IELTS Linking Words for Task 1 and Task 2: A Step-by-Step Guide

Importance of in IELTS Writing Linking Words

Linking words hold a significant role in the IELTS writing section. Here are some reasons why one should use linking words for IELTS writing task 1 and task 2. 

• Using linking words effectively helps you create a well-structured and organised essay. They connect ideas and paragraphs, making your response coherent and cohesive. This is a key criterion in the IELTS writing assessment. 

• Linking words can assist you in addressing the specific requirements of the IELTS writing task, whether it's an essay, report, or letter. They enable you to present your ideas and arguments, which is crucial for achieving a high score. 

• Linking words contributes to the logical flow of your writing that guides the reader through the essay, allowing them to follow your thoughts and arguments easily. Overall, linking words makes the essay reader-friendly and structured.

• Effective use of linking words demonstrates your ability to use a wide range of vocabulary and vocabulary-related skills, which are important for scoring well in the lexical resource criterion.

• In IELTS writing, there is a specific score for cohesion and coherence. Proper use of linking words is a key aspect of cohesion, and a higher cohesion score can positively impact your overall writing score.

Tips to Correctly Use Linking Works

It is important to understand that linking words, also known as connecting words, cannot be utilised in all situations. Also, the use of linking words in  IELTS speaking differs significantly from the use of linking words in IELTS writing. For example, while the linker 'like' can be used in the speaking test, terms like consequently, hereby, and notwithstanding work better in writing. The majority of the time, linking words are utilised as conjunctions followed by a comma. 

Remember that the linking words should come naturally to you while speaking and should not give the examiner the idea that you purposefully inserted them. Some important things to remember when utilising linking words for IELTS are: 

• Understand the Purpose: Different linking words serve various purposes, such as adding information, contrasting ideas, or showing cause and effect. Understand the function of the linking word you intend to use in your specific context.

• Use a Variety: Avoid overusing the same linking words throughout your essay. Demonstrate a wide range of linking words to showcase your vocabulary skills. This will also make your writing more engaging.

• Connect Ideas: Use linking words to connect related ideas and information. This helps in creating a logical and coherent flow in your essay.

• Proofread: After completing your essay, review it for the appropriate use of linking words. Check if they connect ideas effectively and if they make sense in the given context.

• Be Clear and Concise: Ensure that your use of linking words enhances clarity. They should make your writing more understandable, not convoluted.

Types of Linking Words for IELTS Writing

There are various types of linking words for IELTS writing task 2 and task 1, which are mentioned below: 

Opinions

• I think/feel/believe that

• Personally, I feel that

• As far as I am concerned

• From my point of view

• I admit that.

• I concur that

• I agree that

Causes and reasons

• Due to

• Because

• Owing to

• As

• Since

Addition

• Moreover

• Furthermore

• In addition

• Additionally

• Likewise

• On top of that

Emphasis

• Clearly

• Indeed

• Especially

• In particular

• Particularly

• Without a doubt

• Obviously

• Importantly

Comparison/Opposition

• However

• In contrast

• By contrast

• In comparison

• Meanwhile

• On the other hand

• But

• Alternatively

• Nevertheless

Condition

• If

• Unless

• On the condition that

• Provided that

• As long as

• Supposing that

• Otherwise

Contrasts and Concession

• Admittedly

• Even though

• Although

• Despite

• Nevertheless

• In spite of

• In comparison

• By contrast

• still

Conclusion

• In conclusion,

• To conclude

• In the end

• Finally

• To summarise

• To sum up

Example

• For instance

• For example

• such as

• A very good example is

• The best example is

• To illustrate

Sequence

• Firstly

• First of all

• To start with

• Secondly

• Next

• Thirdly/fourthly/etc.

• Lastly

• Finally

Consequence/Result

• As a result

• As a consequence

• Consequently

• Accordingly

• Therefore

• On that account

• For that reason

Conclusion

In summary, linking words in the IELTS writing section can significantly enhance your essay and writing tasks. They help you to create a logical flow in your essays. However, one must learn the proper usage of liking or connecting words. Make sure to use the appropriate linking word that fits perfectly in context with your write-ups. 

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