💬 “Good writing flows like a river. Linkers are the bridges that keep it moving smoothly from one idea to the next.”
📌 Why Linkers Are Important
In IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic), you’re not just throwing data onto the page—you’re explaining, comparing, and analyzing. Linkers help your writing:
- 🧩 Connect ideas clearly
- 📚 Show relationships between data
- 🎯 Improve coherence and cohesion (25% of your band score!)
🧠 Categories of Linkers (with Examples)
1️⃣ Addition
Used to add another point or trend:
- In addition,
- Moreover,
- Also,
- Furthermore
📊 “The number of users increased in 2010. In addition, sales figures grew by 15%.”
2️⃣ Contrast
Used to show a difference or contradiction:
- However,
- On the other hand,
- In contrast,
- Whereas,
- While
📊 “Mobile phone sales rose steadily. However, tablet sales dropped significantly.”
3️⃣ Comparison
Used when pointing out similarities:
- Similarly,
- Likewise,
- Just as
📊 “Car ownership grew in Germany. Similarly, France saw a gradual rise.”
4️⃣ Cause and Effect
Used to explain why something happened:
- As a result,
- Therefore,
- Consequently,
- Due to
📊 “Unemployment rose. As a result, consumer spending decreased.”
5️⃣ Time Connectors
To show the sequence of events:
- Then,
- After that,
- Subsequently,
- Meanwhile,
- Eventually
📊 “In 2010, exports fell. Subsequently, the economy slowed down.”
🛠️ Practice Sentences
Try filling in the blanks:
- The number of visitors increased in 2018. ______, it dropped slightly in 2019.
- Oil production remained stable. ______, natural gas output rose significantly.
- There was a sharp decline in car sales. ______, many dealerships shut down.
✍️ Suggested Answers:
- However
- Meanwhile
- As a result
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
| ❌ Mistake | ✅ Fix |
|---|---|
| Overusing one linker (e.g., “however” everywhere) | Use a variety of connectors |
| Using informal connectors (e.g., “but,” “so”) | Use formal alternatives like “however,” “therefore” |
| Incorrect punctuation after linkers | Use a comma after linkers: “However, …” |
🎁 Bonus: Advanced Linkers for Band 8+
- Notably,
- Albeit,
- Nonetheless,
- Subsequently,
- In comparison to
These show a higher level of vocabulary and structure mastery.
📣 Final Reminder
🧩 “Coherence isn’t just about grammar—it’s about how your ideas are linked. Smooth transitions make high-scoring writing.”
