Effective IELTS Essay Connectors for Writing Task 2 & Task 1 : Brief list

Using Connectors for IELTS in writing tasks makes an essay more readable to the examiner and also demonstrates your strong grammar proficiency. More importantly, the key basis to evaluate the IELTS writing section is cohesion and coherence. IELTS writing comprises two sections - Task 1, which has a word limit of 150 words, and Task 2, which carries twice the weightage of Task 1 and has a higher word limit of 250 words.

The entire sentence looks intriguing if you use connectors for IELTS in a proper way. Linking words in writing task-1 plays a crucial role in emphasizing the main visual details, comparing the key points of the graphs, etc. In writing task-2 these connectors/ linking words help for the paragraph's smooth transition and also allows a thorough explanation of multiple scenario conditions. This article discusses the different types of connectors/ linking words and their importance in IELTS writing tasks 1 and 2 along with practice examples.

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Table of contents

• Different types of IELTS Connectors (Linking words)
• IELTS Connectors: Practice Question for Writing task-1
• IELTS Connectors: Practice Question for Writing task-2
• Why do connectors play a significant role in IELTS Writing?
• Points to be remembered while using connectors
• Frequently asked questions about Connectors for IELTS

Different types of IELTS Connectors (Linking words)

The main point to be known is that the connectors cannot be used everywhere. And the linkers used in sentence formation should look natural, not forcible. The evaluation of the writing is done by assessing the range, accuracy, and flexibility of the linkers/ connectors.

The comprehensive list of various categories of connectors used in sentence framing is given below.

Each connector in the linking words list is explained in detail, below.

Listing

These are used to list the supporting points in your paragraph. Here is a list of a few connectors that will aid to put your paragraph in proper order:

• Firstly
• Secondly
• Thirdly
• Fourthly
• Lastly, Finally / Last but not least

Adding Information

This linker is used to support the important points in your essay. These series of connectors aid to convey the reader about the upcoming additional information:

• Additionally
• Furthermore
• In addition to
• Not only, but also
• And
• Moreover
• Also
• As well as

Giving Examples

In IELTS writing tasks, giving certain examples are often beneficial to support your thoughts. Ensure to make use of any below given linking words in your essay.

• For example
• For instance
• To cite an example
• To illustrate
• One clear example is
• In other words
• such as
• Namely

Results and Consequences

To explain the consequences or results of something, the following connectors will be helpful:

• Therefore
• Thus
• As a result
• For this reason
• Consequently
• So
• Hence

Highlighting and Stressing

The IELTS essay linking words given below would help to individually stress on specific points that are predominant.

• Specifically
• Particularly
• especially
• In particular
• Obviously
• Clearly
• Of course

Concessions and Contrasts

This type of linking words plays a crucial role in discussion essays to provide opposite ideas followed by a thorough detailing. Use any below mentioned connectors, when you want to introduce an opposite point, and also if you want to give any exceptions to a rule for concession.

• However
• Although
• Admittedly
• On the other hand
• Nevertheless
• But
• Still
• Despite
• Even though
• By contrast
• Alternatively
• In spite of
• In comparison with
• other/another option could be

Causes and Reasons

In an IELTS writing task, you might face some instances where reasons/causes for a particular statement need to be provided. The connectors given below will help you in doing so,

• Owing to
• Because
• Due to
• since
• As

Presenting your opinion

Use any of the given below linkers in the essay to express your opinion in a more confident and concise way:

• I believe
• I admit
• I think
• In my opinion
• In my view
• I agree/ concur
• I disagree with/ I cannot accept

Conclusion Linkers

These connectors will help you to give the final summary of the essay. 

• To conclude
• To sum up
• In conclusion 

Download Linking words/ connectors for IELTS writing task  PDF

IELTS Connectors: Practice Question for Writing task 1

A practice task is given below that will help you to understand the proper usage and importance of Connectors for IELTS writing task-1.

In the above process diagram it is 1. ____ given that each salmon goes through 6 major stages and experiences three different locations to complete its entire life cycle.

