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,
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
