What I Learned (cohesion, articles etc.) SUK3.1C Hendrik

Here is the analysis of the mistakes in the Mr Bower Letter

I have read a lot about cohesion and what I have realised is that though some linking devices could seem similar in meaning, the difference is vital and cannot be neglected. The following links were really helpful for me: http://library.bcu.ac.uk/learner/writingguides/1.33.htm (Cohesion: Linking Words and Phrases), http://www.carmenlu.com/fifth/writing/linkers_6.pdf (Writing and Speaking: Linking Words and Phrases) and http://www.dcielts.com/ielts-writing/cohesion-and-avoiding-repetition/ (Cohesion and Avoiding Repetition).

First, I was really confused with the meaning and usage of the word ‘besides’. I thought it could be used to show the transition to a new point; in fact, it denotes reinforcement. So I decided to change ‘besides’ with ‘now’ since the latter means representing of a new idea.

Second, twice I started the sentences with the word ‘And’. I need to be more careful and to avoid that mistake next time. In the first sentence I decided to omit ‘And’ and in the second I substituted it with ‘So’.

Third, I have written the word ‘internet’ without the article ‘the’. While reading several articles I discovered some interesting things about the capitalization of this word as well. Here are the links I referred to: http://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/bien-well/fra-eng/typographie-typography/internet-eng.html (Internet: capitalized or not?) and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitalization_of_%22Internet%22 (Capitalisation of ‘Internet’).

Furthermore, I finished the letter with the phrase ‘Yours faithfully’. I should have written ‘Yours sincerely’ since the name of the recipient is familiar to me. Here is the link: http://speakspeak.com/resources/general-english-vocabulary/business-letter-writing-phrases (Business letter writing phrases).

Finally, shame on me for writing ‘to the greatest extenD’ instead of ‘to the greatest extenT’ and no excuse for not putting the titles of the books and series in inverted comas.

To conclude, I have realized that I need to pay special attention to the meaning of the linking words and phrases and to use them appropriately.