Linking Words for IELTS Writing Task 2

Linking words are essential for IELTS writing task 2 to get a high score. The word list below will help
you show the examiner a range of connecting words to get a high score in the criterion of
Coherence and Cohesion which is 25% of your marks. You will be checked on your range, accuracy
and your flexibility of linking words in IELTS writing task 2.

Linking Words for IELTS Writing Task 2

Listing & Order Adding Information Giving Examples

firstly secondly thirdly in addition for example one

fourthly lastly /last but additionally clear example is for
not least / finally furthermore instance such as
moreover also not namely to illustrate
only but also as in other words
well as

Results and Consequences Highlighting and Concessions and Contrasts

Stressing
as a result admittedly however
consequently particularly nevertheless even
therefore in though although
thus hence particular despite in spite of still
specifically on the other hand by
for this reason especially contrast In comparison
obviously alternatively another
of course option could be
clearly

Reasons and Causes Giving your Opinion Concluding Linkers

because In my opinion in
owing I think conclusion
to due I believe to conclude
to since I admit to sum up to
In my view reiterate
I concur / I agree
I disagree / I cannot
accept
The above linking devices can be used for both Academic IELTS and General Training IELTS. Spelling
is important and any words spelled incorrectly will adversely affect your score. There are also other
useful expressions listed above for giving your opinion.
IELTS GENERAL TASK 1: USEFUL EXPRESSIONS FOR LETTER-WRITING
To complete your IELTS letter-writing task within 20 minutes, learn to use and spell common
phrases and expressions correctly. Choose the correct level of formality based on your question
prompt. By using these phrases, you will save time and effort and earn a higher IELTS score. Most of
the expressions below are arranged from formal to semi-formal to informal.

For a full list of phrases and expressions, check below:-

Apologizing
Please accept my sincere apologies for…
I am very sorry about…
Sorry for…
Asking for help
I’d be grateful if you could…
I would appreciate it if you could…
Could you please…
Asking for information
I am writing to enquire about…
I am writing to find out about…
I would like to know about…
Closing
I look forward to hearing from you,
I look forward to seeing you,
I look forward to meeting you,
Complaining
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…
I am writing to express my annoyance with…
I’m not happy with…
Expressing satisfaction
I was delighted to learn that…
I was thrilled to hear that…
I was very glad to hear that…
Expressing concern
I am writing to express my concern about…
I was very sorry to learn that…
I was really sorry to hear that…
Giving bad news
I regret to advise you that…
I regret to inform you that…
I am sorry to tell you that…
Giving good news
I am pleased to advise you that…
I am delighted to inform you that…
I am happy to tell you that…
Giving reasons
This is due to…
This is a result of…
This is because…
Making suggestions
Perhaps it would be useful to…
Perhaps it would be possible to…
It might be helpful to…
Thanking
I am extremely grateful for…
I really appreciate…
Thanking you for…