Why Linking Words Matter in SPM English
Read these two versions of the same paragraph:
Without linking words: “Pollution is a serious problem. The government has introduced new laws. Many factories continue to dump waste into rivers. Citizens must also play their part.”
With linking words: “Pollution is a serious problem. Although the government has introduced new laws, many factories still continue to dump waste into rivers. Therefore, citizens must also play their part.”
The second version flows naturally. Ideas connect logically. This is exactly what SPM examiners look for when awarding marks for coherence and cohesion — two criteria that directly affect your essay band.
Types of Linking Words and When to Use Each
1. Adding Information
Use these when you want to add another point that supports or extends your idea:
| Connector | Example |
|---|---|
| Furthermore | Exercise improves physical health. Furthermore, it boosts mental wellbeing. |
| In addition | The library offers books. In addition, it provides free Wi-Fi. |
| Moreover | She is hardworking. Moreover, she is always willing to help others. |
| Besides | Besides being affordable, online tutoring is convenient. |
| Also | He plays football. He also excels at badminton. |
| Not only… but also | Not only did she score A in English, but she also topped the class in Science. |
SPM tip: “Furthermore” and “Moreover” are interchangeable but sound more sophisticated than “Also” or “And.” Use them in argumentative and formal writing.
2. Contrasting Ideas
Use these when presenting an opposing point or unexpected result:
| Connector | Example |
|---|---|
| However | The plan seemed perfect. However, several problems arose during execution. |
| Although / Even though | Although he studied hard, he did not pass the exam. |
| Nevertheless | The weather was terrible. Nevertheless, the event proceeded as planned. |
| On the other hand | City life offers convenience. On the other hand, it can be stressful. |
| Despite / In spite of | Despite the rain, the students continued their outdoor activities. |
| While / Whereas | While some prefer online learning, others favour face-to-face classes. |
Common mistake: Don’t use “but” and “however” in the same sentence. Pick one.
- Wrong: But however, I disagree.
- Right: However, I disagree.
3. Showing Cause and Effect
Use these to explain why something happens or what results from it:
| Connector | Example |
|---|---|
| Therefore | He didn’t revise. Therefore, he performed poorly. |
| As a result | The river was polluted. As a result, many fish died. |
| Consequently | She missed the bus. Consequently, she was late for school. |
| Because / Since / As | She excels in English because she reads widely. |
| Due to / Owing to | The match was cancelled due to heavy rain. |
| Thus | The evidence was overwhelming. Thus, the committee approved the proposal. |
SPM tip: “Therefore” and “thus” work in formal essays. “So” is less formal — fine for narrative essays but avoid it in reports and formal letters.
4. Giving Examples
| Connector | Example |
|---|---|
| For example | Many students struggle with grammar. For example, subject-verb agreement is a common weakness. |
| For instance | Malaysian cuisine is diverse. For instance, we have nasi lemak, roti canai, and char kuey teow. |
| Such as | Outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling are popular among teenagers. |
| To illustrate | To illustrate, a student who reads daily builds vocabulary 3 times faster. |
5. Sequencing Ideas
| Connector | Use |
|---|---|
| Firstly / Secondly / Finally | Listing arguments |
| First of all / To begin with | Starting a sequence |
| Next / Then / After that | Narrative sequences |
| Meanwhile / At the same time | Simultaneous events |
| Eventually / In the end | Concluding a sequence |
6. Concluding
| Connector | Example |
|---|---|
| In conclusion | In conclusion, education is the key to a better future. |
| To sum up | To sum up, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. |
| All in all | All in all, the school trip was a memorable experience. |
| On the whole | On the whole, the project was a success. |
Warning: Don’t start every conclusion with “In conclusion.” Vary your concluding phrases across essays.
Common Mistakes with Linking Words
1. Starting every sentence with a connector
Problem: Furthermore, pollution is bad. Moreover, it affects health. In addition, it harms wildlife. Besides, it damages the economy.
This reads like a list, not an essay. Use linking words to connect ideas, not as sentence starters for every line.
2. Using connectors that don’t match the logic
Wrong: She studied hard. However, she scored well. (This implies scoring well is unexpected after studying hard — it’s not.)
Right: She studied hard. As a result, she scored well. OR She didn’t study. However, she scored well.
Always check: does the connector match the logical relationship between your sentences?
3. Comma errors with conjunctions
FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so): Use a comma before the conjunction when joining two independent clauses: “She wanted to study medicine, but her results didn’t qualify.”
However / Therefore / Nevertheless: Use a semicolon before or a full stop, plus a comma after: “The plan failed*; however,** we learned from it.”* “The plan failed*. However,** we learned from it.”*
Linking Words Cheat Sheet for Different Essay Types
Argumentative Essay
- Introducing your view: I firmly believe, In my opinion, From my perspective
- Supporting: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition
- Counter-argument: Admittedly, Some may argue that, It is true that
- Rebutting: However, Nevertheless, Despite this
- Concluding: In conclusion, Ultimately, All things considered
Narrative Essay
- Time sequence: One morning, Suddenly, Before long, Eventually
- Actions: Without hesitation, Immediately, At that moment
- Reflection: Looking back, Little did I know, It was then that I realised
Report / Formal Letter
- Presenting findings: It was found that, According to the survey
- Recommendations: It is recommended that, It would be advisable to
- Formal transitions: With regard to, In light of, Pertaining to
Practice: Connect These Sentences
Try adding appropriate linking words:
- She wanted to join the debate team. _____ she was afraid of public speaking.
- The school organised a recycling campaign. _____, 500 kg of recyclable waste was collected.
- _____ being new to the school, she quickly made friends.
- Exercise improves concentration. _____, students should engage in physical activity regularly.
Suggested answers:
- However / But
- As a result
- Despite
- Therefore
Need Help Making Your Writing Flow?
If your essays read as a collection of separate sentences rather than a connected argument, working with a tutor who can show you exactly where to add transitions makes a real difference. At SPMEnglish.com.my, we review your actual essays and teach you to weave linking words naturally throughout your writing. WhatsApp us to discuss how we can help improve your essay coherence.
Related Resources
- Essay Writing Techniques — Complete essay improvement guide
- How to Write a Strong Essay Introduction — Start essays powerfully
- Grammar & Sentence Structure — Build correct, complex sentences
- Extended Writing & Essay Program — Structured essay coaching