Chunks

Opening & closing ideas

Band 4-5

The full list of 20 words in this set. Open any word for its pronunciation, collocations, a band 8 sentence and the mistakes Vietnamese learners make.

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20 words

  1. 1

    On the other hand, + clausegrammar

    Used to introduce a contrasting point or opposing view.

    Electric cars reduce emissions. On the other hand, battery production has environmental costs.

  2. 2

    In my opinion, + clausegrammar

    A phrase to introduce your viewpoint; suitable for formal essays.

    In my opinion, governments should prioritise public transport.

  3. 3

    To sum up, + clausegrammar

    A closing phrase to summarise main points before finishing.

    To sum up, stricter regulations would improve public safety.

  4. 4

    It took + somebody + [time] + to + Vgrammar

    Says how much time someone needed to do something.

    It took me three hours to finish the report.

  5. 5

    One advantage of + Noun/Gerund + is + ...grammar

    A pattern to introduce a benefit or positive point about something.

    One advantage of online learning is its flexibility.

  6. 6

    I used to + Vgrammar

    Describes a past habit or state that no longer happens.

    I used to cycle to school every day.

  7. 7

    There are three main ways to + Vstructure

    used to introduce a list of three principal methods or approaches to do something

    There are three main ways to reduce plastic waste.

  8. 8

    First of all, + clausestructure

    used to introduce the first point in a sequence or list

    First of all, we need to agree on a budget.

  9. 9

    All in all, + clausestructure

    used to give a short overall summary or general impression

    All in all, it was a successful event.

  10. 10

    To begin with, + clausephrase (opening)

    Used to introduce the first point or reason at the start of a paragraph or when listing points.

    To begin with, many students cannot afford textbooks.

  11. 11

    It is widely believed that + clausestructure

    used to report a commonly held opinion in a formal or academic way

    It is widely believed that education improves economic prospects.

  12. 12

    In conclusion, + clausephrase (closing)

    Used to signal the final summary or overall judgement at the end of an essay or talk.

    In conclusion, stricter regulation is required to protect water quality.

  13. 13

    In terms of + Noun/Gerundstructure

    used to indicate the particular aspect you are talking about

    In terms of cost, this method is the cheapest.

  14. 14

    There are several reasons why + clausephrase (argument)

    Used to introduce multiple reasons that explain or support a point.

    There are several reasons why city centres have become more expensive.

  15. 15

    Having said that, + clausestructure

    used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what has just been said

    The hotel was expensive. Having said that, the service was exceptional.

  16. 16

    Another point to consider is that + clausephrase (linking)

    Used to introduce an additional point or argument to consider in the body of an essay.

    Another point to consider is that many towns lack affordable housing.

  17. 17

    It is important to consider + Noun/Gerundphrase (evaluation)

    Used to emphasize that a factor should be taken into account in an analysis or decision.

    It is important to consider the long-term effects of the policy.

  18. 18

    To illustrate, + clausephrase (example)

    Used to introduce an example that clarifies or supports a point.

    To illustrate, many towns have introduced bike-share schemes to reduce car use.

  19. 19

    From my point of view, + clausephrase

    Used to introduce your personal opinion; followed by a full clause.

    From my point of view, schools should offer more practical courses.

  20. 20

    To conclude, + clausephrase

    Used to introduce a final summary or conclusion; followed by a clause that sums up the main point.

    To conclude, stricter regulations and better education could reduce pollution.

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