Writing: Cohesion & Coherence (Introduction) (B1) - Lesson 2: Using Simple Linking Words to Connect Ideas
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Hello B1 Learners! 👋
Good writing flows smoothly from one idea to the next. Linking words (also called transition words) are like bridges that connect your sentences and paragraphs, showing your reader how your ideas are related.
Today, we'll focus on some simple but very useful linking words to show sequence, results, and contrasts.
In this lesson, you will learn to use words like:
- For sequence: First, Next, Then, Finally
- For results: Therefore, So, As a result
- For contrast: However, But, On the other hand
Why Use Linking Words?
Linking words are essential for cohesion (making your writing stick together) and coherence (making your writing logical and easy to understand).
They help your reader to:
- Follow the order of your ideas or events.
- Understand the relationship between different pieces of information (e.g., cause-effect, contrast).
- Read your writing more smoothly.
Without linking words, your writing might seem like a list of disconnected sentences.
Compare:
Without linking words: He studied hard. He passed the test. He was very happy.
With linking words: He studied hard. Therefore, he passed the test. As a result, he was very happy.
Common Linking Words and Their Uses
1. Showing Sequence or Order:
Use these to show the order of steps or events.
- First, / Firstly, (e.g., First, open the book.)
- Second, / Secondly, ...
- Then, (e.g., I ate breakfast. Then, I went to school.)
- Next, (e.g., Next, add the sugar.)
- After that, (e.g., We watched a film. After that, we discussed it.)
- Finally, / Lastly, (e.g., Finally, mix everything together.)
2. Showing Result or Consequence:
Use these to show that one thing happens because of another.
- Therefore, (more formal) (e.g., The roads were icy. Therefore, many accidents occurred.)
- So, (less formal, often used as a conjunction after a comma) (e.g., It rained heavily, so the game was cancelled.)
- As a result, (e.g., He didn't sleep well. As a result, he felt tired all day.)
- Consequently, (more formal)
3. Showing Contrast or Opposition:
Use these to show a difference or an opposite idea.
- However, (e.g., She studied hard. However, she did not pass the exam.)
- But (conjunction, usually after a comma) (e.g., The coffee is hot, but the ice cream is cold.)
- On the other hand, (used to present a contrasting point of view) (e.g., Living in the city is exciting. On the other hand, it can be very expensive.)
- Although / Even though / Though (subordinating conjunctions, introduce a dependent clause) (e.g., Although it was raining, we enjoyed our walk.)
We also use linking words for addition (e.g., also, in addition, furthermore) and examples (e.g., for example, for instance), which you might have seen before.
Punctuation with Linking Words
The punctuation around linking words is important:
-
At the Beginning of a Sentence: Most linking words like First, Next, Then, Finally, However, Therefore, As a result, In addition, On the other hand are followed by a comma (,) when they start a new sentence.
Example: Therefore, we need a new plan.
Example: First, read the instructions carefully. -
In the Middle of a Sentence (connecting two independent clauses):
Some linking words (called conjunctive adverbs like however, therefore, furthermore) can connect two independent clauses. They usually need a semicolon (;) before them and a comma (,) after them.
Example: The book was very long; however, it was interesting.
(For B1, it's often easier to make two separate sentences: "The book was very long. However, it was interesting.") -
Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS): Remember, when for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so join two independent clauses, you use a comma (,) before the conjunction.
Example: He felt tired, so he went to bed early.
Practice Using Linking Words!
✨ Tips for Using Linking Words ✨
- Understand the Relationship: Choose a linking word that accurately shows the connection between your ideas (sequence, contrast, cause/effect, addition).
- Vary Your Choices: Don't use the same linking word too many times. Try different ones with similar meanings.
- Check Punctuation: Pay careful attention to commas (and semicolons, if you use them).
- Natural Flow: Read your sentences aloud. Do the linking words help the ideas flow smoothly and logically?
- Don't Force Them: Sometimes, sentences connect well without a special linking word. Use them when they add clarity or improve flow.
Connecting Ideas Clearly! 🎉
You've learned about important linking words that help connect your sentences and ideas. Using them well will make your writing much more coherent and easier for your reader to follow!