IELTS Linking Words for Writing Task 2

High-value linking words and phrases for IELTS Writing Task 2: addition, contrast, cause-effect, examples and conclusions, with Band 6 traps and flexible alternatives to firstly-secondly.

15 دقيقة قراءةنُشر 5 سبتمبر 2026

What linking words actually score

In Writing Task 2, linking words sit under Coherence and Cohesion, not Lexical Resource. Examiners reward a range of connectors used accurately and flexibly. They do not reward a mechanical parade of Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly in every essay.

A strong essay links ideas inside paragraphs as well as between them. One precise contrast phrase inside a body paragraph often does more work than three paragraph openers that all mean the same thing.

Band 6 risk

Mechanical linking

Every paragraph starts the same way and connectors feel bolted on.

•Firstly / Secondly / Finally only
•Moreover used when no real addition exists
•On the other hand without a first hand

Band 7 habit

Flexible linking

Connectors match the logic and change across the essay.

•Mix paragraph openers with in-paragraph links
•Contrast, cause and example each get their own tools
•Reference ideas with this / these instead of repeating nouns

Addition and sequencing without sounding robotic

Addition markers introduce a second supporting point. Sequencing markers order steps or reasons. Both are useful, but Task 2 is an argument essay, not a recipe, so heavy sequencing can sound childish if overused.

Function	Safer options	Use carefully	Mini example
Add a related point	also, in addition, what is more, another issue is	moreover, furthermore (easy to overuse)	In addition, longer commuting times reduce family time.
Strengthen the same idea	indeed, in fact, not only ... but also	besides (can sound spoken)	Not only does traffic raise stress, but it also wastes fuel.
Order reasons	first, another reason is, finally	firstly / secondly / thirdly in every essay	Another reason is that online courses widen access.
Move to the next stage	turning to, as for, regarding	moving forward (vague corporate tone)	Turning to cost, free transport still requires funding.

Replace one Firstly with One clear advantage is ...
Replace one Moreover with A further concern is ...
Inside a paragraph, prefer also / this / these over a new formal connector every sentence

Contrast, concession and comparison

Contrast is where many essays become unclear. On the other hand needs a first side. Although and even though must keep the grammar complete. Concession phrases show you can admit a limit without abandoning your position.

Function	Useful phrases	Common trap	Clean example
Direct contrast	however, by contrast, whereas, while	However used after a full stop with no real opposition	Public transport is cheaper. By contrast, private cars offer flexibility.
Concession	although, even though, while it is true that, admittedly	Although + incomplete clause	Although online learning is flexible, weaker students may need classroom support.
Balanced view	on the one hand ... on the other hand	Using only on the other hand	On the one hand, fees fund quality. On the other hand, they exclude talent.
Unexpected contrast	nevertheless, even so, despite this	Despite of (wrong)	The policy is expensive. Nevertheless, the long-term savings are clear.
Comparison	similarly, likewise, in the same way	Using similarly when ideas are not alike	Cities that invest in cycling similarly report cleaner air.

Cause, effect, examples and conclusions

Cause-effect language carries Task Response as much as cohesion. Example phrases stop body paragraphs from becoming abstract lists. Conclusion openers should signal a close, not introduce a brand-new argument.

Function	High-value options	Avoid or limit	Example
Cause	because, since, as, owing to, due to, as a result of	due to the fact that (wordy)	Due to rising rents, many workers leave city centres.
Effect	therefore, as a result, consequently, this leads to	hence / thus in every paragraph	Fewer local shops remain. As a result, residents travel farther for basics.
Purpose	in order to, so that, to	for to	Cities invest in bus lanes in order to cut journey times.
Example	for example, for instance, such as, a clear case is	like as a formal example marker	A clear case is Singapore's congestion pricing system.
Conclusion	overall, in conclusion, to sum up, on balance	all in all / in a nutshell (too informal)	On balance, targeted subsidies are fairer than blanket free travel.

1Plan the logic firstFor each body paragraph, write cause, contrast or example in the margin before you choose a linker.
2Pick one linker familyDo not stack Therefore, As a result and Consequently in three consecutive sentences.
3Check grammar after the linkerBecause needs a clause. Due to needs a noun phrase. Despite needs a noun or -ing form.
4Read aloud onceIf every sentence starts with a formal connector, rewrite two of them with this / these / such measures.

A reusable linker bank you can screenshot

Keep a short personal bank rather than a hundred near-synonyms. The set below is enough for most Task 2 prompts if you can use each item accurately.

Slot	Primary	Backup 1	Backup 2
Add	in addition	also	a further point is
Contrast	however	by contrast	whereas
Concede	although	while it is true that	even so
Cause	because	due to	as a result of
Effect	as a result	therefore	this leads to
Example	for example	for instance	a clear case is
Conclude	overall	on balance	in conclusion

How many linking words do I need in Task 2?+

There is no fixed number. A typical band 7 essay uses a handful of accurate connectors plus clear referencing with this / these. Density is less important than logic.

Is firstly / secondly / finally bad?+

It is acceptable, but using only that pattern in every essay looks mechanical. Mix it with Another reason is ... and A further concern is ...

Can I start a sentence with But or And?+

Occasional And / But can work, but in Academic Task 2 prefer However, In addition or a rewritten sentence for a safer formal tone.

Do linking words raise Lexical Resource?+

Mostly they raise Coherence and Cohesion. Lexical Resource improves when the words around the linker are precise and correctly collocated.

What should I practise after this page?+

Rewrite one old essay replacing mechanical firstly-secondly chains, then check cohesion and grammar in Writing Checker.