Writing Workshop – Linking Words
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Topic: Controversies
To express one’s opinions and support them by using linking words and phrases correctly
Learning objective
in a short paragraph.
It’s difficult for everybody to always be of the same mind (or have the same opinion), right? There are some
topics of conversation which are difficult to discuss because they are controversial. However and whatever
your position is, it’s always important to support your point of view coherently and with good arguments.
Which of these topics do you consider is the most controversial, and why? (Discuss in groups of three)
Bullfighting * Same-sex marriage * Religion * Euthanasia * Gun Control
Hard topics, aren’t they? Now, expressing your opinion is ok, but the most important is to support your position with good
ideas. For that, you will need to use different sentences; all these sentences have to be coherently connected to make a good
paragraph; and paragraphs need to be logically linked to make a good text. Linking words (also named connectors or
conjunctions) can help you express the connection between ideas, sentences and paragraphs with more clarity and coherence.
There are three main types of linking words:
Coordinators, which link independent clauses within a sentence:
Animals have feelings, so they have to be protected the same way as humans.
People have considered only-women buses for many women usually have terrible experiences in public transport.
Subordinators, which link a dependent or subordinated clause or phrase within the main sentence:
Some people won’t feel safe unless they carry a gun with them.
Although communism seems a good idea, it has caused many abuses on civilians.
* the subordinate sentence does not express a complete idea when separated from the main clause.
Transitions, which link independent clauses within a sentence or sentences within a paragraph:
To begin, women can do many of the jobs men do today.
In conclusion, freedom of speech has to be used responsibly.
Linking words have different functions, according to the relation we want to establish between ideas.
You will see some examples of linking words and their functions. Match the functions with their right group of
connectors. Which connectors go with a punctuation mark? ( Use your dictionary in case you find a new word!)
Contrast * Addition * Result * Sequence * Reason
because Although First, so Moreover,
for However, Second, As a result, and
because of but Next, therefore Also,
since On the contrary, Finally, As a consequence, In addition,
Function: __________ Function: __________ Function: __________ Function: Result Function: __________
It’s is much recommended to have a list of linking words with you when you write, so that you can consider different functions
and connectors to use. Unfortunately, most lists won’t show you the usage of those linking words in context, so you won’t
always know how they are used in the sentence and the punctuation marks that go with them. Some linking words are used at
the beginning or in the middle of the sentence; others can be used in both positions; some connectors are used with specific
punctuation, whilst it’s not necessary for others.
Complete the following sentences with a correct linking word from the box. Notice the position of the connector and
the punctuation in the sentence. ( Use your dictionary in case you find a new word!)
To conclude * if * Instead of * yet * so
o Marijuana is less dangerous than tobacco, (1)__________________ it should be legalised.
o Religion is a very personal decision, (2)__________________ religious leaders always take part in political decisions for all the people.
o (3)__________________, I think that the death penalty is not good for society.
o People are free to decide (4)__________________ they want to get married to someone of the same sex.
o (5)__________________ helping the patient, people who commit euthanasia are abusing them.
Here you have a paragraph of a person expressing their feelings about vegetarianism. Fill in the gaps with the right
linking word (make sure you capitalise words where necessary).
although * and * finally * in conclusion * first * but * because of * second * because
I like the idea of being a vegetarian (1)__________________ many reasons.
(2)__________________, I don’t like the way animals are killed for consumption
(3)__________________ meat producers use very cruel methods.
(4)__________________,(5)__________________ the body needs proteins, meat can be
dangerous for your body. (6)__________________, fruit and vegetables are beneficial to my
body (7)__________________ they are delicious! (8)__________________, being a vegetarian is
the best option for your body and for the planet. Some people say I’m crazy,
(9)__________________ I don’t care what they say!
There is a lot more to learn about linking words and their correct use! Remember, practice makes perfect! A list of linking words
is a good idea, but it’s better if you practice them in complete sentences and with real ideas. Depending on your level, you can
start with simpler structures and then link your ideas in more complex ways. Also, make sure you don’t use the same connectors
all the time. Reading and listening to texts in English will help you see those linking words in use, so they will be a good model
for you.
Now it’s your turn!
Select a topic that you consider controversial. What is your opinion about it? Write a paragraph and support your
ideas.
Topic:
What’s your position, and why?
What new words did I learn today?
