Linking Words for IELTS Writing Task 2

Introduction

If you’re aiming for Band 8 or higher in IELTS Writing Task 2, mastering linking words — also known as cohesive devices — is essential. At Band 8, the examiner expects:

“A wide range of cohesive devices used flexibly and accurately.”

That means:

You don’t just use basic transitions like “Firstly, Secondly, In conclusion…”
You use precise, natural linking phrases to guide your reader through your argument — without repetition, overuse, or robotic structure.

This page will show you:

What linking words Band 8 writers actually use
How to group them by function
How to avoid Band 6.5 mistakes
How to sound academic and natural at the same time

This lesson is part of our full [IELTS Writing Task 2 Guide], along with:

[Band 8 Essay Samples]
[IELTS Grammar for Writing Task 2]
[How to Write a Thesis Statement in IELTS Essays]
[IELTS Vocabulary Lists by Topic]
[IELTS Coherence and Cohesion Tips]

Why Linking Words Matter (Band Descriptors Insight)

Band	What the Examiner Looks For
Band 6	Uses cohesive devices effectively but with repetition or errors
Band 7	Uses a range of cohesive devices with some flexibility
Band 8	Uses a wide range flexibly, accurately, and naturally
Band 9	Full control; cohesion is seamless and elegant

Linking Words by Category (Band 8-Ready)

1. Additive (Adding Ideas)

Linking Word	Example Sentence
moreover	Moreover, the environmental impact of air travel is often overlooked.
in addition	In addition, young people are more likely to use social media for news.
what is more	What is more, such measures are cost-effective in the long term.

2. Contrast (Showing Difference or Opposition)

Linking Word	Example Sentence
however	Many students prefer online learning. However, others value face-to-face interaction.
although	Although the idea is appealing, it may not be practical for all cities.
whereas	Urban areas are densely populated, whereas rural regions face depopulation.

3. Cause and Effect (Explaining Results)

Linking Word	Example Sentence
therefore	Many young people leave rural areas. Therefore, the population in cities increases.
as a result	The policy failed. As a result, public trust declined.
since	Since many jobs require experience, graduates often struggle to find employment.

4. Examples (Supporting Your Point)

Linking Word	Example Sentence
for instance	Many developed countries, for instance Japan and Germany, face an ageing population.
such as	Public health campaigns such as anti-smoking ads can be effective.
namely	The country has two main exports, namely coffee and oil.

5. Conclusion (Summing Up)

Linking Word	Example Sentence
in conclusion	In conclusion, renewable energy offers a sustainable long-term solution.
overall	Overall, the advantages of electric vehicles clearly outweigh the drawbacks.
to sum up	To sum up, both education and enforcement are required to reduce traffic violations.

Grammar Focus 1: Tag Questions

Tag questions add fluency and tone variation. In IELTS, use them sparingly — usually once per essay — when discussing commonly accepted ideas.

Structure:

Positive sentence → Negative tag
Negative sentence → Positive tag

Example:

“Technology has made communication faster, hasn’t it?”

Grammar Focus 2: Inversion for Emphasis

Inversion is an advanced structure used to emphasize surprising or strong points.

Structure:

Negative adverbial + auxiliary + subject + verb

Examples:

Not only has the internet changed education, but it has also transformed how people work.
Rarely do politicians consider long-term consequences, do they?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Fix
Repeating “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” every time	Use variation: To begin with, Another point, Moreover
Using “because” in every cause sentence	Use: since, as, due to the fact that
Forcing linking words unnaturally	Only use where logically needed — don’t just “stuff” them in
Using informal transitions like “Plus” or “So”	Replace with formal forms: In addition, Therefore

Footer

For more advanced IELTS tools:

Band 8 Essay Samples (Opinion, Discussion, Problem–Solution)
Full Coherence and Cohesion Breakdown with Examples
Grammar and Sentence Structure for Writing Task 2
IELTS Writing Task 2 PDF: “10 High-Impact Openings + Sample Sentences”
Join our IELTS Power Writing Series: build fluency, structure, and confidence to move from Band 6.5 to Band 8+

This guide is part of our full IELTS Writing system, built by an instructor with 25+ years of experience and thousands of students helped.