Using linking words is crucial for improving the coherence and cohesion of your IELTS Academic and General Training Writing Test responses. Properly incorporating these words and phrases helps connect your ideas, making your writing more organized and easier to follow.
A guide to using linking words effectively:
Introducing Ideas:
- To begin with / Firstly / First and foremost: Use these to introduce the first point or reason in your argument.
Adding Information:
- Moreover / Furthermore / In addition / Additionally: These phrases are useful when you want to add more information or extend a point.
Contrasting Ideas:
- However / Nevertheless / Nonetheless: These are ideal for introducing an opposing or contrasting idea.
- In contrast / On the other hand: Use these when presenting an alternative viewpoint or comparing differences.
Showing Cause and Effect:
- Therefore / Thus / As a result / Consequently: These phrases indicate a cause-effect relationship or a logical conclusion.
Concluding:
- Finally / Lastly / In conclusion: Use these to introduce the final point or to sum up your argument.
Adding Similar Points:
- Additionally / Also / Similarly: These words help in adding a point that is similar or related to the previous one.
Providing Examples:
- For instance / For example / Such as: Use these phrases to provide specific examples that support your point.
Highlighting Specific Points:
- In particular: This phrase is useful for emphasizing a specific detail or point.
Adding Additional Information:
- As well as / Along with / Together with: These phrases are effective for adding supplementary information or examples.
To maximize the effectiveness of your writing, use these linking words and phrases appropriately. They not only enhance the flow of your ideas but also make your essay more coherent, which is essential for achieving a higher score on the IELTS Writing Test.
