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Linking words for Aptis Writing: which to use and when

Linking words for Aptis Writing by function: what the official descriptors separate between levels, examples and common mistakes.

Linking words do not raise your score by themselves, but the Writing descriptors do separate them between levels. In the formal email task (Part 4), the descriptors move from "only simple connectors" to "a limited number of connectors" and, in the higher bands, to "a range of connectors". Here are the linking words to keep at hand and how to use them without going over the word limit. For other parts of the exam, see the home page.

What the marker looks at

Writing is marked holistically: the whole text is scored at once for its features (grammar, vocabulary, cohesion), and the decision is whether it holds the level from start to end. There is no official breakdown by criteria; we make that breakdown ourselves. For Part 3, in the survey of 38 markers, the most valued things were the relevance of the content, completing the task, and accuracy of grammar and vocabulary. Linking words help cohesion, but they do not replace answering what you are asked.

What each task asks for

Part What it is Length Role of linking words
1 Five messages with single words 1-5 words None: you do not write sentences
2 Personal information 20-30 words Minimal: and, because
3 Three answers on a social-network-style website 30-40 words each One or two per answer
4 Two emails: informal and formal 40-50 and 120-150 words This is where the range shows

Linking words by function

(Our selection, not from the exam.)

Function For B1 For B2 and above
Adding and, also in addition, furthermore, moreover
Contrast but, however although, whereas, nevertheless
Cause because, so since, as a result of, owing to
Result so therefore, consequently, as a result
Example for example for instance, such as
Order first, then firstly, to begin with, finally
Concluding in the end to sum up, all things considered

How it looks in an answer

Without varied linking words (closer to a B1 style):

I think the new gym is good. It is cheap. It is near my house. I want to go there.

With linking words (closer to a B2 style):

I think the new gym is a good idea. In addition to being cheap, it is close to my house, so I could go every day.

Notice that the second text is not much longer (only a few more words), but it moves from a list of sentences to a reasoned idea. In Writing this matters: every word counts and the limit is strict.

Where to put them, by part

  • Part 3 (30-40 words per answer): one or two, without overloading. Although, because or so are enough.
  • Part 4, informal email (40-50 words): by the way, anyway, so, also.
  • Part 4, formal email (120-150 words): here a range is right: I am writing to…, In addition…, However…, Therefore…, I look forward to hearing from you.

Three common mistakes

  1. Repeating the same linking word (I like it and it is cheap and it is near…). Vary it: I like it; in addition, it is cheap and close to home.
  2. Using a contrast word with no contrast (The office is open. However, it closes at six. There is nothing to oppose). If there is no contrast, use also or in addition.
  3. Going over the word limit by adding linking words. In Part 2 the most common mistake is going over 30 words and filling the text with errors. A linking word that adds nothing is a wasted word.

How to practise

  1. Take a B1 text of your own (three short sentences) and rewrite it by joining them with two different linking words.
  2. Do the same with the formal email of Part 4: first without a template, then with a list of five linking words at hand.
  3. Count the words. If you go over, remove adjectives before linking words.
  4. Do the full Writing in the simulator and see if your linking words hold the text from start to end.

Frequently asked questions

How many linking words should I use in the formal email? There is no official number. The task descriptors talk about "range" versus "limited number", not about quantity. What is valued is that they are varied and show the relation between ideas well.

Are linking words scored separately? No. Marking is holistic: the whole text is assessed, and linking words are part of cohesion.

Do I need linking words in Part 1 and Part 2? In Part 1 you answer with single words, so no. In Part 2 (20-30 words) the simplest ones are enough. The important thing is not to go over the word limit.

Test your linking words

Practise your Writing in the simulator and check whether your linking words hold the text: take a practice exam in your browser.

Aptis is a registered trademark of the British Council. AptisBot is an independent project. Our feedback is an estimate, not an official result.

Sources

No sign-upPractise this in the botReal Aptis questions, with your writing and speaking corrected against the official 0-6 rubric.Don’t use Telegram? Take the full mock exam on the web →

Writing band descriptors (Aptis technical manual, Appendix H); scale report TR/2017/001, section 5.2.1 (survey of markers); Writing format, Aptis General technical manual. The lists of linking words and the examples are AptisBot's own judgement.