• IELTS

Connectors /Linking Words for Writing - Functions and Tips

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  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Jun 21,2024 04:40 PM IST

  • Connectors play an essential role in making any language, especially English, more understandable and cohesive.
  • For students preparing for tests like IELTS, correct usage of linking words and connectors is important to score high in writing section.
  • The blog post presents numerous trending connectors/linking words along with tips to use these correctly. 

Connectors /Linking Words for Writing - Functions and Tips

IELTS is one of the most prestigious English language proficiency tests accepted by the majority of universities worldwide. The exam is designed to test candidates' English proficiency based on their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. To score well on the test, every test taker must have complete knowledge of grammar and the right choice of words, which are fundamentals to any language.  

Even with a thorough knowledge of grammar rules, candidates often find it difficult to score well on the test as they fail to use the correct linking words to make their points more impactful. Adverbs, also known as linking words or connectors, are by far the simplest way to link phrases or concepts together with a single word. Such linking words or connectors enhance the readability of the entire phrase, and, if used wisely, connectors in IELTS can help leave a good impression on the mind of the examiner.

In any case, the following advice can help you if you run into trouble using these linking words or connectors.

Importance of Connectors/Linking Words for IELTS Writing 

In order to get the desired band score, candidates must have complete knowledge of IELTS, including its format and marking parameters. Presenting the expressions in a coherent and cohesive manner is an important criterion for the IELTS writing task, consisting of 25% of the total mark in the writing section. The use of linking words in IELTS helps to add flexibility and accuracy to the expressions.  Below are some other important reasons to use linking words or connectors:

  • Connectors make the writing more structured, helping the candidate to support their ideas using words like firstly, secondly, lastly, etc.
  • Words like in addition to, furthermore, moreover, etc. help in adding more information to the write-up.
  • Linking words provides meaning to sentences that would otherwise be complicated.
  • These also help the readers comprehend the connections between one sentence and another.
  • They aid in understanding the question's intent and also provide a proper response.

Tips for using Connectors/Linking Words for IELTS Writing

While preparing for IELTS, candidates often end up stuffing too many connectors in their writing in the hope of scoring high. This is a common mistake to avoid, as excessive use of linking words only reduces the readability of the task. When using linking words or connectors in IELTS writing, keep the following advice in mind:

Do not use too many ConnectorsStudents tend to use connectors in every sentence. Though, it is accurate grammatically, it unnecessarily disturbs the flow of writing and makes the written work look mechanical.
Use Linking Words wiselySeveral words and phrases can be used as linking words but the use of these linking words has to be in the context of the writing and accurate.
Use a variety of ConnectorsIt means that you should not repeat the same linking words again and again. You ought to use a variety of these connectors to fetch high bands in IELTS writing tasks.
Do not mix up the linking wordsYou should make sure that the linking words you are using should be meaningful to that sentence.

Common Connectors/Linking Words for IELTS Writing

Correct use of linking words is as important as grammar for IELTS. The table below is curated to provide brief information on the usage of connectors, along with a suitable example.

When WritingLinking Words / Connectors
Opinion
  • I think
  • In my opinion
  • I believe
  • In my view


In Situations:

  • I think you will look good in a black dress.
  • In my opinion, you will look good in a black dress
  • I believe you will look good in a black dress.
  • In my view, you will look good in a black dress.

Agreement / Disagreement
  • I agree
  • I concur
  • I disagree
  • I cannot accept
  • I oppose the idea


In Situations:

  • I agree with your statement.
  • I concur with your statement.
  • I disagree with your statement.
  • I cannot accept your statement.
  • I oppose the idea in your statement.

Examples
  • For instance
  • For example
  • To cite an example
  • One clear example
  • To illustrate
  • To give an example


In Situations:

  • He is not dependable; for instance, he was an hour late for the meeting yesterday.
  • He is not dependable; for example, he was an hour late for the meeting yesterday.
  • He is not dependable. To cite an example, he was an hour late for the meeting yesterday.
  • He is not dependable. One clear example would be that he was an hour late for the meeting yesterday.
  • He is not dependable. To illustrate, he was an hour late for the meeting yesterday.
  • He is not dependable. To give an example, he was an hour late for the meeting yesterday.
Listing Points
  • Firstly, secondly, thirdly, lastly, etc.
  • To begin with
  • Last but not least


In Situations:

  • Firstly, it is expensive. Secondly, I cannot afford it. Thirdly, my mother will never allow me to buy it. Lastly, I am not interested.
  • To begin with, it is too expensive for me to purchase!
  • Last but not least, I am not interested
Reasons and Causes
  • As
  • Since
  • Due to
  • Because


