IELTS Speaking and Writing: Using linkers to improve cohesion

Many English learners believe that in order to speak and write in English properly, all they need is an extensive vocabulary and correct grammar: first they learn the words, then they use grammar to form sentences using those words. That’s it! Well, not exactly.

While these two aspects of the English language are essential, grammar and vocabulary alone are simply not enough to master the language.

Take, for example, the following response to a sample Part 1 question of the IELTS Speaking test:

Examiner: “Tell me about the kind of accommodation you live in.”

Candidate: “I live in an apartment. I really like my apartment. It’s modern. It’s conveniently located. The apartment is in the city center. It’s close to my school. It only takes me 10 minutes to walk to school. The apartment is a bit small. I’d like to find a bigger one in the future.”

Even though the candidate used correct grammar and vocabulary, while reading the response, you probably got a feeling that something was missing.

What’s missing is called ‘cohesion’.

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Cohesion is the “glue” the holds your ideas together and allows them to flow smoothly. Good cohesion means that what you’re saying or writing is organized, thus making it easier for your listeners or readers to understand.

Linking words or phrases, also known as linkers, are important features of cohesion that help you connect your ideas in a logical way. Examples of linkers include: because, and, but, so and many, many more.

Like grammar and vocabulary, cohesion and coherence (how much a text makes sense) are part of the assessment criteria for the Speaking and Writing sections of the IELTS. This means that for you to achieve a higher band on your IELTS, your response must be easy to follow and understand and should have appropriate use of cohesive features.

Hear from our IELTS Experts as they discuss Coherence and Cohesion in the Writing section of the IELTS test. Our video podcast host Rocco Nigro is joined by Don Oliver.

Don regularly hosts our IELTS Masterclass sessions. He has taught English in Australia, South-east Asia and Middle East and has more than 30 years’ experience in IELTS test development and preparation. 

Watch the full episode and more on IELTS Prepare by IDP: a 10-part video podcast series.

Linking words and phrases can be used to add ideas together, to contrast them, or to show reasons, results or examples.

Although cohesion is an important feature of both speaking and writing, the use of linkers differs between the two.

• Speakers generally use simpler, and often informal, linking words and phrases.

• Writers, on the other hand, tend to use a variety of cohesive features, including more formal linkers, to organize their information and ideas. This is especially true when writing longer pieces of writing such as the discursive essay in Writing Task 2.

To manage cohesion effectively, make sure you can determine what you want to do with your ideas (i.e. are you adding to an idea, contrasting ideas, giving an example, etc.) to be able to pick an appropriate linker to do the job. Also, keep in mind that over-using linkers can become confusing or annoying for your audience, so avoid using too many. 

Now, thinking back to the candidate at the beginning of this post, you may still be wondering how they could’ve used linkers to give a more cohesive response. While there’s a number of different ways to achieve this, the following is an easy-to-follow response with a variety of linkers, which connect the speaker’s ideas effectively:

Examiner: “Tell me about the kind of accommodation you live in.”

Candidate: “I live in an apartment. I really like my apartment because it’s modern and is conveniently located in the city center. It’s also close to my school, so it only takes me 10 minutes to walk to school. However, the apartment is a bit small, which is why I’d like to find a bigger one in the future.”

Just as with any skill, acquiring the ability to effectively use a range of cohesive devices requires study and practice. One of the best ways to understand linkers and how to use them is through reading and listening.

During your IELTS preparation period, you're likely to be exposed to a number of high-quality textbooks, articles, podcasts, videos, etc. Use these examples to note how linkers are used.

As you practice writing essays, review your writing and underline the linking words and phrases you used. If you’re not showing variety, think about how you could use different linkers to avoid repetition. You can also practice, review and reflect on your spoken use of cohesive features by using a voice recorder.

1. Addition

• These introduce additional information or ideas.

• Examples: and, also, moreover, furthermore, in addition

• Usage: "The city has a rich history. Moreover, it boasts a vibrant cultural scene."

2. Contrast

• These highlight differences or introduce opposing ideas.

