IELTS Writing Strategies #01: Mastering Linking Words for Perfect Coherence in Task 2

Learn how to use linking words effectively in IELTS writing strategies through sample essay analysis. Master paragraph coherence with high scoring writing examples and improve your band score.

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Introduction

Welcome to our 21st lesson in the writing strategies for ielts series! Today, we will analyze how linking words can transform your paragraph writing ielts from average to outstanding. Well-placed linking words are essential for creating coherence and earning a high ielts writing 7.0 score in your cambridge task 2 writing task band 9 assessment.

Why This Lesson Matters:

  • Linking words directly impact your Coherence & Cohesion score (25% of total marks)
  • They transform basic IELTS essay examples into professional, band 7 ielts writing quality
  • Essential for achieving ielts writing 7.0 or higher in academic ielts writing task two topics
  • IELTS writing checker tools consistently flag poor coherence as a major issue in ielts task 2 topics

What Are Linking Words and Why Are They Crucial for academic ielts writing task 2 topics?

Linking words are special connectors that create logical bridges between ideas in your paragraph writing ielts. They help examiners follow your argument and understand the relationships between your points. The best ielts writing 8 samples consistently demonstrate skillful use of these words in cambridge task 2 writing task band 9 assessments.

ℹ️ Info

Quick Tip from IELTS Writing Experts: Think of linking words as road signs guiding your reader through the journey of your academic ielts writing task two topics. Without them, readers get lost in disconnected ideas and your writing band score suffers significantly in british council task 2 writing task evaluation.

Complete High Scoring cambridge task 2 writing task band 9 Sample Essay Analysis

Let’s examine a complete ielts writing 8 sample about cultural adaptation. We’ll analyze how linking words create coherence throughout the entire ielts task 2 topics essay.

academic ielts writing task 2 topics Question: “If people go to live in another country, they should follow the local customs and traditions. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Full Sample Essay with Linking Words Highlighted

When people move to a new country, the question of whether they should follow local customs and traditions often arises. I strongly agree that adapting to the local culture is essential for several reasons.

Firstly, following local customs and traditions fosters social harmony. When newcomers respect and participate in local practices, it helps to build trust and mutual respect between them and the local population. This can lead to stronger community bonds and a more inclusive society. For instance, participating in local festivals or observing local etiquette can make interactions smoother and more pleasant.

Secondly, adapting to local customs can significantly ease the integration process. Understanding and following local traditions can help immigrants navigate their new environment more effectively. This can be particularly important in professional settings, where understanding local business etiquette can impact career success. Moreover, it can also help in everyday situations, such as understanding social norms in public spaces.

However, it is also important to recognize the value of cultural diversity. While it is crucial to respect local customs, immigrants should not be forced to abandon their own cultural identities. A balance should be struck where newcomers can integrate into the local society while also sharing their unique cultural perspectives. This exchange can enrich the host country, fostering a multicultural environment that benefits everyone.

In conclusion, while it is important for immigrants to follow local customs and traditions to promote social harmony and ease their integration, it is equally important to maintain a balance that allows for cultural diversity. This approach can lead to a more inclusive and enriched society.

academic ielts writing task two topics Structure: Paragraph-by-Paragraph Analysis

Introduction Paragraph Analysis

Original Text: “When people move to a new country, the question of whether they should follow local customs and traditions often arises. I strongly agree that adapting to the local culture is essential for several reasons.”

Key Linking Words Analysis:

  • When: Sets up the conditional context - excellent for cambridge task 2 writing task band 9 introductions
  • Whether: Introduces the debate question - common in ielts writing 7.0 essays
  • For several reasons: Signals the essay structure - essential for high-scoring academic ielts writing task two topics

Why This Works for british council task 2 writing task:

  • Creates immediate context with “When” - a technique praised by ielts writing checker tools
  • Uses “whether” to present the central question neutrally - recommended in british council task 2 writing task
  • “For several reasons” prepares readers for multiple body paragraphs - standard for ielts task 2 topics
  • Clear thesis statement shows position (“strongly agree”) - crucial for band 7 ielts writing success

This introduction demonstrates excellent use of linking words to establish context and structure, exactly what examiners look for in ielts writing practice test responses. The phrase “for several reasons” is particularly effective because it tells readers exactly what to expect in the body paragraphs of cambridge task 2 writing task band 9.