In Situations:

  • I got late as I was not feeling well.
  • I got late since I was not feeling well.
  • Due to being unwell, I got late.
  • I got late because I was not feeling well.
Extra Information
  • And
  • In addition
  • Additionally
  • As well as
  • Not only…but also


In Situations:

  • Mobile and the internet are dominating our lives.
  • In addition to mobile, the internet is dominating our lives.
  • Mobile has revolutionised the world. Additionally, the internet is dominating our lives
  • Mobile as well as the internet, are dominating our lives
  • Not only mobile but also the internet is dominating our lives
Results and Consequences
  • As a result
  • So
  • Consequently
  • Thus
  • Hence
  • Not only, but also


In Situations:

  • He didn’t know how to swim, and as a result, he drowned.
  • He didn’t know how to swim. Consequently, he drowned.
  • He didn’t know how to swim; thus, he drowned.
  • He didn’t know how to swim; hence, he drowned.

An Indication of Time
  • Eventually
  • Meanwhile
  • Subsequently
  • Initially


In Situations:

  • If you try harder, eventually, you will get a job.
  • Give your best to find the job and meanwhile, keep learning more. 
  • Keep applying to multiple companies; it will subsequently lead to getting a job.
  • Initially, you must try harder to get a job.
Highlighting or Emphasising
  • Specifically
  • Especially
  • Obviously
  • In particular
  • Of course
  • Clearly


In Situations:

  • The book is written specifically for children.
  • The book is written especially for children.
  • Obviously, the book is written for children.
  • In particular, the book is written for children.
  • Of course, the book is written for children.
  • Clearly, the book is written for children.
Presenting Contrast
  • In spite of
  • However
  • Despite
  • Still
  • Although
  • But
  • Even though


In Situations:

  • In spite of the pain, she completed her shift.
  • She was in pain, however, she managed to complete her shift.
  • Despite being in pain, she managed to complete her shift
  • She was in pain, still she completed her shift.
  • Although she was in pain, she completed her shift.
  • She was in pain but she completed her shift.
  • Even though she was in pain, she completed her shift.
Presenting Comparison
  • Similarly
  • Likewise
  • In comparison to
  • In the same way
  • Admittedly


In Situations

  • They all were dressed similarly.
  • They all were dressed likewise.
  • In comparison to others, they all were dressed alike.
  • They all were dressed in the same way.
Conclusion
  • To conclude
  • In conclusion
  • To sum up


In Situations:

  • To conclude, I am never going to give up.
  • In conclusion, I am never going to give up.
  • To sum up, I am never going to give up

Let’s Practice 

Studying abroad can be an enriching experience for international student, as it broadens their horizons in more than one way. ___1___ it exposes them to new cultures and customs. Adjusting to a different way of life allows students to challenge their preconceived notions and develop a more tolerant and open-minded perspective. Conversely, travel can ___2___ strengthen their appreciation for their own culture. By observing the differences, students gain a deeper understanding of their own traditions and values. ___3___, travel often involves learning a new language, even if it's just basic phrases. This ___4___ enhances communication skills ___4___ fosters a sense of accomplishment and boosts confidence. ___5___, traveling equips students with valuable life skills, fostering cultural awareness, personal growth, and a spirit of adventure

Hints:

1. Sequencing

2. Addition

3. Addition

4. Result

5. Conclusion

Achieving a higher band score does not solely depend on the knowledge of the language but also on the level of practice for the test. IELTS is a popular English language proficiency test that examines a candidate’s knowledge on different parameters in a specified time. Regular practice helps test takers get an understanding of the test format and adapt to the time allotted for every section. Connect with the expert trainers of Canamprep IELTS Coaching Institute to learn the tips for scoring high in IELTS, along with the latest practice tests based on the current test guidelines and patterns.

FAQ

The purpose of connectors is to join information and ideas in a sentence. If connectors are used in a sentence, then they make the meaning of the sentence clear and are easy for readers to understand.
Linkers are words and phrases that connect your writing and speaking. They help the readers form a logical relationship between ideas. In terms of speaking, they make the meaning of sentences clearer to the listener.
Connectors are added between two sentences whom they connect. They can go after or before the subject of the second sentence. 
The following list gives the best connectors in writing:

Because
As a result
Due to
Therefore
Consequently
For instance, For example
Such as 
Like

The following list gives the best connectors that can be used in an essay:

Additionally
Apart from this
As well as
In this way
Moreover
In addition to this
In this case
Further 
Furthermore etc. 

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