The Best Linking Words to Use in Norskprøven Writing Tasks

Navigating the Norskprøven Writing Section with Cohesive Devices

The Norskprøven, Norway’s official language proficiency test, assesses a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in Norwegian across four domains: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. The writing section, in particular, demands not only grammatical accuracy and a diverse vocabulary but also a clear, coherent, and well-structured argument. A crucial element in achieving this coherence is the strategic use of linking words and phrases, often referred to as cohesive devices or discourse markers. These linguistic tools act as the “glue” that binds sentences and paragraphs together, creating a seamless flow of ideas and enhancing the overall readability and persuasiveness of your written response. Neglecting their proper application can result in a disjointed and difficult-to-follow text, even if the individual sentences are grammatically correct. Think of linking words as the road signs on a linguistic journey, guiding the reader smoothly from one point to the next, indicating the relationship between ideas, and ensuring they don’t get lost along the way.

The Importance of Cohesion and Coherence

Before delving into specific linking words, it is imperative to understand the foundational concepts of cohesion and coherence in written communication. Pass the Norskprøven with confidence—register at NLS Norwegian Language School now.

Cohesion: The Linguistic Fabric

Cohesion refers to the grammatical and lexical ties that connect a text. It is about how the actual words and sentences are linked together. Examples of cohesive devices include pronouns (e.g., han, hun, den), conjunctions (e.g., og, men, fordi), adverbs (e.g., derfor, imidlertid), and lexical repetition or semantic fields (e.g., using “pollution” and then “environmental degradation” rather than simply repeating “pollution” incessantly). When a text exhibits strong cohesion, the reader can easily follow the connections between different parts of the argument. It’s the visible threads that hold the fabric of your writing together.

Coherence: The Logical Flow

Coherence, on the other hand, relates to the logical consistency and clarity of a text. It concerns the meaning and organization of ideas. A coherent text makes sense as a whole; its ideas are presented in a logical order, and the arguments are easy to understand. While cohesion focuses on the surface-level linguistic connections, coherence operates at a deeper, conceptual level. A text can be cohesive (e.g., using many linking words) but lack coherence if the ideas themselves are illogical or poorly organized. Conversely, a text can be coherent without a vast array of explicit linking words if the logical progression of ideas is very strong. However, in the context of the Norskprøven, explicit linking words are invaluable for demonstrating your control over discourse and ensuring your arguments are unequivocally clear to the examiner.

Linking Words for Adding Information

When constructing an argument, you will frequently need to expand on a point, provide additional details, or offer further justifications. A diverse repertoire of linking words for adding information will allow you to do this gracefully and avoid monotony.

Simple Additions

Og: The most fundamental conjunction meaning “and.” Used to connect words, phrases, and clauses of equal grammatical weight.
Example: Jeg liker å lese og skrive. (I like to read and write.)
Samt: More formal than og, often used to connect elements in lists or to add a final important item.
Example: Møtet diskuterte nye strategier samt budsjettfordeling. (The meeting discussed new strategies as well as budget allocation.)
I tillegg (til): “In addition (to).” This phrase is highly versatile for adding further points.
Example: Boligprisene er høye. I tillegg har renten steget. (Housing prices are high. In addition, interest rates have risen.)
Videre: “Furthermore” or “further.” Used to present additional points in a sequenced argument.
Example: Dårlig kosthold kan føre til helseproblemer. Videre kan det påvirke energinivået. (Poor diet can lead to health problems. Furthermore, it can affect energy levels.)
Dessuten: “Moreover” or “besides.” Similar to videre, but can sometimes carry a slightly stronger emphasis.
Example: Det er dyrt å bo i byen. Dessuten er kollektivtransporten ineffektiv. (It’s expensive to live in the city. Moreover, public transport is inefficient.)

Elaborating and Expanding

For det første / For det andre / For det tredje: “Firstly / Secondly / Thirdly.” Essential for structuring lists of arguments or reasons.
Example: Det er flere grunner til at vi bør investere i fornybar energi. For det første er det bedre for miljøet. (There are several reasons why we should invest in renewable energy. Firstly, it’s better for the environment.)
Også: “Also” or “too.”
Example: Hun snakker fransk også. (She also speaks French.)
Både … og …: “Both … and …”
Example: Han er både intelligent og hardtarbeidende. (He is both intelligent and hardworking.)
Ikke bare … men også …: “Not only … but also …” Used to highlight that something also possesses another quality or feature.
Example: Kurset er ikke bare informativt, men også veldig engasjerende. (The course is not only informative, but also very engaging.)

