Linking word for ielts writing

The linking words list below is essential for IELTS writing task 2 for high score. The examiner needs to see a range of linking words in your essay to award you a high score for the criterion of Coherence and Cohesion which is 25% of your marks. You will be checked on your range, accuracy and your flexibility of linking words in IELTS writing task 2. These connecting words are suitable for all types of essay writing as well as GT IELTS writing task 2

Download PDF: Linking Words for IELTS Writing Task 2

Listing

This is often used to either put your paragraphs in order or used inside the paragraph to list your supporting points.

• firstly
• secondly
• thirdly
• fourthly
• lastly /last but not least / finally

Adding Information

You will need to support your main points in your IELTS essay. These linkers inform the reader that extra information is about to be presented.

• in addition
• additionally
• furthermore
• moreover
• also
• not only … but also
• as well as
• and

Giving Examples

It is often useful to give examples to support your ideas in IELTS writing task 2. Make sure you use this range of linking words to do so.

• for example
• one clear example is
• for instance
• such as
• namely
• to illustrate
• in other words

To learn how to put examples in sentences for essay writing, please follow this link: How to Add Examples to Essays.

Results and Consequences

These linking devices can be used for solution essays or any essay when you need to explain the consequences of something.

• as a result
• consequently
• therefore
• thus
• hence
• so
• for this reason

Highlighting and Stressing

It is important to be clear about what you mean in your essay. These linking words help you stress particular points.

• particularly
• in particular
• specifically
• especially
• obviously
• of course
• clearly

Concessions and Contrasts

You often need to give opposite ideas, particularly for discussion essays so the linking words below will help you show the reader when you want to introduce an opposite point. Also you might want to give exceptions to a rule for a concession.

• admittedly
• however
• nevertheless
• even though
• although
• but
• despite
• in spite of
• still
• on the other hand
• by contrast
• in comparison
• alternatively
• another option could be

Reasons and Causes

These connecting words will help you explain reasons and causes for something which is very common in IELTS writing task 2, especially for cause / solution essays.

• because
• owing to
• due to
• since
• as

Giving your Opinion

• in my opinion
• I think
• I believe
• I admit
• in my view
• I concur / agree
• I disagree / I cannot accept

Don’t make a mistake with the way you express your opinion. Watch this video for useful tips on giving your opinion and how to avoid mistakes: IELTS: Presenting your Opinion

Concluding Linkers

• in conclusion
• to conclude
• to sum up

To get more tips and advice on linking words to start your IELTS conclusion, please watch this video lesson: IELTS Conclusion Linkers

Practice with Linking Words

Improve your use of linking words by fill in the gaps below with linking words from the above list.

• There are a number of drawbacks to people using Facebook as a way of communicating (1)………………… it is (2)…………….. one of the most common social networking platforms for both individuals and businesses.
• (3)……………………….. the lack of exercise taken by average people, obesity and other weight related problems are on the rise.
• Unemployment and poverty, (4) ………….. in urban areas, is often deemed to be the cause of rising crime rate.
• (5) ……….. the rise in urban crime, more and more people continue to move to cities looking for a better life.
• More children are becoming obese and (6)…………….. schools should be encouraged to provide more sports lessons and outdoor activities.

Answers

Click below to reveal the answers:

Answers

IELTS Speaking Linking Words

Linking words for IELTS speaking. Both word list and tips.

Recommended

• All Linking Word Practice Exercises
• All Writing task 2 Model Answers, Tips and Videos

Main IELTS Pages

Develop your IELTS skills with tips, model answers, lessons, free videos and more.

• IELTS Listening
• IELTS Reading
• IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Speaking
• Vocabulary for IELTS
• IELTS Test Information (FAQ)
• Home Page: IELTS Liz

Linking Words & Cohesive Devices for IELTS

If you show that you can effectively use linking words in the IELTS writing and speaking test, it will help you boost your score.

It is worth learning linking words since this is the easiest way to raise your IELTS band score to the next level.

• To list points

  • Firstly, the government must revise the out-of-date environmental laws which were written twenty years ago.
  • In the first place, the government must revise the out-of-date environmental laws which were written twenty years ago.
  • To start with, the government must revise the out-of-date environmental laws which were written twenty years ago.
  • Secondly, the government must revise the out-of-date environmental laws which were written twenty years ago.
  • Thirdly, the government must revise the out-of-date environmental laws which were written twenty years ago.
  • Finally, the government must revise the out-of-date environmental laws which were written twenty years ago.

• To add more points on a topic

  • What is more, the city should conduct inspections of zoos.
  • The city should also conduct inspections of zoos.
  • Apart from this/that / In addition to this, the city should conduct inspections of zoos.
  • Moreover, the city should conduct inspections of zoos.
  • Besides, the city should conduct inspections of zoos.
  • The city should conduct inspections of zoos too.
  • … not to mention the fact that the city should conduct inspections of zoos.

• To list advantages/disadvantages

  

  

  

  

  • One of the greatest advantages of regular exercise is that it leads to a healthier lifestyle.
  • Another great advantage of regular exercise is that it leads to a healthier lifestyle.
  • One other advantage of regular exercise is that it leads to a healthier lifestyle.
  • A further advantage of regular exercise is that it leads to a healthier lifestyle.
  • The main advantage of regular exercise is that it leads to a healthier lifestyle.
  • The first/greatest advantage of regular exercise is that it leads to a healthier lifestyle.

