🔗 Linking Words That Improve Coherence in IELTS Essays

One of the keys to writing a high-scoring IELTS essay is coherence — how logically your ideas are organized and connected. To achieve this, you need to use a variety of linking words (also called connectors or discourse markers) appropriately and effectively.

📌 Why Are Linking Words Important?

✔️ They guide the reader through your argument
✔️ They show the relationship between ideas (cause, contrast, example, etc.)
✔️ They contribute to a higher Coherence and Cohesion score (one of the 4 writing band descriptors)

📚 Categories of Linking Words

1. ✅ Introducing Ideas

Firstly
To begin with
It is important to note that
One major reason is

2. 🧠 Adding Information

Moreover
In addition
Furthermore
Also

3. 💬 Giving Examples

For example
For instance
Such as
To illustrate this point

4. ⚖️ Showing Contrast

However
On the other hand
Nevertheless
Although / Even though

5. 🎯 Cause and Effect

Because / Since / As
Therefore
As a result
Consequently

6. 🔚 Concluding Ideas

In conclusion
To sum up
Overall
All things considered

✍️ Band 7+ Example Paragraph

Firstly, governments should prioritize education because it has a direct impact on the development of society. For example, educated citizens are more likely to contribute to the economy and make informed decisions. Furthermore, improving education reduces crime rates and unemployment. Therefore, investing in schools and teachers is essential for long-term national growth.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Overusing basic connectors like “and,” “but,” or “so”
❌ Starting every sentence with a linker
❌ Using informal phrases like “you know,” “I mean,” or “like”
❌ Misusing linkers (e.g., writing “Although... but...”)

🎯 Tips to Improve Linking in IELTS

✔️ Learn 2–3 linkers for each function (contrast, example, conclusion)
✔️ Practice writing and speaking with them in full sentences
✔️ Use variety — don’t repeat the same linker in every paragraph
✔️ Don’t force them; linkers should make your writing smoother, not more complicated

🧠 Practice Activity

Choose one IELTS Writing Task 2 topic. Write an introduction and two body paragraphs. Highlight your linking words. Then, replace any repeated linkers with more advanced or varied ones.

📌 Final Thought

Using linking words correctly can take your essay from basic to polished. They help organize ideas, improve flow, and show logical progression — all of which contribute to a higher band score in IELTS Writing.

📣

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