Connectors and linking words However, although, despite, whereas: link ideas the way examiners expect, with the right punctuation and without overusing them.
Three grammar patterns, not one
Linking words follow different grammar. Some start a new sentence, some join two clauses, and some are followed by a noun or -ing form.
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Cars are convenient. However, they pollute the air.
Cars are convenient, however they pollute the air.
However, Therefore, Moreover start a new sentence and take a comma after them.
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Although cars are convenient, they pollute the air.
Although cars are convenient, but they pollute the air.
Never use although and but together.
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Despite being convenient, cars pollute the air.
Despite cars are convenient, they pollute the air.
Despite / In spite of + noun or -ing.
Choose the meaning first
Group connectors by job: adding (moreover, in addition), contrasting (however, whereas, on the other hand), cause and result (because of, as a result, consequently), examples (for instance, such as) and conceding (admittedly, although).
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Rice exports rose, whereas wheat exports fell.
"whereas" compares two facts in one sentence, ideal for Task 1.
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Many people work from home. As a result, city traffic has fallen.
Many people work from home. On the other hand, city traffic has fallen.
The wrong version uses a contrast word where there is no contrast.
Less is more
Coherence and Cohesion rewards linking that is natural, not mechanical. Starting every sentence with Firstly, Secondly, Moreover or Furthermore actually lowers the score. Use pronouns and reference words (this, these, such a change) to link ideas too.
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Fees have doubled. This increase has kept many students away.
"This increase" links back without any connector at all.
IELTS tip
Aim for roughly one connector every two or three sentences in Task 2, and vary the type. Accuracy with punctuation (However, ...) is noticed as much as range.
Practice quiz
Pass with 7 or more to tick this topic off.
