Writing tips for ESL students with connectors and structures (level: b1/b2)

Writing compositions in English can be a challenging yet rewarding skill for ESL (English as a Second Language) students. While speaking and listening often come more naturally through immersion, writing requires a structured approach, a solid grasp of grammar, vocabulary, and the ability to organize thoughts coherently. This post will guide ESL learners and teachers through practical strategies, helpful tips, and essential tools — including transitional connectors and composition structures — to make writing a more manageable and enjoyable process.

Steps to writing a strong composition

1. Understand the Prompt
Make sure you read the question carefully. What is the topic? What kind of composition is required — narrative, descriptive, argumentative, or opinion-based?

2. Brainstorm Ideas
Before writing, you should write down ideas related to the topic. Encourage mind-mapping or listing keywords to help generate content.

3. Create an Outline
A good composition has a beginning, middle, and end. Here’s a simple structure you can follow: 

• Introduction – Introduce the topic and present a thesis or main idea. 

• Body Paragraphs (2-3) – Each paragraph should focus on one key idea, with supporting details and examples. 

• Conclusion – Summarize the main points and restate the opinion or outcome.

4. Use Linking Words and Connectors
Connectors help organize thoughts and guide readers through the text. 

Here are some useful examples:

For Adding Ideas: • Additionally • Moreover • Furthermore • In addition

For Giving Examples: • For example • For instance • Such as • Namely

For Contrasting: • However • On the other hand • Although • Nevertheless

For Showing Cause and Effect: • Because • As a result • Therefore • Consequently

For Sequencing: • First of all • Then • After that • Finally

For Emphasizing: • In fact • Indeed • Especially • Above all

Different types of compositions

Mastering different types of compositions is essential for ESL students to develop fluency and confidence in writing. Each type requires a different approach, vocabulary, and structure. Below, you'll find practical guidance for argumentative, opinion, for-and-against, descriptive, and narrative compositions, including structure outlines, useful connectors, and topic ideas to help students get started.

Further information in the PDF.

Download all four pages with tips for writing a great composition in English (with example topics, connectors and structures (argumentative, descriptive, narrative, opinion and for-and-against).

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