Structure

Question

Hi,Would you please suggest me some reasoning structure? (I meant transitions mostly)The simplest is like this: First, ... . Second ... . Finally, .. .Thanks.

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

The structure and its transitions depend on the type of essay you are writing.

Here is a description of different types of essays: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/owlprint/685/

Yeganeh · Answer

Thanks!
That is a great resource, but my goal is TOEFL independent speaking questions. I have 15 seconds to think and 45 seconds to response!
For example:
What is your favorite sport?
Ex: Personally, I prefer ... . First, I think... . Second, it is... . Finally, I have a good memory of... .

These are examples I know!

Giving stance: Personally, I favor ... / I prefer ... / I like ... / In my stance ... / And so on.

Giving reason:
First, ... Second ...
Firstly ... Secondly...
Initially ... The other reason ... Finally... (Can I use "initially" exactly like "first")

I need to be quicker, study structures to say all those in 45 seconds.
It's a breath taking action!

Thanks!

Enoon · Answer

YeganehGiving stance: Personally, I favor ... / I prefer ... / I like ... / In my stance ... / And so on.

I can't figure out where you are getting "in my stance", but it does not work. Some others that do:

In my opinion, badminton is the best sport.
To my mind, badminton is the best sport.
My preference is for badminton.

YeganehInitially ... The other reason ... Finally... (Can I use "initially" exactly like "first")

No.

Good luck.

Yeganeh · Answer

Thanks!!!!! That's what I was looking for. Very helpful.
What about transitions of reasoning. I have limited options. (I mean first, second, third, and so on..)

Thanks again.

PS. Could you please explain why I can't use initially? (I guess I can use it when what comes after initially, changes in future, right?)
PS 2 Why "in my stance" does not work? (misuse, I guess. Where should I use "in my stance")

Enoon · Answer

YeganehCould you please explain why I can't use initially? (I guess I can use it when what comes after initially, changes in future, right?)

"Initially" means "at the beginning", not "first". And yes, "Initially, I was afraid of the new dog, but I came to love him."

YeganehWhy doesn't "in my stance" work?

I don't know. Why doesn't "in my frame" work? Nobody uses the word that way.

YeganehWhere should I use "in my stance")

You shouldn't. If you want to begin a sentence with a phrase involving "stance", you might say, "My stance on the matter is ...." That is a strong beginning, I think probably too strong for what you're doing, and sounds like one side of an argument.

YeganehWhat about transitions of reasoning. I have limited options. (I mean first, second, third, and so on..)

You could break it down by concept: "I like polo. The equipment appeals to me—the smell of the leather tack, the graceful mallets, the shirts. I also like the mental challenge of being in the right place at the right time. The social rewards are great, too. Rich girls are a lot of fun if you can stand the chill. ...."

Yeganeh · Answer

Thanks a lot enoon.
PS The paper I was working on and you helped me, last year, is accepted in a journal. You remember right? Electronics.
Thanks again.

Enoon · Answer

You are the man of a thousand avatars.

Yeganeh · Answer

Ha ha. It's kinda fun. In addition, you have a bad behavior, you can start again. Unlike the real life. Then again, you're the only user/person, I like to introduce myself to. You're quite patient and casual. I'm OK with you. (I don't want to be a KA, I mean it)

Have a nice time.

Structure

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions