IELTS Task 2 Linking Words: Use Fewer, Score Higher

Priya Sharma

Priya Sharma writes English learning guides for ESL students. Pune-based language enthusiast.

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Quick answer: Use fewer linking words, choose each for its exact meaning, and connect ideas with pronouns, 'this + noun,' and relative clauses too. Examiners reward clear logic, not long lists of 'Furthermore' and 'Moreover.'↗ Share on X

To use linking words correctly in IELTS Writing Task 2, use fewer of them, choose each one for its exact meaning, and put most of them at the start of a sentence or between two ideas, never just as decoration. Examiners do not reward a long list of "Furthermore, Moreover, In addition." They reward linking that shows clear logic. In fact, the official band descriptors say that at Band 6, linking can be "mechanical," and at higher bands, cohesion is used so naturally that it "attracts no attention." Your goal is not more linkers. It is the right ones, in the right places.

Why do linking words matter so much?

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Task 2 is marked on four criteria, and each one counts for a quarter of your writing score for that task:

Linking words sit inside Coherence and Cohesion. But they also affect Lexical Resource. Using "Moreover" wrongly is both a linking mistake and a vocabulary mistake. That is why fixing your linkers can raise more than one score at once.

Which linking words should you actually use?

You do not need 100 linkers. You need about 15 to 20 that you can use perfectly. Here is a working set, grouped by meaning:

Learn the grammar of each one. That is where most mistakes happen.

What are the most common linking mistakes?

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These are the errors examiners see again and again.

1. Starting every sentence with a linker

A paragraph like this sounds robotic:

*Firstly, cars cause pollution. Moreover, they cause traffic. Furthermore, they are expensive. In addition, they are dangerous.*

Fix it by connecting ideas inside the sentence and using pronouns:

*Cars cause pollution and add to traffic jams. They are also expensive to run, and this cost falls hardest on low-income families.*

The second version has fewer linkers but better cohesion.

2. Misusing "On the other hand"

"On the other hand" introduces a contrasting side of the same issue. It does not mean "also."

• Wrong: *Exercise improves health. On the other hand, it improves mood.*
• Right: *Working from home saves travel time. On the other hand, it can make people feel isolated.*

3. Mixing up "Although" and "However"

These two have different grammar.

• Although joins two ideas in one sentence: *Although the plan is expensive, it will save money later.*
• However usually starts a new sentence and needs a comma after it: *The plan is expensive. However, it will save money later.*

Wrong: *Although the plan is expensive, but it will save money.* Never use "although" and "but" together.

4. Writing "Despite" with a full clause

"Despite" and "In spite of" are followed by a noun or an -ing form, not a subject and a verb.

• Wrong: *Despite it was raining, we went out.*
• Right: *Despite the rain, we went out.*
• Right: *Despite feeling tired, she finished the essay.*

5. Using "Moreover" for weak points

"Moreover" and "Furthermore" signal that the next point is stronger or adds weight. Use them for a second important argument, not for a small detail.

6. Forcing fancy linkers

Words like "Notwithstanding," "Hence," or "Thereupon" are fine if you use them correctly. But many candidates use them wrongly to sound advanced. A simple linker used perfectly beats a rare one used badly.

Where should linking words go in your essay?

Think about cohesion at three levels: between paragraphs, between sentences, and inside sentences.

Between paragraphs. Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence. You can use a linker, but a good topic sentence often links on its own.

*One major reason for this trend is the rising cost of housing.*

Between sentences. Use linkers to show how one idea leads to the next, especially for results, contrasts, and examples.

*Rents in large cities have doubled. As a result, many young people live with their parents for longer.*

Inside sentences. Use words like "because," "which," "while," and "so" to join ideas smoothly.

*Many young people live with their parents, which allows them to save for a deposit.*

A good Task 2 essay uses all three levels. Weaker essays use only the second level, and they overuse it.

How many linking words should a Band 7+ essay have?

There is no official number, and no examiner counts them. But here is a practical guide for a 250 to 300 word essay:

1. One linker to introduce your opinion or the essay's direction in the introduction.

2. One or two clear linkers per body paragraph, usually for an example and a result or contrast.

3. One linker to open your conclusion.

4. The rest of your connection comes from pronouns ("this," "these," "they"), synonyms, and good sentence structure.

If you see linkers at the start of almost every sentence, cut half of them.

Can you link ideas without linking words?

Yes, and this is what moves essays from Band 6 to Band 7 and above. These tools are called referencing and substitution.

• Pronouns: *Governments should fund public libraries. They provide free access to knowledge.*
• "This" + noun: *Many workers now commute for over an hour. This long journey reduces time with family.*
• Synonyms: Instead of repeating "students," use "learners," "young people," or "pupils" where the meaning fits.
• Relative clauses: *Online courses, which are often cheaper, attract many adult learners.*

One warning: make sure "this" or "it" clearly points to one thing. If the reader cannot tell what "this" means, it hurts your cohesion score.

How do you practice linking words properly?

Use this short routine three times a week:

1. Pick one old essay you have already written.

2. Highlight every linking word in one color.

3. Check each one: Is the meaning right? Is the grammar right? Is the punctuation right?

4. Delete any that only decorate and do not show a real logical link.

5. Add one example of referencing (a pronoun or "this + noun") to each paragraph.

6. Rewrite one paragraph in full with your corrections.

You can also read model answers from official IELTS practice materials and highlight how linkers are used. Notice how few there are and how precisely they fit.

A quick before-and-after example

Before (Band 6 style):

*Firstly, technology helps students. Moreover, they can find information. Furthermore, it is fast. On the other hand, it helps teachers too. In conclusion, technology is good.*

After (Band 7+ style):

*Technology gives students instant access to information, which makes research much faster than it was a generation ago. Teachers benefit as well, since online tools allow them to track each learner's progress. However, this convenience comes with a risk: students may copy answers rather than think for themselves.*

The second version has three linking devices ("which," "since," "However") plus referencing ("this convenience," "them"). It reads naturally and shows clear logic.

Your next step today

Take the last Task 2 essay you wrote and highlight every linking word. Cut at least a third of them, and fix any "although... but" or "despite + clause" errors you find. Then rewrite your strongest body paragraph using one pronoun and one "this + noun" phrase. Keep that rewritten paragraph as your model for your next practice essay.

FAQ

How many linking words should an IELTS Task 2 essay have?

There is no official number. A practical guide is one or two clear linkers per body paragraph, plus one in the introduction and conclusion, with the rest of the connection coming from pronouns and sentence structure.

What is the difference between 'although' and 'however'?

'Although' joins two ideas in one sentence. 'However' usually starts a new sentence and is followed by a comma. Never use 'although' and 'but' together.

Do fancy linking words raise my IELTS score?

Only if used correctly. A simple linker used perfectly is better than a rare word like 'notwithstanding' used wrongly.