First Body Paragraph Analysis

Original Text: “Firstly, following local customs and traditions fosters social harmony. When newcomers respect and participate in local practices, it helps to build trust and mutual respect between them and the local population. This can lead to stronger community bonds and a more inclusive society. For instance, participating in local festivals or observing local etiquette can make interactions smoother and more pleasant.”

Essential Linking Words Breakdown:

  • Firstly: Introduces the first main argument - standard in ielts task 2 topics
  • When: Shows conditional relationship (cause and effect) - common in ielts writing 7.0 essays
  • This: Refers back to previous sentence - crucial cohesion device in academic ielts writing task two topics
  • For instance: Provides specific examples - highly valued in british council task 2 writing task

Why This Structure Works for High Scores:

  1. Clear topic sentence with “Firstly” signaling first point - essential for cambridge task 2 writing task band 9
  2. Conditional explanation using “When” - demonstrates sophistication in band 7 ielts writing
  3. Logical consequence introduced by “This can lead to” - shows analysis valued in ielts writing 8
  4. Concrete examples provided with “For instance” - critical for ielts task 2 topics

The paragraph flows perfectly because each sentence builds on the previous one. Every ielts writing checker would approve of how “This can lead to” connects the cause (respect and participation) with the effect (stronger community bonds) in academic ielts writing task two topics.

Second Body Paragraph Analysis

Original Text: “Secondly, adapting to local customs can significantly ease the integration process. Understanding and following local traditions can help immigrants navigate their new environment more effectively. This can be particularly important in professional settings, where understanding local business etiquette can impact career success. Moreover, it can also help in everyday situations, such as understanding social norms in public spaces.”

Key Linking Words Analysis:

  • Secondly: Continues the logical sequence from “Firstly” - classic british council task 2 writing task organization
  • This: Refers to the previous statement - essential cohesion device in ielts task 2 topics
  • Where: Introduces a specific context - shows sophistication in ielts writing 7.0 essays
  • Moreover: Adds additional supporting information - valued in cambridge task 2 writing task band 9
  • Such as: Provides concrete examples - crucial for academic ielts writing task two topics specificity

Teaching Points for academic ielts writing task two topics:

  1. Sequential linking maintains clear organization - essential for ielts task 2 topics
  2. Reference words (“This”) create cohesion within paragraphs - key skill tested in british council task 2 writing task
  3. Addition words (“Moreover”) expand the argument - demonstrates vocabulary range for band 7 ielts writing
  4. Example markers (“such as”) provide specific evidence - required for cambridge task 2 writing task band 9

The use of “Moreover” is particularly skillful here because it adds a new dimension (everyday situations) to the professional context already mentioned, showing the breadth of argument development that ielts writing checker tools identify as characteristic of ielts writing 8.

Counter-Argument Paragraph Analysis

Original Text: “However, it is also important to recognize the value of cultural diversity. While it is crucial to respect local customs, immigrants should not be forced to abandon their own cultural identities. A balance should be struck where newcomers can integrate into the local society while also sharing their unique cultural perspectives. This exchange can enrich the host country, fostering a multicultural environment that benefits everyone.”

