Linking Words and Phrases in Reading Texts

Linking Words and Phrases in Reading Texts

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to recognize and identify different linking words and phrases that occur in reading texts.

Introduce the objective of the lesson and explain the importance of recognizing linking words and phrases in reading comprehension.

What do you already know about linking words and phrases in reading texts?

What are Linking Words and Phrases?

Linking words and phrases are words that connect ideas and sentences together in a text. They help to show the relationship between different parts of the text.

Explain to students what linking words and phrases are and how they help to improve reading comprehension.

Examples of Linking Words and Phrases

Examples of linking words and phrases include: 'however', 'therefore', 'in addition', 'meanwhile', 'furthermore', 'likewise', 'conversely', 'otherwise', 'despite', 'although', 'in contrast', 'as a result', 'for instance', 'on the other hand', 'thus', 'similarly', 'nonetheless', 'instead', 'while', 'yet'.

List some common linking words and phrases that students are likely to encounter in their reading.

Contrast Linking Words

Contrast linking words show a difference or a contrast between two ideas. Examples include: 'however', 'in contrast', 'on the other hand', 'nevertheless', 'yet'

Explain to students that contrast linking words are used to show a difference or contrast between two ideas.

Addition Linking Words

Addition linking words show that one idea is being added to another. Examples include: 'furthermore', 'in addition', 'also', 'moreover', 'as well as'

Explain to students that addition linking words are used to show that one idea is being added to another.

Cause and Effect Linking Words

Cause and effect linking words show the relationship between a cause and its effect. Examples include: 'thus', 'consequently', 'as a result', 'therefore', 'hence'

Explain to students that cause and effect linking words are used to show the relationship between a cause and its effect.

Comparison Linking Words

Comparison linking words show the relationship between two ideas that are being compared. Examples include: 'likewise', 'similarly', 'in the same way'

Explain to students that comparison linking words are used to show the relationship between two ideas that are being compared.

Conclusion Linking Words

Conclusion linking words show that a conclusion is being drawn from the ideas presented in the text. Examples include: 'therefore', 'thus', 'consequently', 'as a result'

Explain to students that conclusion linking words are used to show that a conclusion is being drawn from the ideas presented in the text.

Practice: Identify the Linking Words

Read the following paragraph and identify the linking words and phrases: 'Although it was raining, I decided to go for a walk. However, I soon regretted my decision when I got soaked. In addition, I slipped on a wet leaf and fell over. Nevertheless, I continued my walk and eventually found a rainbow.'

Use this slide to provide an interactive activity where students can practice identifying linking words and phrases in a given text.

Practice: Use Linking Words

Using the following phrases, write a paragraph that uses linking words and phrases to connect the ideas: 'I love reading. I especially enjoy mystery novels. I also like science fiction.'

Use this slide to provide an interactive activity where students can practice using linking words and phrases to connect ideas in their own writing.

Review: Contrast Linking Words

Contrast linking words show a difference or a contrast between two ideas. Can you name some examples?

Use this slide to review the concept of contrast linking words and have students provide examples.

Review: Addition Linking Words

Addition linking words show that one idea is being added to another. Can you name some examples?

Use this slide to review the concept of addition linking words and have students provide examples.

Review: Cause and Effect Linking Words

Cause and effect linking words show the relationship between a cause and its effect. Can you name some examples?

Use this slide to review the concept of cause and effect linking words and have students provide examples.

Review: Comparison Linking Words

Comparison linking words show the relationship between two ideas that are being compared. Can you name some examples?

Use this slide to review the concept of comparison linking words and have students provide examples.

Review: Conclusion Linking Words

Conclusion linking words show that a conclusion is being drawn from the ideas presented in the text. Can you name some examples?

Use this slide to review the concept of conclusion linking words and have students provide examples.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some common mistakes to avoid when using linking words and phrases include: using too many linking words, using them incorrectly, and not varying the types of linking words used.

Explain to students some common mistakes to avoid when using linking words and phrases in their writing.

Benefits of Using Linking Words and Phrases

Using linking words and phrases can help to improve the flow of a text, make it easier to read and understand, and improve the overall quality of the writing.

Explain to students the benefits of using linking words and phrases in their writing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, recognizing and using linking words and phrases is an important skill for improving reading comprehension and writing quality.

Summarize the main points of the lesson and emphasize the importance of practicing and using linking words and phrases in their reading and writing.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.