Academic Essay Writing: Structure and Linking Devices

Posted on Oct 27, 2025 in English Studies

Effective Connectors for Academic Essays

Use the following linking devices based on the type of essay you are writing. Note that many connectors are suitable for both Opinion and For and Against essays.

Connectors for Opinion Essays

Expressing Personal Opinion
  • I certainly believe that…
  • I am certain that…
  • To my mind, there is no question that…
  • I am convinced that…
  • It has long been my feeling that…
  • Without doubt.
  • As far as I am concerned…
  • I believe there is no evidence to support…
  • I cannot agree with…
Introducing General Beliefs (Common Knowledge)
  • It is widely accepted that…
  • It is usually considered to be…
  • It is often said that…
  • It is generally believed that…
  • On the whole, it is thought that…
  • Some people argue that…
  • It is often stated that…
Sequencing and Adding Points
  • First and foremost,
  • Secondly,
  • Furthermore,
  • Moreover,
  • Not only… but also…
  • A further advantage/disadvantage/criticism of…
  • What is more,
  • Last but not least,
Showing Contrast and Concession
  • Whilst it is true that…
  • Despite the fact that…
  • Although…
  • Nevertheless,
  • However,
  • On one hand, on the other hand…
  • Despite / In spite of…
Stating Cause and Effect (Result)
  • Therefore,
  • And so,
  • As a result,
Concluding
  • All in all,
  • To sum up,

Connectors for For and Against Essays

In addition to the sequencing and contrast connectors listed above, use these phrases to introduce arguments:

Introducing Arguments and Personal Views
  • Some scientists claim…
  • My own view is that…
  • It is said that…
  • There are people who argue that…
  • In my opinion, personally, I believe that…
Introducing Contrast and Opposition
  • On the other hand,
  • In contrast,
  • Conversely,
  • By way of contrast,
Introducing Consequences
  • As a consequence,
  • Consequently,
Concluding
  • In conclusion,
  • All in all,
  • To sum up,

Essay Structure Templates

Structure for an Opinion Essay (5 Paragraphs)

  1. Paragraph 1: Introduction. Introduce the topic using a general statement and clearly state your opinion. Say whether you agree or disagree with the statement.
  2. Paragraph 2: First Supporting Reason. Give the first reason to support your opinion. Provide specific justifications, using examples if necessary.
  3. Paragraph 3: Second Supporting Reason. Give the second reason to support your opinion. Provide specific justifications, using examples if necessary.
  4. Paragraph 4: Third Supporting Reason. Give the third reason to support your opinion. Make sure this is clearly different from the points you made in the previous two paragraphs.
  5. Paragraph 5: Conclusion. Summarize your main ideas and repeat your opinion using different words to provide a strong conclusion.

Structure for a For and Against Essay

Introduction
Introduce your topic. Use a definition, a question, an example, or describe the current state of the situation. Advance that you are going to discuss both sides of the issue.
Arguments For
Mention at least 2 or 3 ideas in favor of the topic. Justify them or give examples.
Arguments Against
Mention at least 2 or 3 ideas against the topic. Justify them or give examples.
Conclusion
Summarize the main ideas of the paragraphs. You can give your own opinion, ask the readers for theirs, or simply state that there are different points of view / good and bad sides to the issue.

Essential Writing Checklist: Grammar and Style

Ensure variety and complexity in your writing by checking the following elements:

Grammatical Structures

  • Variety of Verbal Tenses: Use Past Simple, Past Perfect, Present Perfect Simple and Continuous, Future Perfect, Future Continuous, Used to, and Would.
  • Modal Verbs: Use modals for speculation and deduction (e.g., can’t be, can’t have been).
  • Conditional Sentences: Use various forms (e.g., if, as long as, in case, provided that, unless, If only…).
  • Gerunds and Infinitives: Ensure correct usage (e.g., stop doing / stop to do, I would like to, He denied stealing…).
  • Reported Speech: Use indirect speech (e.g., He said that…, She wanted to know if…).
  • Passive Voice: Employ passive structures (e.g., I was given…, It is believed that…).
  • Causative Form: Use causative structures (e.g., I had my hair cut yesterday).

Style and Vocabulary

  • Modifiers: Use comparative and superlative modifiers (e.g., She is a bit / slightly / far / a great deal better than…, She is by far / easily the best…).
  • Variety of Connectors: Ensure diverse use of linking words (e.g., However, Nevertheless, In addition, Whereas). (Note: Use ‘despite’ or ‘in spite of’, but avoid ‘despite of’.)
  • Useful Expressions: Incorporate appropriate idiomatic phrases.
  • Vocabulary: Use a range of sophisticated adjectives, adverbs, idioms, and phrasal verbs.