IELTS Linking Words: The Ones Examiners Actually Want to See

Every IELTS candidate knows they need "linking words." The problem is that most candidates use them badly. They sprinkle "Furthermore" and "Moreover" throughout their essays like seasoning, hoping it will impress the examiner. It will not. In fact, mechanical overuse of linking devices is one of the clearest markers of a Band 6 essay. Here is what examiners actually want to see — and how to get Coherence and Cohesion marks the right way.

#What Examiners Really Assess

The Coherence and Cohesion criterion does not just measure whether you use linking words. It assesses:

• Whether your ideas are logically organised
• Whether each paragraph has a clear central topic
• Whether your ideas progress naturally from one to the next
• Whether cohesive devices are used appropriately and without being mechanical

That last point is critical. The band descriptors at Band 7 state: "uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately." At Band 6, they note: "may not always use cohesive devices effectively." The difference is not quantity — it is quality.

#Linking Words by Function

#Addition (adding a point)

• Common (overused): Furthermore, Moreover, In addition
• Better alternatives: Equally important, Another key consideration is, This is compounded by, Added to this, Beyond this

#Contrast (showing the other side)

• Common: However, On the other hand, Nevertheless
• Better alternatives: That said, Conversely, By contrast, Despite this, Whilst this may be true, Notwithstanding this

#Cause and Effect

• Common: Because, Therefore, As a result
• Better alternatives: This has led to, Consequently, This means that, The implication is that, One consequence of this is, Owing to

#Giving Examples

• Common: For example, For instance
• Better alternatives: A case in point is, This is exemplified by, One illustration of this is, To take [country/field] as an example

#Conclusion

• Common: In conclusion, To sum up
• Better alternatives: Ultimately, On balance, Taking everything into account, All things considered, In light of the above

#The "Furthermore/Moreover" Trap

Let me be direct: "Furthermore" and "Moreover" are not inherently bad words. The problem is how candidates use them. When every second sentence begins with one of these words, the essay reads like a list rather than a flowing argument.

Band 6 example: "Education is important for economic growth. Furthermore, it reduces inequality. Moreover, it improves public health. In addition, it promotes social cohesion."

This is a shopping list with linking words stapled on. The connections between ideas are not logical — they are just sequential. Compare this:

Band 7+ example: "Education serves as the foundation of economic growth, equipping individuals with the skills demanded by modern labour markets. Beyond its economic impact, however, education plays an equally vital role in narrowing social divides — by providing disadvantaged communities with pathways to upward mobility, it addresses inequality at its root."

Notice: the second version uses only two cohesive devices ("Beyond its economic impact" and "however"), yet the ideas flow far more naturally because the logic connects them, not just the linking words.

#Before and After: A Paragraph Transformation

Let us take a typical Band 6 paragraph and transform it into Band 7+ quality.

#Before (Band 6)

"There are many advantages of public transport. Firstly, it is cheaper than driving a car. Secondly, it reduces pollution. Thirdly, it reduces traffic congestion. Moreover, it is more accessible for elderly people. Furthermore, it can be more efficient in cities. In conclusion, public transport has many benefits."

Problems: Mechanical sequencing (Firstly/Secondly/Thirdly). Every sentence is a separate, undeveloped point. "Moreover" and "Furthermore" add nothing. "In conclusion" is inappropriate mid-essay.

#After (Band 7+)

"The most compelling advantage of public transport is its potential to reduce urban congestion. When commuters switch from private vehicles to buses or trains, the resulting decrease in traffic not only shortens journey times for all road users but also lowers carbon emissions — a critical benefit given the urgency of climate change. Public transport is also considerably more affordable than car ownership, making it particularly valuable for lower-income households and elderly residents who may be unable to drive. In dense urban areas, a well-funded bus or rail network can move thousands of passengers per hour, achieving an efficiency that private vehicles simply cannot match."

What changed: The ideas are grouped logically (congestion then environment then affordability then efficiency). Cohesive devices are woven in naturally ("not only... but also," "particularly," "also"). Each point is developed rather than merely stated.

#Five Rules for Natural Cohesion

1. Do not start every sentence with a linking word. Aim for one cohesive device every 2-3 sentences at most.
2. Use referencing words. "This approach," "such measures," "the former/latter" — these create cohesion without feeling mechanical.
3. Let logic do the work. If sentence B naturally follows from sentence A, you may not need a linking word at all.
4. Vary your position. Linking words do not have to come at the start of a sentence. "The policy, however, has faced criticism" is more sophisticated than "However, the policy has faced criticism."
5. Use substitution and synonyms. Instead of repeating "public transport" five times, use "this mode of travel," "bus and rail networks," "mass transit systems."

#Cohesion Beyond Linking Words

The best-scoring essays achieve cohesion through:

• Pronoun reference: "Many governments have introduced carbon taxes. These measures aim to..."
• Lexical cohesion: Using related vocabulary throughout a paragraph (education, curriculum, pedagogy, academic performance)
• Parallel structure: "Not only does this policy reduce costs, but it also improves efficiency."
• Topic sentences: Each paragraph opens with a sentence that clearly signals what the paragraph is about

Linking words are tools, not decorations. Use them when they genuinely help the reader follow your argument, and leave them out when the logic speaks for itself.

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