eveloping an argument 1 A Words meaning and, but and so Units 41 and 42 gave words like and, but and so to join parts of sentences. We can use longer words and phrases with the same meaning to link both across sentences and within more complex sentences. ji*« mnJtoJ thstsßt t in th. area efhankmgtßn íe, and iituésttneht, the ■ ;> srny í^^^'^fiiMähtff%Sä- '-''''■ an^: ln a-':::in:: Besides, Moreover, Furthermore adtkyei high aqnjwgfpwth Tfltós, In fact, lagjy&tfljie but: However, Nevertheless, On the other hand so: Therefore, Consequently, As a result A j tůmy grew. K" 8j$ These words and phrases are typical of formal speech (for example presentations) and writing. i(AÄ'sPa«ÄÍic .EcoÄlSŕM«;' They usually come at the start of a sentence and have a comma afterwards, but can come after > "Review website) h * 3 comma in the middle of a sentence. Supplier A is cheaper, and their delivery times are good However, supplier B has better qualit) products and they have a good reputation in the market. This new process produces less waste, and as a result it's much better for the environment. Our stocks are moving in a downwards spiral, therefore the Fed must cut interest rates to boost our confidence. Tlxat, at least, is the theory among investors this week. (Forbes.com website) B Examples: for example, for instance, such as • We can use for example or for instance. Note the possible positions. Our costs have gone up. For example, the cost of steel has nearly doubled. Our costs have gone up. The cost of steel, for example, has nearly doubled. • We use such as in the middle of a sentence to give examples. It is the same as 'like'. Such as is followed by a noun phrase, not a whole clause. Some delays, such as strikes or bad weather, are beyond our control. Some delays are beyond our control, such as strikes or bad weather. C Additional/real information: in fact, actually • We use In fact, Actually or As a matter of fact to add a piece of information to what we just said. The second piece of information gives more details. We have plenty in stock. In f act/As a matter of fact, we could deliver tomorrow. We also use these words to emphasise what the real situation is. This is surprising or different to what people imagine. / thought we had some in stock, but in fact/actually we don't. O Sequence: first of all, as well as this, finally • We can use First, Firstly, First of all to begin a series of points in a formal argument. For other numbered points we say Second, Secondly, etc. To add a point without numbering we can say As well as this, Besides this or In addition. At the end we can say Finally. Why choose the Czech Republic? Well, first of all, it has lower labour costs than other neighbouring countries, and secondly, it has a stable currency. As well as this, it has a trained workforce with good labour relations, and finally, it has a strong local market. 43 DEVELOPING AN ARGUMENT 1 179 « To finish one point we can say Overall or Taking everything into consideration. Overall, a record 67% of the adult population is employed or looking for work, mainly because female participation in the labor force has jumped over the last two decades. (Business Week website) To finish a formal speech we can say In conclusion. In conclusion, I'd just like to thank you all very much for coming, and I look forward to seeing you again at our next meeting on 31 September. E Generalising: in general, on the whole There are many words and phrases we can use to talk generally: In general, On the whole, As a rule, Typically, All in all, Basically, Overall, Broadly speaking. Organisations typically have five 'customer' relationships: customers, business partners, suppliers, employees, and shareholders, (e-business advisor website) If we want to make a balanced argument we often use one of these phrases followed by a contrasting idea with a word like but (see section A and unit 41). In general the Japanese economy has not been very dynamic over recent years. However, some technology and telecom companies are growing very fast. On the whole, I think you're right, although I disagree with you about the level of risk. F Summarising: so, to sum up, in summary We can use So, In short, To put it simply, To sum up and In summary to summarise. So, to sum up the main points of my presentation so far, we are a truly international company offering a full range of services to corporate and private clients in the areas of finance, banking and insurance. To put it simply, food processors will lose competitiveness as a direct result of EU membership. (Business Central Europe website) G Either ... or ..., instead of, except for • We use either to begin a list of possibilities. We do not begin with or. The other possibilities are introduced with or. Either we could cancel the product launch, or postpone it (NOT Or we could coned) But in speech we can begin with or to complete the other person's idea. A: We could just cancel the launch.' B: 'Orperhaps postpone it.' • We use instead (of) to mean 'in the place of something else'. At the end of a sentence, instead is used without of. Can we have the meeting on Friday instead of Thursday? Thursday is no good? OK, can we have it on Friday instead? & We use except, except for or apart from to mean 'not including'. / have contacted everyone except (for) Margaret. 180 43 DEVELOPING AN ARGUMENT 1 43 Practice Exercise 1 ft £ £ ß g Underline the correct words. 