IELTS Connectors and Linking Words for 2024

15 min read

The IELTS Exam is a globally acknowledged English language proficiency test widely accepted in many countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and others. Every year, over three million people take the IELTS exam, which is growing steadily. It comprises 4 sections:

• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking
• Listening

The IELTS Writing Test and Reading Test is different for IELTS Academic and IELTS General. The Academic test will contain topics suitable for anyone entering a university or professional institution. The General Training test will have topics based on general interest.

Did you know that IELTS connectors or essay linking words are key grammatical resources that can really impress the IELTS examiner? 
IELTS connectors or essay linking words are a grammatical resource that shows the IELTS examiner a firm grasp of the language. IELTS connectors are crucial for achieving a high band score in the IELTS exam.

These connectors help to demonstrate coherence and cohesion in your writing and speaking tasks. You can effectively convey your ideas and create a well-structured response by using various connectors, such as conjunctions, linking phrases, and transition words.

In this blog, we will understand more about IELTS connectors and how using them appropriately will boost your overall score on your IELTS Writing Test.

Importance of IELTS Connectors

Linking words is a crucial grammatical tool that makes an essay more readable to the examiner. They help in sentence construction and connect two related parts of a text. Linkers can also put forth their opinions comprehensively and display excellent knowledge and a variety of vocabulary.
Understanding and effectively using IELTS connectors, or essay linking words, is essential for achieving a high band score in the IELTS exam.

Here are a few more reasons to use IELTS connectors:

1. Improving Coherence and Cohesion

• Smooth Transitions: Connectors play a crucial role in smoothly transitioning from one idea to another, making your writing and speaking more coherent and easy to follow.
• Logical Flow: They contribute to creating a logical flow of ideas, which is essential for the examiner to comprehend your arguments and points effectively.

2. Demonstrating Language Proficiency

• Showcasing Mastery: Utilising a variety of connectors demonstrates your mastery of the language, showcasing your ability to use complex structures effectively.
• Impressing Examiners: A well-connected response can impress the examiner by demonstrating your firm grasp of advanced grammatical structures.

3. Structuring Your Response

• Organised Writing: Connectors assist in organising your essay into clear sections, such as introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
• Clear Arguments: They enable you to present and elaborate on your arguments in a structured manner, making your essay more persuasive and coherent.

4. Adding Variety and Complexity

• Avoiding Repetition: Using different types of connectors can help avoid repetition and make your writing more engaging.
• Adding Complexity: Complex sentences formed by connectors can add depth to your response, showcasing a higher level of writing skill.

Using Linking Words in IELTS

You need to know that connecting words cannot be used everywhere. Additionally, linkers for IELTS speaking are used differently from IELTS writing.  For example, one can use ‘like’ while speaking. On the other hand, words like at this moment and therefore work well in writing tasks.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that linkers should naturally fit into the sentence. Forcing a connector into a sentence can lead to awkward sentence structure.

Using linking words in the IELTS exam is essential for several reasons. Here’s why they matter so much:

1. Enhances Coherence and Cohesion

Linking words help connect your ideas smoothly, making your writing and speaking more coherent and cohesive. This means your responses will flow logically from one point to the next, which is a key criterion in the IELTS marking scheme.

2. Demonstrates Language Proficiency

A good command of linking words showcases your grammatical range and accuracy. It shows the examiner that you have a strong grasp of the language and can use it effectively to communicate complex ideas.

3. Improves Clarity and Structure

Using appropriate linking words can make your arguments and points clearer. They help you to structure your sentences and paragraphs, making it easier for the examiner to follow your line of thought.

4. Boosts Your Band Score

Effective use of linking words is a major factor in achieving a high band score. Examiners look for well-organised responses, and linking words is a vital tool in achieving this.

5. Engages the Reader/Listener

Linking words can make your essays and speeches more engaging. They help to emphasise important points, contrast different ideas, and add emphasis where needed, keeping the reader or listener interested.

Types of IELTS Connectors

Examiners evaluate your tasks by assessing IELTS connectors’ accuracy, range, and flexibility. The following list highlights the category of connectors that can help you secure a good grade in the IELTS writing section:

• Adding information
• Listing
• Providing examples
• Stressing and highlighting
• Consequences and results
• Causes and reasons
• Contrasts and concessions
• Conclusion
• Providing opinion

Below is a comprehensive list of examples of different categories of IELTS connectors that you can use in your sentence construction. 

Adding information

This linker is used to support your major points in the essay. These IELTS essay linking words inform the examiner that additional information is coming up. 

Some of them are mentioned below with examples.

Word	Example Sentence
Furthermore	The company has decided to expand its operations to Gujrat. Furthermore, they also plan to increase their marketing efforts in the region.
Additionally	We have hired a new designer for the project. Additionally, we have also brought in a consultant to provide us with an outside perspective.
In addition to	In addition to the regular benefits, employees are also eligible for a performance-based bonus.
Also	The company is launching a new product line next month. Also, they plan to host a launch event to promote the new products.
Moreover	The company’s profits have increased significantly this year. Moreover, they have also managed to reduce their operating expenses.
And	I need to pick up some groceries after work today, and I also need to stop by the post office to mail a package.
As well as	The project requires a team of developers as well as a team of designers to complete the work on time.

