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
Listing
These words are often used to either put your paragraphs in order or used inside the paragraph to highlight and organise your supporting points. However, using “Firstly” and “Secondly” to start each body paragraph is considered “mechanical” which means it is like a machine and this isn’t good for people aiming for band 7 and above. So, being flexible using a combination of linking words is better.
- firstly
- secondly
- another point to consider
- a further consideration
- another issue
- 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 ESSAY: WHEN & HOW to give your opinion
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Linking Words for Conclusion
Which is the best?
In a nutshell,
To sum up,
To conclude,
In conclusion,
Rounding off,
Practice with Linking Words
Improve your use of linking words by fill in the gaps below with linking words from the above list.
- .(1) …………………….. of the popularity of Facebook, there has been a rise in online crime, (2) ………….. fraud and identify theft.
- There are a number of drawbacks to people using Facebook as a way of communicating (3)………………… it is (4)…………….. one of the most common social networking platforms for both individuals and businesses.
- (5)……………………….. the lack of exercise taken by average people, obesity and other weight related problems are on the rise.
- Unemployment and poverty, (6) ………….. in urban areas, is often deemed to be the cause of the rising crime rate.
- (7) …………… the rise in urban crime, more and more people continue to relocate to cities looking for a better life.
- More children are becoming obese and (8)…………….. schools should be encouraged to provide more sports lessons and outdoor activities.
ANSWERS
Click below to reveal the answers:
Answers- Regardless
- You cannot have despite because the preposition of in the sentence prevents this being used.
- such as / for instance / namely
- like is not possible because it is not suitable for formal writing in IELTS.
- even though
- admittedly
- Due to / Owing to
- ( you can’t have “because of” because it is at the beginning of a sentence. Never use but or because at the start of a sentence in formal IELTS writing.)
- particularly / especially / specifically
- despite
- If you wanted to use the word “although”, you would have to change the sentence structure:
- Although the urban crime rate is rising, more and more people are continuing to relocate to cities looking for a better life.
- therefore / so / for this reason
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RECOMMENDED FOR YOU:
- Tips: IELTS Essay Structure & Paragraphs
- 100 IELTS Practice Essay Questions
- All Linking Word Practice Exercises
- ALL FREE MODEL ESSAYS AND TIPS FOR WRITING TASK 2
- Linking Words for IELTS Speaking
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I deeply feel thankful for your contribution..
Thank you very much. you’re the best teacher
You’re welcome 🙂
Hi Liz, I have been learning through your materials since a long time and I would like to ask my confusion, so I normally put a final sentence in each paragraph with if conditionals or correlative comparative , for example:
Allowing students to opt for particular fields would give them more opportunities to fully unleash their abilities. This will increase their pleasure during the learning process rather than forcing them to delve into things that they are not resonated with. For instance, a student who wants to concentrate on arts could potentially have a bright future in the aspect that he is attracted to as he can view varied opportunities to express his passions and creativity. Hence, the more passionate they are about the subject, the greater the likelihood of achieving success and fulfillment they will have.
The last sentence before the comparative sentence I put “Hence” (sometimes I use others too like thus, therefore, etc.), but I am just wondering whether is it correct or not to use it there since some examples show no connections, while others have.
I really appreciate your response, thank you!
It’s best not to have a formula that you apply to all body paragraphs. Flexibility is the key to a higher band score so avoid using the same techniques for all body paragraphs. There is no problem using “Hence” or another appropriate linking word when you are writing a concluding sentence to a body paragraph. And it’s fine to have a conditionals, comparatives etc. However, not all body paragraphs require a concluding sentence. It isn’t actually required for a high score in IELTS. So, don’t push yourself to create them as a rule. Be flexible and show the examiner a range of skills.
