CELPIP Writing Course · Lesson 6 of 9
Paragraphs and Linking Words
By CELPass Editorial Team · 2 min read · Updated
Content/Coherence is about how easy your ideas are to follow. Clear paragraphs and a few well-chosen linking words do most of the work.
One idea per paragraph
Start each paragraph with a sentence that says what it is about, then add the detail. Leave a blank line between paragraphs so the structure is visible. In 150–200 words, four or five short paragraphs is normal.
Linking words by purpose
| Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|
| Add | In addition, Also, What is more, On top of that |
| Contrast | However, Although, While, On the other hand |
| Cause and result | Because, Since, As a result, This means that |
| Example | For example, For instance, In my case |
| Conclude | Overall, For these reasons, In short |
Don't overdo it
Starting every sentence with a linking word sounds mechanical. Use them where the relationship between ideas actually changes, and vary them. Pronouns and repeated key words (this problem, that option) also link ideas without any linking word at all.
Key points
- Topic sentence first, then detail; blank line between paragraphs.
- Choose linking words by purpose.
- Use them where meaning changes, not in every sentence.
Exercise
Choose the best linking word: However / As a result / For example.
- The bus only comes every 40 minutes. ___, many residents drive instead.
- A pool would be popular. ___, it would cost far more to maintain.
- Seniors would benefit too. ___, the centre could run morning walking groups.
Show answers
- As a result
- However
- For example
Practise with free questions
Free questions in the CELPIP format, with answers and no account needed. Try a few now, while the lesson is fresh.
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