Linking Words at B1: However, Although, In Addition, As a Result
B1 · Writing Lab · about 30 minutes
1 · Learn
You already own and/but/because/so. B1 adds the written family: however (contrast, starts a sentence, comma after), although (contrast inside a sentence), in addition / furthermore (adding a point), as a result / therefore (formal result), for instance / for example (evidence), meanwhile (time contrast), in other words (restating).
Punctuation is half the skill: “However,” opens with a comma after it; “although” never takes a comma before its clause's main part; and two full sentences joined by “however” need a period or a semicolon before it — never just a comma.
2 · See an Example
Same Facts, Better Glue
Online learning is not automatically easier than classroom learning. Although students can study at any hour, they must supply their own discipline — and discipline, unlike Wi-Fi, cannot be installed. As a result, many online courses have painfully low completion rates.
In addition, the classroom offers something the screen still struggles to copy: other people. Questions are answered in seconds, and classmates become a reason to continue. However, none of this means online learning is a failure. Used by motivated adults, it is a powerful second chance. The tool is neutral; the student's habits decide.
3 · Analyze the Example
- Although inside the sentence. “Although students can study at any hour, they must supply their own discipline.” Concession first, claim second, comma between.
- As a result = formal so. It opens the RESULT sentence with a comma after it — written English's favorite chain-link.
- However as the pivot. After two paragraphs of problems, “However,” turns the whole argument: balance arrives in one word.
- A restated landing. “The tool is neutral; the student's habits decide” — a semicolon pairs the two halves of the final judgment.
Useful Vocabulary
It is expensive. However, it lasts for years.
Although it rained, we went out.
He trained daily. As a result, he improved fast.
Furthermore, the plan saves money.
The course has a low completion rate.
Useful Expressions
- However, …
- Although …, …
- In addition, / Furthermore, …
- As a result, / Therefore, …
- For instance, …
Common Mistakes
✗ The hotel was expensive, however the view was amazing.
✓ The hotel was expensive. However, the view was amazing. / The hotel was expensive; however, the view was amazing.
“However” between two full sentences needs a period or semicolon before it — a comma is not strong enough.
✗ Although it was raining, but we went out.
✓ Although it was raining, we went out.
Although already carries the contrast — never pair it with “but”.
✗ He studied hard. As a result he failed.
✓ He studied hard. As a result, he passed easily.
Two errors: logic (hard study → success) and the missing comma after “As a result”.
4 · Guided Practice
Join with although: “The tickets were expensive. We bought them.”
See a model answer
“Although the tickets were expensive, we bought them.”
Fix the punctuation: “She trained every day, however she lost the match.”
See a model answer
“She trained every day. However, she lost the match.” (or a semicolon before however).
Upgrade the glue: “Online courses are flexible. Also, they are cheaper. So, many adults choose them.”
See a model answer
“Online courses are flexible. In addition, they are cheaper. As a result, many adults choose them.”
5 · Write — Your Task
✍️ Write two paragraphs on a balanced topic (remote work, electric cars, learning apps) using at least FIVE of these, correctly punctuated: however, although, in addition, furthermore, as a result, for instance, meanwhile.
Goal: 2 paragraphs, 10–12 sentences · Length: 160–200 words
- However = new sentence or semicolon, comma after it.
- Although replaces but — never use both.
- Circle every linker when you finish and check its punctuation.
6 · Check — Self-Check
Work through your checklist honestly, then run the Self-Check. It counts words and sentences and spots mechanical points — it does not grade your English. You are the editor.
Read a model answer for the task
Electric cars are often presented as the simple future of driving. They are quiet, cheap to run, and clean in the city. However, their batteries tell a more complicated story: mining the materials damages landscapes far from the clean streets. In addition, a battery replaced after ten years can cost as much as a small car.
Although these problems are real, engineers are answering them one by one. Recycling now recovers most battery metals, for instance, and each generation lasts longer. As a result, the honest position is neither worship nor rejection — it is patience.
7 · Improve & Rewrite
Weak version — rewrite it in your notebook first, then compare:
Studying abroad is exciting but it is expensive but you learn a lot and you meet people and it is hard because you are alone so it is good and bad.
See an improved version
Studying abroad is exciting. However, it is expensive, and the costs surprise many students. In addition to money, there is the quieter price of distance: birthdays missed, jokes unexplained. Although students are often lonely at first, most grow faster in that year than in any other. As a result, they return changed — not just educated, but enlarged.
Quick Quiz
Keep going
📘 Grammar deep-dive: Conjunctions & Linking Words: and / but / because / so🌱 Vocabulary Builder: the B1 Technology Media set🎓 TOEFL Writing: the exam version of this skill← Previous lesson · B1 — all lessons · Next: Conclusions That Land: Ending With Force →
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