1 If registered mail is too slow, we could use a courier instead I instead of. 2 The fall in share prices has made investors nervous. On the other side/hand, it's an excellent buying opportunity if you're prepared to take a risk. 3 As a rule/Therefore I don't normally have a big lunch, but I'll come with you to the restaurant today 4 All commodity prices rose last week, aiso/except gold. 5 We can either lor wait for a train, or go by taxi. 6 I know Madrid very well. As a matter of fact/On the whole, I worked there for a short time many years ago. 7 As a matter of fact/On the whole stocks are riskier than bonds, but stocks can give a better return in the long term. 8 It's convenient for me to come to work by car. On the other hand/Besides, the tram would probably be quicker. 9 It's convenient for me to come to work by car. On the other hand/Besides, the company pays for the parking. 10 Investment in areas for example/such as biotechnology can be risky. 11 Investment in some areas, for example/such as biotechnology, can be risky. 12 Can we send an email except for/instead of a fax? Exercise 2 g B: M ■ £ fc <ä Complete each sentence with a word or phrase from the list below. actually as well as this either except instead such as therefore nevertheless so in general 1 People think it's expensive, but.........Mfe**i!>!.........over the long term it isn't. 2 The restaurant is open every day..................................Monday. 3 She's out of the country and..................................unable to attend the meeting. 4 I was going on Tuesday, but now I'm going on Monday...........'........................ 5 ..................................| think the meeting went very well, although we didn't manage to agree on the composition of the new team. 6 Some areas...................................recruitment, are outsourced to other companies. 7 I'm sorry...................................you accept this price, or we can't do business. 8 It's reliable, safe and easy to use..................................., it's excellent value for money. 9 It's reliable, safe and easy to use..................................., the maintenance costs can be quite high. 10 .................................., in short, it's reliable, safe and easy to use. Exercise 3|H Put four commas in this short paragraph. In general taking an MBA is a good idea for an ambitious young professional however you do have to make some sacrifices. You miss out on two years' valuable work experience for example and it can be very expensive. 43 DEVELOPING AN ARGUMENT 1 181 Exercise 4 A BCD E F G 48 Read this article about transport policy in city centres. Complete the article by choosing the correct alternative from A, B, C or D below. This exercise includes revision of unit 41 Want to enter the city? oOŕŕO'. ^oa oo kav-e> to pact, Traffic congestion in city centres is a big course quite dangerous. (4)............. cars cities, (9)............ Amsterdam, are already problem for both businesses and residents. cause traffic jams and (5)............many hours organised in this way. But the most radical Policy makers are being forced to think of of work time are lost. (6)............ , people measure is road pricing. Asking motorists to solutions based on public transport, road need incentives before they change their pay to enter city centres is controversial, but pricing and restricted use of one kind or habits and alternatives to cars are often not is an increasingly common solution. So, another (1) ....Ír.....unlimited access for cars available or of poor quality. The first thing is (10)............ , we can see that imaginative at all times. What are the reasons for this? that public transport must become more and sometimes unpopular measures will be (2).............cars cause noise and pollution in reliable and more comfortable. (7)............. needed to make the city centre a more areas where people walk, shop or go bicycle use should be encouraged, (8)............ pleasant place to work and live. sightseeing, and (3)............this they are of by having more cycle lanes. Some large 1 A but B except for C instead of D such as 2 A As well B First of all C In fact D As a result 3 a As well as B Also C For example D Except 4 A For example B However C And D Secondly 5 A either B both C as a result D instead of 6 A However B Therefore C So D In conclusion 7 A To sum up B In addition C Actually D For example 8 A to sum up B in addition C actually D for example 9 A such as B as well as C instead of D except 10 A thirdly B in conclusion C instead D also Exercise 5 ň € D' E; G 49 Complete this speech made by the leader of a Korean trade delegation at the end of a trip to Wales with the words and phrases from the list below. first of oil in conclusion in addition therefore instead of as a rule however in fact 'Couid I just say a few words? Thank you. Well, (1) ..í'.ríí-..{?£..*).'... I'd like to thank everyone here at GNK for organising today's visit. We have enjoyed meeting all the staff, seeing your new products and looking round your factory. (2)............................., I would like to thank the local Chamber of Commerce who made the whole trip possible. As you know, we see the European market as very important for our company. (3)............................., it is central to our future plans. (4)............................., I'm sure that we can look forward to even closer cooperation between our two companies in the future. (5).............................I think it's better to keep the ceremonies short on occasions like this, (6)............................., I would just like to take this opportunity to leave you with something to remember our visit, and so I have great pleasure in presenting this book with photographs of Korea to your director, Chris Armstrong. (7)..............................I hope that we may soon have the pleasure of welcoming some of you to our country in the future. Perhaps the next time we meet it will be in Seoul (8).............................Cardiff! Once again, thank you all very much.'