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Why use linking words?
Develop cohesion
Linking words are an important way of developing a logical flow of ideas. They act as signposts for the reader so they can follow the way the writer has organised their ideas.
Example
In the text below, notice how the writer uses linking words to develop the flow of their argument.
Do teams in organisations need leaders?
How and why the leader was selected also appears to affect the leader’s effectiveness. For example, Maxwell (2011) asserts that teams work better if they elect their own leader. However, Smith’s research (2010) shows that team leaders are mainly selected on a hierarchical basis. Furthermore, in most cases when leaders were not elected democratically, team members reported a lack of confidence in their leaders’ competence and knowledge.
Linking words
How and why the leader was selected also appears to affect the leader’s effectiveness. [linking word: For example], Maxwell (2011) asserts that teams work better if they elect their own leader. [linking word: However], Smith’s research (2010) shows that team leaders are mainly selected on a hierarchical basis. [linkin word: Furthermore], in most cases when leaders were not elected democratically, team members reported a lack of confidence in their leaders’ competence and knowledge.
Show connections between the ideas
Linking words enable the writer to show the connections between ideas. In the next example, notice how the use of linking words emphasises the writer’s analysis of their research.
Example
One factor within the team that seems to be important is the notion of team cohesiveness. Significantly, team cohesiveness enables a diverse group of individuals to work towards common goals. Maxwell (2011, p.107) argues that highly cohesive teams ‘have clear goals and successful outcomes’. For example, cohesive teams are more likely to work well together, have enthusiasm for their work (Brown 2009) and so achieve a high rate of success (Zheng & Hui 2008). Therefore, team cohesiveness has been shown to enhance team effectiveness.
Linking words
One factor within the team that seems to be important is the notion of team cohesiveness. [linking word: Significantly], team cohesiveness enables a diverse group of individuals to work towards common goals. Maxwell (2011, p.107) argues that highly cohesive teams ‘have clear goals and successful outcomes’. [linking word: For example], cohesive teams are more likely to work well together, have enthusiasm for their work (Brown 2009) and so achieve a high rate of success (Zheng & Hui 2008). [linking word: Therefore], team cohesiveness has been shown to enhance team effectiveness.