Linking Words & Cohesive Devices for IELTS

If you show that you can effectively use linking words in the IELTS writing and speaking tests, it will help you boost your score.

It is worth learning linking words since this is the easiest way to raise your IELTS band score to the next level.

What are linking devices?

Linking devices are small words and phrases that connect your ideas. They tell the reader or listener how the next idea relates to the one before. You may also see them called cohesive devices, connectors or linking words. They all mean the same thing.

The most common jobs they do:

• Add a point: you give one more idea that supports what you have just said. Moreover, also, in addition
• Show a contrast: the next idea is different from, or goes against, the one before. However, but, on the other hand
• Show a result: the next idea happens because of the one before. As a result, so, therefore
• Give an example: you make a general idea clearer with a real case. For instance, for example, such as

In IELTS, linking devices are part of the score for Coherence and Cohesion in Writing and for Fluency and Coherence in Speaking.

Examiners do not count how many you use. Too many formal linkers, or the same one in every sentence, can lower your score. Aim for a few accurate, varied linkers that match what you actually mean.

Cohesive devices for IELTS Speaking

In the Speaking test you are having a conversation, so written linkers such as furthermore or in conclusion sound unnatural. Use spoken linkers instead:

Purpose	Spoken linkers
Start an answer	Well, … · Actually, … · To be honest, … · I'd say …
Add a point	On top of that, … · Another thing is … · And also …
Contrast	But then again, … · Having said that, … · Mind you, …
Give a reason	The main reason is … · That's because … · Mainly because …
Give an example	For example, … · Take … for instance · Like when …
Explain or rephrase	What I mean is … · In other words, … · The thing is, …
Sum up	So, all in all, … · So basically, … · That's why …

Example (Part 1: Do you like cooking?)

"Well, I wouldn't call myself a great cook, but I do enjoy it at weekends. The main reason is that I have more time then. On top of that, cooking with friends is a nice way to relax. Having said that, on weekdays I usually just make something quick."

Linking Words for IELTS Writing and Speaking

• To list points

  • Firstly, the government must revise the out-of-date environmental laws which were written twenty years ago.
  • In the first place, the government must revise the out-of-date environmental laws which were written twenty years ago.
  • To start with, the government must revise the out-of-date environmental laws which were written twenty years ago.
  • Secondly, the government must revise the out-of-date environmental laws which were written twenty years ago.
  • Thirdly, the government must revise the out-of-date environmental laws which were written twenty years ago.
  • Finally, the government must revise the out-of-date environmental laws which were written twenty years ago.

• To add more points on a topic

  • What is more, the city should conduct inspections of zoos.
  • The city should also conduct inspections of zoos.
  • Apart from this/that / In addition to this, the city should conduct inspections of zoos.
  • Moreover, the city should conduct inspections of zoos.
  • Besides, the city should conduct inspections of zoos.
  • The city should conduct inspections of zoos too.
  • ... not to mention the fact that the city should conduct inspections of zoos.

• To list advantages/disadvantages

  • One of the greatest advantages of regular exercise is that it leads to a healthier lifestyle.
  • Another great advantage of regular exercise is that it leads to a healthier lifestyle.
  • One other advantage of regular exercise is that it leads to a healthier lifestyle.
  • A further advantage of regular exercise is that it leads to a healthier lifestyle.
  • The main advantage of regular exercise is that it leads to a healthier lifestyle.
  • The first/greatest advantage of regular exercise is that it leads to a healthier lifestyle.

• To express effect/phrases for a result

  • Lots of factories have closed down; therefore, many people have lost their jobs.
  • Lots of factories have closed down; thus, many people have lost their jobs.
  • Lots of factories have closed down; consequently, many people have lost their jobs.
  • Lots of factories have closed down so many people have lost their jobs.
  • Lots of factories have closed down; as a consequence, many people have lost their jobs.
  • As a result, ... / Eventually, ...

• To make contrasting points

  • Killing endangered species is illegal; nevertheless, people will not stop hunting them.
  • In spite of the fact that killing endangered species is illegal, people will not stop hunting them.
  • Killing endangered species is illegal, but people will not stop hunting them.
  • While killing endangered species is illegal, people will not stop hunting them.
  • Even if killing endangered species is illegal, people will not stop hunting them.
  • Even though killing endangered species is illegal, people will not stop hunting them.
  • Although killing endangered species is illegal, people will not stop hunting them.
  • Killing endangered species is illegal; at the same time, people will not stop hunting them.

