IELTS Writing Task 2 Cohesive Devices or linking words

Here’s a detailed breakdown of cohesive devices (also called linking words or transition signals) you can use to boost your IELTS Writing score, especially for Task 2. These devices help improve your Coherence and Cohesion, which is one of the four key IELTS Writing band descriptors.

🎯 What Are Cohesive Devices?

Cohesive devices are words or phrases that connect your ideas smoothly in writing. They help the examiner follow your argument and structure.

🔑 Why Are They Important for IELTS?

Using a range of cohesive devices correctly can help you:

• Present ideas clearly and logically

• Link paragraphs and sentences

• Avoid repetition and improve variety

• Achieve Band 7 or higher in Coherence and Cohesion

📚 Common Types of Cohesive Devices for IELTS Writing

1. Addition

Used to add similar ideas.

• and, also, as well as, moreover, furthermore, in addition

✅ Example:Many people work long hours. Moreover, they have little time for exercise.

2. Contrast

Used to show opposing ideas.

• but, however, although, even though, nevertheless, on the other hand, in contrast, whereas, while

✅ Example:Although fast food is convenient, it is often unhealthy.

3. Cause and Effect

Used to show reasons and results.

• because, due to, as a result, therefore, thus, consequently, so

✅ Example:Many people eat out regularly; therefore, obesity rates are increasing.

4. Examples

Used to introduce or explain examples.

• for example, for instance, such as, namely, to illustrate

✅ Example:Many countries offer free healthcare. For instance, the UK has the NHS system.

5. Sequencing / Ordering Ideas

Used to structure your argument or essay.

• firstly, first of all, secondly, then, next, finally, in conclusion, to sum up

✅ Example:Firstly, the government must address unemployment.

6. Comparing

Used to show similarity.

• similarly, likewise, in the same way

✅ Example:Public transport is often late. Similarly, taxis can be expensive during peak hours.

7. Clarifying / Rephrasing

Used to repeat an idea in a clearer way.

• in other words, that is to say, to put it differently

✅ Example:The law is too vague. In other words, it can be interpreted in many ways.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overusing linking words (don’t start every sentence with one)

• Using inappropriate cohesive devices (e.g. using “but” to give an example)

• Repeating the same devices (use variety)

✅ Sample Paragraph Using Cohesive Devices

Nowadays, more people are working from home. This trend has several advantages. Firstly, it allows employees to save time and money on commuting. Furthermore, it can increase productivity, as workers are often more comfortable in their own environment. However, remote work also has drawbacks. For instance, it can lead to isolation and poor communication. In conclusion, while working from home offers many benefits, it is important to address its potential disadvantages.

🧩 Table of Cohesive Devices for IELTS Writing

Function	Cohesive Devices	Example
Addition	and, also, in addition, furthermore, moreover, besides, as well	Moreover, fast food contributes to poor health.
Contrast	but, however, although, even though, though, whereas, while, nevertheless, on the contrary, in contrast	Although it is expensive, many people prefer organic food.
Cause and Effect	because, since, as, due to, owing to, therefore, thus, hence, as a result, consequently	The population is ageing; therefore, healthcare systems are under strain.
Comparison	similarly, likewise, in the same way, equally	Likewise, urban populations face rising housing costs.
Examples	for example, for instance, such as, namely, to illustrate, including	Many countries, such as Canada and Australia, have immigration policies.
Sequencing	firstly, secondly, finally, next, then, to begin with, in the first place, last but not least	Firstly, governments must address poverty.
Conclusion / Summary	in conclusion, to sum up, in summary, overall, all in all, to conclude, to summarise	In conclusion, technology brings both opportunities and challenges.
Emphasis	indeed, in fact, certainly, clearly, obviously, undoubtedly	Undoubtedly, education plays a vital role in development.
Condition	if, unless, provided that, as long as, in case, whether or not	Students can pass the exam if they practise regularly.
Concession	although, even though, while, whereas, admittedly, nonetheless, regardless	Admittedly, some people disagree with this approach.
Clarification / Reformulation	in other words, that is to say, to put it differently, to clarify, namely	The city is overpopulated. In other words, more housing is urgently needed.
Result / Outcome	so, therefore, thus, as a result, consequently, accordingly	Public transport is unreliable. Consequently, more people drive to work.
Purpose	so that, in order that, to, in order to, for the purpose of	They introduced taxes in order to reduce smoking.
Time / Sequence	before, after, meanwhile, during, eventually, at the same time, later, subsequently	Subsequently, the law was amended to reflect public opinion.

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