you could also pass the variable through the url.
<a href="page.php?something=words">
Then access that variable with $_GET['something']
This is a little simpler than using sessions, although sessions are very easy once you use them. If you don't want people seeing the variable or being able to change it (they can change the variable if it's up in the url), then go with sessions. If it's just a quick little solution, go with the url.
Cgraz