Linking Words and Cohesion
Writing Skills Lesson – Connecting ideas clearly
1. Why linking words matter
Linking words (also called connectors) help your writing flow smoothly and logically. They show how ideas relate to each other, making your sentences easier to understand.
Good writing is not only about grammar — it is also about how clearly and effectively ideas connect. Linking words show relationships between ideas and make your writing easier to follow.
2. Types of linking words
Addition
Use these to add more information:
- also
- in addition
- moreover
- as well as
Contrast
Use these to show differences:
- however
- although
- on the other hand
- whereas
Cause & effect
Use these to explain reasons or results:
- because
- therefore
- as a result
- so
Sequencing
Use these to show order:
- first
- next
- then
- finally
3. Useful patterns
Driving is convenient; however, it can be expensive.
Although the weather was bad, we enjoyed the trip.
I was tired, so I went to bed early.
The store was closed; therefore, we went home.
First, wash the vegetables. Next, chop them into small pieces.
4. Model paragraphs
I enjoy working from home because it gives me more flexibility. In addition, I save time because I don’t have to commute. However, it can sometimes feel lonely. Overall, working from home has more advantages than disadvantages for me.
I love cooking at home because it allows me to experiment with new recipes. Moreover, it helps me save money compared to eating out. On the other hand, cooking can be time‑consuming, especially on busy days. In conclusion, cooking at home is rewarding, but it requires good time management.
5. Practice: Add linking words
- I like learning English. I want to travel.
- The restaurant was full. We decided to eat somewhere else.
- I enjoy swimming. I don’t like running.
- First, I woke up late. I missed the bus. I arrived late to work.
- My phone battery died. I couldn’t call my friend.
- I studied hard for the test. I got a high score.
- I love tea. I drink coffee in the morning.
- We packed our bags. We drove to the airport. We boarded the plane.
6. Practice: Rewrite each paragraph
Rewrite each paragraph using linking words from at least two categories.
- I want to get healthier. I will start exercising. I will eat more vegetables. I will sleep more. I think I will feel better.
- I need to save money. I will stop buying coffee every day. I will cook more at home. I will make a budget.
- I love reading. I don’t have much free time. I try to read before bed. Sometimes I fall asleep quickly.
7. Writing task
Write a paragraph (6–8 sentences) about one of the following:
- your daily routine
- your favourite hobby
- a recent trip
- your goals for the future
Use at least six linking words from three different categories.
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Answer key – Practice (Section 5)
- I like learning English because I want to travel.
- The restaurant was full; therefore, we decided to eat somewhere else.
- I enjoy swimming; however, I don’t like running.
- First, I woke up late. As a result, I missed the bus, and therefore I arrived late to work.
- My phone battery died; as a result, I couldn’t call my friend.
- I studied hard for the test; therefore, I got a high score.
- I love tea; however, I drink coffee in the morning.
- First, we packed our bags. Then we drove to the airport. Finally, we boarded the plane.
Answer key – Practice (Section 5)
- I want to get healthier, so I will start exercising. In addition, I will eat more vegetables and try to sleep more. As a result, I think I will feel better.
- I need to save money, so I will stop buying coffee every day. Moreover, I will cook more at home, and I will also make a budget to track my spending.
- I love reading; however, I don’t have much free time. I try to read before bed, and sometimes I fall asleep quickly as a result.
