Academic Writing-Linking words

I can do it, but...

Coherence

Coherence describes the way anything, such as an argument (or part of an argument) “hangs together.” If something has coherence, its parts are well-connected and all heading in the same direction.

Cohesion

Cohesion refers to the way we use vocabulary and grammatical structures to make connections between the ideas within a text. It provides flow and sequence to your work and helps make your paragraphs clear for the reader.

How can we create cohesion?

Linking wordsAcademic writing usually deals with complex ideas. To enable the reader to follow your thoughts, they need to be clearly and smoothly linked. To join ideas and sentences, we use a number of connecting words and phrases. For example:

and – to add informationhowever – to show contrast therefore – to show cause and effect although – to qualify because – to show cause and effect whilst – to signal concurrency

Referring backwards

To avoid repeating words and phrases many times, we use cohesive devices to make references to other parts of a text, such as: Pronouns: it, he, she, his, her, they, their Demonstratives: this, that, these, those Articles: a, the Adverbs: previously, subsequently

As previously mentioned

Complete the next exercise

This time

his

The Australian prime minister has called an early election. __________ was selected to coincide with the start of the Olympic Games. _________ was based on the views of _______ ministerial advisors, who predicted that voter confidence in the government’s policies would be strong at _______. _________________, decisions on the timing of elections are based on predictions of voter confidence in the existing government.

This decision

The date

Looking forward

We often use words and phrases to highlight new information for the reader. This helps make a smooth transition from one point to another. Such phrases include: the following, as follows, below, next, subsequently.

Synonyms

To emphasise attention on a part of text, we sometimes repeat the same word or phrase. However, this technique can make the writing start to sound repetitive if it is used too often. To avoid this, we can use words and phrases with similar meaning to refer back to an earlier concept.

The government’s election campaign commenced with a media blitz outlining a series of election promises. This beginning to the campaign sparked numerous media commentaries.

Adapted from: https://students.unimelb.edu.au/academic-skills/resources/editing-your-writing/improving-cohesion#:~:text=What%20is%20cohesion%3F,paragraphs%20clear%20for%20the%20reader.

Linking words

Linking words help you to connect ideas and sentences when you speak or write English. We can use linking words to give examples, add information, summarise, sequence information, give a reason or result, or to contrast ideas.

• For example
• As well as
• Furthermore

Taken from:https://english-at-home.com/grammar/linking-words/

BUT

But is used to connect ideas that contrast.

I love chocolates, but I hate sweets.

However

However is used to contrast information in a sentence.

I study very hard for this test. However, I failed again!

AND

And is used to add information.

She is a famous singer and also an actress.

Because

It is used to give a reason.

I didn't do my homework because I was sick.

So

So is used to express a consequence.

You are right, so we are going to accept the contract.

ORDER

These linkers are used to organize events.

First of all, I do yoga, then I meditate. After that, I take a shower. Finally, I go to bed.

• First
• Second
• Third...
• Then
• After that
• Finally

Choose the

correct option

a. So b. First of all c. Because d. Then

First, I have breakfast.---- I go to work.

a. and b. first c. because d. finally

I don't like Maths ----- they are so difficult.

a. then b. before c. however d. and

Jason wants to play football, ----- he is sick.

a. so b. finally c. however d. and

She likes fruits, vegetables ----- fish.

First he does his homework, then he does exercise. ____, he goes to bed.

a. before b. finally c. so d. however

She loves animals, --- she doesn't have any.

a. after that b. first of all c. but d. and

Thanks!

Good habits

Bad habits

vs

gOOD AND

bad HABITS

Are you a healthy or an unhealthy person?

What good habits do you have?

What bad habits do you have?

cHOOSE THE CORRECT OPTION

can

If you want to loose weight, you ______ eat carbohidrates at night.

shouldn`t

couldn´t

Amazing!

Try again!

Must

It is used to express: Obligation and lack of obligation

Obligation: You must study harder if you want to pass the subject.

Lack of obligation: You musn't drive today, I can do it.

*Must isn't commonly used in questions.

May /Might

It is used to express: Possibility, permission, give permission, ask for permission.

Possibility: It might rain later.

Permission: May I speak with you? Give permission: You may have another cookie if you want.

*It may rain. (Probability 70%) It might rain (Probability 40%) Might is not used to ask for permission.

Choose the best option

shouldn´t

She _______ be careful at night because this city is dangerous.

might

must

Incredible!

Try again! You can do it!

The 3th flag

is open now

Modal verbs

Modal verbs are used to express certain hypothetical conditions, such as advice, capability, or requests

• Can
• Could
• Should
• Must
• Might
• May