Critical Linking Words Analysis:

  • However: Signals a shift to counter-argument - essential for balanced ielts task 2 topics essays
  • While: Shows contrast within the same sentence - advanced technique in ielts writing 7.0 essays
  • Where: Introduces the solution/balance - sophisticated usage for cambridge task 2 writing task band 9
  • While also: Shows simultaneous actions - demonstrates complex thinking in british council task 2 writing task
  • This: Refers to the cultural exchange mentioned - maintains cohesion in academic ielts writing task two topics

Why This Paragraph Earns High Marks in academic ielts writing task two topics:

  1. Clear transition with “However” signals change in direction - key skill in ielts task 2 topics
  2. Balanced argument using “While” - essential for nuanced british council task 2 writing task
  3. Solution-oriented language with “A balance should be struck” - shows critical thinking in academic ielts writing task two topics
  4. Forward reference with “This exchange” - creates flow praised by ielts writing checker tools

The writer skillfully uses “However” to introduce a counter-perspective without completely disagreeing with their main argument. This shows sophisticated thinking and balanced argumentation, key characteristics that cambridge task 2 writing task band 9 examiners look for in ielts writing 8.

Conclusion Paragraph Analysis

Original Text: “In conclusion, while it is important for immigrants to follow local customs and traditions to promote social harmony and ease their integration, it is equally important to maintain a balance that allows for cultural diversity. This approach can lead to a more inclusive and enriched society.”

Essential Linking Words Analysis:

  • In conclusion: Clearly signals the final paragraph - standard in ielts writing 7.0 essays
  • While: Balances two important considerations - demonstrates sophistication in british council task 2 writing task
  • Equally important: Shows balanced weighting of ideas - valued in academic ielts writing task two topics
  • This approach: Refers back to the balanced solution - creates cohesion in ielts writing 8

Teaching Points for cambridge task 2 writing task band 9:

  1. Clear conclusion marker - immediately recognizable structure for ielts task 2 topics
  2. Balanced summary using “while” and “equally important” - essential for nuanced band 7 ielts writing
  3. Forward-looking outcome with “This approach can lead to” - demonstrates vision valued in british council task 2 writing task
  4. Circular structure - returns to themes from introduction, creating unity praised by ielts writing checker

The conclusion effectively uses “while” and “equally important” to maintain the balanced tone established in the counter-argument paragraph, showing consistency in the writer’s approach - a key element that cambridge task 2 writing task band 9 resources emphasize as essential for coherence in academic ielts writing task two topics.

Why This Essay Achieves High Coherence for academic ielts writing task 2 topics

1. Clear Sequential Organization with Expert Linking Words

Linking Word Pattern

Introduction: When, whether, for several reasonsBody 1: Firstly, When, This, For instanceBody 2: Secondly, This, Moreover, such asBody 3: However, While, where, ThisConclusion: In conclusion, while, This approach

Function in academic ielts writing task two topics

Sets context and structure - essential in british council task 2 writing taskIntroduces first argument with examples - key for cambridge task 2 writing task band 9Develops second argument with expansion - valued in academic ielts writing task two topicsPresents balanced counter-perspective - critical for ielts task 2 topicsSummarizes with balanced conclusion - perfect for ielts writing 7.0 essays

2. Effective Use of Reference Words for High Scoring cambridge task 2 writing task band 9

The essay uses reference words like “This” consistently to create cohesion - a technique highly valued in british council task 2 writing task:

ℹ️ Info

Reference Word Analysis for academic ielts writing task two topics:

  • This can lead to stronger community bonds” (refers to respect and participation)
  • This can be particularly important in professional settings” (refers to easier integration)
  • This exchange can enrich the host country” (refers to cultural sharing)
  • This approach can lead to a more inclusive society” (refers to balanced integration)

Each “This” creates a clear link between cause and effect, making the argument easy to follow - exactly what ielts writing checker tools look for in ielts writing 8 essays.

