EnglishLinking Ideas in Arguments
Contrast | Addition | Result
---|---|---
however · although / though · despite / in spite of · whereas · while · nevertheless · on the other hand | moreover · furthermore | as a result · consequently · therefore
- however [/haʊˈevə(r)/]
- introduces a contrasting idea
The plan is expensive. However, it could save time. - although / though [/ɔːlˈðəʊ/; /ðəʊ/]
- introduces a contrast before a complete clause
Although the journey was long, we enjoyed it. - despite / in spite of [/dɪˈspaɪt/; /ɪn spaɪt əv/]
- introduces a contrast before a noun or an -ing form
Despite the rain, the festival continued. - whereas [/weərˈæz/]
- compares two contrasting facts or people
Mia prefers tea, whereas Leo prefers coffee. - while [/waɪl/]
- introduces a contrasting idea
While some students work quickly, others need more time. - nevertheless [/ˌnevəðəˈles/]
- means “despite that” and introduces a surprising contrast
The route was difficult; nevertheless, they reached the top. - on the other hand [/ɒn ði ˈʌðə hænd/]
- introduces the opposite side of an argument
Online learning is flexible. On the other hand, it can feel lonely. - moreover [/mɔːrˈəʊvə(r)/]
- adds a strong extra point
The hotel is central; moreover, it is affordable. - furthermore [/ˌfɜːðəˈmɔː(r)/]
- adds another supporting point
Furthermore, the new system is easier to use. - as a result [/æz ə rɪˈzʌlt/]
- shows a consequence
The train was delayed. As a result, we missed the meeting. - consequently [/ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/]
- shows a formal result or consequence
Demand fell; consequently, prices dropped. - therefore [/ˈðeəfɔː(r)/]
- shows a logical conclusion or result
The evidence is clear; therefore, action is necessary.
Form and punctuation
Linker | What follows? | Example |
|---|---|---|
Although / Though | a complete clause | Although technology is useful, it can be distracting. |
Despite / In spite of | a noun or an -ing form | Despite its benefits, technology can distract us. |
However | a complete clause | However, we cannot ignore its benefits. |
Whereas / While | a complete clause | Some people work online, whereas others prefer an office. |
Although technology is useful, it can be distracting. However, we cannot ignore its benefits. Therefore, we should use it wisely.
Choose and transform
Choose the linker that fits
Decide: contrast, addition, or result.
- [___] the restaurant was expensive and the service was slow, we enjoyed the meal because the food was excellent.
- The weather was terrible throughout the afternoon; [___] , the match continued because both teams wanted to finish it.
- Amir likes working from home because it is quiet, [___] Sofia prefers the office, where she can discuss ideas with colleagues.
- The bus did not arrive after we had waited for forty minutes; [___] , we took a taxi to the airport.
Rewrite each pair as one sentence
Keep both original meanings. Use the required linker and punctuation.
- Start with Despite: It was cold when we left home, but we went out to meet friends at the park.
[___]
- Start with Although: It was cold when we left home, but we went out to meet friends at the park.
[___]
- Join the ideas with however: The laptop is lightweight enough for travel. It is also powerful enough to run complex design software.
[___]
- Join the ideas with as a result: The school installed more computers in the library. More students could use online resources after lessons.
[___]
Reading an argument
Should university be free?
Read the article. Find each linking word or phrase and label it C (contrast), A (addition), or R (result).
University education should be free for all qualified students. Although governments would need to spend more money, free tuition could create a fairer society. Many capable young people avoid university because fees are high. Moreover, graduates often earn more and pay higher taxes later. As a result, some public investment may return to the economy.
However, opponents say free university is too expensive. Consequently, universities may need clear funding plans. Despite these costs, equal access can reduce inequality and strengthen communities. They argue that taxpayers without degrees would pay for others’ education. Nevertheless, a country benefits when more citizens gain skills. Some students prefer practical training, whereas others want academic courses. On the other hand, both paths need support. Therefore, governments should offer free university places, while vocational colleges receive funding for different needs. Furthermore, students need advice before choosing.
- Why might free university create a fairer society?
- What concern do opponents have about free university?
- What two educational paths does the article say need public support?
Difficult words
- qualified — having the necessary ability or standards
- tuition — the money paid for education
- capable — able to do something well
- graduates — people who have completed a university course
- public investment — money spent by the government for future benefit
- inequality — an unfair difference between groups of people
- vocational colleges — colleges offering practical job training
- funding — money provided for a project or service
Write a persuasive paragraph
Write 60–100 words for or against this statement:
Schools should ban smartphones during lessons.
Use at least four different linking words. Include:
- a clear position;
- a supporting reason;
- an opposing idea;
- a conclusion;
- at least one contrast linker;
- at least one addition or result linker.
Part of your argument | Useful starter |
|---|---|
Your position | I believe that… / In my view,… |
Supporting reason | Moreover,… / Furthermore,… |
Opposing idea | However,… / On the other hand,… |
Conclusion | Therefore,… / As a result,… |
Useful phrase bank: Although some students…, Despite the risks…, Nevertheless,…, whereas others…, consequently,…
