Linking Words That Strengthen Informative Writing

Linking words (also known as text connectives) play a fundamental role in informational writing. They allow writers to connect ideas, describe processes and explain concepts in a way that readers can follow effortlessly. Without them, informational texts can seem choppy and disjointed.

This set of five activity worksheets has been created by our team to build your students’ understanding of how linking words are used in informative writing. Each worksheet contains a different activity to help students explore how connectives bring clarity and structure to factual texts. Activities include:

• Spot the Connectives
• Connectives Cloze
• Add a Connective
• Comparing Texts
• Using Connectives in Informative Writing

This resource downloads as a black-and-white PDF or editable Google Slides file. The download also includes an answer key to make grading the worksheets fast and easy. 

Engaging with this resource will help your students write more cohesive informative texts through the effective use of text connectives.

Types of Connecting Words in Informative Writing

There are various types of connecting words used in informative writing to help organize ideas and guide readers through the text. Here are some different connective types that your students need to be familiar with:

• Causal Connectives – These words show why something happens or what the result is, helping writers explain relationships between ideas (e.g. because, therefore, as a result).
• Comparing Connectives – These words highlight differences or show opposing ideas, making them useful for comparing concepts or distinguishing between facts (e.g. however, although, on the other hand).
• Additive Connectives – These connectives add extra information, allowing writers to build on an idea or include additional facts smoothly (e.g. and, also, moreover, in addition.

Download Your Joining Words Worksheet Pack

Looking to download this joining words worksheet pack? Use the Download button above to access your preferred version resource. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template on your personal drive before accessing it.)

As this resource contains answers, you may wish to print one copy only, then remove the answer sheet before making further copies.

Print the worksheets for immediate classroom use (double-sided, if you can!) or save time at the photocopier by projecting them onto a digital screen.

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More Worksheets and Activities for Connector Words

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