The IB Extended Essay: Managing your research project

2.6 Writing critically

Connecting terms for critical writing

Using certain phrases can help your examiner see that you’re thinking critically. These words are
sometimes called indicators. These phrases help signpost your essay and direct your reader
through your argument.
These include phrases which:

 Show contrast/highlight differences

Examples include: although, however, on the other hand, having said this, on the contrary,
conversely, otherwise, yet, but, even so, despite, whereas, in contrast to this.

 Highlight the use of evidence to back up claims

Examples include: for example, because, such as, for instance, since, accordingly, by way of
illustration, as seen by.

 Draw a conclusion or explain the significance of the evidence

Examples include: this suggests, this shows that, this means, thus, therefore, in conclusion, to
sum up, to summarise, overall.

 Order ideas or add emphasis to specific points

Examples include: firstly, secondly, finally, moreover, furthermore, also, as well as, in addition,
next, subsequently, consequently.

 Emphasise importance
Examples include: importantly, significantly, above all, without question, without doubt,
unquestionably, the most important argument.

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The example below demonstrates the use of transition phrases:

Families, in particular women and children, are fleeing Syria to find refuge elsewhere and at
present over half of the population are estimated to be displaced. Recent research has shown
that over a million refugees have settled in Turkey, an estimated 1.1 million and rising in Lebanon,
and over 600,000 in Jordan [1].
In addition to fleeing the horrors of war, Syrians have cited the desire for a better education for
their children as a key reason for moving abroad [2]. Indeed, since 2011, the war has taken a
heavy toll on Syria’s education system and children's lives in general. Save the Children have
calculated that over a quarter of schools in Syria have been damaged, destroyed or re-purposed
during the war [3]. Therefore, finding a school which is still open presents a significant challenge
to families.
Not only this, but due to concerns over children’s safety in conflict areas, many of those schools
that have survived have experienced a dramatic decline in attendance as parents keep children at
home to keep them safe. This is especially prevalent in areas such as Aleppo where less than 6%
of children are enrolled [3]. As a result of these barriers to education, uprooting to another
country is seen by many as the only option if children are to receive an education.

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