Linking words are words and phrases used to connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs together. People often use the most common linking words like however, firstly, but, and, also, too, because, so, etc. An excellent way to speak and write English with more confidence and sophistication is by replacing common linking words with advanced linking words.

When it comes to IELTS Writing Test and even Speaking Test, using advanced linking words is incredibly important. Overall, they’ll have a significant impact on your IELTS score. Read this blog post to learn how you can use advanced linking words well in your next IELTS test.

What are Advanced Linking Words?

Linking words and phrases are used to show relationships between ideas or join two or more sentences or clauses. Linking words are used to give a result or example, add information, emphasize a point, and compare ideas.

Using advanced linking words strengthens the quality and structure of your spoken or written English. They help you demonstrate your knowledge during your IELTS test.

Functions of Advanced Linking Words

Here are some common functions of advanced linking words:
1. Adding ideas – Examples: As well as, along with, besides, in addition, moreover, in addition to this, apart from this, etc.
When to use: These linking words are used to provide extra information about something to the reader or listener.
For instance: We are offering 20% off on all our products and in addition to that we will give an extra 5% when you spend over $100.

2. Explaining expected results and consequences – Examples: As a result, as a consequence, consequently, due to, therefore, etc.
When to use: Use these linking words when you want to explain the results or consequences of something.
For instance: My team didn’t get time to practice before the game, as a result, they didn’t win the title this year.

3. Conflicting ideas – Examples: in spite of (the fact that), despite, nevertheless, yet, etc.
When to use: Use these linking words if you want to give opposite ideas, particularly in discussion essays.
For instance: It was really cold yesterday, in spite of this we still went out for a walk.

4. Comparing ideas – Examples: Just like, similar to, same as, compare/compare(d) to(with), by the same token, in the same way, correspondingly, etc.
When to use: These linking words can be used when you want to show how things are similar.
For instance: The new exam pattern is longer and correspondingly more difficult to pass.

5. Sequencing ideas – Examples: Subsequently, above all, lastly and most importantly, last but not least, first and foremost, etc.
When to use: Use sequencing linking words when you want to indicate the order of what is being said.
For instance: Our company’s first and foremost priority is to retain existing customers.

6. Emphasising a point – Examples: Importantly, absolutely, definitely, without a doubt, it should be noted, unquestionably, above all, positively, etc.
When to use: If you want to put forward an idea or thought more forcefully, use these linking words.
For instance: The doctor will unquestionably perform the surgery, the only thing in question is the date.

7. Giving an example – Examples: Such as, including, as exemplified by namely, in this case, especially, particularly, proof of this, etc.
When to use: If you want to introduce examples in your sentence, use these linking words.
For instance: One fact that cannot be overlooked in this case is that our sales numbers are going down.

8. Alternatives – Examples: Conversely, in comparison, by contrast, another view is, although, otherwise, instead, etc.
When to use: Use these linking words when you want to present alternatives to a problem, solution, situation, etc.
For instance: Conversely, my reason for not working with John is that I really don’t know him well enough.

9. Re-phrasing something – Examples: In other terms, rather, better, in view of this, in contrast, etc.
When to use: It is recommended to use these linking words when you want to re-phrase something but you also want to add your points and ideas as well.
For instance: In contrast with your belief that we will fail in this project, I am quite confident that we will succeed.

Conclusion
The IELTS Writing exam is marked on four criteria including grammar and sentence structure, answering the task response, coherence and cohesion, and vocabulary usage. Each makes up 25% of the overall score. You might score well with your good range of vocabulary and expert grammar usage, but if your sentences flow incoherently, you will score low for coherence and cohesion. Learning different advanced linking words and how and when to use them will help you develop your sentence structure and flow.

Once you’re ready to take the IELST writing test, look for available IELTS test dates in London, Kingston, Brampton, and Mississauga. To book your IELTS British Council test in these four locations, visit the website of IELTS AOLCC. 

IELTS AOLCC has test centres in London, Kingston, Brampton, and Mississauga for your IELTS test booking, plus a wide range of test dates available. You can book IELTS listening, speaking, reading, and writing tests on the same day. For any queries, email IELTS AOLCC at ielts@aolccollege.ca or visit http://ieltsaolcc.ca/register/.