I nte r nati o nal e n g LI s h lan g uag e testi n g syste m

The use of technology is increasing rapidly in the modern world.  Growing technologi-

cal influence can 

even

 

be seen in the classroom.  

Despite this

, it is disagreed that 

technology will completely replace the classroom teacher in the foreseeable future.  

Analyzing the inability of a technology-driven teacher to both cater to student 

learning needs and instill motivation will show 

this.

Please note the manner in which these linking words help all sentences in the para-

graph work as a team:

Even – This is used to narrow a topic.  Here, it is being used to restrict the essay’s 

scope.  We are not talking about all technology, we are talking about technology ap-

pearing in a classroom.  Note how the word ‘even’ therefore evolves the ideas of our 

background sentence further.

Despite this – A phrase used to show concession.  Although we acknowledge that 

technology is becoming more apparent in the classroom, we do not believe it will 

overtake all facets of the student’s educational experience.

This – ‘This’ refers to our thesis and states that the supporting ideas of lack of edu-

cational accommodation and the inability to motivate will act as proof of this thesis.  

Can you see how the word ‘this’ acts as a bridge between the outline sentences and 

the central argument of the thesis?  The clarity with which the reader can see the 

writer’s argumentative progression is clear.  Using ‘this’ declares a clear relationship 

between the thesis and the points to be used in support of the thesis.

For all remaining writing demonstrations you encounter in this book, please actively 

note how linking phrases are used to show the relationships between sentences and 

paragraphs.

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IELTS Academic and General Task 2: How to write at a band 9 level

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