TIME EXPRESSIONS

Main sequence: At first, First(ly), Secondly, Thirdly, Next, Then, Finally, In the end, Eventually,
-​ Before and after: Before + NP, Earlier (on), Later (on), After + NP, After a while,
Afterwards,
-​ Simultaneous actions: In the meantime, meanwhile
-​ Others: In the past, In the future, At present, Currently, Nowadays, Now, At the moment,
On that occasion, In those days.

ADDING INFORMATION

FORMAL INFORMAL

Furthermore, Apart from this, …also…/Also,…

In addition, Besides, …too.
Moreover, And so on…, …as well as… / …as well
What is more, And so on and so forth Plus…
…as well as…

EXPRESSING PURPOSE

to (+ 1) so as to (+1) for + ing

in order to (+1) so as not to (+1) with a view to + ING
in order not to (+1) so that (+ clause) with the aim of + ING
in order that (+ clause)

EXPRESSING CAUSE/REASON AND RESULT

REASON /CAUSE RESULT

Because (+ clause) Because of (+ noun) Therefore, For this / that reason

Since (+ clause) On account of (+ So, That’s why
As (+ clause) noun) As a result, As a consequence
Due to (+ noun) Seeing that (+ clause) Consequently,
As a result of (+ noun) Given that (+ clause)
Owing to (+ noun)

EXPRESSING CONCESSION AND CONTRAST

On the one hand, In contrast,

On the other hand, But, however, nevertheless, nonetheless
On the contrary,

EXPRESSING CONDITION

If (+ clause) Even if (+ clause)

Whether (+ clause) Provided that (+ clause)
Unless ( + clause) Providing that (+ clause)
As long as (+ clause) On the condition that (+ clause)

EXPRESSING MANNER

As though (+ clause) As if (+ clause) Like (+ clause)

 EXPRESSING COMPARISON DEGREES OF COMPARISON

as (+ clause) as ... as less ... than

like (+ noun) more ... than the most ...
– er than the –est ...

GENERAL OPENINGS

The assignment will address the problem of… The purpose of this essay is…
This dissertation is concerned with… This paper is divided into three sections…
The aim of this article is…

DISCUSSION ESSAYS

Useful introductory patterns:​

-​ Much has been written about the issue of whether Catalunya should become
independent or not.
-​ Many arguments have centred on the question of whether Catalunya should become
independent or not.
-​ The means of communication have recently dedicated a great deal of space to the
question of whether Catalunya should become independent or not.
-​ Much ink has been spilt debating the issue of the advantages and disadvantages of
Catalunya becoming a new state in Europe.
-​ The burning question of the independence of Catalunya is alive today as it was...
-​ A recent thought-provoking article/television docummentary/report/publication focused
on the advantages and disadvantages of Catalunya becoming independent.
Useful introductory patterns:​
-​ Much has been written about the issue of whether Catalunya should become
independent or not.
-​ Many arguments have centred on the question of whether Catalunya should become
independent or not.
-​ The means of communication have recently dedicated a great deal of space to the
question of whether Catalunya should become independent or not.
-​ Much ink has been spilt debating the issue of the advantages and disadvantages of
Catalunya becoming a new state in Europe.
-​ The burning question of the independence of Catalunya is alive today as it was…
-​ A recent thought-provoking article/television docummentary/report/publication focused
on the advantages and disadvantages of Catalunya becoming independent.
Useful patterns to introduce the conclusion:
-​ After considering the various aspects of the problem, it becomes clear that...
-​ Having weighed the arguments on both sides, it seems reasonable to state...
-​ With all these points in mind, most objective minds would agree that...
-​ On balance, it seems obvious to state that...

DESCRIBING A PHOTOGRAPH

Starting Position
-​ In the picture I can see... -​ In the foreground
-​ The picture shows... -​ In the background
-​ This is a picture of... -​ At the top/bottom/middle of the picture
-​ On the right/right

DEGREES OF CERTAINTY

I think It seems that There appears / seems to be

I imagine (it) looks as if / like is undoubtedly true that
(it) must be (it) must have been It is, of course, essential that
(it) may / might / could be (it) may / might / could have It is evident that
(it) can’t be been The X is likely to + infinitive
(He / she / it / they) is / are (it) can’t / couldn’t have been It may not be the case that
probably There is some evidence to It would seem/appear that
(it) is probably suggest that I’m not sure but

GIVING A PRESENTATION

Introducing the presenter: -​ I’d like to begin by + ING

-​ Let’s welcome X... During the presentation – and closing it:
-​ Now I’d like to call on X to make / give -​ Now let’s turn to the problem of...
his/her presentation -​ Having said that, ...
-​ I’d like to introduce X, who... -​ To sum up,
Getting started: -​ That’s all I have to say. Thank you for
-​ I’d like to focus on... listening
-​ I’ll give a brief overview of ... -​ X will now take questions.
-​ I’d like to raise a few issues concerning -​ Are there any questions or
the ... commments?
-​ I’d try to leave time for qüestions at the
end.