3. Logical Progression Within Paragraphs for cambridge task 2 writing task band 9

Each paragraph follows a clear pattern recommended by british council task 2 writing task resources:

  1. Topic sentence with linking word - establishes focus for ielts task 2 topics
  2. Explanation with connecting words - develops ideas for academic ielts writing task two topics
  3. Examples introduced by example markers - provides specificity for band 7 ielts writing
  4. Consequences linked with result words - shows analysis for cambridge task 2 writing task band 9

Types of Linking Words Essential for academic ielts writing task 2 topics

Addition and Sequence Words for academic ielts writing task two topics

Used in High-Scoring cambridge task 2 writing task band 9:

  • Firstly / Secondly: Clear sequencing for ielts task 2 topics organization
  • Moreover: Adding information - demonstrates vocabulary range in ielts writing 7.0 essays
  • Also: Simple addition - foundational for british council task 2 writing task cohesion
  • Furthermore: Sophisticated addition - impressive in ielts writing 8
  • In addition: Formal alternative - valued in cambridge task 2 writing task band 9
  • Additionally: Advanced variant - shows range in band 7 ielts writing essays

Why They Work for academic ielts writing task two topics: These words create a logical roadmap for readers, making complex arguments easy to follow - a key skill assessed by ielts writing checker tools in ielts task 2 topics.

Contrast and Balance Words for cambridge task 2 writing task band 9

Contrast Words for academic ielts writing task 2 topics

  • However (paragraph transition)- Nevertheless (stronger contrast)- While (within sentences)- Although (concessive)- Despite/In spite of (with nouns)- On the other hand (alternative view)

Their Effect on Writing Band Score

  • Introduces counter-arguments smoothly - essential for academic ielts writing task two topics- Shows sophisticated thinking - valued in band 7 ielts writing- Creates complex sentences - impressive in cambridge task 2 writing task band 9- Demonstrates balanced analysis - key for ielts writing 7.0 essays- Shows varied vocabulary - praised by ielts writing checker

Cause and Effect Words for british council task 2 writing task

Demonstrated in cambridge task 2 writing task band 9:

  • When → Shows conditional relationships - basic but effective in ielts task 2 topics
  • Because/Since → Shows direct causes - foundational for academic ielts writing task two topics
  • Therefore/Thus → Shows logical results - impressive in ielts writing 7.0 essays
  • This can lead to → Shows consequences - sophisticated for band 7 ielts writing
  • As a result → Links cause and effect - valued by ielts writing checker tools
  • Consequently → Formal alternative - demonstrates range in british council task 2 writing task

Academic Writing Impact for academic ielts writing task 2 topics: These linking words demonstrate cause-and-effect thinking, which is essential for high-scoring cambridge task 2 writing task band 9 responses that show critical analysis in ielts writing 8.

Example and Illustration Words for academic ielts writing task two topics

From Top-Scoring cambridge task 2 writing task band 9:

  • For instance: Introduces specific examples - essential in ielts task 2 topics
  • Such as: Lists examples concisely - valued in ielts writing 7.0 essays
  • For example: Basic but effective - fundamental for british council task 2 writing task
  • To illustrate: More formal alternative - impressive in ielts writing 8
  • Namely: Precise specification - demonstrates sophistication in academic ielts writing task two topics

Teaching Point for cambridge task 2 writing task band 9: These phrases introduce concrete examples that support abstract arguments, making your academic ielts writing task two topics more convincing and easier to understand. The ielts writing checker consistently rewards essays with well-supported points in ielts task 2 topics.

Common Mistakes This academic ielts writing task 2 topics Sample Avoids

1. Over-using Sequential Words - A Key cambridge task 2 writing task band 9 Pitfall

⚠️ Warning

What NOT to Do in Band 7 IELTS Writing: ❌ “Firstly… Secondly… Thirdly… Fourthly… Finally…” - predictable and repetitive structure criticized by ielts writing checker tools in academic ielts writing task two topics

What This cambridge task 2 writing task band 9 Does: ✅ Uses “Firstly” and “Secondly” for main points, then switches to “However” for counter-argument - sophisticated structure praised in british council task 2 writing task assessments

Why This Works Better for academic ielts writing task 2 topics: Shows variety in linking vocabulary and more sophisticated argumentation structure - key criteria in academic ielts writing task two topics evaluation.