• To emphasise what you say

  • Clearly, research has proved that eating healthy foods and exercising regularly reduces the risk of heart disease.
  • Obviously, research has proved that eating healthy foods and exercising regularly reduces the risk of heart disease.
  • Of course, research has proved that eating healthy foods and exercising regularly reduces the risk of heart disease.
  • In particular, researchers have proved that eating healthy foods and exercising regularly reduces the risk of heart disease.

• To express reality

  • Actually, the report states that most college graduates are interested in pursuing a master's degree in the future.
  • As a matter of fact, the report states that most college graduates are interested in pursuing a master's degree in the future.
  • In practice, the report states that most college graduates are interested in pursuing a master's degree in the future.
  • The fact of the matter is that the report states that most college graduates are interested in pursuing a master's degree in the future.

• To express the difference between appearance and reality

  • On the face of it, the building looked safe, but after a detailed inspection, it was reported to be in need of major structural repairs.
  • Apparently, the building looked safe, but after a detailed inspection, it was reported to be in need of major structural repairs.

• To state an argument against your opinion

  • It is popularly believed that the teaching profession needs more qualified educators.
  • People often claim that the teaching profession needs more qualified educators.
  • It is often alleged that the teaching profession needs more qualified educators.
  • It is a fact that the teaching profession needs more qualified educators.

• To state other people's opinions

  • Some people argue that the mayor's proposal to raise local taxes is unfair.
  • A lot of people think/believe that the mayor's proposal to raise local taxes is unfair.

• To introduce the other side of the argument

  • However, there are people who believe that extending the school year will only overwork students.
  • Those who oppose extending the school year claim that it will only overwork students.

• To express balance

  • On the one hand, working for a large company is prestigious, but it can be very stressful.
  • Working for a large company is prestigious, but on the other hand, it can be very stressful.
  • John is a hard-working person, whereas Ann isn't.

• To give examples

  • For example, in the past six months retailers have reported a 25% drop in sales of electronic equipment.
  • For instance, ... / In particular, ... / To illustrate, ...

• To refer to what actually happens

  • In effect, consumers spend more money on luxury items.

• To make general statements

  • Generally, girls get better exam results than boys.
  • In general, girls get better exam results than boys.
  • As a general rule, girls get better exam results than boys.
  • On the whole, girls get better exam results than boys.

• To make partly correct statements

  • Considering the high rate of unemployment, some companies have, up to a point, tried to create more positions.
  • Considering the high rate of unemployment, some companies have, to a certain extent, tried to create more positions.
  • Considering the high rate of unemployment, some companies have, in a way, tried to create more positions.
  • Considering the high rate of unemployment, some companies have, in a sense, tried to create more positions.

• To express limit of knowledge

  • To the best of my knowledge, residents were opposed to the city's plan to build a nuclear power plant in their area.
  • For all I know, residents were opposed to the city's plan to build a nuclear power plant in the area.

• To rephrase

  • That is to say, they disagree with the manager's decision.

• To bring up other points or aspects

  • Regarding the community, the area is in need of a new primary school.
  • With regard to the community, the area is in need of a new primary school.
  • As for the community, the area is in need of a new primary school.

• To express a personal opinion

  • To my mind/way of thinking, department stores offer a greater selection of clothes than small boutiques.
  • I personally believe department stores offer a greater selection of clothes than small boutiques.
  • It strikes me that department stores offer a greater selection of clothes than small boutiques.
  • I feel very strongly that department stores offer a greater selection of clothes than small boutiques.
  • I am inclined to believe that department stores offer a greater selection of clothes than small boutiques.
  • It seems to me that department stores offer a greater selection of clothes than small boutiques.
  • As far as I am concerned, department stores offer a greater selection of clothes than small boutiques.

• To refer to other sources

  • With reference to, this report, that brand of sun cream causes irritation to sensitive skin.

• To express cause

  • Because of the harsh winter, many crops were destroyed.
  • Owing to the harsh winter, many crops were destroyed.
  • For this reason, many crops were destroyed.

• To imply that nothing else needs to be said

  • Anyway, a new community centre will greatly benefit the people of the town.
  • In any case, a new community centre will greatly benefit the people of the town.

• Accepting the situation

  • As it is, the situation cannot be improved.
  • Things being as they are, the situation cannot be improved.

• To conclude

  • Finally, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • Lastly, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • Above all, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • All in all, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • Taking everything into account, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • On the whole, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • All things considered, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • In conclusion, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • As I have said, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • As was previously stated, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.
  • To sum up, the university offers a wide range of courses and provides modern facilities.

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