Vary Your Linking Words: To achieve a higher band score, it’s important to use a variety of cohesive devices and avoid relying on the same ones repeatedly. For example, instead of using “and” or “also” too often, incorporate words like “furthermore,” “moreover,” “in addition,” “on the contrary,” “while,” and “in contrast.”

Example (Academic Task 1): 

• Overused Linking Word: “The number of car owners increased in 2010, and it continued to increase in 2015. And public transport usage decreased during the same period.”
• Improved Version: “The number of car owners increased significantly in 2010, and this trend continued through 2015. In contrast, public transport usage decreased over the same period.”

Example (General Training Task 1): 

• Overused Linking Word: “I am writing to complain about the service, and I would like to request a refund. And I would appreciate it if you could respond quickly.”
• Improved Version: “I am writing to complain about the service, and I would like to request a refund. Moreover, I would appreciate a prompt response to this matter.”

Link Sentences Smoothly: Ensure that your cohesive devices contribute to the smooth flow of ideas. Avoid forcing transitions where they don’t fit. Use cohesive devices to highlight relationships between ideas, such as cause and effect, contrast, and addition.

Example:

“The number of car owners increased significantly, as a result of rising incomes in the area.”

“Car ownership rose steadily, while the use of public transport remained stable.”

Don’t Overuse Linking Words: Using too many linking words can make your writing sound awkward or overly formal. For example, if every sentence starts with “Furthermore” or “However,” your writing can feel repetitive and unnatural. Instead, use linking words sparingly, where they’re necessary to connect ideas.