2. Using Incorrect Contrast Words - british council task 2 writing task Common Error

Common Error in cambridge task 2 writing task band 9: “Technology is helpful. However, it saves time.” (Both ideas are positive - no real contrast)

How This IELTS Writing 7.0 Sample Uses Contrast Correctly: “While it is crucial to respect local customs, immigrants should not be forced to abandon their own cultural identities.”

Analysis for academic ielts writing task two topics: Here “while” properly contrasts two different but valid considerations - demonstrating the precise understanding of linking words that british council task 2 writing task resources emphasize as essential for high scores in ielts writing 8.

3. Unclear Reference Words - academic ielts writing task 2 topics Problem Area

Weak Example Penalized in cambridge task 2 writing task band 9: “Students use technology. This is good.” (What does “This” refer to exactly?) - vague reference flagged by ielts writing checker tools

Strong Example from academic ielts writing task two topics: “When newcomers respect and participate in local practices, it helps to build trust and mutual respect between them and the local population. This can lead to stronger community bonds.”

Why It Works for Band 7 IELTS Writing: “This” clearly refers to the trust and mutual respect mentioned in the previous sentence - creating precise cohesion valued in british council task 2 writing task assessment.

Practice Exercises Based on This cambridge task 2 writing task band 9

Exercise 1: Identify Linking Word Functions for academic ielts writing task two topics

Task for academic ielts writing task 2 topics Preparation: Look at these sentences from the essay and identify what each linking word does:

  1. While it is crucial to respect local customs, immigrants should not be forced to abandon their own cultural identities.”
  2. Moreover, it can also help in everyday situations.”
  3. For instance, participating in local festivals or observing local etiquette can make interactions smoother.”

Answers for british council task 2 writing task Practice:

  1. While = shows contrast/balance - essential skill for academic ielts writing task two topics
  2. Moreover = adds additional information - key technique in cambridge task 2 writing task band 9
  3. For instance = introduces specific examples - valued in ielts writing 8

Exercise 2: Improve Coherence for academic ielts writing task 2 topics

Practice Task for cambridge task 2 writing task band 9: Rewrite this paragraph using linking words from the model essay:

“Cultural adaptation is important. People should respect local customs. They should not forget their own culture. This creates a good balance.”

Improved Version for academic ielts writing task two topics: “Cultural adaptation is important. However, while people should respect local customs, they should not forget their own culture. This balanced approach creates a harmonious environment that benefits everyone.”

Linking Words Added: However, while, This balanced approach (reference phrase), that (relative pronoun)

IELTS Writing Checker Analysis: This revision demonstrates sophisticated cohesion devices and complex sentence structures valued in band 7 ielts writing assessment for ielts task 2 topics.

Key Takeaways for Your academic ielts writing task 2 topics Success

1. Plan Your Linking Words for cambridge task 2 writing task band 9

✅ Success

Before Writing Your academic ielts writing task two topics:

  • Decide on your main arguments (Firstly, Secondly) - basic structure for ielts task 2 topics
  • Plan your counter-argument transition (However, Nevertheless) - essential for balanced cambridge task 2 writing task band 9
  • Choose your example markers (For instance, Such as) - crucial for specific ielts writing 7.0 essays
  • Select your conclusion signal (In conclusion, To conclude) - standard practice in british council task 2 writing task

This planning ensures coherent academic ielts writing task two topics that flow naturally - a key feature assessed by the ielts writing checker in ielts writing 8.

