B2 Stage 2: Linked sentences
Refer back instead of repeating
Referring back in writing: this change, this trend
You can point back to an idea with words like this, these, it or they, so you do not repeat the same words.
This guide is for B1 writers moving to B2. It is a stage 2 skill: write 2-3 sentences (20-70 words).
When to use referring back
When your next sentence is about the idea you have just written. It stops your text from sounding like a list of repeated words.
Referring back: how to do it
To avoid repeating yourself, point back to the idea with a short word. 'It' and 'they' replace a noun that is clear from the sentence before. 'This' and 'these' point back to an idea, and 'this + noun' ('this change', 'this problem', 'these results') says exactly which idea you mean. Check that it is clear what the word points to: 'Many students work and study. This is difficult.' (What is difficult?) is clearer as 'This combination is difficult.' Then add something new: 'The council built a new cycle path. This change has encouraged more people to cycle to work.'
Useful language for referring back
- this change
- this trend
- this problem
- This is why ...
- These ...
- Such ...
Example of referring back
Many cities now offer bikes that people can rent for a few minutes. This service is cheap, and it helps residents avoid traffic jams. Such schemes also reduce air pollution, because fewer short journeys are made by car.
Topic: Bike-sharing schemes
How the BetterWrite coach checks referring back
The BetterWrite coach checks 3 points for this skill, plus accuracy and staying on topic, and quotes your own words when one is not there yet.
Try it
Write 2-3 sentences about a new shopping centre. Point back to an earlier idea with words like this, these, it or they, and then add something new.
Write 20-70 words (2-3 sentences).