IELTS Writing Task 2: Linking Words That Actually Work

📘 What You’ll Learn on This Page

This page shows you how to use linking words naturally in IELTS Task 2 essays.
You’ll learn why most lists of transitions are harmful, what examiners are really looking for, and how to build flow without sounding robotic.
We’ll look at before/after examples, common mistakes, and a short practice task.

🧠 IELTS Linking Words in Task 2

❓ What Are Linking Words?

Linking words (or cohesive devices) help guide the reader through your argument. They connect ideas and improve flow.

But in IELTS, more is not better. Overusing transitions — especially memorised ones like firstly, secondly, thirdly — will hurt your score.

Your goal is clarity, not complexity.

🚫 The Problem With Most Lists

If you’ve memorised phrases like:

• Moreover

• In a nutshell

• Henceforth

• As aforementioned

Forget them.

These are too formal, outdated, or simply unnatural.
Examiners aren’t impressed by template language. They want essays that feel fluent and logical — not rehearsed.

✅ Linking That Actually Works

You don’t need dozens of fancy transitions. What matters is that your linking is:

• Used correctly

• Used sparingly

• Used where it helps the reader

Here’s a simple before/after to show the difference.

📝 BEFORE – Weak Linking (Overused and Robotic)

There are many reasons why people go to university. First of all, they want a degree. Secondly, it helps them find better jobs. Thirdly, it gives them independence. Furthermore, it is a good place to make friends. In conclusion, university has many benefits.

🔎 What’s wrong:

• Every sentence starts with a linker

• No ideas are developed

• Sounds like a speech, not an essay

📝 AFTER – Natural Linking (Clear and Focused)

There are several reasons why people choose to attend university.
One key reason is the opportunity to gain qualifications that improve their job prospects.
In addition, many students value the independence that comes from living away from home.
University also provides a social environment where people can build lasting friendships.

✅ Why it works:

• Linking is subtle and well-placed

• Each idea builds on the last

• Points are extended, not just listed

📍 Where to Use Linking Words (And Where Not To)

Use them:

• Between ideas in the same paragraph

• To introduce your second body paragraph

• In your conclusion to signal the end

Avoid them:

• At the start of every sentence

• When they don’t add anything

• Just to sound more academic

🗂️ Recommended Linking Words

These are safe, natural choices for IELTS Task 2:

• To begin with / One reason is that…

• In addition / Furthermore

• On the other hand

• However / Nevertheless

• As a result / This means that…

• For example / For instance

• In conclusion / To conclude

You only need two or three per paragraph. That’s enough for Band 7+.

📝 A Note on “Firstly / Secondly / Finally”

These are fine — but only if your structure is varied and the ideas are extended.

Bad:

Firstly, it saves time. Secondly, it is cheap. Thirdly, it is popular.

Better:

Firstly, many people choose fast food because it fits their busy schedules.
Secondly, it’s usually much cheaper than home-cooked meals, making it attractive to those on a budget.
Finally, it’s widely available, which makes it the default option in many cities.

The problem isn’t the words — it’s the lazy structure underneath.

🧠 Ready to Practise?

Try improving this paragraph using what you’ve learned:

💬 Original:

People eat too much fast food. It is cheap. It is easy to find. It saves time. It is unhealthy. It causes health problems.

🔧 Your Task:

• Use natural connectors

• Extend at least one idea

• Make it sound like a real IELTS body paragraph