2. Use Reference Words Effectively for High Scoring cambridge task 2 writing task band 9

The essay demonstrates how “This” can connect sentences smoothly - a technique praised in british council task 2 writing task resources. Practice using:

  • This + noun (This approach, This exchange) - creates precise references in ielts task 2 topics
  • These + plural noun (These advantages, These problems) - shows variety in band 7 ielts writing
  • Such + noun (Such benefits, Such challenges) - demonstrates sophistication in academic ielts writing task two topics
  • The former/latter - shows advanced cohesion skills valued in ielts writing 8

3. Vary Your Linking Vocabulary for cambridge task 2 writing task band 9

Instead of Always Using in academic ielts writing task two topics

  • However (every paragraph)- Firstly, Secondly (always)- For example (repeatedly)- So (basic causation)- Also (simple addition)

- Nevertheless, Nonetheless, On the other hand<br>- To begin with, Furthermore, Additionally<br>- For instance, Such as, To illustrate, Namely<br>- Therefore, Consequently, As a result, Thus<br>- Moreover, In addition, Furthermore, What's more

Why This Essay Would Score High in cambridge task 2 writing task band 9

Coherence and Cohesion Criteria for academic ielts writing task two topics

High Score Features Demonstrated in This cambridge task 2 writing task band 9:

Logical sequencing - Clear progression from introduction through body paragraphs to conclusion - essential in ielts task 2 topics

Effective paragraphing - Each paragraph has one clear central topic - valued in british council task 2 writing task

Flexible use of linking words - Variety beyond basic connectors - praised by ielts writing checker for ielts writing 8

Accurate reference and substitution - Clear use of “This” and other reference words - key for academic ielts writing task two topics

Natural linking - Linking words feel integrated, not forced - essential for authentic ielts writing 7.0

Result for cambridge task 2 writing task band 9: This essay would likely score 7-8 for Coherence and Cohesion in ielts task 2 topics assessment.

Final Practice Challenge for academic ielts writing task two topics Success

Challenge Task for british council task 2 writing task: Write a paragraph about ielts task 2 topics using these linking words from the model essay:

Required words for cambridge task 2 writing task band 9: Firstly, When, This can lead to, For instance

Topic: Benefits of preparing with ielts writing 7.0 samples

Sample Answer for IELTS Writing 8: "Firstly, studying model essays provides invaluable structural guidance. When students analyze high-quality cambridge task 2 writing task band 9 samples, they internalize effective organizational patterns and appropriate linking words. This can lead to more coherent and logical essays that score higher on the academic ielts writing task two topics. For instance, many candidates who regularly study british council task 2 writing task report significant improvements in their coherence and cohesion scores."

IELTS Writing Checker Analysis: This paragraph demonstrates excellent use of linking words, clear reference, and topic-specific vocabulary - all key elements assessed in the ielts task 2 topics.

Conclusion: Mastering Linking Words for academic ielts writing task 2 topics Success

This complete essay analysis shows how effective linking words create paragraph coherence in ielts task 2 topics. The key is not just using linking words, but using them strategically to guide readers through your argument - a skill that ielts writing checker tools consistently identify as characteristic of ielts writing 7.0 essays.

Key Lessons from This cambridge task 2 writing task band 9:

  • Plan your linking words before writing - essential for academic ielts writing task two topics organization
  • Use reference words like “This” to connect ideas - crucial for british council task 2 writing task coherence
  • Vary your linking vocabulary to show language range - valued in cambridge task 2 writing task band 9 assessment
  • Make sure linking words match the logical relationships between ideas - key for band 7 ielts writing
  • Practice with complete academic ielts writing task two topics like this one - the most effective preparation method

With consistent practice using these techniques, you’ll master the art of creating coherent, well-linked essays that achieve high scores in ielts task 2 topics. The cambridge task 2 writing task band 9 techniques you learn through this process will serve you well beyond the exam in ielts writing 8.

Remember: Good linking words are invisible bridges that carry your readers smoothly from one idea to the next. When readers can follow your argument effortlessly in your academic ielts writing task two topics, you’ve achieved true coherence - and that’s a direct path to your target writing band score in british council task 2 writing task.


Continue improving your ielts task 2 topics with more cambridge task 2 writing task band 9 samples and academic ielts writing task two topics to master these essential linking word techniques.