ESL Lesson Plan for Paired Conjunctions

Paired conjunctions are often used in both spoken and written English to make a point, give an explanation, or discuss alternatives. Unfortunately, not only are they difficult to use, but their structure is also rather strict. For this reason, this lesson is a straight forward, ​teacher-centered, grammar lesson focusing on written and oral production of the target structure.

• Aim: Grammar focus on the use of paired conjunctions
• Activity: Teacher introduction followed by sentence completion, construction and, finally, oral drill work
• Level: Upper-intermediate

Outline

• Introduce paired conjunctions by asking students to give reasons for some simple event. Take two of the suggestions and construct target structure sentences using paired conjunctions. For example: Either John has stayed at home or he has been held up in traffic.
• Explain the structure of the paired conjunctions: both...and; not only...but also; either...or; neither...nor
• Distribute worksheets and ask students to match the sentence parts to match both columns to make complete sentences.
• Ask students to complete the second exercise by combining the ideas to make one complete sentence using one of the paired conjunctions.
• Focus on oral production skills by asking paired conjunction questions on the separate teacher sheet.

Paired Conjunctions

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Paired Conjunction Quiz

By Kenneth Beare

Match the sentence halves to make a complete sentence.

Sentence Half A:

• Both Peter
• Not only do we want to go
• Either Jack will have to work more hours
• That story was
• Students who do well not only study hard
• In the end, he had to choose
• Sometimes it is
• I would love to take

Sentence Half B:

• but we have enough money.
• neither true nor realistic.
• not only wise to listen to your parents but also interesting.
• and I are coming next week.
• either his career or his hobby.
• both my laptop and my cell phone on holiday.
• but also use their instincts if they do not know the answer.
• or we will have to hire somebody new.

Combine the following sentences into one sentence using paired conjunctions: both ... and; not only ... but also; either ... or; neither ... nor

• We could fly. We could go by train.
• She will have to study hard. She will have to concentrate to do well on the exam.
• Jack is not here. Tom is in another city.
• The speaker will not confirm the story. The speaker will not deny the story.
• Pneumonia is a dangerous disease. Small pox is a dangerous illness.
• Fred loves traveling. Jane wants to go around the world.
• It might rain tomorrow. It might snow tomorrow.
• Playing tennis is good for your heart. Jogging is good for your health.

To the teacher: Read the following aloud and have students use paired conjunctions to respond. Example: You know Peter. Do you know Bill? Student: I know both Peter and Jack.

• You like tennis. Do you like golf?
• You don't know Jane. Do you know Jack?
• You are studying Math. Are you studying English?
• You need to work on the weekend. Do you need to work in the evening?
• You don't eat fish. Do you eat beef?
• I know your country has good universities. Does England have good universities?
• He collects money. Does he collect stamps?
• They haven't visited Rome. Have they visited Paris?

Follow up with a paired conjunction quiz.