• To express effect/phrases for a result

  • Lots of factories have closed down; therefore, many people have lost their jobs.
  • Lots of factories have closed down; thus, many people have lost their jobs.
  • Lots of factories have closed down; consequently, many people have lost their jobs.
  • Lots of factories have closed down so many people have lost their jobs.
  • Lots of factories have closed down; as a consequence, many people have lost their jobs.
  • As a result, … / Eventually, …

• To make contrasting points

  • Killing endangered species is illegal; nevertheless, people will not stop hunting them.
  • In spite of the fact that killing endangered species is illegal, people will not stop hunting them.
  • Killing endangered species is illegal, but people will not stop hunting them.
  • While killing endangered species is illegal, people will not stop hunting them.
  • Even if killing endangered species is illegal, people will not stop hunting them.
  • Even though killing endangered species is illegal, people will not stop hunting them.
  • Although killing endangered species is illegal, people will not stop hunting them.
  • Killing endangered species is illegal; at the same time, people will not stop hunting them.

• To emphasise what you say

  • Clearly, research has proved that eating healthy foods and exercising regularly reduces the risk of heart disease.
  • Obviously, research has proved that eating healthy foods and exercising regularly reduces the risk of heart disease.
  • Of course, research has proved that eating healthy foods and exercising regularly reduces the risk of heart disease.
  • In particular, researchers have proved that eating healthy foods and exercising regularly reduces the risk of heart disease.

• To express reality

  • Actually, the report states that most college graduates are interested in pursuing a masters’ degree in the future.
  • As a matter of fact, the report states that most college graduates are interested in pursuing a masters’ degree in the future.
  • In practice, the report states that most college graduates are interested in pursuing a masters’ degree in the future.
  • The fact of the matter is the report states that most college graduates are interested in pursuing a masters’ degree in the future.

• To express the difference between appearance and reality

  • On the face of it, the building looked safe, but after a detailed inspection, it was reported to be in need of major structural repairs.
  • Apparently, the building looked safe, but after a detailed inspection, it was reported to be in need of major structural repairs.

• To state an argument against your opinion

  • It is popularly believed that the teaching profession needs more qualified educators.
  • People often claim that the teaching profession needs more qualified educators.
  • It is often alleged that the teaching profession needs more qualified educators.
  • It is fact that the teaching profession needs more qualified educators.

• To state other people’s opinions

  • Some people argue that the mayor’s proposal to raise local taxes is unfair.
  • A lot of people think/believe that the mayor’s proposal to raise local taxes is unfair.

• To introduce the other side of the argument

  • However, there are people who believe that increasing the school year will only overwork students.
  • Those who oppose increasing the school year claim that it will only overwork students.

• To express balance

  • On the one hand, working for a large company is prestigious, but it can be very stressful.
  • Working for a large company is prestigious, but on the other hand, it can be very stressful.
  • John is a hard-working person, whereas Ann isn’t.

• To give examples

  • For example, in the past six months retailers have reported a 25% drop in sales of electronic equipment.
  • For instance, … / In particular, … / To illustrate, …

• To refer to what actually happens

  • In effect, consumers spend more money on luxury items.

• To make general statements

  • Generally, girls get better exam results than boys.
  • In general, girls get better exam results than boys.
  • As a general rule, girls get better exam results than boys.
  • On the whole, girls get better exam results than boys.

• To make partly correct statements

  • Considering the high rate of unemployment, some companies have, up to a point, tried to create more positions.
  • Considering the high rate of unemployment, some companies have, to a certain extent, tried to create more positions.
  • Considering the high rate of unemployment, some companies have, in a way, tried to create more positions.
  • Considering the high rate of unemployment, some companies have, in a sense, tried to create more positions.

• To express limit of knowledge

  • To the best of my knowledge, residents were opposed to the city’s plan to build a nuclear power plant in their area.
  • For all I know residents were opposed to the city’s plan to build a nuclear power plant in the area.

• To rephrase

  • That is to say, they disagree with the manager’s decision.

• To bring up other points or aspects

  • Regarding the community, the area is in need of a new elementary school.
  • With regards to the community, the area is in need of a new elementary school.
  • As for the community, the area is in need of a new elementary school.

• To express a personal opinion

  • To my mind/way of thinking, department stores offer a greater selection of clothes than small boutiques.
  • I personally believe department stores offer a greater selection of clothes than small boutiques.
  • It strikes me that department stores offer a greater selection of clothes than small boutiques.
  • I feel very strongly that department stores offer a greater selection of clothes than small boutiques.
  • I am inclined to believe that department stores offer a greater selection of clothes than small boutiques.
  • It seems to me that department stores offer a greater selection of clothes than small boutiques.
  • As far as I am concerned department stores offer a greater selection of clothes than small boutiques.

• To refer to other sources

  • With reference to, this report, that brand of sun cream causes irritation to sensitive skin.

• To express cause

  • Because of the harsh winter, many crops were destroyed.
  • Owing to the harsh winter, many crops were destroyed.
  • For this reason, many crops were destroyed.

• To imply that nothing else needs to be said

  • Anyway, a new community centre will greatly benefit the people of the town.
  • In any case, a new community centre will greatly benefit the people of the town.

• Accepting the situation

  • As it is, the situation cannot be improved.
  • Things being as they are, the situation cannot be improved.

• To conclude

  • Finally, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • Lastly, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • Above all, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • All in all, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • Taking everything into account, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • On the whole, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • All things considered, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • In conclusion, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • As I have said, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • As was previously stated, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • To sum up, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.

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