Time Indicators

Time indicators are expressions used to indicate when something happens, often in relation to other events. These time-related transition words and phrases are used to connect ideas and show the timing or sequence of events.

Here are some common IELTS connectors used for indicating time:

Word	Example Sentence
During	During the power outage, we used flashlights.
While	While waiting for the bus, I checked my email.
Until	I won’t leave until the rain stops.
Before	Please wash your hands before dinner.
Afterward	We went for a walk afterward.
In the end	In the end, they decided to postpone the trip.
At the same time	At the same time, the fire alarm went off.
Meanwhile	He watered the plants, meanwhile, she folded the laundry.
Subsequently	He moved to a new city and subsequently found a new job.
Simultaneously	The twins spoke in perfect unison, finishing each other’s sentences simultaneously.

Listing

Lists are often used to present pointers in a paragraph. Proper use of listing vocabulary in essays makes it more formal and precise.

Here are a few IETLS connectors that you can use to list your paragraph.

Word	Example Sentence
Firstly	Firstly, I need to wake up early tomorrow to catch my flight.
Secondly	Secondly, I have to finish my presentation before the deadline.
Thirdly	Thirdly, I must buy some groceries on my way home from work.
Fourthly	Fourthly, I need to call my doctor to schedule an appointment.
Lastly	Lastly, I plan to spend the weekend with my family and friends.

Providing examples

Examples are often helpful in supporting ideas. You must make sure to use a range of linking words to illustrate your arguments through such words.

Here are some examples of IELTS connectors to provide examples for your task. 

Word	Example Sentence
For instance	For instance, many online courses, such as Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, are available for learning a new language.
For example	For example, there are many different types of music, such as rock, pop, jazz, and classical.
To cite an example	To cite an example, many people believe that climate change is caused by human activity.
To illustrate	To illustrate let’s say you are writing an essay about the importance of exercise. You could provide a graph that shows the correlation between exercise and improved health.
Namely	There are four seasons in a year, namely spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Stressing and highlighting

It is essential to be clear about the intent of the passage. These IELTS essay linking words help you stress major points so they are not missed:

A few of them are mentioned below with model sentences.

Word	Example Sentence
Obviously	Obviously, we cannot proceed with the project without proper funding.
Particularly	I am not fond of spicy food, particularly dishes that use a lot of chilli peppers.
In particular	I am interested in learning about the history of art, in particular, the impressionist movement.
Especially	I especially love all fruits, especially strawberries and blueberries.
Specifically	Specifically, we need to increase our response time to customer inquiries to improve our overall customer service.
Clearly	The instructions provided in the manual need to be written and can be confusing.
Of course	Of course, I would be happy to help you with your project.

Consequences and results

These IELTS connectors are helpful when you need to explain the consequence or result of something. 

Below are examples of IELTS connectors that can be used to explain consequences and results, with sample sentences demonstrating their usage.

Word	Example Sentence
As a result	He was late to the meeting as a result of heavy traffic.
Therefore	She didn’t eat any cake, therefore she didn’t gain any weight.
Thus	The company’s profits increased, and thus, they could expand their business.
Consequently	The team lost the game, and consequently, they didn’t qualify for the playoffs.
For this reason	She didn’t want to go on the rollercoaster, so she waited for her friends on the ground.
So	He forgot his keys at home, so he had to call his wife to bring them to him.
Hence	The weather was terrible, hence the flight was delayed.

Causes and reasons

While writing an essay, there may be instances where you would have to provide causes or reasons for a particular statement. These linkers can help do so.
Here are some examples of linking words for causes and reasons for your task.

1. Due to: Due to the heavy rainfall, the streets were flooded.
2. Because: I couldn’t attend the meeting because I was feeling sick.
3. Owing to the staff shortage, the company had to postpone the project deadline.
4. As it was raining heavily, we decided to stay indoors and watch a movie.
5. Since: Since I am allergic to seafood, I cannot eat sushi.

Contrasts and concessions

Opposing ideas are often needed to strengthen an essay. This is especially true in discussion essays, where in-depth details are required.

The below-mentioned IELTS connectors will help you when you introduce an opposing point.

1. Nevertheless, the weather was terrible, so we decided to picnic.
2. However, I studied hard for the exam and didn’t do well.
3. Admittedly – Admittedly, I have not been following the news lately.
4. Although – Although it was raining, we still went for a walk.
5. Even though – Even though she was tired, she continued working on the project.
6. Despite the fact that he was sick, he managed to complete his work on time.
7. But – She wanted to go to the party but had to finish her work first.
8. Still – He failed the test twice, but I would still like to mention that specifically, we need to focus on improving our customer service and not giving up.