The problem with your final sentence is that it fails to connect your supporting point to the main idea of the body paragraph. When you think about linking, it isn’t just about using linking words, it’s about linking ideas. So, your concluding sentence should be:
Hence, the more passionate students are about a subject, the greater their chances of success, which is why specialising in and focusing on only few favourite subjects is so crucial.
By writing this way, you’ve linked your final comment back to the main point of the paragraph and this completes the body paragraph very nicely for a high score in Coherence & Cohesion, as well as Task Response.
Thank you so much for that!
Hi dear Liz.
I hope you are doing well. mam can u suggest me important topics (like education, health etc..) for AC IELTS writing task 2 which i can prepare for my ielts test. i feel scare about writing section, my test on 7 november. plz help
Allah bless You.
This page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ contains links to essay questions (organised by topics), essay structure, paragraphing, more tips and model essays. Use that page to learn all about writing task 2. If you want to learn ideas for 150 common IELTS essay topics, visit my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
thank you so much dear mam
Hi Liz! In case of some linking words, can I use different wordings, for instance, “a further consideration ” is a linking word, Can I use “another consideration”?
Yes, that is suitable to use. It indicates another point that you are presenting.
Dear Mam Liz, I find it very difficult to brainstorm ideas for writing task 2. My exam is in a few days. Please advice me
Learning ideas for topics takes time. There is a limit of how many topics you can prepare for in 2 days. However, you might benefit from my Ideas for Topics E-book and focus only on the topics you need the most help with: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
HI! DEAR MAM, I HOPE YOU ARE DOING WELL.
CAN YOU GIVE ME TIPS FOR IELTS ACADEMIC READING? PLEASE
I SHALL BE VERY THANKFUL TO YOU.
REGARD;
RAJA AFRASIAB SIDDIQUE
On the HOME page of this website, you’ll find access buttons for lessons and tips for all parts of the test: https://ieltsliz.com/
Dear Liz
I see lots of model essays have linking words at the start of paragraphs. Is that important?
Do I need to use a linking word in most sentences?
Is the word HOWEVER a higher band score than BUT?
Thanks
These are all good questions. Linking words are part of the marking criterion of Coherence & Cohesion, which counts for 25% of your marks. Linking words should be used flexibly if you are aiming for a score over band 6. If you use linking words at the start of all or almost all sentences, this is called “mechanical” use of linking words and that means you are using linking words like a machine (stamping them in the same place each time). When you use linking words that way, it is a feature of band 6. For band 7 and above, you must be more flexible. Not all sentences will need a linking word and not all linking words need to be the first word of a sentence. For body paragraphs, a discussion essay might have two body paragraphs which both start with a linking word, for example “On the one hand …..On the other hand”. This is fine. For for an Opinion Essay, the way you start each body paragraph will depend on the main points and you should aim for flexibility.
One linking word does not have a higher score than the other. Your aim is to use a range. For example, don’t repeat the word “although”, you can use despite or in spite of. When you proof read your essay, look out for repeated linking words and change them before your time is up.
What about “besides” at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, but in some countries, such as Vietnam, this linking word is very much overused. But it is possible to use it.
Good to know that, thank you!
Maam, can you suggest me some sentence structures for writing both tasks?
See my Grammar E-book for writing task 2 in my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/. For writing task 1, see my model answers and lessons which you can use to analyse sentence structures yourself.
Hi Liz
thanks mam for your extraordinary IELTS free writing task 2. It is very helpful for me.
Thank you very much mam and take my love
You’re welcome 🙂
Hi liz,
Could you please provide the marking scheme writing and reading module of IELTS or in other words I am asking for the factors on which student’s band score is decided.
You can find those linked in the main sections for Writing Task 1, Writing Task 2 and Reading, which are all linked by the RED Menu Bar at the top of the website. Marking for reading is based on correct or incorrect answers, but for the writing and speaking test, it’s based on marking criteria. You can also find a link by clicking on the TEST INFO option on the RED Menu Bar which shows band score information.
