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Ignition Learning — Activity Sheet

Linking ideas between paragraphs

English · Year 7

Name: ______________________Date: ____________

Paragraphs shouldn't feel like separate islands — linking words and phrases show how one idea connects to the next. Words like "however" and "in contrast" signal a change of direction. Words like "in addition" and "furthermore" add to a point. Words like "as a result" and "therefore" show cause and effect. Using these at the start of a paragraph helps the reader follow your thinking from one idea to the next.

Example

"Recycling reduces landfill waste. However, not everything can be recycled — some materials, like certain plastics, still end up as rubbish." "However" signals a shift from the benefit of recycling to a limitation.

Key terms

Linking word/phrase:: A word or phrase that shows how one idea connects to another.
Cohesion:: How smoothly ideas connect and flow across a piece of writing.

Questions

1. Linking words help a reader:
- See how ideas connect
- Ignore the text
- End sentences
- Replace commas
2. Which word signals a contrast?
- However
- Therefore
- In addition
- First
3. Which word signals adding a point?
- Furthermore
- But
- Although
- In contrast
4. Which phrase shows cause and effect?
- As a result
- On the other hand
- For example
- In addition
5. "In contrast" signals:
- A similar idea
- An opposite or different idea
- A summary
- A question
6. Cohesion means:
- How smoothly ideas connect and flow
- How long an essay is
- How many commas are used
- The title of an essay
7. Which word could start a paragraph that adds a new supporting point?
- Furthermore
- However
- Nevertheless
- But
8. "Screens can help kids learn. However, too much screen time can affect sleep." The word "however" shows:
- An added benefit
- A shift to a downside
- A cause
- A summary
9. Which linking phrase fits: "It rained all day. ___, the match was cancelled."?
- In addition
- As a result
- In contrast
- For example
10. Which linking word fits: "She trains every day. ___, she rarely misses a session."?
- Furthermore
- However
- Instead
- Unlike
11. Linking words are most useful when:
- Moving between one idea and a related or contrasting one
- Ending an essay
- Starting the very first sentence of a story
- Replacing all nouns
12. "Despite the rain, the game went ahead." "Despite" signals:
- A cause
- A contrast
- An addition
- A question
13. Which sentence uses a linking phrase to show cause and effect?
- The trains were delayed; therefore, we arrived late.
- The trains were delayed and red.
- The trains, delayed, were red.
- Trains, delays, lateness.
14. A paragraph that ignores links between ideas often feels:
- Smooth and easy to follow
- Disconnected and hard to follow
- Shorter than it is
- More persuasive
15. "The policy reduced costs. Nevertheless, staff morale fell." Which best explains "nevertheless"?
- It adds a similar positive point
- It signals an unexpected or contrasting result
- It shows a cause
- It ends the paragraph
16. Choose the best linking phrase: "The evidence is strong. ___, the committee has decided not to act yet."
- Similarly
- Even so
- In addition
- For instance
17. Overusing the same linking word (e.g. "however") throughout an essay mainly risks:
- Making the writing feel repetitive
- Making the ideas clearer
- Removing the need for paragraphs
- Fixing all grammar issues
18. Which pair of sentences is best joined with "therefore"?
- She studied hard. She enjoys music.
- She studied hard. She passed the exam.
- She studied hard. It rained yesterday.
- She studied hard. Paris is in France.
19. A writer wants to show that a second idea is equally true, not opposed. Which word fits best?
- Similarly
- However
- Although
- Despite
20. Linking words mainly serve the reader by:
- Guiding them through how the ideas in the writing relate to each other
- Replacing the need for paragraphs
- Making sentences shorter
- Ending the essay

Answer key (parent copy)

1. See how ideas connect
2. However
3. Furthermore
4. As a result
5. An opposite or different idea
6. How smoothly ideas connect and flow
7. Furthermore
8. A shift to a downside
9. As a result
10. Furthermore
11. Moving between one idea and a related or contrasting one
12. A contrast
13. The trains were delayed; therefore, we arrived late.
14. Disconnected and hard to follow
15. It signals an unexpected or contrasting result
16. Even so
17. Making the writing feel repetitive
18. She studied hard. She passed the exam.
19. Similarly
20. Guiding them through how the ideas in the writing relate to each other