In IELTS Writing Task 2, coherence and cohesion account for 25 per cent of the total band score, the same weight as task response, lexical resource, and grammar. Yet many candidates remain stuck at Band 6 or 6.5 because their ideas feel disconnected. The issue rarely involves weak arguments; it usually stems from limited or repetitive linking language. How can an examiner follow your logic if your sentences feel isolated? Advanced linking words solve this problem by guiding the reader smoothly through your ideas.
This article explains 20 advanced linking words, grouped by function, and shows how they can strengthen coherence and cohesion when used accurately and sparingly.
1. Moreover
Use this to introduce an additional point of similar importance. It works best when the second idea strengthens the first rather than repeating it.
2. Furthermore
This connector suits formal academic writing and helps extend an argument logically. Examiners often associate it with Band 7-level control when used correctly.
3. Not only… but also
This structure adds emphasis and demonstrates grammatical range. It works well when highlighting dual impacts or benefits.
4. Alongside this
This phrase helps introduce a supporting idea without sounding memorised. It creates a natural flow between sentences.
5. As a result
Use this to show a clear outcome. It signals logical progression, which examiners value under coherence.
6. Consequently
This connector sounds formal and precise. It suits academic explanations of social or economic outcomes.
7. This leads to
This phrase creates clarity by directly linking an action to its impact. It works well in explanations involving trends or behaviour.
8. Thereby
Use this to show an indirect result within the same sentence. It demonstrates sentence-level cohesion and control.
9. Nevertheless
This word introduces a contrasting idea that does not cancel the previous point. It suits balanced arguments.
10. By contrast
This connector works best when comparing two distinct ideas or groups. It signals sharp differentiation.
11. On the other hand
Use this phrase to introduce an alternative viewpoint. It performs well in discussion essays when viewpoints remain balanced.
12. Whereas
This linking word enables comparison within a single sentence. It improves grammatical variety and flow.
13. In particular
Use this to focus attention on a specific example or detail. It improves precision without adding length.
14. Notably
This word highlights an important point supported by evidence or observation. It suits analytical writing.
15. To illustrate
This connector introduces examples smoothly and avoids repetitive use of “for example.”
16. Initially
This word works well when explaining processes, trends, or changes over time.
17. Subsequently
Use this to describe developments that follow an earlier stage. It suits academic explanations.
18. Ultimately
This connector signals a final outcome or conclusion within a paragraph, not the essay itself.
19. Despite this
Use this phrase to acknowledge a limitation without weakening your argument.
20. While this may be true
This expression introduces balance and critical thinking. It works especially well before presenting a counter-argument.
A strong guideline involves using one linking word per key idea, rather than forcing connectors into every sentence. Placement also matters. Some linking words work best at the beginning of a sentence, while others integrate naturally within it.
Practising with feedback helps identify misuse. Many Band 6 candidates lose marks by using advanced connectors incorrectly, which affects both coherence and grammatical accuracy.
This article explains 20 advanced linking words, grouped by function, and shows how they can strengthen coherence and cohesion when used accurately and sparingly.
1. Linking Words for Adding Ideas
These connectors help expand arguments without sounding mechanical.1. Moreover
Use this to introduce an additional point of similar importance. It works best when the second idea strengthens the first rather than repeating it.
2. Furthermore
This connector suits formal academic writing and helps extend an argument logically. Examiners often associate it with Band 7-level control when used correctly.
3. Not only… but also
This structure adds emphasis and demonstrates grammatical range. It works well when highlighting dual impacts or benefits.
4. Alongside this
This phrase helps introduce a supporting idea without sounding memorised. It creates a natural flow between sentences.
2. Linking Words for Cause and Effect
Cause-and-effect relationships appear frequently in IELTS essays, especially problem–solution and advantage–disadvantage tasks.5. As a result
Use this to show a clear outcome. It signals logical progression, which examiners value under coherence.
6. Consequently
This connector sounds formal and precise. It suits academic explanations of social or economic outcomes.
7. This leads to
This phrase creates clarity by directly linking an action to its impact. It works well in explanations involving trends or behaviour.
8. Thereby
Use this to show an indirect result within the same sentence. It demonstrates sentence-level cohesion and control.
3. Linking Words for Contrast and Comparison
Advanced contrast markers help avoid overuse of basic connectors like “but” or “however.”9. Nevertheless
This word introduces a contrasting idea that does not cancel the previous point. It suits balanced arguments.
10. By contrast
This connector works best when comparing two distinct ideas or groups. It signals sharp differentiation.
11. On the other hand
Use this phrase to introduce an alternative viewpoint. It performs well in discussion essays when viewpoints remain balanced.
12. Whereas
This linking word enables comparison within a single sentence. It improves grammatical variety and flow.
4. Linking Words for Emphasis and Clarification
These connectors help clarify meaning and highlight significance.13. In particular
Use this to focus attention on a specific example or detail. It improves precision without adding length.
14. Notably
This word highlights an important point supported by evidence or observation. It suits analytical writing.
15. To illustrate
This connector introduces examples smoothly and avoids repetitive use of “for example.”
5. Linking Words for Sequencing and Logical Progression
Clear progression improves readability and helps examiners follow your argument easily.16. Initially
This word works well when explaining processes, trends, or changes over time.
17. Subsequently
Use this to describe developments that follow an earlier stage. It suits academic explanations.
18. Ultimately
This connector signals a final outcome or conclusion within a paragraph, not the essay itself.
6. Linking Words for Concession and Balance
These words show awareness of complexity, which examiners associate with higher bands.19. Despite this
Use this phrase to acknowledge a limitation without weakening your argument.
20. While this may be true
This expression introduces balance and critical thinking. It works especially well before presenting a counter-argument.
How to Use Advanced Linking Words Effectively
Advanced connectors improve coherence only when used accurately and selectively. Overloading an essay with linking words can reduce clarity and make writing sound unnatural. IELTS examiners prefer logical flow over decorative vocabulary.A strong guideline involves using one linking word per key idea, rather than forcing connectors into every sentence. Placement also matters. Some linking words work best at the beginning of a sentence, while others integrate naturally within it.
Practising with feedback helps identify misuse. Many Band 6 candidates lose marks by using advanced connectors incorrectly, which affects both coherence and grammatical accuracy.