Dear Liz,
I just saw on the IDP IELTS website it says, “Don’t overuse basic linking words like firstly (instead, try using ‘The first reason for/ The primary reason for this”). Is that really better? Can I continue using ‘firstly’ like you do?
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Draven
It is fine to use it. But don’t then use Secondly, Thirdly. When you write like a machine, you get a lower score in Coherence and Cohesion, which counts for 25% of your marks.
You could try:
Firstly / Another point to consider
The first point to consider is / A further consideration it
You shouldn’t just learn one option. The linking words you use will depend on the points you want to present. You must learn how to use them flexibily.
liz thank you lot for making all videos. take care of you
You’re welcome 🙂
Hello Liz,
Thank you for this very educative blog. when giving examples in task 2 writing for the academic test, are correct statistics important or can one just use made-up stats?
Thank You
Your are marked on ideas, supporting ideas, developing ideas, but not numbers. The examiner is not going to check statistical data in task 2. The examiner is marked Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Vocabulary and Grammar. This means writing numbers does even help your score that much. Which is better:
1) 75% of people in urban areas feel public transport could be improved.
2) The majority of people living in urban areas feel the public transport could be improved.
The second option boosts your vocab score. It is a simple essay based on relevance, not stats and research.
Hi Ms. Liz.
Thank you for your lessons 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂
Thank you very much for your lessons..you deserve to ” The most effective IELTS teacher award ”
Thanks once again
It is a misfortune that IELTS mandates the use of linking words for high scores. Especially at the beginning of sentences, linking words quickly tire the reader being pushed around.
If linking words tire the reader, they are not being used properly. You are being tested on using them flexibly in a way that supports the reader.
mam I would like to share a small problem which I facing almost last 10 days in IELTS classes. I’m not good in writing even I don’t know what to write or what to add .and what to think . could you tell me how can I improve .I will looking for your generous response
You can find model essays and tips on the main writing task 2 page of this website for free: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/. But for some people, they need more training. My advanced lessons take you step by step through each paragraph and explain the content of each type of essay. You can find these lessons in my online store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/. You can also find an Ideas for Essay Topics E-book, which contains ideas and vocabulary for topics. You memorise the ideas and adapt them to your essay topic. There’s also a Grammar E-book with many examples of sentence structures to help you. Hopefully all these will help you be clearer about how to tackle an IELTS essay and what to write.
Hi Liz,
Can you allocate me some of the pre-ready templates which can be used as a topic statement in starting of the paragraph.
I do not provide them because they are the worst thing to do for your IELTS essay. IELTS does not accept memorised language and the higher band scores are all about flexibility, not templates. Writing task 1 is more formulaic than task 2 because task 1 is a report and most reports are pretty standard. But writing task 2 is all about creating unique sentences connected directly to the topic. This website is about learning and preparing for IELTS the right way.
very clear explanation Liz, Thanks !
Could i use the word “To recapitulate” in position of “To Conclude”?
However l really impressed a lot to see your tremendous efforts for students. THANK YOU SOO MUCH MAM. may God bless you.
Love from india 🇮🇳
Yes, you can use it but it won’t increase your score.
Teacher Liz, this is just a general question.
Will points be deducted if literary words/phrases are used in IELTS Writing (or Speaking). Is literary factor considered informal?
Thank you very much!
Looking forward to hearing from your
I’m not exactly sure what you mean as you’ve provided no examples. However, to help understand:
The writing test is formal. So, this means all informal language will cause you to lose marks. The only exception is the informal letter in GT writing task 1.
The speaking test is informal and you can use all types of language and be as casual as you want in chatting to the examiner. But language should be used naturally, not poetically or in an overemphasized manner. You should talk as though you were talking to a friend.
I love you mam your are such a great teacher i appreciate your work 👍
Hey liz,
I wanted to ask that for conclusion using “all in all” and “to wrap it up” are correct to use or not ?
They are informal and Writing Task 2 is formal.
