1. Writing Practice with Conjunctions and Linking Words (Cam: Lesson 2)

Sentence Expansion

Expand the following simple sentences by adding conjunctions and linking words to provide more information. Aim to write 2-3 sentences for each. Use words like and, but, so, because, however, first, then:

• I like to read books.
• I prefer tea over coffee.
• I exercise in the mornings.
• I enjoy watching movies.
• I don’t like cold weather.

Example:

I like to read books because they help me relax. First, I usually choose a genre I enjoy, like mystery or fiction. Then, I find a comfortable spot and start reading.

Paragraph Writing

Write a short paragraph (5-6 sentences) on the following topics. Use a variety of conjunctions and linking words to make your writing more cohesive and interesting.

• Topic 1: What is your favorite season, and why?
• Topic 2: Do you prefer living in a city or a small town? Why?
• Topic 3: Describe your daily routine.

Example:

My favorite season is summer because I enjoy warm weather. I love spending time outdoors, and summer gives me the chance to go to the beach or have picnics. However, sometimes it can get too hot, which can be uncomfortable. Overall, I prefer summer because of the long, sunny days and the opportunity to relax outside.

Conjunction Challenge

Write 5 sentences using these conjunctions and linking words: although, however, because, so, and.

Example:

I love traveling, although it can be expensive. However, I think it is worth it because I learn so much about new cultures. I usually travel during the summer, so I can spend more time exploring.

2. Writing Practice with Past Tenses

Simple Past vs. Past Continuous

Complete the following sentences by choosing either the simple past or the past continuous form of the verb. Then, write one additional sentence for each, adding more details to your story.

• While I __________ (walk) to work, I __________ (see) an old friend.
• I __________ (cook) dinner when the phone __________ (ring).
• Yesterday, I __________ (go) to the store and __________ (buy) some groceries.
• He __________ (study) for his exam when his brother __________ (arrive).
• Last weekend, we __________ (visit) a museum, and it __________ (be) very interesting.

Example:

While I was walking to work, I saw an old friend. We decided to stop and chat for a few minutes before continuing on our way.

Past Simple Storytelling

Write a short paragraph (5-6 sentences) about something you did last weekend. Use the simple past tense to describe what happened.

Example:

Last weekend, I went hiking with some friends. We started early in the morning and hiked for about five hours. The weather was perfect, and the views were amazing. After the hike, we had lunch at a small café nearby. It was a tiring but enjoyable day.

Present Perfect vs. Simple Past

Rewrite the following sentences by changing the simple past into the present perfect where appropriate. Be sure to explain the difference in meaning between the two tenses.

• I __________ (visit) Spain last year.
• She __________ (finish) her homework already.
• We __________ (live) in this house for 5 years.
• They __________ (go) to the park yesterday.
• I __________ (read) that book several times.

Example:

I visited Spain last year. / I have visited Spain several times. ("Visited" refers to a specific time in the past, while "have visited" suggests repeated visits with no specific time mentioned.)

Past Perfect Practice

Complete the sentences by using the past perfect tense to show an action that happened before another action in the past. Then, write one sentence of your own using the past perfect.

• By the time we arrived, the movie __________ (already/start).
• She __________ (never/see) a sunset like that before she visited the beach.
• They __________ (finish) their project before the deadline.
• When I got to the restaurant, my friends __________ (already/order) food.

Example:

By the time we arrived, the movie had already started, so we missed the first few minutes.