Link evidence, not drama

A linking device tells the reader how to interpret the relationship between ideas. Because introduces a reason, while so or therefore presents a result. Although and however signal that the next idea limits, contrasts with or surprises the first. In addition adds another relevant point. These words do not create the relationship; they promise that the relationship already exists in the evidence and reasoning. A writer breaks that promise by saying, ‘Two records changed together; therefore, one caused the other.’ The connector is grammatical, but the causal conclusion is unsupported. Punctuation also matters. Although introduces a dependent clause: ‘Although Option B cost less, it missed the target.’ However can connect two sentences or independent clauses with suitable punctuation: ‘Option A met the target; however, it required more maintenance.’ The choice between them is grammatical and rhetorical, not simply a search for a longer word. Environmental comparisons require common measures. Options should be examined over the same duration, unit and conditions before a connector such as more effective or therefore is justified. A trade-off needs its own measure or at least an explicit description. One option may use less water but require more maintenance. Another may cost less initially but perform differently over time. A limited recommendation names the chosen criterion and what remains unknown. Fictional classroom data can support language practice, but the text must not present them as real evidence about a site, species or climate. Clear connectors help readers follow the reasoning; explicit source boundaries stop the reasoning from travelling beyond the record.