paragraph
Read and analyseNote on this unit
This unit uses a personally relevant descriptive task instead of the note-taking task in the coursebook. All other lesson activities continue as normal.
Find the linking words
Read the model. Click every and, but and because, then check.
I study international relations at university, and I find it really interesting. This year I am in the prep class, and I study English every day. It is challenging, but I am making good progress. English is important for me because I want to work in an international organisation one day. I also want to travel and meet people from all over the world. My vocabulary is getting better, but I need to practise writing more.
Label each linking word
Choose A (addition), C (contrast) or R (reason).
and (addition), but (contrast), because (reason). All three are used correctly in connected, flowing text. Use a comma before and / but when they join two sentences; no comma before because.
Extra practice
Build the skilland, but, or because?
Choose and, but, or because. and = more information · but = something different · because = reason (why)
Assignment A
Minimum 50 wordsWrite a short paragraph about what you study this year, what you find easy or difficult, and why English is important for your future. Use and, but, and because at least once each.
Minimum 50 words.
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Sample answer · 64 words
I study architecture this year, and I really enjoy design and drawing. Mathematics is easy for me, but the history of architecture is quite difficult because there is a lot of reading. English is very important for my future because most architecture programmes are in English, and I want to work in another country one day. I practise every day, and I am improving.
Assignment B
Minimum 50 wordsWrite a short paragraph of advice for a new student at your university. Tell them what subjects are difficult, what is helpful, and why they need to study English. Use and, but, and because.
Minimum 50 words.
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Sample answer · 83 words
Welcome to university! The first year is exciting, but it is also very hard work. You have a lot of new subjects and many deadlines. For many students, maths and academic writing are the most difficult subjects. Use the library and the online resources because they are very helpful. Some subjects are difficult, but do not panic. Study English every day because it is important for your future. Ask for help — the teachers are very friendly, and they are happy to support you.
Answer key at a glance
Prints with the page| Step 1 — Words | and, and, but, because, and, but |
| Step 2 — Answers | 1 A · 2 A · 3 C · 4 R · 5 A · 6 C |
| Exercise 1 — Answers | 1 because · 2 but · 3 and · 4 because · 5 but |