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Linking in The IELTS Exam

Linking words and phrases are important for connecting ideas, sentences and paragraphs together in IELTS task 2 writing. They signal that something is being added, listed, compared, contrasted or provided as an example. The main types are contrast, result, adding information and giving examples. Common linking words should be used to make speaking more natural, while avoiding overuse of formal words. Transitions also help with reading comprehension and identifying answers in listening by connecting to keywords.

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33 views1 page

Linking in The IELTS Exam

Linking words and phrases are important for connecting ideas, sentences and paragraphs together in IELTS task 2 writing. They signal that something is being added, listed, compared, contrasted or provided as an example. The main types are contrast, result, adding information and giving examples. Common linking words should be used to make speaking more natural, while avoiding overuse of formal words. Transitions also help with reading comprehension and identifying answers in listening by connecting to keywords.

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Saigon English
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Linking in the IELTS Exam – how to use sequencing language to improve fluency, cohesion

and coherence.

Linking words and phrases (also referred to as transitions or cohesive devices) are those
which connect ideas, sentences and paragraphs together. These words and phrases signal
that something is to be added, listed, compared, contrasted, emphasized, concluded, or
provided with an example or result. For task 2 writing, try and avoid using the more
idiomatic expressions, such as "oddly enough". Here are the main groups:

1. Contrast (describing differences between people or things)

however, in contrast, on the contrary, on the other hand, to put it into perspective, from
a different angle, nonetheless, nevertheless, but, yet, a catch to this is, sadly enough, as
a hindrance, oddly enough, instead, in direct opposition, still, rather

2. Result (something that is caused directly by something else)

as a result, as a consequence, consequently, thus, therefore, hence, thereby, resulting


in, ultimately, in the end, finally, in the overall analysis, in hindsight, in retrospect,
retrospectively, the long-term effect, as a short-term result, significantly, as a major
effect, effectively, hereafter, thereafter, in short, generally, over all, concluding

3. Adding Information

also, in addition, further, furthermore, moreover, additionally, to add to that, next, in


accordance with, accordingly, in agreement, finally

4. Giving Examples

for instance, for example, in fact, factually speaking, in terms of, and so forth, in
coordination with, along those lines, collectively speaking, generally speaking, indeed,
undoubtedly, obviously, clearly

The most common (and less formal) discourse markers can also be used in your speaking
test, since they will make your conversation livelier, more personal and involved. They will
also help to reduce pauses and hesitation. Try and avoid over-using the more formal linking
words, such as “moreover” – remember that native speakers are more likely to use
conjunctions such as “and, but, because, so, also”.

In the reading test, transitions give more information, and will often connect to keywords in
the passage. In the listening test (especially part 3), transitions are often 'signal words'
which precede the answer you are looking for.

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