Linking Words for Contrasting Ideas

Arguments often involve presenting different perspectives, highlighting discrepancies, or acknowledging opposing viewpoints. Using appropriate linking words for contrast demonstrates a nuanced understanding of a topic and strengthens your analytical abilities.

Direct Contrast

Men: The most common conjunction meaning “but.” Used to introduce a contrasting idea.
Example: Været var dårlig, men vi hadde det likevel gøy. (The weather was bad, but we still had fun.)
Derimot: “On the other hand” or “however.” Signals a strong contrast, often used to present an opposing fact or opinion.
Example: Noen mener at globalisering er fordelaktig. Derimot peker andre på ulempene. (Some believe that globalization is advantageous. On the other hand, others point out the disadvantages.)
Imidlertid: “However.” A more formal alternative to men or derimot, often used at the beginning of a sentence.
Example: Regjeringen har lovet reformer. Imidlertid er fremdriften langsom. (The government has promised reforms. However, progress is slow.)
Likevel: “Nevertheless” or “even so.” Indicates that despite a previous statement, something else is still true or happens.
Example: Han var syk, likevel gikk han på jobb. (He was sick, nevertheless he went to work.)
På den annen side: “On the other hand.” Similar to derimot, often used when comparing two sides of an argument.
Example: Det er mange fordeler med bylivet. På den annen side kan det være stressende. (There are many advantages to city life. On the other hand, it can be stressful.)

Concessive Clauses

Selv om / Til tross for at: “Even though / Despite the fact that.” Introduces a subordinate clause that expresses a concession.
Example: Selv om det regnet, gikk vi en tur. (Even though it rained, we went for a walk.)
Example: Til tross for at de investerte mye, var resultatene skuffende. (Despite the fact that they invested a lot, the results were disappointing.)
Mens: “While” or “whereas.” Used to contrast two simultaneous situations or ideas.
Example: Han foretrekker å lese bøker, mens søsteren hans liker å se filmer. (He prefers to read books, whereas his sister likes to watch films.)

Linking Words for Expressing Cause and Effect

Demonstrating logical reasoning is paramount in academic and formal writing. Linking words for cause and effect allow you to explain why something happened or what the consequences of an action are.

Stating Causes

Fordi: “Because.” The most common conjunction for introducing a reason or cause.
Example: Hun var trøtt fordi hun hadde jobbet sent. (She was tired because she had worked late.)
På grunn av: “Because of” or “due to.” Used with a noun phrase.
Example: Prosjektet ble forsinket på grunn av tekniske problemer. (The project was delayed because of technical problems.)
Ettersom: “As” or “since.” Often used to introduce a known or obvious reason.
Example: Ettersom det er fredag, kan vi slappe av. (As it is Friday, we can relax.)
Siden: “Since.” Similar to ettersom, often implying that the cause is already understood.
Example: Siden du er her, kan du hjelpe meg. (Since you are here, you can help me.)

Stating Effects or Consequences

Derfor: “Therefore” or “consequently.” Indicates a direct logical consequence.
Example: Han studerte hardt, derfor bestod han eksamen. (He studied hard, therefore he passed the exam.)
Altså: “So” or “thus.” Often used to draw a conclusion from what has been said.
Example: Det er en stor etterspørsel etter olje. Altså vil prisene sannsynligvis stige. (There is a high demand for oil. Thus, prices will probably rise.)
Følgelig: “Consequently” or “as a result.” More formal than derfor.
Example: Produksjonen har falt. Følgelig er det en risiko for mangel. (Production has fallen. Consequently, there is a risk of shortage.)
Som et resultat: “As a result.” Clear and direct way to show a consequence.
Example: Klimaendringene har ført til ekstremvær. Som et resultat ser vi flere flommer. (Climate change has led to extreme weather. As a result, we are seeing more floods.)
Resultatet er at…: “The result is that…”
Example: Mange unge flytter fra distriktene. Resultatet er at byene vokser. (Many young people are moving from rural areas. The result is that cities are growing.)

