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<img class="pt-4 pb-6 rounded-lg" src="https://blib-public-images.s3.amazonaws.com//attachments/6d8645d5-84d1-40aa-a23c-3233bc328e0a/6326e7c4-1cf8-443a-907f-35f8491f3d18/morgunovexamieltspreparetioninthestyleofmangastylejos315abed6-3175-4832-bf6f-9a7c654e0f8c-1686513136057-compressed.png.webp" alt="">Not only do IELTS examiners pay attention to your comprehension, vocabulary, writing and speaking abilities, but also assess the structure of your sentences. Striking the right balance can be challenging since being too concise or overly verbose can result in a lower score.Today, we will guide you on which words to use and how to construct your speech or writing to achieve the highest possible result. And using linking words is one crucial ingredient in your recipe for success. Also, here’s a quick reminder that the more practice you have with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="tiptap-link" href="https://grammarai.io/ielts">Grammar AI IELTS tools</a>, the higher your score will be!<h2>Why Are Linking Words Important for IELTS?</h2>Linking, connecting, or transitional words establish coherence among your ideas. To make your speech proficient and fluent, using such phrases is a must-have.<ol class="tiptap-order-list"><li>Linking words assist in enhancing the clarity of your writing or speaking.</li><li>They facilitate the seamless integration of information, enabling a holistic understanding.</li><li>These words establish connections between multiple ideas.</li><li>They effectively emphasize valuable concepts.</li><li>Logical conclusions are drawn through their effective use.</li><li>They make your speech or writing native-like.</li><li>IELTS examiners allocate more points for using such words properly.</li></ol>At the same time, linking words should be used accurately and selectively, based on their relevance, rather than simply to fill gaps between ideas.<h2>When May One Use Linking Words at IELTS?</h2>These constructions are commonly used for:<ul class="tiptap-bullet-list"><li>Providing examples</li><li>Summarizing information</li><li>Logically reasoning ideas</li><li>Contrasting different thoughts</li><li>Adding additional information</li><li>Emphasizing significant points</li></ul>Bear in mind that linking words for the IELTS Writing section may differ from Speaking:<ol class="tiptap-order-list"><li>When you talk to someone, you may use informal words and phrases. Doing that makes your speech fluent and clear.&nbsp;</li><li>In the Writing test, coherence and cohesion account for 25% of the marks, so it’s crucial to use transition phrases. However, it is advisable to select formal variations and avoid excessive usage.</li></ol>To give you some example, imagine how funny it would be to hear ‘therefore, hereby or thus’ in a casual conversation. While suitable for writing, it is more appropriate to use words such as ‘like, so, what’s more’ and similar words.We’ll soon get to more examples but let's begin with some simple general recommendations.<h2>Tips for Using Linking Words in IELTS</h2>Some of the key points to remember while using linking words for IELTS are:<ul class="tiptap-bullet-list"><li>Utilize transition phrases accurately, aligning them with the topic and meaning at hand. Avoid using random words simply because you favor them.</li><li>Incorporate variety by introducing synonyms and showcasing your extensive knowledge of these linguistic constructions.</li><li>Use them moderately. Overusing linking phrases by placing them at the beginning of every sentence can result in a loss of points. Conversely, abstaining from using them altogether doesn’t help as well. Strive for a balanced approach.</li><li>Substitute pauses with connectors. Instead of making filler sounds like 'mmm,' insert linking phrases. This not only demonstrates your fluency in English but also provides you with a moment to gather your thoughts for the next idea.</li></ul><h2>Top Linking Words for IELTS Speaking Test</h2>You can earn 25% of your points for fluency and cohesion, and the use of linkers undoubtedly guides the direction of your words. In addition to the common connecting words like 'and,' 'or,' and 'but', we highly recommend learning the following phrases:<ol class="tiptap-order-list"><li>Adding information Also; additionally; as well as; another thing is that</li><li>Signpost words</li></ol>Nonetheless; nonetheless; furthermore; similarly; however<ol class="tiptap-order-list"><li>Contrasting But; although; or; while; however; on the other hand</li><li>Giving examples Like; for example; for instance; such as; namely</li><li>Stating opinions I believe that; in my view; the point is; it’s important that</li><li>Causes and solutions Because; the main reason is; it was caused by; the solution is</li><li>Time phrases Nowadays; at present; then; before; years ago; back in the day</li></ol><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="tiptap-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-RIoxqZ-Gc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-RIoxqZ-Gc</a><h2>Top Linking Words for IELTS Writing Tests</h2><h3>IELTS Writing Task 1</h3>Using linking words is crucial for both General Training and Academic tests.&nbsp;However, it is more suitable to employ formal language for the Academic IELTS. Here is a recommended list of linking words for IELTS Writing Task 1:<ol class="tiptap-order-list"><li>Starting an idea It can be seen that; according to; it is clear that; it is noticeable that</li><li>Contrasting However; in contrast; whereas; while; on the other hand</li><li>Linking words Moreover; in addition; furthermore; overall</li><li>Showing a process Next; after; following; at one point; firstly, secondly, etc.</li><li>Time phrases In the year; at the end/beginning; over; through; between; by; during</li><li>Concluding To sum up; to conclude; finally; all in all</li></ol><h3>IELTS Writing Task 2</h3>This task implies more content, providing you with the opportunity to utilize an even broader range of phrases. There are five essay categories that require you to analyze pros and cons, present problems and solutions, discuss specific issues, express agreement or disagreement, or simply answer a question.Here are phrases that will be helpful in all the cases:<ol class="tiptap-order-list"><li>Adding to the idea Also; moreover; furthermore; again; besides; too; similarly; further; then; indeed</li><li>Giving alternatives Whereas; otherwise; while; conversely; instead; in comparison; by contrast; alternatively</li><li>Reasoning As a result of; due to; thanks to; because of</li><li>Comparing Compared with; in the same way; likewise</li><li>Contrasting By contrast; however; although; despite; nevertheless; yet</li><li>Emphasizing ideas Nonetheless; furthermore; in the final analysis; despite; notwithstanding</li><li>Analyzing results As a result of; consequently; thus; hence; it follows that; in that case</li><li>Giving examples As follows; as exemplified by; such as; including; especially; particularly</li><li>Re-phrasing In other terms; or; rather; better; in view of this</li><li>Concluding On the whole; hence; thus to summarise; altogether; overall</li></ol><h2>Final Thoughts</h2>As you can see, better stay informal while speaking and rely on formal vocabulary when writing. However, find the balance in both tests and base your choices on the context. Firstly, consider the nature of the question and determine the appropriate style. Secondly, even if the task's scenario is less formal, refrain from excessively using everyday phrases and include them only when necessary.Also, we’d recommend double-checking your essays before the submission. Whereas it’s completely okay to use one connecting word two-three times in speaking, this will mean the loss of points in the writing test. Make sure to use different words for expressing various ideas. Fortunately, you may find a lot of them in the piece you’re reading now. ;)Finally, our key advice is to practice more! <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="tiptap-link" href="https://grammarai.io/ielts">Master IELTS Speaking &amp; Writing Exams</a>with AI Assistance and approach your exam with confidence. We wish you success and good luck!

Not only do IELTS examiners pay attention to your comprehension, vocabulary, writing and speaking abilities, but also assess the structure of your sentences.