Conclusion

These connectors are the most useful in concluding a sentence and lending a final summary of their response.

Some of them are mentioned below.

1. To sum up, we have seen that the company’s sales have steadily increased over the past year.
2. To conclude, based on the evidence presented, it can be said that the defendant is guilty of the crime.
3. In conclusion, to improve your overall health, it is recommended that you eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.

Providing opinion

You can address their opinion more confidently and concisely using these linkers.

Below is a list of some linking words to provide information.

1. I believe that love is the strongest force in the universe.
2. I admit that I was not paying attention during the meeting.
3. In my opinion, reading is one of the best ways to relax and unwind.
4. I think that exercising regularly is important for maintaining good health.

How to Use IELTS Connectors?

Connectors play a crucial role in enhancing the clarity, coherence, and overall quality of your writing, guiding the reader through your response. Using connectors effectively is crucial for achieving a high band score in the IELTS Writing Task.

Here are some tips to help you use IELTS connectors effectively:

• Use a Variety of connectors: Avoid repetition and overusing the same connectors throughout your response. By using a variety of linking words within a paragraph, you can make your writing more engaging and improve your vocabulary range.
  
• Choose Your Words Accurately: Be precise with your choice of words and ensure they are relevant to the text. Use the linking words meaningfully in the text that best show the relationship between your ideas for a clear and well-structured essay. This can help maintain coherence and flow of text.
  
• Don’t Overstuff: While connectors are valuable, avoid cramming your writing with them. Using too many connectors can be monotonous for readers. You should strategically use them without disrupting text flow.
  
• Read Sample Essays: Read high-scoring IELTS essays and identify the connectors used by the writers. By analysing how other successful writers use connectors, you can improve your own writing style.
  
• Practice Sample IELTS Tasks: The practice tasks can help you identify how connectors are used in a task to make it clear, coherent, and well-organized. You can use online resources or refer to sample exercises for practice. Also, try to get feedback from tutors or peers to identify areas for improvement and refine your connector usage.
  
• Review and Edit Your Work: After writing, review your work to see where you can improve the use of connectors. Then, make any necessary adjustments to improve the overall quality of your IELTS writing task.

IELTS Linking Words Practice Question

One of the key skills that the test measures is the ability to use a range of linking words or phrases in writing and speaking tasks. Linking words helps to connect ideas and create coherence between sentences, paragraphs, and overall discourse. Some common examples of linking words include, nevertheless, additionally and more. Practising with linking words can help test-takers improve their writing and speaking skills and achieve better scores on the IELTS exam. Here are some linking practice questions for Writing Tasks.

IELTS Linking Words Practice Question for Writing Task 1

Here is a practice task with IELTS writing connectors that will help you understand the usage and importance of connectors in IELTS writing task 1.

These graphs show several key trends. 1. ____, in general terms, more than 70% of the population owned computers in 2000. 2. ____, this figure jumped to around 78% over the coming eight years.

3. ____, these figures varied as per group. 4. ____, service members were always ahead of the general population. Roughly three-quarters of service members owned computers in 2000. That figure jumped massively to reach 80% by 2008. 5. ____ Non-high school finishers began with only a 12% computer ownership rate, which climbed to around 45% in eight years.

Answers:

1. To start with, firstly, first of all
2. Nevertheless, however, but
3. Nevertheless, on the other hand
4. Any example connector can be used here, like, for example, for instance, and except ‘such as’ because this is the start of a sentence.
5. Any comparison connector

IELTS Linking Words: Practice Question for Writing Task 2

You can practice IELTS connectors or essay linking words through this practice task.

The prompt: Parents must refrain from pressuring their children to pursue a particular career. Young people should be free to choose the professional path that they like. Do you agree or disagree with this sentence?

• _____ Young people must be free to choose, especially in their professional path. Some parents want their children to take up an exciting profession. These wishes are entirely normal and usually not harmful.
• 2. ____ It can be harmful if these desires become strong expectations. 3. _____ freedom to a child does not necessarily mean that the parent needs to be absent. Instead, parents should openly communicate with their children about their career decisions. 4. _____, if one’s dreams do not line up with their parents, they may, 5_____, fear approaching them in fear of judgment. 

Answers:

1. Any opinion connector except ‘I agree’ or ‘I concur’ will work here. This is because it is the introductory line.
2. Admittedly
3. Nevertheless, on the other hand, however, but
4. Any example connector will fit here except ‘such as’ because this is the starting sentence.
5. Accordingly, as a result, consequently, therefore, for that reason, etc.

To Sum Up

In summary, using appropriate connectors in IELTS Writing can significantly enhance your essay’s readability and coherence, demonstrating your firm grasp of the language. With the help of the above mentioned categories and examples of linkers, you can effectively connect your ideas and illustrate your arguments comprehensively to score well in the IELTS Writing section. 

Remember, practice makes perfect, so practice using these connectors in your essays to succeed in your IELTS exam. Good luck!