Módulo 3: Connectors and Modality

IN TR ODUCCIÓN AL MÓDULO

Introducción

UN IDAD 5: CON N ECTOR S

5.1 Connectors

UN IDAD 6: MODALITY

6.1 Modality

CIER R E DEL MÓDULO

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Introducción

When reading articles, identifying the logical transitions between ideas helps us understand the general idea;
that is what connectors do.  Modal verbs, on the other hand, show the intention —or modality— of a sentence.
Finally, recognizing word formation rules (suffixes and prefixes), can help us understand the meaning of
words. This module deals with strategies to better understand and produce more complex texts. 
Elaboración propia (2020)

Objetivos del módulo

Expresar relaciones lógicas intraoracionales e interoracionales.

Reconocer la modalidad en el mensaje y producir textos para cumplir con alguna función,
identificar reglas de formación de palabras.

Contenidos del módulo

Unit 5- Connectors 

5.1 Connectors

Unit 6- Modality 

6.1 Modality
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5.1 Connectors

"I think; therefore, I am."

Connectors are words or phrases that show the relationship between ideas. They help organize ideas in a
logical manner to communicate messages in an efficient way. When we use them properly, we communicate
better; when we identify them correctly, we better understand oral and written texts. 

“I study hard because I want to pass my exams.”

“Because” shows the relation between “I study hard” and “I want to pass my exams”; it says the reason I
study hard is that I want to pass.

 “I studied hard, but I didn’t pass my exams”.

“But” shows the relation between “I studied hard” and “I didn’t pass my exams”; it says that, contrarily to
what I expected, I did not pass.

Recognizing these signal words (for example, Because, and But), helps us understand the logical relations
between ideas in a text:
 “._____________because_____________”

(one idea is the cause of the other)

“_____________but_____________”.

(one idea is contrary to the other)

Prefixes and Suffixes give another meaning to words:

Suffixes
–
EASE (facilidad - sustantivo)
EASY (fácil - adjetivo)
EASILY (fácilmente - adverbio)

Prefixes
–
READ (leer) – REREAD (releer - “RE” al principio = “otra vez”)
VISION – TELEVISON (“TELE” al principio = “a la distancia”)
PROBABLE – IMPROBABLE (“IM” al principio = “NO”)

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Identifying suffixes and prefixes helps us understand the meaning of words. 

Words used to connect ideas - anyway, actually, basically (discourse

markers) 

Discourse markers are words and phrases we use to connect and organize our ideas. They act like
signposts, telling the listener what information is coming up next. Sian will share eight discourse markers
with you – and she'll let you listen to her telephone conversation to do this!

Grammar: How to use linking words in English - BBC English Maste…

 BBC Learning English - ¿Quieres aprender a hablar inglés? (2016). Vocabulary: How to use linking words to
connect ideas in English. [Video] YouTube.

In the present unit, you will find:

Reading material (theory) about connectors and word formation; read it carefully and if you
have any questions, write us in "Foro de Consulta".

Video explanation of connectors (sentence markers): Watch and listen to it. TIP: you can
activate the subtitles in English.

A list with connectors and their translations into Spanish: A more detailed list of connectors
you can use as a reference to help you understand readings. It is not necessary to learn them
all, just keep them handy. When you finish, you will find:

Grammar Exercise 5: First, complete the sentences with the appropriate connector; then, there
is a text with empty spaces for connectors; you have to select the correct option. You will find
this activity in the section "Evaluaciones" in the menu.

“Therefore” is a connector: it shows the relation between two ideas:

“I think”, and “I am”; this connection is a consequence or result:
because I think, I exist.

This unit is about these logical connections / relations between

ideas. 
Material de Lectura

Connectors - Suffixes Prefixes.pdf

275.5 KB

Elaboración propia (2021).

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6.1 Modality

Modality

I study. (Yo estudio. — Hábito)

(Puedo estudiar con facilidad. —

I can study easily.
Habilidad/Capacidad)

(Debo estudiar para los exámenes. —

I must study for exams.
Obligación)
 You should study harder. (Deberías estudiar más. —Consejo)

Elaboración propia (2019)

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that add a modality to main verbs. They give a message of ability,
possibility, prohibition, obligation, permission, among others. They are also very important to differentiate
formal and informal sentences. For example: 

“Can you speak slower?”

“¿Podés hablar más lento?” is very informal, and even impolite (descortés).

On the contrary: 

“Would you please speak slower?”

“¿Podría, por favor, hablar más lento?” is more formal and polite (cortés).

Recognizing these Modal Verbs helps us understand the intentions of a message. 

English Modal Verbs - Introduction to Modal Verbs

Complete Guide to English Modal Verbs - English Grammar Lesson

 Oxford Online English (2020). Complete Guide to English Modal Verbs. [Video] YouTube

Modal verbs, like 'can', 'must' or 'should' are very common in English. In this lesson, you can learn about Modal
Verbs, what they are, why you need them and how they work.

These are the questions we will discuss in this lesson:

1 What are Modal Verbs?

2 How are Modal Verbs different to 'normal' verbs?

3 Why are Modal Verbs important?

4 What makes Modal Verbs complicated?

Top 5 Modal Verbs in Harry Potter

Top 5 Verbos Modales en Harry Potter - Aprender Inglés con Pelíc…

 Moviestars English (2017). Top 5 Verbos Modales en Harry Potter - Aprender Inglés con Películas. [Video]
YouTube

In the present unit, you will find:

Reading material (theory) about Modal Verbs: Read it carefully and if you have any questions,
write us in "Foro de Consulta".

Video explanation of modals: Watch and listen to it. TIP: You can activate the subtitles in
English.

A video with examples of Modals in movies to see how important they are in English. When
you finish, you will find:

Module 3 Activity: Write a letter of complaint about a problem you have had as a result of a
bad service.

Grammar Exercise 6: First, read the text and select the correct Modal Verb; then, select the
sentence that has the same meaning. You will find this activity in the section "Evaluaciones" in
the menu.

Can, must, and should are modal verbs; they add an intention, or

modality, to the main verb (verbo principal).

Material de Lectura
 Modal Verbs-1.pdf
1.2 MB

Elaboración propia (2021).

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