Writing reference

The writing reference section contains:

• a variety of key expressions and linking words and phrases

• an editing checklist of key points you should be thinking about when you complete a task for Paper 2

• a checklist for different task types.

Useful linking expressions

The list below provide a selection of linking expressions that you will find useful in your writing.

1 Time sequence

• When/As soon as/ The moment they arrived, the meeting began.

• On hearing the news, we immediately phoned to congratulate them.

• From early childhood/an early age, she showed great aptitude for music.

• Throughout his adult life, he has dedicated himself to helping others.

• Up to that time, she ha never even been abroad.

2 Listing

• First of all, it must be stated that …

• Secondly, it could be argued that …

• Last but nor least, it must be remembered that …

• Finally, it is important to …

3 Adding information/emphasizing a point

• He left early – and on top of that/to cap it all, he didn’t pay for his share of the meal. (informal)

• She didn’t really want to see the film, and besides/anyway/anyhow she was too tired to go to the cinema now. (informal)

• The rent i8s reasonable and moreover/furthermore/in addition the location is perfect.

• Not only has he achieved a great deal, but he has also set an example for a generation.

• They want new regulations in the hostel; above all, they want to restrict the noise level in the evenings.

• These new medicines are perfectly safe. Indeed, they can be given to young children.

4 Giving examples

• Many things contributed to her success, for instance/for example/such as hard work, good fortune and the support of her friends.

• To illustrate this point, …

• Let’s take the example of …

5 Explaining/reformulating

• Some cars are more environmentally friendly than others. That is to say/In other words, they cause less pollution.

• He read the newspaper to confirm what he knew already, that is/namely that his team had lost.

• You should treat you colleagues as friends, or, better still/rather, as close friends if you want to create a good working atmosphere.

6 Contrast

• She was very kind. By/In contrast, he seemed very callous.

• Some people learn languages easily. Conversely, others find it very difficult.

• It wasn’t a good thing; on the contrary, it was a huge mistake.

• They decided not to take the car. Instead, they caught the next train.

• On the one hand I enjoyed their company, but on the other hand their strange lifestyle disturbed me.

7 Concession

• Although/Even though he was feeling unwell, he attended the meeting.

• Despite feeling unwell, he attended the meeting.

• He felt unwell; however/nevertheless/nonetheless, he attended the meeting.

• He was feeling unwell but he attended the meeting all the same/even so. (informal)

• My friends left the cinema before the end of the film whilst/whereas/while I stayed until it had finished.

• No matter how many/However many times I listen to that music, it still move me to tears.

• Whoever comes, it will be a valuable opportunity to discuss the problem.

8 Giving opinions

• In my opinion/view, he is one of the most impressive writers of our generation.

• It seems to me that one of the biggest problems facing us today is …

• (Personally,) I feel that more needs to be done to encourage young people to take responsibility for the environment.

• I can honestly say that …

9 Commenting/expressing own attitude (sentence adverbials)

• Surely it must be obvious to anyone that this plan is doomed is failure.

• Clearly, more needs to be done to persuade people to use public transport.

• Not surprisingly, there has been considerable opposition to this plan.

• Irritatingly/Annoyingly, the authorities have decided to cut the funds available for the project.

10 Giving reasons

• Seeing that/As it was getting late, they decided to return home.

• Trains are being delayed owing to/due to/because of the inclement weather.

• They liked his idea, in so far as/to the extent that it made money for the company.

11 Purpose

• In order for her to live a comfortable life, she had to find a well-paid job.

• She spoke quietly in order not to/so as not to wake the sleeping child.

12 Results/consequences

• A lot of people voted for his entry and thus/consequently/therefore/as a result/accordingly he was awarded the prize.

• He became a citizen in 1999, thereby gaining the right to vote.

• Many areas have been modernized in such a way as to make the city more attractive to tourists.

13 Comparisons

• It’s a good deal/a great deal/very much easier to watch sport than to take part.

• She looked as if/as though she’d seen a ghost.

• He was nowhere near/nothing like as good at tennis as (he was at) basketball.

• The more cities expand, the less access we have to the countryside.

14 Summing up

• Although the day was not a complete success, all in all it went as well as could be expected.

• To sum up/In short, it was a highly successful visit.

• Overall, what I most admire is their determination to succeed.

• In conclusion/Finally/To conclude, it seems clear that tourism is having an adverse effect on the area.

• The team played well, but at the end of the day they just weren’t good enough to win. (informal)

Checklist of key points for editing