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Lessons
Understanding a Paragraph
Topic Sentence
Supporting Details 1
Supporting Details 2
Using Describing Words - 1
Using Describing Words - 2
Using Intensifiers -1
Using Intensifiers -2
Using Linkers
Paragraph Unity &
Coherence
Concluding Sentence
Review
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Using Linkers
In addition to the categories of vocabulary you have already learnt, there are other lexical (vocabulary) forms that
support our expressions in composing a good paragraph. One such classification of lexis is linkers. Linkers are also
called transitions or discourse markers. They help us establish our ideas explicitly. Linkers make it easy for us to
compare, contrast, illustrate, define, and summarize our thoughts and develop coherent paragraphs. This unit
introduces some linkers that help you to write a descriptive paragraph.
What are linkers?
Linkers are words that relate one idea or sentence of the text with another. They connect the ideas logically.
Why are they used?
They give direction to the writer. They are also used to guide the reader through his thoughts. They make the meaning
specific.
How to choose a linker?
Meaning is the first and the most important criterion in choosing a linker. The second is the logical relation that needs
to be made distinctly clear. For example, linkers like because, so and therefore express logical relations which are
different from those expressed by although, but and nevertheless.
What is their use in descriptive paragraphs?
It is important to use linkers while describing a person, place or thing. They help us in listing facts chronologically,
linking events across time, comparing and contrasting sketches, explaining graphic images and illustrating the main
idea.
Listed below are some of the important linkers. Let us now learn them.
type of linker examples broad meaning example
cause and effect because, so, accordingly, thus, introduces a reason and We had to wait because, it
consequently, hence, therefore, shows result was raining.
as
comparison similarly, likewise, whereas, but, identifies similarities Life is difficult in extreme
on the other hand, except, by between two ideas polls; similarly, it is horrible
comparison, when compared to, near the Equatorial regions.
equally, in the same way
contrast but, however, yet, still, even identifies differences Raj did not perform well in
though, nevertheless, on the between two ideas the exam; nevertheless, he
other hand, otherwise, after all, got a distinction in English.
for all of that, on the contrary,
notwithstanding, in contrast,
unlike, whereas, instead of,
alternatively, although
time at once, immediately, indicates time and The bell rang and the
meanwhile, at length, in the frequency of events students left immediately.
meantime, at the same time, in
the end, when, then, as, before
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 the end, when, then, as, before
that, after that
and, also, even, again, adds ideas in support of It is very hot today;
addition moreover, further, furthermore, the main idea moreover, there is a power
similarly, in addition, as well as outage.
for example, such as, for introduces illustrations in I think he is very rich; for
instance, in this case, in another support of the main idea example, he gave a
example case, on this occasion, in this hundred rupee note to a
situation, in this manner, to beggar.
illustrate
first, second, third, next, then, shows the importance of There is a students’
following, now, at this point, after, the ideas by listing procession today;
sequence
after this, subsequently, according to the priority therefore, they diverted the
eventually, finally, previously traffic.
draws conclusion by It is a love story, the actors
summarizing the ideas performed well, the direction
in brief, on the whole, in sum, to
summary is excellent, the settings are
sum up, thus
beautiful; in brief, it is a
good film.

Let us look at the linkers used in our model paragraph:

The Human Body

The human body is a wonderful piece of work that nature has created. It is not beautiful like the body of a butterfly or a
peacock but it is shaped practically. It can do many types of work which other animals cannot. It is not strong like the
body of a tiger. But in place of physical strength it has a big and sharp brain. By using this brain the human physique has
been able to overcome many of its limitations. By sitting in an aeroplane it flies faster than a kite, by riding a motorcycle it
travels faster than a leopard, and by firing a machine gun it fights much better than a tiger. In spite of all this, the human
body suffers from many diseases because it has a weakness for habits such as smoking, drinking and overeating. When
it is healthy the body can give great pleasure but when it is sick it can cause great pain. The wise man would always
keep his body fit because a healthy mind can work only in a healthy body.

Some of the linkers in the paragraph are but, in spite of, such as, when, because.

But is a linker that speaks of the contrast of beauty and strength between animals and the human body.

In spite of is also a linker that contrasts the strength of the human body with its weaknesses.

Such as is a linker that illustrates the weaknesses of human body by naming them.

When is a time linker that tells us what happens at the time the body is healthy or sick.

Because is a linker that states the reason for keeping the body fit and healthy.

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