Linking Words for Structuring and Summarizing

A well-structured text is easy to follow and understand. Linking words that indicate structure, introduce examples, or summarise points are vital for ensuring clarity and conciseness in your Norskprøven writing task.

Structuring Arguments

For eksempel: “For example.” Essential for providing evidence or clarification.
Example: Det er mange helsefordeler med å trene. For eksempel styrker det hjertet. (There are many health benefits to exercising. For example, it strengthens the heart.)
Blant annet: “Among other things” or “for instance.” Used to give examples without listing all of them.
Example: Mange land innfører restriksjoner, blant annet Kina. (Many countries are implementing restrictions, among other things China.)
Spesielt / Særlig: “Especially” or “particularly.” Used to highlight a specific point or example.
Example: Økonomien er under press, spesielt innenfor oljeindustrien. (The economy is under pressure, especially within the oil industry.)
For å illustrere: “To illustrate.” A more formal way to introduce an example.
Example: Mangel på søvn påvirker konsentrasjonen. For å illustrere, kan jeg nevne en studie… (Lack of sleep affects concentration. To illustrate, I can mention a study…)

Summarising and Concluding

Til slutt: “Finally” or “in conclusion.” Used to signal the end of a list of points or an argument.
Example: Det er mange fordeler med digitalisering. Til slutt kan det øke effektiviteten. (There are many advantages to digitalisation. Finally, it can increase efficiency.)
Avslutningsvis: “To conclude” or “in closing.” A formal phrase for concluding a text or a section.
Example: Avslutningsvis vil jeg understreke viktigheten av samarbeid. (To conclude, I would like to emphasise the importance of cooperation.)
Kort sagt: “In short” or “briefly.” Used to summarise a complex point.
Example: Markedet er ustabilt. Kort sagt, er det vanskelig å forutsi fremtiden. (The market is unstable. In short, it is difficult to predict the future.)
Alt i alt: “All in all” or “on the whole.” Used to summarise overall impressions or conclusions.
Example: Været var dårlig og maten dyr. Alt i alt var ferien en skuffelse. (The weather was bad and the food expensive. All in all, the holiday was a disappointment.)
Med andre ord: “In other words.” Used to rephrase or clarify a point.
Example: Inflasjonen har økt. Med andre ord, har kjøpekraften svekket seg. (Inflation has increased. In other words, purchasing power has weakened.)

Effective Application in the Norskprøven

Mastering these linking words is not merely about memorisation; it is about strategic application. When approaching your Norskprøven writing tasks, consider the following:

Vary Your Vocabulary

Avoid repetitive use of the same linking words. While “og” and “men” are fundamental, showing an ability to use synonyms like “samt,” “dessuten,” “derimot,” and “imidlertid” demonstrates a broader linguistic range and sophistication. This is like painting with a full palette of colours rather than just two or three primary ones; it adds depth and richness to your work.

Understand Nuances

Each linking word carries subtle shades of meaning. For instance, “derfor” implies a strong, direct causal link, whereas “følgelig” or “som et resultat” might suggest a more indirect or longer-term consequence. Using the right word for the right context is paramount for precision.

Practice Sentence and Paragraph Structure

Linking words are most effective when integrated into clear sentence and paragraph structures. They are the joints in your linguistic skeleton, but without a skeleton, the joints are useless. Ensure your sentences are grammatically correct and your paragraphs focus on a single, coherent idea.

Review and Self-Correct

After writing your draft, dedicate time to reviewing your use of linking words. Ask yourself:

Are the connections between my ideas clear?
Have I used a variety of linking words?
Are there any places where the flow feels disjointed, and a linking word could improve it?
Have I overused certain linking words?

NLS Norwegian Language School: Your Path to Norskprøven Success

In a world where language skills are increasingly valued, the NLS Norwegian Language School stands out with its specialised Norwegian Test Preparation course. This program is tailored for students at various stages of language mastery, aligning with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standards, and is designed for those aspiring to master the Norwegian language. This course is a beacon for learners aiming to conquer the Norskprøven, a pivotal test for proving language proficiency in Norway. Our Norskprøven course includes mock tests to help students prepare and pass, providing invaluable practice in applying these essential linking words and developing robust writing skills under exam conditions. Through focused instruction and targeted exercises, NLS equips you with the strategies and linguistic tools necessary not just to pass, but to excel in the Norskprøven, ensuring your arguments are cohesive, coherent, and compelling.