Linkers: Adding Information and Ideas

Introduction

Linking expressions are used in both spoken and written communication and are an
essential part of producing cohesive and coherent language.

This exercise explores the use of linkers for adding information or ideas.

First of all, we can divide the linking expressions according to whether they are more
commonly used in spoken English or written English:

Spoken English Written English

apart from (that) moreover

as well as (that) furthermore
plus the fact (that) in addition (to that)
besides (that) not only … but also
other than (that)
on top of that
above all
also / too

Exercise 1

Using adding linkers in the IELTS Speaking test

In Parts 2 of the speaking test, you will need to add information and ideas to give an
extended answer lasting 1-2 minutes.

To do that well, you should try to use a variety of adding linkers that are typical in
everyday spoken English.

Look at this example Part 2 answer and complete it with the correct linkers from the box.

as well also (x2) apart from that

on top of everything too besides

Question: Describe a piece of electronic equipment that you find useful.

 I’m going to describe my new mobile phone, which is a smartphone, and I’ve had it for
about 6 months now. To be honest I’m still learning how to use it because I’ve
never had an iphone before and there are lots of things that I can do with it that I
couldn’t do with my old phone.

There are many reasons why I find it so useful. First of all, it is a great way of keeping
up-to-date with the latest news stories around the world. I can use social
media networks like Facebook or download specific newspaper apps which I can
______ read when I’m offline.

________________, I can keep in touch with all my family and friends, even those
who live abroad and I can’t meet up with in person. Being able to send instant
messages at anytime definitely helps us to stay closer together.

________ as just sending text messages, I can ____ use the phone as a camera
and I love to take pictures of my kids which I can then share with my friends and
family using whatsapp or facebook.

________ all of that, I love the gps function because I am terrible at reading maps and
I often have to work in different locations so I really rely on my phone to get me
there on time.

I really like the translator tool ____ because I live in a country where my mother
tongue is not widely spoken so I often have to look up instant translations which
is really handy sometimes.

So, my phone has many really useful functions but ___________________, I think
the best thing for me is having social media in the palm of my hand, even if it can be a
bit addictive at times.

Exercise 2:

The linkers in this exercise are mixed: spoken and written.

Choose the correct linking expression from the box below to complete the following
sentences.

not only … but also in addition besides plus the fact

also moreover on top of that furthermore above all

1. _____________ to the fact that he rarely turns up for work on time, he is also rude and
disrespectful to other members of staff.

2. I can’t stand living in the city centre any longer. __________, I need to find somewhere
cheaper.
3. I don’t think I’ll be taking my Master this year because I don’t have enough time to
study. _______________ that I can’t afford it.

4. There are many reasons why I want to live and work abroad, but __________, I want
to have the opportunity to learn another language.

5. It’s not just a question of economics, it’s ______ a matter of principle.

6. The findings from this survey clearly indicate that more government funding is
necessary. ____________, it shows that the levels of public investment have
fallen short for many years.

7. _____________ was the defendant acquitted of all charges against her, ____ she
______received a public apology.

8. It was bad enough when I lost my job, but ____________ I was told that my
mortgage payments and monthly bills were going up.

9. The government has warned that the forthcoming budget will be controversial for its
party members. ___________, it is expected to be unpopular with a large section of
the electorate.
Exercise 3

Now look at the completed sentences from Ex.3 and say if you think the linker in
each one is more typical in spoken or written English.

1. In addition to the fact that he rarely turns up for work on time, he is also Please select
rude and disrespectful to other members of staff.

2. I can’t stand living in the city centre any longer. Besides, I need to find Please select
somewhere cheaper.

3. I don’t think I’ll be taking my Masters this year because I don’t have Please select
enough time to study. Plus the fact that I can’t afford it.

4. There are many reasons why I want to live and work abroad, but above Please select
all, I want to have the opportunity to learn another language.

5. It’s not just a question of economics, it’s also a matter of principle. Please select

6. The findings from this survey clearly indicate that more government
funding is necessary. Furthermore, it shows that the levels of public Please select
investment have fallen short for many years.

7. Not only was the defendant acquitted of all charges against her, but Please select
she also received a public apology.

8. It was bad enough when I lost my job, but on top of that I was told that Please select
my mortgage payments and monthly bills were going up.

9. The government has warned that the forthcoming budget will be Please select
controversial for its party members. Moreover, it is expected to be
unpopular with a large section of the electorate.