Linking words, also known as cohesive devices or transition words, are essential for creating a well-structured and easy-to-follow essay or report in the IELTS Writing test. They signal the relationship between different parts of your writing, guiding the reader through your arguments and explanations.
These words and phrases can indicate various relationships, such as addition (e.g., furthermore, in addition), contrast (e.g., however, on the other hand), cause and effect (e.g., consequently, as a result), exemplification (e.g., for example, for instance), and summation (e.g., in conclusion, to summarise).
Importance for IELTS Writing
The effective use of linking words is crucial for achieving a higher score in the Coherence and Cohesion criterion of the IELTS Writing band descriptors. Examiners look for a logical flow of ideas and clear connections between sentences and paragraphs. Appropriate use demonstrates your ability to organise your thoughts and present them in a structured manner.
Conversely, overuse or misuse of linking words can negatively impact your score. For instance, simply inserting a linking word without a genuine logical connection between ideas can make your writing sound unnatural or forced. It is important to use them meaningfully to enhance clarity, not just to fill space.
Example of effective use:
- Original: Many people enjoy city life. It offers numerous opportunities.
- With linking word: Many people enjoy city life because it offers numerous opportunities.
In this example, 'because' clearly establishes a cause-and-effect relationship, making the connection between the two ideas explicit and improving the sentence's coherence.