• Examples: however, nevertheless, on the contrary, in contrast, conversely, despite, in spite of, whereas, although, while

• Usage: "The weather was cold. However, we still enjoyed our trip."

3. Cause and Effect

• These linking words indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between ideas.

• Examples: because, since, as, due to, owing to, thanks to, for, therefore, consequently, thus

• Usage: "She studied hard for the exam. As a result, she scored high marks."

4. Sequence

• Organise ideas or events in a particular order.

• Examples: first, next, then, after that, finally, lastly

• Usage: "First, we visited the museum. Then, we went to the park."

5. Comparison

• These show similarities between ideas.

• Examples: similarly, likewise, in the same way, in comparison, by contrast, conversely, on the other hand, unlike, different from, whereas

• Usage: "The two cities are quite different. Similarly, their cultures are unique."

6. Emphasis

• These linkers highlight the importance of a particular point.

• Examples: particularly, especially, notably, importantly, specifically, in particular, it is worth noting, of significance, above all, most importantly

• Usage: "The team's performance was excellent. Indeed, they exceeded all expectations."

7. Example-based linking words

• These are used to provide examples, which help increase understanding and interest in sentences.

• Examples: for example, for instance, such as, like, including, to illustrate, as an illustration, namely, in particular, specifically

• Usage: "There are many ways to stay healthy. For example, regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial."

8. Result

• Result linkers establish a cause-and-effect relationship, showing the outcome of a previous statement.

• Examples: therefore, consequently, as a result, thus, hence, so, accordingly, for this reason, that is why

• Usage: "He didn't study for the test. Consequently, he failed."

9. Expressing an opinion

• These help convey personal viewpoints and subjective judgments.

• Examples: in my opinion, I believe, personally, from my perspective, according to me, it seems to me, I think, as far as I'm concerned, in my view

• Usage: "In my opinion, online learning is a valuable resource."

10. Time

• Time linkers assist in providing a sense of timing and chronology to help listeners understand the sequence of events.

• Examples: firstly, secondly, next, then, afterwards, subsequently, meanwhile, simultaneously, eventually, finally

• Usage: "Next, we will discuss the financial implications."

11. Pointing out the obvious

• These connectors indicate something as obvious or self-evident.

• Examples: clearly, obviously, naturally, it is evident that, it goes without saying that, undoubtedly, needless to say, it is apparent that, it is self-evident that, it is clear that

• Usage: "Obviously, safety measures must be followed."

12. Generalising

• Generalising linking words present statements that apply to a wider range of situations or contexts.

• Examples: generally, typically, in general, on the whole, broadly speaking, universally, by and large, in most cases, as a rule, for the most part

• Usage: "Generally, people prefer to travel during the summer."

13. Alternatives

• These indicate different possibilities or choices.

• Examples: alternatively, instead, or, otherwise, on the other hand, in contrast, conversely, as an alternative, in lieu of, rather than

• Usage: "We could go hiking this weekend. Alternatively, we could visit a museum."

14. Conclusion

• Conclusion linkers signal the end of a discussion or summarise key points, providing closure.

• Examples: in conclusion, to sum up, ultimately, all in all, in summary, to conclude, lastly, finally, overall, in a nutshell

• Usage: "In conclusion, the project was a success despite the challenges."

Achieving a great IELTS score takes time and planning. You can’t just book and take your test in a matter of days – no matter how strong your English skills are. Successful test takers create a schedule to help them study everything they need to know before they sit an IELTS test. They make time to practise all four English skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking – as the format of each part of the test is different.

To help you prepare for your IELTS test, you can access our wide range of preparation materials, attend a FREE Masterclass with an IELTS expert, and complete IELTS practice tests.

Read more about how to prepare for IELTS Writing, expert advice on coherence and cohesion from IELTS Experts, and how to references to improve your writing.

You can also boost your writing band score with IELTS Writing Assist. Complete an official mock IELTS writing test online and receive personalised feedback from an IELTS Expert.