Linking structures

Using a wide range of vocabulary will help you to gain higher score at IELTS.

Don't fear: you don't have to learn all of these phrases. Just choose a few that you like and
practice using them in your writing.

Listing Giving examples Generalising

firstly, secondly, thirdly for example in general

first, furthermore, finally for instance generally

to begin, to conclude as follows: on the whole

next that is as a rule

Reinforcement in this case for the most part

also namely in most cases

furthermore in other words usually

moreover Result/consequence Highlighting

what is more so in particular

in addition therefore particularly

besides as a result/consequence especially

above all accordingly mainly

as well (as) consequently Reformulation

in the same way because of this/that in other words

not only ... but also thus rather

Similarity hence to put it more simply

equally for this/that reason Expressing an alternative

likewise so that alternatively

similarly in that case rather

correspondingly under these circumstances on the other hand

in the same way Deduction the alternative is

Transition to new point then another possibility would be

now, in other words Contrast

as far as x is concerned in that case instead

with regard/reference to otherwise conversely

as for ... this implies that ... on the contrary

it follows that if so/not in contrast

turning to Stating the obvious in comparison

Concession (smth
Summary obviously
unexpected)

in conclusion clearly even though

to conclude naturally however

in brief of course however much

to summarise as can be expected nevertheless

overall surely still

therefore after all yet

 IELTS essay vocabulary

Expressing personal opinions:

 In my opinion, …

 Personally, I think that …

 It seems to me that ...

 I must admit that …

 I believe/suppose that ...

 I cannot deny that …

 As I see it, …

 As far as I'm concerned, …

 I would argue that ...

 I'd like to point out that …

 In my experience, ...

Very strong opinions:

 I am sure that …

 I am convinced that ...

 I am certain that ...

Example: I would argue that computers are rather beneficial for kids.
Proving your arguments

 to attest, ...

 to prove, ...

 this (fact) is attested/proven by ...

 this (fact) is evidenced by ...

 this (fact) is testified by ...

 this (fact) is endorsed/supported by...

 this (evidence) establishes that ...

Example: Consuming moderate amounts of sweets can be good for health. This is evidenced by a
number of cases when people improved their health conditions by eating chocolate.

Expressing general point of view:

 It is (generally) claimed that …

 It is (generally) said that …

 It is (generally) thought that ...

 It is (generally) considered that ...

 A common opinion is that ...

 A popular belief is that ...

Example: It is considered that rigorous diets are very unhealthy.

Outlining facts

 The fact is that …

 It is obvious that …

 It is clear that …

 There is no doubt that …

 This proves that …

Example: It is obvious that deforestation has no positive effects.

Generalizing

 Generally speaking, ...

 On the whole, ...

 Typically, ...

 By and large ...

Example: Generally speaking, smoking is a bad habit.

Giving examples

 For example, ...

 For instance, ...

 A good illustration of this is ...

 Evidence for this is provided by ...

 We can see this when ...

Example: A lot of wild animals are endangered. Evidence for this is proved by decreasing
number of species.

Concluding

 To summarise, ...

 In conclusion, ...

 Overall, ...

 On balance, ...

 Taking everything into consideration, ...

Example: Overall, no parents should neglect their children.