To explain a reason, link what happened to why it happened or why it matters, using words such as because, so, since and which means. A list of events tells the reader the order of things. A reason tells the reader what to think or do about them.
This skill builds on covering every point and on choosing the right tone. It is part of the email communication module.
Why does a list of events feel weak?
Most email tasks ask for a reason in some form: why you want to join, why you are late, why you are unhappy with a product. A student who answers with a sequence of events has described the situation but not explained it. The reader has to guess the connection.
Compare “I missed the bus. I walked. I was late.” with “I was late because I missed the bus, so I had to walk.” The second version has the same facts, but the reader now understands the cause.
How to turn events into a reason, step by step
- Find the claim. What are you saying or asking? “I would like a refund.”
- Ask “why?” Write the answer in a few words: “The jacket is too small.”
- Join them. Choose a link: because (cause), so (result), which means (consequence).
- Add one specific detail. A size, a date, a price. Detail makes a reason believable.
- Cut the events that do not support the reason. If a sentence only tells the story, ask whether the reader needs it.
Worked example
Task written for this page: “You bought a school bag online and it arrived damaged. Write an email to the shop manager. Say what is wrong, why you are unhappy and what you want the shop to do.”
A list of events (weak):
I ordered a bag on 5 May. It arrived on 9 May. I opened the box. The strap was broken. I took a photo. Please help me.
Step 1, the claim: the bag is damaged and I want a solution.
Step 2, ask why: the strap is broken; I need the bag for school on Monday.
Step 3, join: “I am unhappy because the strap is broken, which means I cannot use the bag.”
Step 4, detail: “I need it for school next Monday.”
Step 5, cut: the dates and photo are useful, but they belong in one short sentence.
A reasoned version:
Dear Manager,
I am writing about the school bag I received on 9 May. The left strap was broken when I opened the box, so I cannot use the bag. I am unhappy because I need it for school next Monday and it cost RM85. I have attached a photo of the damage. Could you please send a replacement, or refund my money if that is not possible?
Yours faithfully, Nadia Rahman
Every sentence now moves the reader towards an action. The reasons (broken strap, needed for Monday, cost) make the request fair and clear.
The mistake to watch for
A common slip is to use “because” but attach it to something that is not a real reason.
Mistaken draft: “I am unhappy because I ordered the bag on 5 May.”
The date is an event, not a cause of the unhappiness. The writer used the word “because” but did not explain anything.
The correction is to test the sentence: does the part after “because” answer “why?” If not, replace it with the real cause: “I am unhappy because the strap was broken when it arrived.”
Check yourself
1. Turn this list into one sentence with a reason: “The train was cancelled. I waited. I missed the interview.”
Show answer
“I missed the interview because my train was cancelled and the next one came an hour later.” Another correct form: “My train was cancelled, so I missed the interview.”
2. Which part after “because” is a real reason? (a) “because I like to write emails” (b) “because the website has no phone number”
Show answer
(b). It explains why you are writing an email rather than phoning. (a) does not connect to a situation or a request.
3. Add a reason: “I would like to change my lesson to Thursday.”
Show answer
“I would like to change my lesson to Thursday because I have football practice on Tuesday after school.” Any specific, believable reason is acceptable.
Where this leads next
Reasons and events both depend on clear timing, so the next lesson is using time expressions consistently. You can test several skills together in the email communication practice set. The summary selection and paraphrase studio helps you choose which details really support your point.
If you can explain reasons aloud but they disappear when you write, that gap is easy to see in a live lesson. Our online one-to-one English as a Second Language tuition gives a teacher that view.