Linking words are important to be used in IELTS writing task 2 as they make the written content more appealing and fluent. The examiner looks for linking words in the essay and awards extra marks for the same. These linking words are signposts and informal on the whole. This blog will highlight how many linking words should be used in IELTS writing and how to use linking words.
The use of linking words in the essay adds to the criterion of coherence and cohesion which account for 25% of the marks. The writing task is assessed on the basis of range and flexibility of linking words used for IELTS writing. Linking words should not be used too much, as they make the readers throw off from one point to another.
What is Linking Words in IELTS?
Linking words for IELTS help to connect ideas and sentences while writing. Linking words are used to give examples, add information, summarize, sequence information, give a result or reason, or to contrast ideas. A few examples of linking words would be Moreover, Nevertheless, Naturally, Consequently, Whereas, etc.
Linkers and Connectors for writing tasks are bound to increase the quality of the essay. The main purpose of writing task 2 is to justify an opinion, discuss the topic, summarize details, identify solutions, and support answers with examples and situations. Linking words help a great deal in doing the same with coherence.
Linker for IELTS- List of Connectors for IELTS Writing
Following is the list of connectors along with how to use linking words in IELTS for different purposes. Then there are a few sentences in each to show how they can be used in essays.
Giving Examples
It is important to give examples while writing task 2. Use the following linking words to add and give examples:
- For example
- For instance
- One clear example is
- Namely
- To illustrate
- In other words
The most common way to give examples is by using for example or for instance. Namely refers to something by name.
Adding information
- And
- In addition
- As well as
- Also
- Too
- Furthermore
- Moreover
- Apart from
- In addition to
- Besides
Ideas are often linked by and. Also can be used by adding not only, for increased impact and stress on a particular phrase or sentence.
You can use also with not only to give emphasis.
Also read: Reading Passage in IELTS Test: Here’s How to Ace IELTS Reading Test
Summarizing
- In short
- In brief
- In summary
- To summarise
- In a nutshell
- To conclude
- In conclusion
These words are used at the beginning of a sentence to summarize what we have discussed or written.
Sequencing Ideas
- The former, … the latter
- Firstly, secondly, finally
- The first point is
- Lastly
The words former and latter are generally put to use when either of a couple of points is to be referred to. Firstly, secondly…..are used in case of listing and enumerating points.
Giving a reason
- Due to /due to the fact that
- Owing to / owing to the fact that
- Because
- Because of
- Since
- As
These words are used to add clauses and support sentences by giving relevance to related statements.
Giving a result
- Therefore
- So
- Consequently
- This means that
- As a result
The first three words can be used interchangeably and they are more or less comprehended in the same manner So is used in a more informal way
Contrasting Ideas
- But
- However
- Although / even though
- Despite/despite the fact that
- In spite of/in spite of the fact that
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- While
- Whereas
- Unlike
- In theory… in practice…
But is more informal than however. Rather than being used in the beginning of the sentence, it is used in the middle
Importance of Connectors for Writing Task
Linkers connect the words and phrases in an essay to make it more meaningful. They create a readable and interesting piece for the readers by keeping them engaged. And in terms of speaking, they help the listener understand the sentences much more clearly. Transitions make little meaning when used alone but increase in value ten folds when used properly in written communication.
Linking words in the IELTS writing task adds to solidarity and cohesiveness, which are great factors for improved results. They illustrate cause and effect, contrast, and instances to make the examiner understand in the best comprehensible manner.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this blog gave you a glimpse of IELTS linking words, and how many should be used in the IELTS writing exam. This also covered the list of connectors and linkers for IELTS along with how to use them. These words play a vital role in enhancing the marks for the exam, and they should be well versed and practiced to get the desired scores.
Also Read: IELTS Writing task Essay Evaluation by an Expert: Guide to Improve Your Writing Score
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