Linking Words That Boost Your IELTS Writing Score
Writing a strong essay in IELTS requires more than just good ideas. How you connect sentences and paragraphs plays a huge role in your score. Using proper linking words makes your writing clear, logical, and easy to read. This guide explains the types of linking words and how they can help you achieve a 9 band writing task 2 score.
What Are Linking Words?
Linking words, also called connectors or transitional phrases, help show the relationship between ideas in writing. They guide the reader through your essay and make your arguments stronger.
For example:
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Instead of: “Pollution is a problem. It affects health.”
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Use: “Pollution is a problem because it affects health.”
Using these words correctly can improve your coherence and cohesion score in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Types of Linking Words
1. Adding Information
These words are used to add extra points or ideas. They make your essay flow naturally.
Examples:
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Moreover,
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In addition,
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Also,
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As well as
Example sentence:
“Education improves employment opportunities. Moreover, it helps people develop critical thinking skills.”
2. Showing Contrast
Contrast words show the difference between two ideas. This is especially useful when presenting opposing viewpoints in Task 2.
Examples:
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However,
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On the other hand,
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Although,
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Despite
Example sentence:
“Many people prefer online learning. However, classroom learning offers better interaction.”
3. Giving Reasons
When explaining why something happens, reason words are essential.
Examples:
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Because,
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Since,
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Due to,
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As a result of
Example sentence:
“Many cities face traffic congestion because of population growth.”
4. Showing Results
Linking words for results show the effect of an action or idea.
Examples:
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Therefore,
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As a result,
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Thus,
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Consequently
Example sentence:
“Air pollution increases respiratory problems. Consequently, governments need stricter regulations.”
5. Giving Examples
Using examples strengthens your arguments and makes your points more convincing.
Examples:
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For example,
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Such as,
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For instance,
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Namely
Example sentence:
“Healthy habits improve life expectancy. For example, regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease.”
6. Sequencing Ideas
Sequence words organize your essay logically. They are useful for explaining steps or processes.
Examples:
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First,
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Next,
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Then,
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Finally
Example sentence:
“First, students should understand the question. Next, they need to plan their essay before writing.”
7. Emphasizing Points
Some words highlight important ideas in your essay.
Examples:
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Indeed,
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In fact,
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Clearly,
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It is important to note
Example sentence:
“Indeed, learning a new language improves career prospects.”
How Linking Words Improve Your IELTS Writing Score
Coherence and Cohesion
The IELTS Writing Task 2 is scored on coherence and cohesion, which measures how well your ideas connect. Linking words are the key to achieving high scores in this area.
Clarity of Argument
Good connectors make your argument clear and easy to follow. Readers can understand the flow of your ideas without confusion.
Professional Impression
Using linking words correctly shows examiners that you can write formal academic English. This is essential for a 9 band writing task 2 score.
Tips for Using Linking Words Effectively
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Don’t Overuse – Using too many linking words can make your essay look unnatural. Use them where they fit naturally.
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Vary Your Words – Avoid repeating the same connectors. Mix words from different categories.
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Practice in Essays – Regular practice in full essays helps you use linking words naturally.
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Use Simple Words – Complex words are not necessary; clarity matters more than complexity.
Recommended Practices for Students
Practice Writing Paragraphs
Try writing small paragraphs using at least 3 different linking words. This will help you remember them easily.
Read Model Essays
Notice how linking words are used in high-scoring essays. Reading essays from trusted IELTS coaching in Karnal institutes can give you a better idea.
Get Feedback
Have teachers or peers check your use of connectors. Feedback helps you improve faster and avoid common mistakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using connectors incorrectly: e.g., “Despite of the rain” (wrong) → “Despite the rain” (correct).
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Repeating the same linking word multiple times in one paragraph.
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Using informal words like “and stuff” or “so” in formal essays.
Practice Exercise
Here’s a simple exercise to practice linking words:
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Combine these two sentences using a linking word:
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Many people exercise regularly.
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They stay healthy.
Answer:
“Many people exercise regularly. As a result, they stay healthy.”
Doing small exercises like this daily can improve your fluency in using connectors.
Linking Words for Comparison
When you want to compare two ideas, comparison words make your writing smoother.
Examples:
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Similarly,
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Likewise,
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In the same way,
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Just as
Example sentence:
“Online learning improves access to education. Similarly, traditional classrooms provide social interaction.”
Linking Words for Concession
Concession words show that you acknowledge an opposing idea before presenting your argument. This is useful in IELTS essays to make your writing balanced.
Examples:
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Although,
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Even though,
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While it is true that,
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Despite
Example sentence:
“Although technology reduces face-to-face interaction, it enhances learning opportunities.”
Linking Words for Condition
Conditional connectors help you express situations that depend on other events.
Examples:
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If,
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Unless,
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Provided that,
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As long as
Example sentence:
“If governments invest in renewable energy, pollution levels can decrease significantly.”
Linking Words for Purpose
Purpose words explain why something happens or why an action is taken.
Examples:
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To,
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In order to,
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For the purpose of,
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So that
Example sentence:
“Students should read widely in order to improve their vocabulary.”
Linking Words for Summary
At the end of a paragraph or essay, summarizing words help to conclude ideas clearly without writing a formal conclusion.
Examples:
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In conclusion,
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To summarize,
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Overall,
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In brief
Example sentence:
“Overall, regular exercise and a healthy diet contribute to a better quality of life.”
Practical Tips for Memorizing Linking Words
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Make a Word Bank – Create a small notebook or digital file with categories of linking words.
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Use Flashcards – Write the word on one side and its usage on the other.
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Daily Writing Practice – Apply at least 5 new linking words in your essays daily.
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Peer Review – Exchange essays with friends and check each other’s use of connectors.
How Teachers Recommend Using Linking Words
IELTS experts from IELTS coaching in Karnal suggest:
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Start with simple words before moving to complex connectors.
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Focus on clarity; don’t force a word if it doesn’t fit.
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Read your essay aloud to ensure the transitions sound natural.
Sample Paragraph Using Various Linking Words
Topic: Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Learning
“Online learning offers flexibility for students. In addition, it allows access to global resources. However, it may reduce personal interaction with teachers and peers. Despite this drawback, online platforms provide opportunities for self-paced study. For example, students can watch recorded lectures multiple times. As a result, learners can improve their understanding of complex topics. In conclusion, online education is a valuable tool when combined with traditional learning methods.”
This added content includes:
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More categories of linking words (comparison, concession, condition, purpose, summary)
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Practical memorization tips
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Expert advice from IELTS coaching
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A sample paragraph using multiple linking words
- Linking Words That Boost Your IELTS Writing Task 2 Score
- Learn how using effective linking words can improve coherence and help you achieve a 9 band writing task 2. Tips for IELTS coaching in Karnal included.
- 9 band writing task 2, IELTS Writing Score,
