How to Use Connectors Like a Pro in IELTS Writing Task 2

If you have ever looked back at your IELTS essay and thought, “It sounds simple even though my ideas are good,” the issue may not be your grammar or vocabulary, but your connectors — also known as linking words.

Most students know the basics such as and, but, because, and so. However, at Band 7 and above, examiners expect a wider range and more precise use of linking words. The key is not using more connectors, but using them effectively to make your writing logical and easy to follow.

What Examiners Actually Look For

Under the Coherence and Cohesion criterion, examiners reward essays that are clearly structured and easy to follow. This does not mean adding connectors everywhere. It means selecting the right ones to guide the reader naturally.

A Band 6 essay might sound mechanical:

Firstly, pollution is a big problem. Secondly, it affects health. Thirdly, we should do something.

A Band 7 essay sounds more natural and connected:

Pollution poses a serious health risk. In addition, it increases healthcare costs, which puts pressure on governments.

The second version uses connectors to guide ideas rather than to fill space.

The Three Levels of Connectors

Basic (Band 5–6): and, but, so, because, firstly, secondlyIntermediate (Band 6–7): moreover, however, therefore, in addition, for instanceAdvanced (Band 7+): nonetheless, in contrast, as a result of this, on the other hand, having said that

Choose variety, but only when it sounds natural. Simplicity and clarity always win over complexity.

A Quick Strategy to Improve Instantly

When planning your essay, draw three quick arrows:

• → for linking ideas within a paragraph

• ⇢ for linking between paragraphs

• ↳ for showing cause, contrast, or result

Now choose connectors that fit each function. For example:

• Within paragraph: for example, such as, in particular

• Between paragraphs: on the other hand, conversely, in contrast

• Cause/result: therefore, consequently, as a result

Practice: Rewrite with Better Linking

Weak version:

Many people prefer cars. Cars are comfortable. Cars cause pollution.

Improved version:

Many people prefer cars because they offer comfort and flexibility. However, this convenience comes at a cost — rising pollution levels.

Your ideas are the same; the connectors make them flow naturally.

Final Tip

Read your writing aloud. If it sounds like a list of statements, you need more linking. If it sounds overly complicated, you need fewer connectors. The goal is not to impress the examiner with big words, but to make your writing easy to understand. That’s what distinguishes a Band 7 essay from a Band 6.