Linking words for IELTS are the small connectors that show the examiner how your ideas fit together. They sit at the heart of Coherence and Cohesion, which carries 25% of your Writing score, and they make Speaking answers flow instead of sounding like a list of short sentences. This guide gives you an IELTS linking words list with examples, the mistakes that cost bands, and a free PDF to keep.
Why linking words matter in IELTS
In Writing, Coherence and Cohesion is one of four equally weighted criteria. Linking words, also called cohesive devices or connectors, are its most visible part. In Speaking, they help the examiner follow your answer without effort.
But more is not better. Examiners reward linking words that are accurate, varied and natural. A paragraph stuffed with “Moreover” and “Furthermore” in every sentence can score lower than a simple, clear one.
IELTS linking words list by purpose
Choose the word by the relationship between your ideas, not by how impressive it sounds. Learn two or three per row and use them accurately.
| Purpose | Linking words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adding | moreover, furthermore, in addition | The course is affordable. Moreover, it is flexible. |
| Contrast | however, nevertheless, on the other hand | Cities are growing; however, rents are rising too. |
| Concession | although, even though, despite | Although it rained, the match went ahead. |
| Result | therefore, consequently, as a result | Prices rose. Consequently, demand fell. |
| Reason | because, since, due to, owing to | The flight was cancelled due to heavy fog. |
| Example | for instance, such as, in particular | Many cities are green. For instance, Oslo bans most cars downtown. |
| Concluding | in conclusion, to sum up, overall | Overall, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. |
Punctuation tip: words like however, moreover and therefore take a comma after them, and when they join two full sentences, put a full stop or semicolon before them. Words like although, because and whereas join clauses directly and need no semicolon.
Common linking word mistakes that cost bands
- Overusing one word. Repeating “Moreover” or “However” in every paragraph looks mechanical. Mix connectors with references such as “This” or “Such a trend”.
- Wrong meaning. “Prices rose. However, demand fell” is a mismatch if you mean result. Use “Consequently” or “As a result”.
- Wrong punctuation. “Cities are growing, however rents are rising” is a comma splice. Write “Cities are growing; however, rents are rising.”
- Starting every sentence with a connector. Link inside sentences too, using “although”, “which” and “because”.
Band 6 vs Band 8: the same idea, linked well
Band 6 style: Cities are crowded. Also rents are high. Also there is traffic. But cities have jobs. So people move there.
Band 8 style: Cities are becoming more crowded, and rents and traffic have risen as a result. Nevertheless, people continue to move there because cities offer far more jobs than rural areas do. Consequently, governments should invest in housing and public transport.
The Band 8 version uses only four connectors, each placed where the meaning needs it, and several ideas are joined inside sentences.
Linking words for IELTS Speaking
Speaking connectors should sound natural, not like an essay. Try “and what is more”, “on top of that”, “that said”, “the reason is that”, “which is why” and “a good example is”. To buy thinking time, say “well” or “let me think”.
Sample answer: “I’m originally from Amritsar, and what I like most is the close-knit community. That said, it can get crowded, which is why I often visit quieter villages on weekends.” Avoid reciting “Moreover” and “Furthermore” in every answer, as they can sound memorised.
Quick practice
Fill each gap with the best word: however, therefore, although, for instance, moreover.
- The course is cheap. ______, it is taught by experienced teachers.
- ______ it was raining, we walked to the exam centre.
- He practised every day; ______, his speaking improved.
- Many cities are green. ______, Oslo bans most cars downtown.
- The plan is simple; ______, it is risky.
Show answers
1. Moreover, 2. Although, 3. therefore, 4. For instance, 5. however.
FAQ: linking words for IELTS
How many linking words should I use in Task 2? There is no fixed number. Use them only where the relationship between ideas needs marking, and vary them.
Are linking words important for IELTS Speaking? Yes, they help fluency and coherence, but use short, conversational ones.
Can I get Band 8 with simple linking words? Yes. Accurate, natural use matters more than rare phrases.
Practise with real IELTS tests
Knowing the words is half the job; using them under exam conditions is the other half. Practise IELTS Writing and Speaking for free on computerielts.com, try the Academic Writing Task 1 practice tests, then check your own answers for connectors that are repeated, mismatched or missing.