A stubborn myth says IELTS rewards linking words, so candidates cram in 'Moreover', 'Furthermore' and 'In addition' at every turn. Past a certain point the opposite is true. Cohesion is about a reader being able to follow your ideas effortlessly, and a pile of obvious connectors draws attention to the joins instead of the argument. The goal is to use them where there is a genuine logical relationship, and no more.
What linking words are actually marked on
Linking words sit under Coherence and Cohesion, which is a quarter of your band for the task. The public descriptor rewards a range of cohesive devices used appropriately, and it specifically warns against mechanical or faulty use. In other words, accuracy and naturalness beat quantity every time. Our scoring guide breaks down where this criterion sits among the four.
A function-grouped list that works
Do not memorise a giant list. Learn one or two reliable connectors for each logical relationship, and use them correctly.
- Adding a point: in addition, furthermore, moreover (use these sparingly), as well as, also.
- Contrasting: however, in contrast, on the other hand, whereas, while, although, despite.
- Giving a reason: because, since, as, due to, owing to.
- Showing a result: therefore, as a result, consequently, which means that.
- Introducing an example: for instance, for example, such as, in particular.
- Concession: admittedly, granted, it is true that.
- Concluding: in conclusion, to sum up, overall.
That short set covers almost every relationship you will need in a Task 2 essay. Range comes from using them accurately across these functions, not from finding rarer synonyms for 'moreover'.
The overuse trap
One habit to reconsider is opening nearly every sentence with a connector. It feels sophisticated; it reads as mechanical. Compare these two versions of the same idea:
Firstly, cars cause pollution. Moreover, they cause traffic. Furthermore, they are expensive. In addition, they are dangerous. Therefore, we should use public transport.Overused
Private cars create several problems at once. They are a major source of urban air pollution, they clog city roads at peak times, and they are costly to run. Public transport eases all three pressures, which is why it deserves greater investment.Illustrative rewrite
The stronger version uses just one connector. It holds together through referencing ('they', 'all three pressures') and a clear logical order instead. That is what real cohesion looks like.
Ten sentences, one right linker each. See how many you pick on logic rather than habit.
Try the free linker drillCohesion is more than connectors
Connectors are only the surface of cohesion. Most of the marks come from things that are quieter on the page.
- Referencing: using 'this', 'these', 'such' and pronouns to point back to an idea without repeating it.
- Clear paragraphing: one central idea per paragraph, signalled by a topic sentence.
- Logical order: arranging sentences so each one follows naturally from the last.
Get those right and you need very few linking words. Our Task 2 structure guide shows the paragraphing that does most of the cohesive work for you.
Quick rules
- Use a connector only where there is a real logical relationship, not at the start of every sentence.
- Do not march through 'Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly'; it is acceptable but robotic if it frames every paragraph.
- Vary their position: some at the start of a sentence, some in the middle.
- Never use a connector you cannot use accurately. Choose the word that expresses the actual relationship; 'but' may be clearer than a misused 'nevertheless'.
If you are not sure whether your linking is helping or hurting, paste an essay into the grader and check your Coherence and Cohesion score against the other three criteria.