5. Building Coherent Texts: Opinions, Facts, and Order

Learn: linking words are essential for organising information in a logical order. By using linking words, speakers and writers can present routines, processes, or arguments in a way that is coherent and easy to follow. Watch the video.

 

1. What are sequencers?
Words like "first", "next", "then", "after that", and "finally".
They show the order of steps or events.

2. Where do we use them?
When giving instructions.
When telling stories or describing routines.

3. Rules:
"First" always begins the sequence.
"Finally" is used for the last step.
"Next", "then", "after that" can be used in the middle and are interchangeable.

 

Everyday Sequencers (B1–B2)
before that / afterwards / earlier / later on / at (in) the beginning / in the end

 

More Formal / Academic Sequencers 
first of all / secondly / thirdly / to begin with / to start with / to conclude / in conclusion / eventually / ultimately

 

Linking Words of Contrast / Argument
however — introduces a contrast; tomēr, taču, lai kā, lai cik
nevertheless — ['nevəðə'les] — shows contrast, more formal; tomēr
although — [ɔ:l'ðəʊ] — is used to introduce a clause that presents a contrast to the idea expressed in the main clause of a sentence. It is a preferred conjunction in formal writing or when you want to emphasize the contrast more strongly. Although doesn't call for a comma when it comes in the middle of a sentence; kaut gan, kaut arī; lai gan, lai arī

though — [ðəʊ] — is used similarly to although, but it tends to be the more casual option and can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. It is often used in spoken language and can provide a less formal tone; lai gan, kaut arī
while — [waɪl] — a flexible word that can be used to introduce a contrast between two ideas or indicate that two actions are happening at the same time; kamēr

whereas — [weər'æz]  — a formal word used to highlight clear distinctions or contrasts between two ideas; turpretim

 

Learn: This section focuses on developing the ability to recognise and separate facts and opinions. Learning to make this distinction allows you to understand texts more critically and express your own ideas in a clearer, more organised way. Watch the video.

Facts
Can be proven true or false with evidence.
They are universal, not debatable.
Example: George Washington was the 1st president of the United States.

Opinions
Show beliefs, attitudes, judgements, or feelings.
They are not universal — people may agree or disagree.
Example: Dogs are the best animals or Ohio is a beautiful state.

Watch out for tricky cases
Predictions (e.g., “This animal will go extinct in 50 years”) are opinions, even if based on expert evidence, because they can’t be proven yet.
Value/judgement words (very, beautiful, great) make a statement an opinion.
Advice with “should/ought to” is an opinion, even if supported by evidence.

Quick rule to remember
Facts = verifiable by evidence.
Opinions = personal beliefs, values, or judgements.

 

Opinion Signal Words from the Video
Value/judgement words: beautiful, terrible, great, best, worst.
Intensifiers: very, extremely
Modal verbs of advice: should, ought to
Personal preference markers: I think, I believe, in my opinion