LINK QUESTIONS

These questions ask you to consider how writers make connections in their writing ie how the content of one paragraph connects relates to another. 2 marks are usually available for this question.

How to recognise a Link Question.

Look for the following key words:

“Referring to specific words and phrases show how the sentence X (lines a-b) performs a linking function in the writer’s argument.

You will usually be asked to focus on two paragraphs and consider how the writer continues his/her ideas from the previous one or how a writer changes ideas and introduces a new topic/issue/ into their line of thought.

Link Questions

Examples of Continuing Link Words: Firstly, Secondly, Finally,

Moreover, Also, In addition to this, Following on from this. (these)

Examples of Changing Link Words : However, Yet, Conversely, On the other hand, But, In opposition to this (these)

Location: You will find these two categories of Linking Words and Phrases usually at the start of a new sentence or the start of a new paragraph.

So Topic Sentences at the start of a new paragraph are crucial then. They act as a Bridge linking the content of one paragraph to another.

SUGGESTED APPROACH

You need: Two paragraphs Two different coloured highlighters One Link Sentence. One Brain (not optional!)

Read 1st Paragraph and Highlight its topic sentence in colour 1

Now beside that paragraph make a few short notes on what its content is. What is it about?

Now read 2nd paragraph and focus upon its topic sentence- the Linking Sentence the question is asking you to focus on.

Now beside this paragraph again make some short notes on what the paragraph is about.

Now go back to the Linking Sentence. What words and phrases link back to the subject/ content of Paragraph1? Highlight these in Colour1.

Now what words and phrases introduce subject of Paragraph 2? Highlight these in Colour 2

SUGGESTED APPROACH

Your answer must quote the words and phrases which link back to the subject of the previous paragraph and say what it is -1 mark

Your answer must also quote the words and phrases which link forward to the subject of the new paragraph and say what it is -1 mark.

Model Answer pg 14

The word “vast” links back to the previous topic which was concerned with the sheer number of servants present in society in 1851.

The word “heterogeneous” links forward to the new subject which introduces the diverse roles and duties that these servants had to carry out.