2. ____, the adult salmon lay eggs in the spawning season and these eggs experience an incubation period before hatching. Once hatching is done, the young salmon 3.  ____ spends some time in the freshwater to develop and mature. As they grow, they start migrating from river to estuary. During this stage, salmon continue to mature, with the abundance of food in the estuary helping to support their growth. Eventually, the salmon is ready to migrate to the open ocean, where they will spend several years feeding and growing. 4. ____, mature salmon return to the river to begin another cycle by laying eggs. 5.  ____ the cycle repeats itself to produce the next generation.

Answers: 

1. clearly
2. Firstly
3. particularly
4. Finally
5. Thus

IELTS Connectors: Practice Question for Writing task 2

Candidates can know IELTS connectors usage in the IELTS writing task 2 by the following practice task.

The Prompt: Most students prefer to work while they pursue their education. But, this often results in time deficiency for academic pursuits and a constant feeling of stress. What do you think might be the causes for this?

Earning money while studying is beneficial for students, 1.  ____ there are many negative impacts like mental stress, lack of performance, etc. 

2.  ____the need to fix their student loan burden and to gain work experience, many students prefer to work while studying. 3.  ____ managing the cost of education has become more challenging and getting a loan from the bank has become a common solution. 4.  ____, students end up getting employment while studying. 5.  ____, students who wish to study in the USA get an education loan from the bank to manage the finance and begin to work after their admission in college. 6.  ____, many organizations prefer candidates who have prior experience in the particular field, making it even more agreeable for the students to enter into the corporate world while doing their education.

Answers: 

1. however
2. Due to
3. Because
4. As a result
5. For instance
6. In addition to

Why do connectors play a significant role in IELTS Writing?

Linking words/connectors helps the candidates to present their ideas comprehensively. Here are a few more reasons that justify the use of connectors/linkers in IELTS

• Connectors make the paragraph crisp and clear
• They provide cohesion to the written text
• They help in demonstrating the connection between the sentences 
• Connectors help to add extra information about the topic/point.
• They help in explaining the purpose of the sentence and your
• opinion towards it.
  They help in framing an appropriate conclusion.

Points to be remembered while using connectors

Connectors/ linking words used improperly will damage the sentence structure and meaning. So, here are a few tips to keep in mind while using these linking words

• Be accurate and careful in picking the choice of words
• Do not overuse the linking words as it makes the sentence meaningless. Use connectors wisely throughout the paragraph
• Avoid using the same word multiple times instead try using different linking words in paragraphs. But ensure that the sentences are meaningful.

Also read other related article: Linking words for IELTS speaking

Conclusion

Applicants need to know that the usage of linkers for IELTS writing varies from IELTS speaking. Hope the above mentioned list of Connectors for IELTS aids you in succeeding in the IELTS writing test with a good band score.

Frequently asked questions about Connectors for IELTS

1. What are the connectors in IELTS?

Connectors are also called linking devices that are used in any essay when you need to explain the consequences of something. Words like as a result, thus, hence, specifically, Because, etc. are examples of connectors.

2. Which connectors are used in Task 1?

Connectors in Task 1 include: first, firstly, in the first place, first of all, for one/ another thing, to begin with, then, next, finally, last of all, and lastly. These are useful to show step-by-step process flow.

3. Which connectors are used in Task 2?

First of all, In addition, For example, For instance, However, conversely, etc. are mostly used in writing task 2.

4. What are the best connector words?

Moreover, Furthermore, additionally, also, then, further, too, besides, correspondingly, indeed, similarly, alternatively, regarding, instead, otherwise, although. These are the best connector words.

5. How can I get 7 in IELTS writing task 2?

Step-1: Answer the questions given in each part
Step-2: Present a clear position
Step-3: Frame your essay
Step-4: Use connectors/linking words
Step-5: maintain vocabulary range and grammatical structure correctly
Step-6: Check your essay thoroughly to avoid mistakes.

6. What happens if you do not meet the word limit of each section?

Writing under the word limit will eventually lower your band score. In addition to that you can also be penalized for not using the connected sentences properly. So, always be mindful and strictly adhere to the given word limit.

7. What is the common mistake in IELTS?

Spelling mistakes are quite common in IELTS. The best way to overcome this is by simply reviewing! If you are unsure about the spelling of a word, avoid using it in your writing. Instead, find a synonym for the same word.