What linking words do in IELTS Writing
Linking words (also called connectors, linkers or discourse markers) show the reader how one idea relates to another. They signal addition, contrast, cause, example, result or conclusion. In IELTS Writing, they are one part of what the public band descriptors call coherence and cohesion. Check the official IELTS organisers for the current descriptors, because they are the only reliable source for how your writing is assessed.
Linking words help, but they are not a trick. A clear essay with logical paragraphs and a few well-chosen linkers usually reads better than one packed with connectors in every sentence. Think of linkers as road signs: useful when placed where the reader needs direction, distracting when there are too many.
Linking words by function
Learn linkers by what they do, not as one long list. That way you choose the word that matches your meaning.
| Function | Examples |
|---|---|
| Listing and sequencing | firstly, secondly, finally, in addition, next |
| Adding information | moreover, furthermore, in addition, also, besides |
| Giving examples | for example, for instance, such as, in particular |
| Contrast | however, on the other hand, in contrast, whereas, while |
| Concession | although, even though, despite, nevertheless |
| Cause | because, since, as, due to, owing to |
| Result | therefore, as a result, consequently, thus, so |
| Emphasis | indeed, in fact, notably |
| Concluding | in conclusion, to sum up, overall |
Some formal words in this list are used less naturally than they look. “Furthermore” and “moreover” are fine in an essay, but using them in every paragraph will sound mechanical.
20 linking words to learn first
If you search for “the 20 linking words”, there is no official list, so treat any list as a suggestion. A practical core set covers the main functions:
- firstly
- in addition
- moreover
- for example
- for instance
- such as
- however
- on the other hand
- in contrast
- whereas
- although
- despite
- because
- due to
- therefore
- as a result
- consequently
- in fact
- overall
- in conclusion
Do not memorise them as a block. Pick one or two per function, learn their grammar and use them in your own sentences.
Position and punctuation
Linkers behave differently depending on their type. Getting this right matters because it is easy to lose accuracy marks for punctuation errors.
- Sentence adverbs such as “however”, “therefore” and “moreover” usually come at the start of a sentence followed by a comma, or after a semicolon: The plan is cheap; however, it may take longer.
- Conjunctions such as “although”, “because” and “whereas” join two clauses in one sentence and do not need a comma after them: Although the plan is cheap, it may take longer.
- Prepositions such as “despite” and “due to” must be followed by a noun or noun phrase, or an -ing form: Despite the cost, many people agree.
- Words like “so” and “but” are common in speech. Many writers avoid starting formal sentences with them, though they are grammatical in some contexts.
A common error is “Despite of” (correct: “despite” or “in spite of”). Another is using “however” to join two sentences with only a comma.
Task 1 and Task 2
In Task 1, linkers often handle comparison and sequence: “whereas”, “while”, “in contrast”, “by comparison”, “followed by”, “after that”. If you describe trends, our guide to IELTS graph description vocabulary covers the words for change. For process diagrams, see flow chart vocabulary for Writing Task 1, which focuses on sequencing.
In Task 2, linkers support an argument: addition, contrast, cause and effect, concession and conclusion. Your paragraphs should still have a clear main idea; a linker cannot fix a missing idea.
Common mistakes
- Overuse. Starting every sentence with a linker makes writing stilted.
- Wrong meaning. “On the contrary” and “on the other hand” are not interchangeable. “Therefore” shows result, not contrast.
- Memorised phrases that do not fit. Using “last but not least” in a short essay with two points looks forced.
- Repeating the same linker. Vary your choices, but only where variety is natural.
- Missing logic. If two sentences do not connect, adding “moreover” does not make them connected.
Linking beyond linking words
Strong cohesion also comes from other tools:
- Reference words: this, these, such, the latter, which.
- Substitution: using a synonym or a short phrase instead of repeating a noun.
- Paragraphing: one main idea per paragraph, with a clear topic sentence.
- Logical order: ideas arranged so each sentence leads to the next.
Often, a sentence that begins with “This” or “Such a change” connects ideas more smoothly than a linker.
An original example paragraph
Many people believe that remote work benefits employees. Firstly, it removes the daily commute, which gives workers more free time. As a result, they may feel less tired and more motivated. However, working from home is not ideal for everyone. For instance, some employees find it hard to separate work from family life. Although companies can offer flexible schedules, this does not always solve the problem.
Notice the variety: a sequence word, a result linker, a contrast, an example and a concession. Also notice that several sentences connect without a linker at all, by using “this” and repeating the topic in new words.
Linking words and higher band goals
Readers often ask how to reach a 7 or higher in Writing, or even 8.5. No single technique guarantees a band, and scoring depends on several criteria, including task response, vocabulary and grammar, not only cohesion. What linking words can contribute to is clarity and flexibility. Practice with feedback from a teacher or experienced marker is the most reliable way to see where you stand.
On whether the test is getting harder, we cannot verify that, and published information can change. The official IELTS organisers are the place to check current test information and the assessment criteria.
How to practise
- Take a model essay (or one of your own) and underline every linker. Note what each one does.
- Rewrite a paragraph with no linkers, then add only the ones you truly need.
- Choose five linkers and write two original sentences for each.
- After writing a practice essay, check punctuation around each linker.
- Ask a teacher or study partner whether your ideas flow, not just whether you used linkers. Short, regular sessions help here, as independent study tips suggest.
FAQ
Do I need to use many linking words to score well? No. Use as many as your ideas require. Accuracy and natural use matter more than quantity.
Can I use “and” and “but”? Yes, they are normal English. Mix them with more formal options where it suits the tone.
Are linking words enough for coherence? No. Clear paragraphing, logical order and reference words are equally important.