Hi, Liz!
You said in one of your videos that “to sum up” is rather informal for IELTS writing task 2. Why is it in the concluding linkers list then? Can I use it or not?
It is an option but some examiners think it is too informal. There are no rules in IELTS which have word lists that lower your score. It is examiner interpretation. I do not teach this linking word for a conclusion, but other teachers do. This is why it is in the list. My recommendations are recommendations, not rules.
Hi Liz, all your videos are very helpful to have a quick look on the respective modules. Thank you so much for sharing them.
You’re welcome.
Thanks for response
Hello Liz 👋, is it true that reading books or newspapers will improve our writing skills. If yes, what books or newspapers can you suggest to read.
They will certainly help you develop your writing, but they won’t help you develop your writing for IELTS.
I wonder if I am allowed to use specialized words in writing task 2 (as long as they are related to the task rubrics and the usage and the collocation is contextually appropriate). For instance, if the topic of the essay is “imprisonment”, am I allowed to use words like “criminals set free might resort to recidivism”?
what happens if the examiner doesn’t know that term?
I already know that IELTS guidelines demand that the underlying assumption in the writing exam be the candidate is writing for an academic “non-specialist” reader. Is this fact in contradiction with using technical terms?
With regards,
Reza
It is not a case of being allowed or not allowed. It is about how you use language. If you are pushing high level words into your essay for effect, the language in the essay will become unnatural and will be marked down. So, never aim to impress. However, your example is completely fine. The word “recidivism” is an appropriate word to use for that sentence. Certainly not many candidates will know this word, but it is 100% accurate and appropriate. So, my advice is to use language naturally with the right intent and appropriacy based on your level of English. The examiner will not be specialised in law or other fields – bear that in mind. Your aim here is to hit band score 8 or 9, not to showcase specialised vocabulary. This is a basic English language test, not a test of legal language for example. Pay attention to the context of the essay – it isn’t an essay for a university degree in law. You don’t need to use specialised language to achieve your aim in IELTS. I would not recommend using such specialised language that a layperson would not understand. That isn’t an IELTS rule, it is just logical – use such language as is appropriate for the audience and the context.
Many thanks for the exhaustive response.
You’re simply the best in the field, bar none!
Hi Liz,
I wonder if it is appropriate to use some linking words like ‘Moreover, Furthermore, Further’ to start a new paragraph? or they should be used to link ideas in between the sentence?
Thank you,
Micaela
There are no rules about this. Linking is about being logical. I personally use these linking words for within the paragraph to add more information. When starting a new body paragraph I tend to use something more flexible, such as “Another point to consider is ..” – basically indicating the start of a brand new point rather than additional information to an existing point.
Hi Liz,
Can we use listing linkers (firstly, secondly etc) for inside the paragraphs?
Or is it better to use linkers for organising paragraphs?
I believe we should use the additonal information linkers to support our main idea or present extended ideas.
Any thoughts?
Best using them within paragraphs. To each paragraph, try: Firstly, Another point, Finally. But to be honest, you can’t learn formulas like this for task 2. It all depends what your ideas are as to what linking words to use. You need to learn flexibility if you want a high score. Yes, you should use a good range of linking words in your essay.
Hlo madam , tomorrow will be my ILETS exam
..
Good luck!
Hi Liz,
Do we need to use comm a after these linking word . If yes then in what circumstances. For instance if we use these linking words at the start of sentence what will the case. Also what will be case if we use these linking words in middle of sentence ?
This is an aspect of grammar that you need to study in depth. In a few weeks, I’ll be releasing a Grammar E-book. It will explain all of that and much much more.
Can I use ‘For one’ instead of ‘Firstly’? Can I continue using ‘Secondly’ and ‘Finally’ with ‘For one’ or it’s not correct usage?
“For one”, is informal and not suitable for IELTS essays. Be flexible with your use of linking devices but stick with formal ones.