Connectors or linking words are the simplest way of joining phrases together. Further, using them improves the readability of the essay, making it more attractive and interesting. Moreover, the use of linking words for IELTS leaves a good impression on the examiner. They are further, indicating that the candidate has vast knowledge and command over the language. Read the entire blog to understand more about connectors, usage, the different types, and more.
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Linking Words! As the name suggests, these bridge the gap between two phrases or sentences. These adverbs enhance the writing, making it look clear and appealing to the reader. In the IELTS writing task 2 structure, the use of these connectors plays an important role in establishing a relation between sentences. These are also known as transition words, which help in improving the quality of your essay. These linkers for IELTS make the text more readable and understandable for the person reading it. Moreover, it provides a better and smoother flow in the passage.
Now that this is clear, what connecting words for the IELTS exam are, let us move on to the types of connectors.
From the broader picture, linking words play a key role in your overall IELTS score. Yes, you read it right; the correct use of linking showcases cohesion and coherence, which accounts for 25% of your writing score. Similarly, these words also help ensure good performance in other sections. Below is a detailed overview of why they matter and why mastering them is essential.
1. Coherence & Cohesion: As mentioned above, coherence & cohesion play a key role in your final scores. The speaking and writing sections demand logical expression of responses, ensuring that understanding information and ideas is clear. With the correct use of connectors, you can ensure that all points in your responses are connected and presented in a logical flow. This simplifies the examiner's task to follow your thoughts.
2. Showcase Language Proficiency: Using various linking words in responses acts as an indicator of strong vocabulary skills. The ability to use the English language flexibly is crucial, particularly for the Writing Task 2 essay and the speaking section. These tasks expect varied use of language for precise evaluation, and you must use a wide range of connectors that help you meet the standards of vocabulary for IELTS test.
3. Clarity of Expression: In communication, clarity is vital, and this is where connectors play a significant role in clarifying the connections between multiple ideas. They help link multiple ideas logically, preventing confusion and ensuring the message is conveyed accurately and effectively.
In IELTS Academic Task 1, you are required to examine and report the information given in any form, including tables, charts, graphs, or diagrams, and make a comparison. Here, you are expected to showcase solid paragraphing and essay skills that are usually done with the help of connectors and linking words.
Here is a list of the best connectors and linking words you can use for your IELTS Academic Task1
1. Starting a Paragraph: Connectors help you initiate your response or a new paragraph, creating a base for the overall response.
Best examples include:
2. Contrast words: Are the connectors helpful in highlighting differences and bringing opposing ideas into the response?
Best examples include:
3. Linking phrases: Help create smooth transitions and present a precise analysis of the visual information.
Best examples include:
4. Emphasis Connectors: Are a group of connectors that stress the importance of a specific point in the response.
Best examples include:
5. Cause and Effect Connectors: These connectors indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between two or more ideas.
Best examples include:
6. Sequence Connectors: Are the words that allow students to put ideas, thoughts, or events in a particular order.
Best examples include:
7. Concluding Connectors: A group of connectors that help write the concluding paragraph.
Best examples include:
The IELTS academic task 2 requires you to write a formal essay of at least 250 words. The worth of this essay is twice that of Task 1. Using linking words correctly in this task helps to structure ideas clearly, which is particularly beneficial for different types of essays. Various linking words and connectors help students to introduce and articulate distinct thoughts in ways that support the argument and form the basis of a discursive essay.
Here is a list of the best linking words and connectors you can use for your IELTS Academic Task2
1. Listing: These are linking words used to arrange ideas in sequence or to structure paragraphs, often helping to highlight and support key points.
Best examples include:
2. Adding Information: A group of linking words that are useful in connecting ideas and providing added details in statements and paragraphs.
Best examples include:
3. Results and Consequences: Linking words that help in explaining the consequences or results of something.
Best examples include:
4. Giving Examples: Connectors are used to provide examples, thereby supporting the underlying statement.
Best examples include:
5. Highlighting and Stressing: Linking words that help in stressing particular points and staying clear while expressing thoughts.
Best examples include:
6. Concessions and Contrasts: Words that are used to introduce opposing ideas in the essays, particularly for discussion essays. These words indicate that you want to introduce an opposing point.
Best examples include:
7. Reasons and Causes: Connecting words that help you explain the reasons and causes for a particular point. It helps write a cause/solution essay.
Best examples include:
8. Giving Your Opinion: A Group of connectors that are used to deliver your personal opinion in the given context.
Best examples include:
9. Generalizing: A group of linking words that are helpful to express overall opinions or summarise general trends or ideas.
Best examples include:
10. Concluding Linkers: These are the linking words that are used to conclude your essays in IELTS task 2.
Best examples include:
Connectors are used to make the essay more readable and attractive. These words make the transition smoother from one idea to the other. Moreover, linkers are especially essential in the IELTS exam as they give the reader an idea about the writer's thoughts. Listed here are some reasons why these linking words for IELTS must be used:
Now let us look at some tips and tricks to u
Here are a few tips for using connectors in the IELTS writing section:
Thus, keeping these few tips in mind while using these linking words can help you excel in the exam. Make sure to check your Task 2 responses using the IELTS essay checker to identify areas for improvement.
Let us now look at some practice questions for both tasks 1 and 2. Solving these kinds of tasks will prepare you for the actual exam.
In both writing and speaking tasks, linking words are used to connect thoughts. Thus, creating coherence between ideas and passages. Words such as, nevertheless, additionally, and more are used as linking words for IELTS. Here are some uses of connectors and practice questions for writing tasks.
The connectors for Task 1 are used in the IELTS general writing task.
The other test is the same for both academic and general tasks. The use of connectors for Task 2 results in:
Now, let us look at some practice questions:
Here is a task given below that will help you understand how connectors for task 1 can be used.
It is 1. ____ given in the document that each fish goes through stages and experiences to complete its entire life cycle.2____, the adult fish lay eggs in the spawning season. Once hatching is done, the young fish 3. ____spends some time in the freshwater to develop. However, they start to migrate from the river. During this stage, fish continue to mature, with the amount of food in the river that supports their growth. The fish is ready to migrate to the open ocean 4. ____, mature fish returns to the river to begin another cycle by laying eggs.5. ____the cycle repeats itself to produce the new generations.
Answers:
This sample includes linking words for the IELTS writing task 1. Moreover, the type of connectors used in the paragraph is a list. Now, let us see a sample for task 2.
The use of Task 2 connectors will be clear with this practice question.
Prompt: Many students prefer to work while they pursue their studies. However, this may not be the best as it results in stress and bad mental health. What, according to you, must be the causes?
Although earning money while studying is a great thing 1. ____there are various negative effects of it. Such as mental stress, lack of performance at work, and many more. 2____the need to settle student loans and to gain experience, students work while they 3. ____managing money for education has become much more challenging.4. ____, students who plan to study in the UK get an education loan from the bank to manage their finances.5. ____, many companies prefer candidates who have prior experience.
Answers:
Thus, now that the use of connectors for task 2 is clear, practice using these and ace your IELTS writing tasks.
Wrapping up, the use of connectors in the IELTS exam would be beneficial. This not only enhances the essay but also makes it attractive to the reader. Moreover, readability improves as the passages connect more. Using linking words for an essay also shows your command of the language. So, if you want to enhance your vocabulary for language exams, then join online IELTS coaching. Our experts will give you detailed guidance on every aspect, from unfolding the syllabus to enlightening you on connectors to upgrade your skills.
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