THE IMPACT OF WEAK USE OF LINKING WORDS ON COHESION AND COHERENCE IN B1 LEVEL STUDENTS’ WRITING

Abstract

This article examines the impact of weak use of linking words on cohesion and coherence in B1 level students’ writing. Linking words play a crucial role in connecting ideas and ensuring logical flow in written texts; however, many intermediate learners struggle to use them accurately and appropriately. The study investigates how insufficient use of connectors affects the overall quality of students’ writing and introduces an innovative instructional approach known as the Linking Words Awareness and Manipulation Task (LWAMT). Two groups of B1 learners were taught using different methodologies: a traditional method and the LWAMT approach. Data was collected through writing tasks, text manipulation activities, and reflective responses. The findings indicate that students taught through the innovative method demonstrated greater awareness, variety, and accuracy in the use of linking words, resulting in improved cohesion and coherence. The study highlights the importance of moving beyond traditional teaching methods and adopting interactive, awareness-based approaches to improve writing skills in English language learners.