REPORTS

a.​ You will organize the report in sections and each section has a heading. The heading is
underlined.
b.​ The report has a title.
c.​ Normally, we state the aim or the purpose of the report at the beginning, generally in the
introduction.
d.​ Formal, impersonal, neutral style.
Introduction/Background information
Facts/Problems
Solutions / recommendations
Conclusion
Ways of starting a report:
i.​ The aim of this report is + infinitive...
ii.​ The purpose of this report is + infinitive...
Ways of making recommendations and suggestions:
a.​ I recommend that the X should + infinitive...
b.​ I would recommend + ING...
c.​ I suggest that the X should + infinitive
d.​ It would be a good idea (for somebody) + infinitive...
Reporting what others say
SEXPLAINS, DESCRIBES, SUGGESTS, STATES, CLAIMS, ASSERTS, MAINTAINS, DECLARES,
IMPLIES, EMPHASISES, HIGHLIGHTS, STRESSES, OBSERVES, NOTES, COMMENTS, POINTS
OUT, DEMONSTRATES, SHOWS, PROVES, MENTIONS, WONDERS, PINPOINTS, QUESTIONS,
PUTS FORWARD, PROPOSES, ADVANCES.

A BOOK / FILM REVIEW

The review must have a title

Paragraph 1: Basic information about the book or the film.
Paragraph 2: Summary of the plot or the story.
Paragraph 3: Your opinion of the book or the film.
Paragraph 4: A recommendation to read the book or see the film.
*When you write a review you are encouraged to use plenty of adjectives.

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Opening – introduces the topic and states your opinion clearly.

Body – gives arguments that support the opinion. Each argument forms a separate paragraph.
Add details, facts and examples to support your arguments.
Closing – you give your opinion again. You may offer a solution to the problem or include a
warning, saying what will happen if the advice is not taken.
Words and expressions:

Personally Of course I was surprised / shocked

Frankly In short It seems to me that
Unfortunately In conclusion As I see it
Unfairly In my opinion As far as I’m concerned
Undoubtedly I think / believe / feel that To be honest
Naturally I (strongly) agree / disagree Let’s remember / forget that
Obviously

CONVERSATIONS AND INTERVIEWS

Showing you understand Making suggestions I’m not sure you understood.
We see eye to eye Do you fancy + ing? Filling the conversation
We’re on the same page Why don’t we...? Well...
I feel the same way How about + ing? The thing is...
Showing interest Let’s... I’m not (totally/really) sure
Really? Checking inderstanding but...
That’s interesting. Pardon? Maybe...
That’s incredible. Could you repeat that, You know...
I see. please? I imagine...
Do you? Sorry, I didn’t catch that. It looks like...
Me too. Sorry, I missed that. Let me think.
Sorry, can you say that again? What do you think?
Sorry, did you say...?

A NEWSPAPER REPORT

Describes an event giving relevant information about when, where, who.

Paragraph 1: Summary of the incident. Give the main information, no details.
Paragraph 2: Main information. Give a more detailed description of the incident. Give the point
of view of people involved.
Paragraph 3: Ending and opinion. Say what happened in the end and give somebody’s opinion
about the incident
Content: Title, passive forms, appropriate reporting verbs, other people’s opinions of the
incident.

