Useful linking words and phrases

1. For and Against essays consist of : an introductory paragraph in which you state the topic; a main body in which the points for and against, along with your justification, appear in two separate paragraphs; a closing paragraph in which you give either your opinion or a balanced consideration of the topic. a) to introduce points: one major advantage/disadvantage of, a further advantage, one point (of view) in favour of/against b) to list points: in the first place, first of all, to start with, secondly, thirdly, finally, last but not least c) to add more points to the same topic: what is more, furthermore, also, in addition to this/that, besides, apart from this/that, not to mention the fact that d) to make contrasting points: on the other hand, however, in spite of, while, nevertheless, despite, even though, although, it can be argued that e) to conclude: to sum up, all in all, all things considered, in conclusion, on the whole, taking everything into account, as was previously stated 2. Opinion essays should have : an introductory paragraph in which you state the topic and your opinion; a main body which consists of two or more paragraphs each should contain a separate viewpoint supported by your reasons and another paragraph giving the opposing viewpoint and reasons may be included; a conclusion in which you restate your opinion using different words. a) to express opinion: I believe, In my opinion, I think, In my view, I strongly believe, The way I see it, It seems to me (that) b) to list points: in the first place, first of all, to start with, secondly, thirdly, finally, last but not least c) to add more points to the same topic: what is more, another major reason, also, furthermore, moreover, , in addition to this/that, besides, apart from this/that, not to mention the fact that d) to introduce contrasting viewpoints: It is argued that, People argue that, Opponents of this view say, There are people who oppose, Contrary to what most people believe, As opposed to the above ideas e) to conclude: to sum up, all in all, all things considered, in conclusion, on the whole, taking everything into account 3. Discursive essays consist of : an introduction in which you state the topic, explaining the current or past situation; a main body consisting of two or more paragraphs, in each of which a viewpoint is discussed along with the opposing viewpoint; a closing paragraph in which you summarise the topic by making a general comment about it; your opinion can also be included. a) to bring up other points or aspects: as far as, regarding, as for, with regard to b) to make contrasting points: yet, on the other hand, however, in spite of, while, nevertheless, despite, even though, although, it can be/is argued that, opponents of this view say, there are people who oppose, contrary to the common belief (that) c) to conclude: to sum up, all in all, all things considered, in conclusion, on the whole, taking everything into account, as was previously stated d) to express reality: in fact, as a matter of fact, in practice, the fact is, actually 4. Providing solutions to problems essays consist of : an introductory paragraph which states the problem; a main body in which we present our suggestions and results/consequence; a closing paragraph in which we summarise our opinion.

a) to introduce suggestions: To begin with, to start with, One way to, Another solution woul be, Another way to would be b) to express cause: because of, owing to, due to the fact that, for this reason c) to express effect: thus, therefore, as a result, consequently, so, as a consequence d) to express reality: in fact, as a matter of fact, in practice, the fact is, actually e) to emphasise what you say: obviously, clearly, needless to say, in particular f) to conclude: to sum up, all in all, all things considered, in conclusion, on the whole, taking everything into account other situations: - to generalize: In general, On the whole, Generally - to introduce peoples opinions: Many people consider, Some argue/say/believe/claim