Linking words for 11 plus English

Linking words show how two ideas join. Some add: also, furthermore. Some contrast, for a surprise: however, although. Some give cause and effect: because, therefore, as a result. Some show time: meanwhile, eventually. Before you choose, ask: more of the same? A surprise? A reason? A time? Name the link, then choose the word.

Idea one: the puzzle looked easy. Idea two: it took us all afternoon. Would you expect that? No. An easy puzzle should be quick. So it is a surprise, and a surprise is contrast. However. The puzzle looked easy. However, it took us all afternoon.

The trap is therefore. It sounds grown-up, and it fits the gap. But therefore means because of that. The puzzle did not take all afternoon because it was easy. Therefore says the opposite of what the sentences mean.

• 6.1Choosing the word that fitsPredict, then check
• 6.2The right form for the gapKind first, then form
• 6.4One mistake or noneOne check at a time: None can be the answer
• 6.5Missing letters and shuffled sentencesMeaning first, then letters

Every 11 plus English topic