A NARRATIVE

A narrative describes a series of events usually written in the past. It can be real or imaginary.
Paragraph 1: Introduce time, place, characters and background.
Paragraph 2: Main events. Describe the main events.
Paragraph 3: Ending. Say what happened in the end.
Content: Title, passive forms, appropriate reporting verbs, other people’s opinions of the
incident.
LETTERS

Opening the email

To whom it may concern: (Use a colon after this phrase. Not a comma.)
Thanking the recipient
Thank you for your prompt reply.
Thanks for your email.
Thanks for the update.
Thanks for getting back to me.
Reasons for writing
I am writing with regard… to my purchase of… / to the complaint you made yesterday.
I am writing to… apply for the position of… / to ask for further information about…
I am writing to inquire about… (note: “inquire” is more common in American English)
I am writing in reference to…
Just a quick note to tell you that…
Requesting information
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with ABC as it will help me in the report I
am writing for XYZ.
Could you kindly let me know whether you can send…?
This is just a friendly reminder to ask you to send…
Is there any chance you could send me…?
Apologizing
We would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused.
I’m afraid I will not be able to attend the opening day due to…
Apologies for taking a long time to get back to you.
Closing remarks
I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.
If you require any further information, feel free to contact me.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to let me know.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Ending the email
Sincerely,
Regards,

CONNECTORS, CONJUNCTIONS AND PHRASES

In the first place, firstly en primer lloc by chance per casualitat
In the second place,
en segon lloc by hand a mà
secondly
Next / then / later seguidament by heart de memòria
On the one hand Per una banda by mistake per equivocació
On the other hand Per altra banda by surprise per sorpresa
On the contrary al contrari, què va! by oneself sol/sola
At the beginning al principi in charge of a càrrec de
at the end al final in common en comú
to begin / start with per començar in danger en perill
to finish with per acabar in debt estar endeutat
in my opinion / in my
finally / in the end finalment segons la meva opinió
view
in the meanwhile mentrestant in particular en particular
moreover, furthermore,
a més in place of en lloc de
besides
what is more, in
a més a més in private / in public en privat / en públic
addition, apart from
also, too, as well també in secret en secret
but però in sight a la vista
however, nevertheless, de tota manera, no
in tears plorant
(and) yet, obstant això
even so, all the same de tota manera instead of en comptes de
otherwise altrament, si no on duty / off duty de guàrdia
igualment, de la on a journey / trip / de viatge / excursió /
similarly, likewise
mateixa manera excursion / holiday vacances
so, therefore per tant on / for business de negocis
in consequence, per consegüent, com a
on foot a peu
consequently conseqüència
as a result com a resultat on purpose a posta
The reason why SVC El motiu per el que on time puntualment
una mica abans de
The reason for NOUN El motiu d’això in time
l’hora establerta
now ara bé early d’hora
well doncs soon aviat
anyway, anyhow, at
de totes maneres late tard
any rate
of course, naturally esclar, naturalment out of breath sense respiració
after all al cap i a la fi out of control fora de control
in fact, really, for that realment, de fet, en vell, antic, passat de
out of date
matter realitat moda
actually** de fet, en realitat out of order espatllat, avariat
by the way, incidentally per cert out of place fora de lloc
talking of / about parlant de out of practice desentrenat
regarding, as regards,
pel que fa a out of reach il·localitzable
concerning
impossible, ni
with reference to amb referència out of the question
parlar-ne
for example/ instance per exemple under control sota control
such as… / like… tal com up to date actualitzat
and so on and so forth etcètera in favour of a favor de
on the whole, in en general, com a
against en contra de
general, as a rule norma general
en alguns / la majoria
in some / most cases except for / but for tret de
de casos
broadly speaking en termes generals in spite of / despite magrat
to some extent, to a
fins a un cert punt by means of mitjançant
certain extent
that is to say, I mean és a dir according to segons
in other words, to put it
amb altres paraules with the aim of amb la finalitat de
in another way
or rather més aviat, més ben dit for fear of per por
in conclusion per acabar in comparison with en comparació a
in summary, in short, in Considerant, en vista
resumint, en resum Considering that
brief de
at present avui en dia Thanks to gràcies a
in the past / the future en temps passat / futur so far fins ara, fins aquí
at times de vegades because of a causa de
nowadays avui en dia for this reason per aquest motiu
for the following
at all en absolut pels motius següents
reasons
at first sight a primera vista In theory en teoría
at last per fi In practice a la pràctica
at least com a mínim above all / especially sobretot
at once de seguida in exchange for a canvi de
at the age of a l’edat de indeed efectivament
at the same time a la vegada no doubt sens dubte
at war en guerra in the hope of amb l’esperança de
pel que jo sé / pel que
by accident per accident as far as I know
tinc entès
by all means i tant, sisplau

FREQUENCY ADVERBS
always sempre occasionally ocasionalment
frequently amb freqüència sometimes de vegades
never mai seldom rarament / gairebé no
ever (?) alguna vegada (?) usually normalment
often sovint hardly ever quasi mai
rarely rarament Now and then de tant en tant