First explain the function of linking words and expressions. Then ask students to finish Ex2.

T: In this class we are going to using formal linkers. (Show the following on the PowerPoint.)

Linking words are essential for your writing to be natural and clear.

The function of linking words

Linking devices are neither nouns, nor verbs. They provide a text with cohesion and illustrate how the parts of the text relate to each other. Here are some of the functions which linking words provide.

Adding extra information to the main point, contrasting ideas, expressing cause and effect, showing exactly when something happened (narrating), expressing purpose (why?) and opinion, listing examples, making conclusions and giving emphasis.

Grammatical differences

Some linking words must be followed by a clause (Subject + Verb + Object).

e.g. while why because although so whereas when

Other linking words should be followed by a noun phrase (Linking word + (the) + Noun/Pronoun or gerund)

e.g. because of despite during in spite of

The majority of linking devices can be followed by either a noun phrase or a clause.

Here is a list of the principal linking words in English, their function and if their position is usually fixed.

Linking words - by Viv Quarry

Adding and Contrasting Expressing cause / reason

*and

as well as

besides

Moreover,

Furthermore,

What is more,

In addition,

not only ... but also

another point is that

relative clauses

who where

that which

whose to whom

when what

why *but

However,

Although

despite

In spite of

Nevertheless,

On the contrary,

on the one hand

on the other hand,

whereas

while

but while

For one thing,

In contrast,

neither ... nor because

as

since

As a result,

This is why

because of

Due to

Owing to

For this reason,

Expressing effect / result

*so

so ... that

such a ... that

Therefore

Thus

Consequently,

too ... for / to

not enough ... for / to