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Learning Objectives

2 minutes reading
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Express reasons using because and as/since
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Show results using so and therefore
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Explain purposes with to, in order to, and so that
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Create logical flow in presentations and reports
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Key for this lesson

Reason: because/as/since. Result: so/therefore. Purpose: to/in order to/so that. Link your ideas logically!

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Grammar Explanation

4 minutes reading
Reasons & Results

Explaining Why and What Happened

Because + clause (reason) / So + clause (result)

Reason: "We postponed the demo because the client was away."

Result: "The client was away, so we postponed the demo."

Formal: "Due to budget cuts, therefore, we reduced costs."

becauseassincesotherefore
Purpose

Explaining the Goal

To / In order to / So that + clause

Simple: "I called to confirm the meeting."

Formal: "We invested in order to expand the business."

With subject: "I sent notes so that everyone could prepare."

toin order toso thatso as to
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Because vs So

Because introduces the REASON. So introduces the RESULT. "We were late because of traffic" vs "There was traffic, so we were late."

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Context & Professional Usage

5 minutes reading

Reasons (because/as/since)

📅Scheduling: "We rescheduled because the room was booked."
📊Decisions: "We chose Option A as it was cost-effective."
⏰Delays: "Since the data wasn't ready, we waited."
💰Budget: "Due to budget constraints, we reduced scope."

Purposes (to/in order to/so that)

📧Communication: "I'm emailing to confirm the details."
📈Growth: "We hired staff in order to expand."
📝Documentation: "I took notes so that we have a record."
🎯Goals: "We met early to prepare for the pitch."
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Business English Examples

6 minutes reading
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Professional Linking Language

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"We postponed the meeting because the client had an emergency."

Reason with because

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"The client had an emergency, so we postponed the meeting."

Result with so

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"We implemented changes in order to improve efficiency."

Purpose (formal)

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"I sent the report early so that you could review it before the meeting."

Purpose with different subject

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Common Mistakes

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"Because the traffic, we were late."

Use: "Because of the traffic..." (noun) or "Because there was traffic..." (clause)

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"I called for to confirm the meeting."

Use: "I called to confirm..." (simple infinitive)

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"We did it so we can improve."

Use: "...so that we could improve" (purpose)

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Professional Listening Exercise

6 minutes

Listen to a team meeting about a project timeline change:

🎵Audio: Solaris Project Meeting
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0:00 / 0:00
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Speed:

Fatima: Good morning, everyone. Thanks for joining. The main reason for this meeting is to update you on the 'Solaris' project timeline. We have decided to postpone the client demonstration by one week. We didn't make this decision lightly. We did this because we received new data from the research team yesterday.

The data was very valuable, but it arrived late due to a technical problem with their simulation software. As the data is critical, we need more time to analyze it properly. We are adding this extra week so that the final report can be as accurate as possible. It is a key milestone, and we cannot risk presenting incomplete findings.

In order to use this extra week effectively, I have reassigned some tasks. Liam, I'd like you to focus on the new data to see how it impacts our financial projections. And Maria, please contact our main vendor so that they know about the new schedule. This is crucial because their delivery is dependent on our sign-off. I know a delay is not ideal, but this is necessary to ensure the quality of our work. I'm confident this will lead to a better outcome. Thanks for your understanding.

Question 1: Why was the client demonstration postponed?

💡 Hint: Listen for Fatima saying "We did this because we received new data..." and "we need more time to analyze it properly."

Question 2: What caused the delay in receiving the data?

💡 Hint: Listen for Fatima mentioning "a technical problem with their simulation software."

Question 3: What is the main purpose of adding an extra week to the schedule?

💡 Hint: Listen for Fatima saying "We are adding this extra week so that..."

Question 4: Fill in the gap: "Liam needs to focus on the new data ______ see how it impacts the financial projections."

💡 Hint: Listen for a short word that expresses purpose (infinitive of purpose).
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Quick Comprehension Quiz

4 minutes
1

Expressing reason:

AWe were late so there was traffic.
BWe were late because there was traffic.
CWe were late to there was traffic.
2

Expressing purpose:

AI called because confirm the meeting.
BI called so confirm the meeting.
CI called to confirm the meeting.
3

Expressing result:

AIt rained, so we cancelled the event.
BIt rained, because we cancelled the event.
CIt rained, to we cancelled the event.
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Professional Practice Exercises

7 minutes

Exercise A: Complete with because, so, to, or in order to

1. We rescheduled the meeting _______ the room was double-booked.

2. The room was double-booked, _______ we rescheduled the meeting.

3. I'm emailing _______ confirm our appointment.

4. We hired a consultant _______ improve our processes.

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Speaking Preparation

4 minutes
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Preparation for Class

Practice explaining reasons and purposes in professional situations.

📝 Task 1: Reasons (1 min)

Explain a work decision: "We did X because... / Since Y, we..."

🎯 Task 2: Purposes (2 min)

Explain goals: "I'm doing this to... / in order to... / so that..."

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Module 6 Complete!

Key connectors: Sequencing, relative clauses, reasons (because/so), purposes (to/in order to)
Next: Module 7 - Fluency and Everyday Communication

Module Overview
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