IELTS Writing Task 1: Linking words for describing a graph

In order to get 6.0-7.5 and higher, you need to effectively combine your ideas.

This skill is assessed by the examiner and it is one of the marking criteria - Coherence / Cohesion, i.e. consistency and coherence / integrity.

In order to get 6.0-7.5 and higher, you need to effectively combine your ideas.

This skill is assessed by the examiner and it is one of the marking criteria - Coherence / Cohesion, i.e. consistency and coherence / integrity.

How many words do you need to write?

Short answer - enough; it should not be every third word in your answer, in the meantime your ideas should be well connected. Think of these words as sugar or salt: if too much it will be too sweet or too salty.

How to effectively start a paragraph:

- According to the graph/figures …
- It is clear that …
- It can be seen that …
- It is noticeable that ...

these words will help connect your ideas:

Contrast words

• In contrast
• However
• whereas/while
• On the other hand

Linking phrases

• In addition
• Furthermore
• Overall, it could be seen that ...
• According to the data ...
• It is clear that ...

Time expressions

• in the year 2000
• at the end/beginning of the period
• over/throughout/during the period in question
• by 2000
• between 1998 and 2000

The last Paragraph:

• Overall,
• To sum up,

  ---

For describing a process The first step is that … Firstly, Secondly, Finally Next, The following step is that… The next step it that … After this, Following this, … At the first stage ...