Linking words or connectors for Writing Task 2 in IELTS are words that are used to connect ideas or two sentences using a word or a phrase. A few examples of connectors are ‘firstly’, ‘moreover’, ‘for example’, ‘of course’ and ‘therefore’. Short sentences usually lack lustre whereas sentences that are way too long can make understanding them a bit tedious.
In order to combat these problems, linking connectors for Task 2 come to the rescue. Effective use of linking words shows your mastery of the English language and also helps you score high in the assessment criteria of coherence and cohesion.
The linking devices will refine both your IELTS General Training and Academic essay. So, here’s what you need to know to improve your knowledge of connectors for writing Task 2 and convey the meaning correctly.
Importance of Connectors for Writing Task 2 IELTS
Linking words are used in sentences to add information, give examples, summarise, give a reason and contrast ideas. They also flaunt the test taker's lexical resource and display knowledge. Here are the reasons why the connectors for IELTS Task 2 are :
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Connecting words brings greater clarity to your writing enabling the examiner to understand the meaning that you convey.
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Creates a relationship between the components of a sentence or two sentences.
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Helps in rendering an idea, aim, purpose or opinion.
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They make the conclusion look better.
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Linking words act as a grammatical tool to make writing speech coherent and fluent.
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Types of IELTS Connectors for Task 2
While writing the IELTS essay topics in Task 2, you have to use a variety of linking words to enhance the sentences. Make sure that you use linking in an appropriate way. Here are the types of task 2 connectors along with examples:
Types of Connectors |
Use |
Linking Words |
---|---|---|
Listing |
To list down some points |
Firstly, secondly, lastly, finally, last but not least, furthermore, to begin, to conclude |
Order of Relevance |
To create a hierarchy of importance |
Essentially, basically, most importantly, most significantly, primarily, above all |
Similarity |
To prove that two or more points are similar |
Likewise, similarly, in the same way, also, simultaneously, correspondingly |
Reasons |
To provide a cause |
As, since, because, due to, owing to |
Giving Example |
For the purpose of illustration |
Such as, for example, for instance, namely, to illustrate, in other words, to cite an example, as follows, that is |
Adding information |
To give extra knowledge |
Also, in addition, additionally, not only…but also, and, as well as, moreover, furthermore, what is more |
Generalising |
To put things in general time |
On a whole, as a rule, generally, in general, |
Time |
To denote the time of occurrence |
Then, afterwards, later, meanwhile, at first |
Outcomes and Consequences |
To denote the results |
Thus, therefore, hence, so, as a result, consequently, due to |
Contrast |
To compare two or more things |
In spite of, despite, still, alternatively, in contrast, although, though, nevertheless, however, but, another opinion could be, in comparison |
Stressing |
To put emphasis |
Clearly, of course, specifically, obviously, especially, particularly, in particular |
Giving Opinion |
To give a point of view |
I think, I believe, in my opinion, I concur, I agree, I disagree, I admit |
Dismissal |
To reject something |
Anyhow, anyway, at any rate |
Focusing |
To shed light on something |
With regard to, regarding, focusing on, as for, as far as, talking of, when it comes to |
Conclusion |
To end the essay |
To sum up, in conclusion, to conclude, therefore, in brief, to summarise |
Examples of IELTS Connectors in Sentences
As we have already listed down some of the major connectors for IELTS Writing task 2, let us see some of its usages in sentences based on the type of connectors used:
Listing
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Firstly: Firstly, you should consider learning the Japanese language before moving to Japan.
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Last but the least: Last but not the least, I am thankful to my parents for supporting me throughout the journey.
Order of Relevance
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Essentially: The are essentially two conclusions that arise out of this particular situation.
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Primarily: I am primarily intending to cut down on waste production.
Similarity
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Likewise: The examiner questioned in English, and the student replied likewise.
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Also: SHe also loves blackcurrant icecreams besides the regular vanilla flavour.
Reasons
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Because: She helped me to solve the numerical problem because I was stuck at it for a long.
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As: As the sky is dark and cloudy, John carried his umbrella.
Giving Example
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For Example: Attending music classes, for example, is a rejuvenating recreational activity.
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In Other Words: In other words, she found the book uninteresting because of the predictable plot twist.
Adding Information
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Additionally: Additionally, residents will get facilities of a gym, community hall and swimming pool in the newly constructed complex.
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Not only...but also: Not only did he improve the water condition in the village but also created job opportunities for the villagers.
Generalising
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In general: It is important to give equal scope to a girl child to develop to her fullest.
Contrast
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In spite of: In spite of repeated warnings from the principal, the students bunked school.
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Hence: She will go on vacation, hence she delegated her duties to her assistant.
Dismissal
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Anyway: Anyway the discussions must end here, as it is not lead anywhere.
Stressing
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Clearly: It is clearly visible that the medicines are having side effects on the patient.
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Obviously: Obviously one should be open to new experiences and take risks.
Giving Opinion
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I believe: I believe that child marriage is the worst social practice in earlier times.
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I disagree: I disagree with you on this opinion of yours regarding consumerism.
Conclusion
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To sum up: To sum up, the committee decides to take strict steps against residents who litter the streets.
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Therefore: He suffers from severe dust allergy, therefore he always puts on a mask when out.
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Tips to Correctly Use Connectors for Task 2 For IELTS Essay
As you see that there is a long list of linking words to use, you must not overuse it. It is essential to write them in moderation. Some of the key tips to consider while using connectors for writing Task 2 are:
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Avoid Using Way Too Many Linkers: Some students use connectors in each and every sentence they write. Though grammatically, they may be correct, it makes the writing seem mechanical and strips off its flow.
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Use Connectors Wisely: There are hundreds of words and phrases that can be used but the usage should be relevant to the context and appropriate.
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Write Variety of Writing Task 2 Connectors : This means that you should not repeat the same words again and again. Use different types of linkers to fetch high marks.
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Do Not Mix Up Connectors: Make sure the connectors are meaningful to that particular sentence.
In order to ace this area, you have to practice using connectors of task 2 while you write an IELTS essay. Take help from the list given above and use them as it may be required. Using proper connectors will help you clear the IELTS exam with flying colours.
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