IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors

Updated On Aug 30, 2023

Connectors are very important in Writing task 1, where you have to describe a visual representation, make comparisons and ensure logical flow while describing a process.

Given below is a list of popular and most important connectors that you can use in your IELTS exam. To make it more useful, examples are provided for each so that you can understand how to use them.

Be careful with Connectors:

Many are of the misconception that connectors are used for increasing the word count. If you stuff an unwanted connector, it can bring down your scores. So, don’t overuse or misuse them.
There are some connectors which are common to both Writing and Speaking. But care should be taken such that a Speaking-only connector is not used in writing. For example, ‘actually’.

Connectors are used to denote the following:

Comparison
Time
Condition
Sequence
Reason
Result
Addition

Comparison:

Examples:

In contrast:

On the contrary:

It is evident that opportunities in the sales sector decreased in both the towns. In contrast/On the contrary, manufacturing turned out to be the promising sector of employment.

Though:

Though/Although the number of underweight men decreased in 2004, the numbers went up and touched 23% in 2009.

This is possible in the beginning of the sentence. You can use Though or Although. But the same is not possible at the end of the sentence.

The number of underweight men decreased in 2004. The numbers went up and touched 23% in 2009 though/Although

Only though can be used at the end.

On the other hand:

On the other hand, Law, Engineering, and IT sectors in which employment rates were comparatively lower promised a handsome pay package.

Whereas:

On observing the ratings given for the theatre facilities, three-quarters of the club members rated them as excellent, whereas only 55% of the general public found it to be so.

While:

Women spend nearly 35 minutes per day shopping while men spend approximately 25 minutes on the same.

Time:

Examples:

Finally:

Finally, they transport the ethanol fuel to various parts of the country.

Previously:

In 2000, to the north of the countryside where the lake is, there was previously an industry.

And now this has become:

And now this has become a residential area and the shops have become restaurants.

In the future:

In the future, it is more likely to become an IT hub

Condition:

Examples:

Provided that:

The raw materials will be shipped on time, provided that you furnish all the details

As long as:

We can meet the demands as long as the supply is good

Unless:

Unless the situation improves, the significant majority will live in poverty.

Sequence:

Examples:

As a first step:

As a first step, they crush the raw materials to a fine powder using appropriate machinery.

Just after this:

Just after this, the clay dries in moulds for 4-6 hours.

As a next step:

As a next step, they enter a storage tank.

Reason:

Examples:

Because:

A significant majority have enrolled in law courses, because the pay is high

Due to:

The sales dipped in 2000, due to heavy competition.

Result:

Examples:

So:

The tickets for horror movies were sold for a meagre 3 pounds. So they lost their place in the market.

Consequently:

Law firms paid really well in the 1970s and consequently many students opted for it

As a result:

The production of steel was high. As a result they were able to meet the market demands easily

Addition:

Examples:

In addition:

In addition to cleaning the pulp, they were also pressing it

Furthermore:

The cost of making comedy films was very high. Furthermore, the ticket sales were also very low.

As well as:

The drop in sale of metals hit the production of steel as well as gold

For Writing Task 1, connectors play an integral role. Not sure how to use them properly? Get to know about them in our IELTS preparation online classes.

Also check:

Frequently Asked Questions

How significant are connectors in IELTS Writing Task 1?

Connectors are short words or phrases that can link sentences and even paragraphs together. The essay becomes more coherent and structured when connectors are used. Some connectors emphasise the essay's core idea, while others highlight the contrast between two concepts

What kind of connectors should be used when writing for IELTS Task 1?

The test-takers are encouraged to use simple connectors while writing a task 1 report or letter. However, complex connectors can also be used only if they are appropriate for the essay

Can connectors be used to start a new sentence in the report?

No, it is not recommended to begin a new sentence with connectors such as 'also', 'but' and 'so' in the Writing Task 1 report. However, formal alternative connectors such as 'therefore', 'however', or 'additionally' can be used to start a new sentence in the essay.

What are some connectors that can be used to provide examples in a Writing Task 1 report?

It is a well-known fact that an example supports the test-taker's viewpoint and demonstrates his or her point. As a result, in a Writing Task 1 essay, connectors like 'for example', 'such as', 'like', or 'including' can be used to provide examples

Name some connectors that can be used to emphasize an idea.

Some of the connectors that can be used for emphasizing an idea in an essay are 'most importantly', 'especially', 'most notably', 'additionally', 'moreover', 'as well as', and 'likewise'. These connectors can be used in an essay to make the reader comprehend the importance of that specific idea.