IELTS Grammar Topics

It’s important that there are clear links between the ideas in your IELTS Writing. This is especially important when writing the body paragraphs of your essay in IELTS Writing Task 2. Using linking adverbs and phrases (linkers) will help you do this effectively. In fact, skillful use of linkers will help you reach above band 7 for Coherence & Cohesion. There are 7 categories of linkers which are useful for your IELTS Writing tasks.

• Showing Continuation: in addition/ furthermore/ moreover

• Showing Contrast: however/ but/ in contrast/ despite/ nonetheless/ nevertheless/ on the other hand/ in spite of/ while/ whereas/ although/ even though/ though

• Showing Similarity: similarly/ in a similar manner/ in the same way/ likewise

• Showing Purpose: in order to/ so (that)/ so as to/ to

• Showing Cause: because/ because of/ due to/ since

• Showing Result: as a result/ therefore/ in consequence/ thus

• Giving Examples: for example/ for instance/ as an example

However, you should remember that it is unnatural to use more than four or five linkers in a paragraph. You should be particularly careful with linkers for showing continuation (in addition, furthermore, moreover, also).

Have a look at the following two paragraphs. The first paragraph, overuses linkers, so it looks unnatural. The second paragraph uses fewer linkers, with a better result.

Overuse of linkers

As a result of various changes in society it is much harder for people to maintain close ties with their families than previously. For one, in the past, people tended to live very near relatives during their whole lives, whereas in today’s world this is not the case. For example, in many countries it is now common for people to move to the capital city in order to find a better job, take advantage of better education or for some other opportunity. Consequently, it is more difficult to socialise with relatives and therefore more difficult to maintain close relationships. Furthermore, people’s lives are busier today than they were in the past. For instance, many people now work two jobs so as to pay the bills, or need to spend several hours commuting each day. In consequence, people are often only able to focus on their nuclear families. Thus, they do not maintain bonds with siblings, cousins and other members of their extended family.

Effective use of linkers:

As a result of various changes in society it is much harder for people to maintain close ties with their families than previously. For one, in the past, people tended to live very near relatives during their whole lives, whereas in today’s world this is not the case. These days, people are more mobile and regularly move to different cities or even countries in order to find a better job, take advantage of better education or for some other opportunity. This makes it* more difficult to socialise with relatives and therefore more difficult to maintain close relationships. Furthermore, people’s lives are busier today than they were in the past. We have a plethora of work and personal responsibilities, not to mention all of the recreational and personal development opportunities now available. This means that* it is even harder to find time for family. People are often only able to focus on providing for their nuclear family, at the expense of bonds with siblings, cousins and other members of our extended families.

Notice that as well as linkers, this paragraphs uses referencing to link the ideas. Expressions such as "This makes it...." and "This means that..." offer an alternative for linking to the previous idea. We will discuss referencing more later.

Exercise 1: 

Read the model answer and fill in the gaps with the appropriate linking word or phrase from the list below:

in contrast/ for example/ similarly/ therefore/ on the other hand/ however/ while/ for instance

It is sometimes argued that appearance is very important and indicates if a person has a good or bad character. In my opinion, 1____________ the way a person dresses and takes care of his or her appearance are important in certain situations where it is necessary to make a good impression, in others, they shouldn't matter.

In some contexts a good appearance does not particularly matter. If a person is with friends or relatives then it should not be important if he or she wears scruffy clothes or is not well-groomed. When you are with people who know you well, there is no need to impress anyone and you should not be judged on the image you present. 2____________, if you work in a job where it isn’t necessary to interact with customers, appearance is not so crucial, so 3____________, a computer programmer who works remotely, doesn’t have any pressing need to be clean-shaven or have a clean-cut look. Simply being tidy and clean is generally enough. 4____________, of course, there are some situations where a good appearance is more important.

There are times when impressions count. This is often the case in professional situations. 5____________, at a job interview, at a conference, or at any other work related event where you are likely to meet customers or colleagues, smart clothes and a good appearance play an important role. They will show people that you are concerned with what they think of you and 6____________, you are the kind of person who will work hard to be useful and productive. 7____________, unkempt hair or messy clothing suggests a lack of respect for others, and may give the impression that you could be unhelpful and difficult to work with. Naturally, this could have a detrimental effect on your business or career.

In conclusion, having a good appearance matters if you want to show people who don’t know you that you are a serious and conscientious person. If, 8____________, you’re with people who already understand your character, looking good is not an important consideration.

Exercise 2:  

What other linkers would also fit in each gap?