Mastering connectors for IELTS | Tips and examples

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a popular English proficiency test for non-native English speakers who wish to study or work in an English-speaking country. The test evaluates a candidate’s abilities in four areas: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The appropriate use of connectors for IELTS is an essential factor that impacts writing and speaking scores.

In IELTS, connectors are the words or phrases that join ideas or sentences. They make the text or speech more comprehensible and easy to follow by assisting the reader or listener in understanding the connections between various concepts. The effective use of connectors for IELTS can significantly raise a candidate’s score on the IELTS exam.

Common connectors used in IELTS Writing: examples and usage

Here are some common connectors for IELTS writing–

Addition

To add more information, use connectors such as “in addition,” “furthermore,” “moreover,” “also,” “as well as,” “not only… but also,” etc.

Example: “Not only does physical exercise help in maintaining good health, but it also reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.”

Contrast

To show a difference or a distinction between two ideas, use connectors such as “however,” “on the other hand,” “in contrast,” “although,” “despite,” “nevertheless,” “yet,” etc.

Example: “Although fast food is convenient and inexpensive, it is often high in calories and lacks nutritional value.”

Cause and effect

To show a cause-and-effect relationship between two ideas, use connectors such as “because,” “since,” “as a result,” “consequently,” “therefore,” “thus,” etc.

Example: “Due to climate change, many regions are experiencing extreme weather conditions, such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves.”

How to use connectors in IELTS writing: tips and tricks

Using IELTS writing connectors effectively is crucial for scoring well in the IELTS Writing section. Here are some tips and tricks for using connectors in IELTS writing-

• Use a variety of connectors: Using the same connectors repeatedly can make the writing monotonous and affect the score. Therefore, try to use a variety of connectors to link different ideas.
• Choose the suitable connector: Using an incorrect connector can make the writing confusing and affect the score. So, make sure you are using a connector that best fits the context and the relationship between the ideas. 
• Use connectors appropriately: Use connectors where necessary, but avoid overusing them. Overusing connectors can make the writing appear contrived and affect the score.
• Practice using connectors: Practice using connectors for IELTS in your writing. Use online resources, textbooks, and practice papers to familiarize yourself with different connectors and their usage.

IELTS speaking connectors: How to use them effectively

Connectors can help candidates structure their responses and link different ideas in the IELTS speaking section. Here are some IELTS connectors for 2023 that candidates can use effectively in the IELTS speaking section–

Sequencers

Sequencers link ideas in chronological order. Some examples include “firstly,” “secondly,” “finally,” “lastly,” etc.

Examples

Examples help to clarify ideas and make them more relatable. A few of the examples connectors include “for instance,” “such as,” “like,” etc.

Opinions

Opinion connectors help to express the speaker’s views. Examples include “in my opinion,” “from my perspective,” “as far as I’m concerned,” etc.

Comparisons

Comparison connectors for IELTS help to draw a comparison between two ideas, such as “in comparison,” “similarly,” “likewise,” “on the other hand,” “in contrast,” etc.

Conclusions

Conclusion connectors for IELTS help to summarize ideas and draw conclusions. Some examples are, “in conclusion,” “to sum up,” “in summary,” etc.

Common mistakes to avoid when using IELTS connectors

Using connectors effectively is crucial for scoring well in the IELTS exam. Here are some common mistakes that candidates should avoid when using IELTS connectors-

• Overusing connectors: Overusing connectors can make the writing or speech appear contrived and affect the score. Use connectors judiciously and where necessary.
• Using the wrong connector: Using an incorrect connector can become counterproductive and make the writing or speech confusing. Choose the connector that best fits the context and the relationship between the ideas.
• Misusing connectors: Misusing connectors can make the writing or speech grammatically incorrect and affect the score. Make sure to use connectors correctly.

IELTS connectors practice exercises: Improve your skills with these examples

Practice is essential for mastering any skill, including the use of connectors for IELTS in the IELTS exam. Here are some practice exercises that candidates can use to improve their skills:

• Read IELTS writing samples and identify the connectors for IELTS used. Analyze how the connectors link ideas and make the writing coherent.
• Practice writing essays using different types of connectors. Use a variety of connectors to link different ideas and make the writing more interesting.
• Record yourself speaking on different topics and analyze the connectors used. Identify areas for improvement and practice using different types of connectors.
• Solve IELTS speaking sample questions and use connectors to structure your responses.
• By practicing using connectors in different contexts, candidates can improve their skills and score higher in the IELTS exam.

Key takeaways

• Connectors are words or phrases linking ideas or sentences in writing or speech.
• Proper usage of connectors can significantly impact the candidate’s score in the IELTS exam.
• Candidates must familiarize themselves with different types of connectors for IELTS and their usage to use them effectively.
• Using a variety of connectors effectively can convey ideas more coherently and result in a higher score.
• Practice using connectors in different contexts is crucial for improving the candidate’s skills and achieving academic success.

Connectors for IELTS are a crucial aspect of the exam and can significantly impact the candidate’s score. We hope our blog helped you gain a better understanding of connectors and how to use them effectively. 

We hope this blog helped you better understand connectors and their significance. If you need further assistance with your study abroad entrance exams or the application process, reach out to us!

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FAQs

Q1: Are there any online resources or books that can help me learn more about connectors for the IELTS test?

Answer: Yes, there are various online resources, IELTS preparation books, and study guides that provide comprehensive explanations and practice exercises on connectors for the IELTS test. Some popular resources include official IELTS preparation materials, reputable language learning websites, and IELTS preparation books by trusted authors.

Q1: Are any connectors more suitable for academic writing tasks?

Answer: Yes, in academic writing tasks, connectors such as “furthermore,” “moreover,” “in addition to,” “conversely,” and “nevertheless” are commonly used to demonstrate a higher level of formality and to show a deeper understanding of the topic.

Q2: What are the best connector words?

Answer: The best connector words are those that fit the context and the relationship between the ideas. Common connectors used in IELTS writing and speaking include “in addition,” “however,” “because,” “although,” “as a result,” “in conclusion,” etc.