Are you new to IELTS or have you been training for IELTS for a while but you still struggle with cohesion in your writing? If so, this class is for you. We will study the use of linking words with a text on the topic of energy.
Many students find it difficult to use the correct linking words when they start to study academic English rather than general English. This is the first of our classes that will teach you a wide range of linking words and guide you to use them accurately in your writing. Accurate use of linking words and phrases will improve your score for coherence and cohesion and also your score for lexical range and accuracy (vocabulary).
Language Focus
​Also |
​This word is used to give an idea that supports or adds information to your main idea. It is used before the main verb.
For example, Car sales also increased in Germany. It is used between the auxiliary verb and the main verb. ​For example, Car sales have also increased in Argentina. |
Similarly |
This adverb is used at the start of a sentence that is adding similar facts or ideas. ​
​For example, More time needs to be spent educating people about the drawbacks of social media. Similarly, we should teach children about how to correctly make use of the internet. |
However |
This word is usually used at the start of a sentence which adds contrasting or surprising information. This word is an academic synonym for but.
For example, The sale of cars fell in the UK. However, overall worldwide sales showed an increase. This word can be used mid-sentence to link two contrasting clauses but a comma must be used both before and after it. ​For example, The sale of cars fell in the UK, however, overall worldwide sales showed an increase. |
​Consequently |
​This adverb can be used at the beginning of a sentence which give the result of something described in the previous sentence.
For example, Sales fell dramatically in the UK. Consequently, the company went bankrupt and closed down. |
Exercise 1 | Know the relationship of ideas
This task will help you to improve both your reading and writing skills.
There are 8 incomplete sentences. One word has been deleted from each sentence. It is important to understand the function of words (why they are used). The missing word may be used for one of the following functions.
There are 8 incomplete sentences. One word has been deleted from each sentence. It is important to understand the function of words (why they are used). The missing word may be used for one of the following functions.
- To add supporting information
- To show contrast
- To show a result
Example:
In recent years the oceans around Australia have been warming. [To show a result], in 2016 around one third of the Great Barrier Reef was significantly damaged.
In recent years the oceans around Australia have been warming. [To show a result], in 2016 around one third of the Great Barrier Reef was significantly damaged.
Drag the function of the missing linking words into the gaps. Use the full-screen button (bottom corner) on mobile devices.
Exercise 2 | Apply Linking words
Now you know what the function of the gaps should be, we can add linking words.
​Complete the following sentences by choosing the appropriate linking word from the drop down menu.
We hope you feel more confident with using these linking words now. For more practice with them when writing essays, ​view this class on Task 2 Linking Words/Phrases.
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