VSTEP Linking Words: Connectors by Function for Writing and Speaking
Quick answer: Linking words make your VSTEP Writing and Speaking coherent, and coherence is a scoring criterion in both skills. You don't need hundreds of them: learn 5–6 for each function (adding, contrast, cause, result, examples, conclusion) and use them in the right place with the right punctuation.
Why linking words matter on VSTEP
In Writing, the marking criteria include coherence and cohesion: a clear structure, with sentences and paragraphs that connect naturally. In Speaking, examiners assess fluency and coherence. Linking words are the quickest way to show the examiner that your ideas follow a clear order.
Linking words by function
| Function | Common linking words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adding | In addition, Moreover, Furthermore, Besides, Also, What is more | Online learning is flexible. Moreover, it is often cheaper. |
| Contrast | However, Nevertheless, Although, While, On the other hand, In contrast | Although the city is expensive, it offers many jobs. |
| Cause | Because, Since, As, Due to, Because of, Owing to | Many people work from home due to high rents. |
| Result | Therefore, As a result, Consequently, Thus, So | Traffic is heavy. As a result, many people cycle. |
| Examples | For example, For instance, Such as, In particular | Some sports, such as swimming, are good for all ages. |
| Sequence | First, Second, Then, Next, Finally | First, I will describe the problem. Then, ... |
| Emphasis | In fact, Indeed, Clearly, Especially | In fact, most students study at night. |
| Conclusion | In conclusion, To sum up, Overall, All in all | In conclusion, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. |
Linking words for Speaking
When speaking, use phrases that sound more natural than written connectors:
- Starting: Well, To be honest, In my opinion, Personally, I think...
- Adding a reason: The main reason is that..., Another thing is...
- Giving an example: For example, Let me give you an example...
- Finishing: So that's why..., All in all...
5 common mistakes
- Overusing them: starting every sentence with a connector sounds forced. One or two per paragraph is enough.
- Wrong punctuation: However and Therefore start a sentence and take a comma after them. Don't write "..., however it is..." as if it were a conjunction.
- Mixing up Although and However: Although joins two clauses in one sentence; However starts a new one.
- Mixing up Because and Because of: because + clause, because of / due to + noun.
- Repeating one word: "Moreover" three times in one essay. Rotate words with the same function.
How to practise
- Pick 5 words per function and use only that set until it feels natural.
- Rewrite an old paragraph, replacing repeated connectors with others of the same function.
- When practising Speaking, record yourself and count how many different linking words you used.
The VSTEP Practice app has model answers and marking criteria for Writing and Speaking, so you can see how linking words are used in a high-scoring answer.
See also: how to write the VSTEP Task 2 essay.