Vocabulary6 min read
Linking Words & Cohesive Devices: The Complete IELTS Cheat Sheet
Master every category of linking word and cohesive device for IELTS Writing and Speaking. Includes examples, common mistakes, and when not to use them.
Coherence & Cohesion accounts for 25% of your Writing score. Linking words are one component — but examiners penalise overuse and mechanical repetition. Here is every category you need.
Adding Information
| Device | Example | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Furthermore | Furthermore, the economic benefits are substantial. | Formal |
| Moreover | Moreover, studies have confirmed the link. | Formal |
| In addition | In addition to cost, there are safety concerns. | Neutral |
| Besides | Besides reducing costs, it improves efficiency. | Semi-formal |
| Not only… but also | Not only does this save money, but it also reduces waste. | Formal/emphatic |
Contrast and Concession
| Device | Example | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| However | However, this view overlooks the long-term costs. | Contradiction |
| Nevertheless | Nevertheless, the policy has broad support. | Concession |
| Although / Even though | Although costs are high, the benefits justify investment. | Clause opener |
| While / Whereas | While urban areas benefit, rural regions are neglected. | Simultaneous contrast |
| Despite / In spite of | Despite the evidence, the policy remains unchanged. | Before noun/gerund |
| On the other hand | On the other hand, critics argue that… | Introducing opposite view |
Cause and Effect
- As a result / Consequently / Therefore / Thus (all interchangeable; vary them)
- This leads to / This results in / This contributes to (before noun phrase)
- Because of / Due to / Owing to (before noun, not clause)
- Since / As / Because (before clause — avoid starting sentence with "because" in formal writing)
- Hence (very formal; use sparingly; not "hence why")
Examples and Illustration
- For example / For instance (most common — vary between them)
- To illustrate / To demonstrate
- Such as / Including (within a list, not starting a sentence)
- A case in point is… / A notable example is…
Emphasis
- Above all / Most importantly
- In particular / Particularly / Especially
- Indeed / In fact (for reinforcing a point)
- Crucially / Notably / Significantly
Sequence and Structure
- Firstly… Secondly… Finally (acceptable; do not rely on these alone)
- Initially… Subsequently… Ultimately (for processes or narratives)
- To begin with… Having established that… (more sophisticated than firstly/secondly)
- Turning to… / Moving to the question of… (paragraph transitions in discussion essays)
Summary and Conclusion
- In conclusion / To conclude / To summarise (all acceptable; do not repeat the same phrase)
- Overall / On balance (useful for weighed arguments)
- It is clear that… / The evidence suggests that…
- In light of the above… (more formal)
Mistakes That Cost You Bands
- Starting every body paragraph with "Firstly", "Secondly", "Thirdly" — mechanical and repetitive
- Using "however" at the start of every counter-argument sentence
- Writing "due to the fact that" instead of "because" — unnecessarily wordy
- "moreover" means "in addition to what was just said" — do not use it to introduce unrelated ideas
- "despite" takes a noun; "although" takes a clause — do not confuse them
- Overusing "this" as a reference without making clear what "this" refers to