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6. WAYS TO LINK A PARAGRAPH

The first or last sentence in the paragraph should contain the essential reason for the inclusion of that paragraph. This is called a topic sentence, orientation or valid generalisation. The first and last sentence in a paragraph can serve as a link between paragraphs, using words like:

above all firstly, secondly ... instead
only then * accordingly in summary
following this otherwise likewise
afterwards as a result certainly *
consequently even though for this reason
however in conclusion in particular
meanwhile nevertheless more specifically
obviously * rather still
therefore to sum up on the contrary
it might be thought for example also
provided at the same time clearly *
earlier finally further(more)
if this be granted indeed in order that
many a case like this nonetheless not surprisingly
of course * similarly surprisingly
though whether admittedly
on the other hand later although
besides curiously enough while this is so
even if for instance although
besides since this is so even if
then hence in addition
in fact in short moreover
not only.. but also not until then one .. two

* Beware the absolute nature of these words. There are not many definite ideas in the world! Words like of course, definitely, always, never, totally, every one are dangerous to the validity of your argument because one exception in the entire universe renders your argument incorrect or invalid.

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Ways to introduce another viewpoint

although · on the other hand · even though
on the opposite side · nevertheless · sometimes people may
however · on the other side · in spite of
one side of the issue · in contrast to · this differs from
at the same time · notwithstanding · despite this
At a deeper level · What needs to be noted · However, the basic issue is
On closer inspection, it is worth considering that ...
Ultimately, it must be realised that ..
More importantly however ...
More significantly however ...
More to the point is the fact that ...
On the surface, it might seem that .......however
The fundamental question is not however ...
On first sight it might seem plausible to argue that ....however, on closer inspection
To argue .... is insufficient (not enough) .... it is necessary to consider ...

Ways to show your interpretation of key words or sources

The meaning is
This means
It can be inferred
In summary
This term can be defined as
Definitions vary but
The most common definition is
This is usually defined as