Links are the way one paragraph hands the reader to the next. A stock phrase such as “selain itu” or “di samping itu” tells the reader that something is coming, but not how it relates. Stronger links show the relationship.
Start from your well-built paragraphs in developing a claim with an example.
What does a strong link do?
A strong link shows one of four relationships: cause, contrast, result or continuation of the same idea. It uses content from the paragraph before. The reader should feel the second paragraph grew from the first.
Three tools help: repeat a key word, answer a question you raised, or state the consequence.
Worked example
Paragraph A ends: “Dengan demikian, pelajar yang membaca setiap malam lebih mudah mengingati perkataan baharu.”
Stock link: “Selain itu, pelajar juga perlu bersukan.”
The reader is given no reason for the jump. Compare an idea-based link:
“Namun, ingatan yang baik bukan hanya hasil membaca. Badan yang sihat turut membantu otak bekerja.”
The new paragraph starts from the idea of memory and adds a contrast (“bukan hanya… turut”). The writer (invented student, Hafiz) keeps the thread without a stock opener.
A plausible mistake
Hafiz begins four paragraphs with “Selain itu”, “Di samping itu”, “Tambahan pula” and “Akhir sekali”. The words change, but each one is only a label.
To fix this, read the end of each paragraph and ask: what does the reader wonder next? Begin the following paragraph with the answer. If nothing connects, the order of paragraphs may need to change.
Self-check
- Which relationship does this link show: “Akibatnya, kantin menjadi sesak pada waktu rehat.”?
- Rewrite this link using an idea from the previous paragraph. Previous ends: “…pelajar kurang bersarapan.” Next: “Selain itu, mereka mengantuk di kelas.”
Show answer
- Result. “Akibatnya” points to a consequence of the earlier point.
- For example: “Perut yang kosong turut membuat mereka mengantuk di kelas.” It repeats the idea of an empty stomach and links cause to effect.
Where this leads
Once links are smooth, the last paragraph matters most. Move on to revising a conclusion so it answers the task.
Try the writing revision compare view to compare two versions of the same link. If your links still sound like labels, a teacher can read your paragraphs with you. The Malay tuition page explains how to start with a paid one-hour trial.