Hello, I’m Sarah Thompson, an IELTS tutor and former examiner with twenty years of teaching experience.
One of the most powerful tools to improve your IELTS Writing score is mastering Linking Words & Cohesive Devices. These are the bridges that connect your ideas smoothly and logically.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to use them naturally, without sounding mechanical, so your writing flows like that of a confident Band 8 candidate.
Linking words (also called connectors or transition phrases) are expressions such as however, therefore, in addition, and as a result that help your reader follow the logic of your argument.
Cohesive devices include not only these connectors but also pronouns, substitution, reference words, and parallel structures that create unity in your writing.
In IELTS Writing, Coherence and Cohesion account for 25% of your total band score, so mastering these devices directly improves your performance.
Examiners look for essays that read smoothly — not just grammatically correct sentences placed side by side.
Using linking words correctly shows that:
However, examiners penalise overuse or inappropriate linking. Your goal is balance, not decoration.
Let’s explore the main categories and some examples commonly used in IELTS Writing.
Purpose | Examples of Linking Words | Example Sentence |
Adding ideas | furthermore, in addition, moreover, also | Furthermore, governments should invest in renewable energy sources. |
Contrasting ideas | however, on the other hand, although, whereas | Although online learning is flexible, it may reduce social interaction. |
Showing cause and effect | therefore, as a result, consequently, thus | The population has grown rapidly; therefore, housing prices have increased. |
Giving examples | for example, for instance, such as, namely | Many developing countries, such as India and Bangladesh, rely on agriculture. |
Emphasising points | indeed, in fact, particularly, notably | In fact, education is the key to reducing poverty levels. |
Sequencing ideas | firstly, secondly, finally, next | Firstly, the government must provide funding; secondly, citizens should cooperate. |
Summarising / Concluding | in conclusion, to sum up, overall, in summary | In conclusion, technology has changed communication dramatically. |
Band 8 Tip: Use each category sparingly. Two or three well-chosen connectors per paragraph are enough.
Cohesion is not only about connectors, it’s also about how sentences refer to each other naturally.
Reference Words
These refer back to something previously mentioned:
Renewable energy is becoming more popular. This trend is beneficial for the environment.
Avoid repetition by replacing words or omitting obvious ones.
Some people prefer cars, while others prefer public transport. The latter is more sustainable.
Use related words and synonyms to maintain topic focus.
Children’s education, pupils, and young learners all refer to the same subject but provide variety.
Maintain symmetry in sentence forms:
The policy aims to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase customer satisfaction
Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | Correction |
Overusing connectors | Sounds mechanical and unnatural | Use only when necessary |
Starting every sentence with “Moreover” | Repetition reduces cohesion | Vary with “In addition”, “Also”, or restructure |
Using informal connectors | “Plus” or “besides” can sound casual | Use formal ones like “Moreover” or “Furthermore” |
Confusing contrast and addition | “However” ≠ “Furthermore” | Choose based on logic |
Misplacing commas | However needs a comma after it when used mid-sentence | However, this policy is not effective. |
Band 8 Tip: The best essays sound fluent because ideas link naturally, not because every sentence starts with a connector.
Education plays a crucial role in personal and national development. Firstly, it equips individuals with the skills required for employment. Furthermore, educated citizens tend to contribute more actively to society. As a result, countries that invest in education often experience faster economic growth.
Here, linking words (firstly, furthermore, as a result) create a smooth flow without sounding forced.
Try rewriting this paragraph to improve cohesion:
People use cars because they are convenient. Cars create pollution. Governments should limit cars.
👉 Improved version:
People rely heavily on cars because they are convenient. However, this dependence leads to pollution; therefore, governments should encourage the use of public transport.
That’s how linking devices lift coherence instantly.
Examiner’s Perspective
When I mark scripts, I look for balance. A Band 6 essay often includes too few or too many connectors.
A Band 7–8 essay shows:
You don’t get marks for the number of connectors, you get marks for how effectively they connect ideas.
Using Linking Words & Cohesive Devices strategically helps your essay sound fluent and logical.
Remember: use them to guide your reader, not to decorate your writing.
Next, read Grammar for IELTS Writing to strengthen sentence control and reduce grammatical slips that affect coherence.
You can also return to the IELTS Writing Overview: Format, Scoring & Key Skills mother page or explore IELTS.org for official scoring guidelines.
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