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Chapter 33: Skill Focus - Writing Straightforward Connected Text (Schrijven)

Introduction: Expressing Yourself in Writing

At B1 level, you move beyond writing simple sentences to producing connected text (samenhangende tekst) on familiar topics or subjects of personal interest. This means writing multiple sentences and paragraphs that link together logically to express ideas, describe events, or give information.

What is "Straightforward Connected Text"?

  • Connected: Sentences and paragraphs are linked using conjunctions (e.g., en, maar, omdat, dus) and transition words (vervolgens, daarnaast). Ideas flow logically.
  • Straightforward: Deals with familiar topics (hobbies, daily life, work, experiences, opinions on familiar subjects) using relatively common vocabulary and B1-level grammar.
  • Text: Can range from a longer email or letter to a short description, report, or opinion piece.

Key Elements of B1 Writing

  1. Clear Structure: Organize your text logically.
  • Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic or purpose.
  • Body: Develop your points in separate paragraphs. Each paragraph should ideally focus on one main idea.
  • Conclusion: Summarize briefly or give a concluding thought.
  1. Sentence Variety: Mix simple sentences with compound sentences (using en, maar, of, want, dus) and complex sentences (using subordinate clauses with conjunctions like omdat, dat, als, terwijl, die, dat, hoewel, nadat, voordat).
  2. Linking Words (Connectoren / Signaalwoorden): Use words and phrases to connect sentences and paragraphs smoothly.
  • Addition: en (and), ook (also), bovendien (moreover), daarnaast (besides that), verder (furthermore)
  • Contrast: maar (but), echter (however), hoewel (although), terwijl (while), in tegenstelling tot (in contrast to), aan de ene kant... aan de andere kant... (on the one hand... on the other hand...)
  • Cause/Reason: omdat (because), want (because - links main clauses), daarom (therefore, that's why - often starts new sentence with inversion), doordat (because of the fact that)
  • Result/Consequence: dus (so - often starts new sentence with inversion), daarom (therefore), als gevolg daarvan (as a result of that)
  • Sequence/Time: eerst (first), dan (then), daarna (after that), vervolgens (subsequently), ten slotte (finally), voordat (before), nadat (after), toen (when - past), terwijl (while)
  • Summary/Conclusion: kortom (in short), samengevat (summarized), dus (so), concluderend (concluding)
  1. Appropriate Vocabulary: Use B1-level vocabulary relevant to the topic. Don't overcomplicate, but try to use varied words where appropriate.
  2. Reasonable Grammatical Accuracy: While some errors are expected at B1, basic grammar (verb conjugation, word order in main and subordinate clauses, adjective endings, past tenses, use of er) should be mostly correct so the meaning is clear.

Writing Process

  1. Plan: Before writing, brainstorm ideas and create a simple outline (keywords per paragraph). What are the main points you want to make? In what order?
  2. Draft: Write a first version, focusing on expressing your ideas clearly. Use your outline.
  3. Revise: Read through your draft. Check for:
  • Clarity & Content: Is the meaning clear? Have you included enough information? Is it relevant to the topic?
  • Structure & Flow: Is the text organized logically? Do paragraphs focus on one idea? Are sentences and paragraphs linked smoothly with appropriate connectors?
  • Sentence Variety: Is there a good mix of simple and more complex sentences?
  1. Edit: Check carefully for errors:
  • Grammar: Verb endings, word order (main/subordinate clauses, inversion), de/het, die/dat, adjective endings, prepositions, te infinitive.
  • Spelling & Punctuation: Use a dictionary or spell checker if needed. Check capital letters and full stops.

Example Task: Describe your favourite hobby.

Planning:

  • Intro: What hobby? How long?
  • Body 1: Why do I like it? (Relaxing, creative)
  • Body 2: What do I do exactly? When/where?
  • Conclusion: Overall feeling / future plans related to hobby?

Possible Written Text (Simplified B1):

Mijn favoriete hobby is fotograferen. Ik doe dit nu ongeveer drie jaar. (Intro)

Ik vind fotograferen erg leuk, omdat ik het creatief en ook ontspannend vind. Daarnaast vind ik het interessant om de wereld op een andere manier te bekijken door mijn camera. (Body 1 - Reasons, connectors)

Meestal maak ik foto's in het weekend. Dan ga ik graag naar buiten, bijvoorbeeld naar het bos of naar de stad. Ik fotografeer vooral natuur en architectuur, maar soms ook mensen. (Body 2 - Details, connectors, sentence variety)

Kortom, fotografie is een hobby waar ik veel plezier aan beleef. Ik hoop in de toekomst een betere camera te kopen om nog mooiere foto's te maken. (Conclusion, summary word, future hope, om...te)

Tips for Improvement

  • Read Examples: Pay attention to how native speakers structure texts and use linking words.
  • Practice Regularly: Write short texts frequently (emails, diary entries, summaries, descriptions).
  • Focus on Structure: Always make a brief plan first.
  • Learn Linking Words: Actively study and practice using different connectors.
  • Review Grammar: Regularly review B1 grammar points, especially word order.
  • Get Feedback: Ask a teacher or native speaker to review your writing.

Writing straightforward connected text at B1 involves more than just correct grammar; it requires logical structure, varied sentence types, and the effective use of linking words. By planning your writing, focusing on clarity and connection, and revising your work, you can effectively communicate your ideas, experiences, and opinions on familiar topics in written Dutch.