Linking structures & cohesive

devices
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.

See also Vocabulary to describe graphs.

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
Expressing an
equally for this/that reason
alternative
likewise so that alternatively
similarly in that case rather
under these
correspondingly on the other hand
circumstances
in the same way Deduction the alternative is
Transition to new another possibility would
then
point 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.

Vocabulary to describe graphs

Introducing the graph

The graph/table/pie chart/bar chart/diagram ...

 gives information about/on ...

 provides information about/on ...
 shows ...
 illustrates ...
 compares ...
 explains why ...
 describes ...
 draws the conclusion of (a survey) ...

Example: The pie charts provide information on the proportion of males and
females working in agricultural sector.
 Types of changes

Nouns
a rise (of)

an increase (of)

a growth (of)

a peak (of)

a surge (of)

Example: a rise of prices

a fall (in)

a decrease (in)

a decline (in)

a dip (in)

Example: a fall in prices

a fluctuation (of)

a variation (in)

Example: a fluctuation of prices

Verbs

to rise

to increase

to surge

to grow

to peak

Large rises:
to rocket

to soar

to leap (->leapt)

to fall

to decrease

to decline

to dip

to dive

to plunge

Large falls:

to plummet

to fluctuate

to vary

Description of changes
  

Adverbs

sharply

suddenly

rapidly

abruptly

dramatically

significantly

considerably

markedly
wildly

Example: the prices rose sharply

slightly

gently

gradually

steadily

modestly

marginally

Example: the prices increased modestly

Adjectives

sharp

sudden

rapid

abrupt

dramatic

steep

significant

considerable

marked

substantial

spectacular

Example: there was a considerable growth

  

slight

gentle

gradual

steady

consistent

modest

marginal

Example: there was a gradual decline

Useful phrases
a small fraction, a small number, a small minority

a large portion, a significant majority

nearly a fifth, almost 10%, in region of 40%, more than a half, over a quarter,
around two thirds, more or less three quarters, exactly one in ten,
approximately a third

Vocabulary to write letters

Letter structure
How to start and end the letter?

A. Formal letter

When you don't know the recipient’s name:

o Dear Sir … Yours faithfully

 o Dear Madam … Yours faithfully
o Dear Sir or Madam … Yours faithfully

When the recipient’s name is known:

o Dear Mr Green … Yours sincerely

o Dear Mrs Green … Yours sincerely
o Dear Miss Green … Yours sincerely
o Dear Ms Green … Yours sincerely

B. Semi-formal letter

When you are writing to a good friend or colleague:

o Dear Jonh … Best wishes/ Best regards

o Dear Jonh ... Many thanks

C. Informal letter

When you are writing to a good friend or colleague:

o Hello Jonh … Best wishes/ Best

o Hi Jonh … See you/ Missing you/ Love

When you are writing to someone you love:

o Dear Mary … Yours always/ Lots of love

 Letter openings
The letter's first paragraph is letter opening. In your first paragraph you should:

1. introduce yourself
2. state the purpose of the letter.

Examples of formal letter openings:

 I am writing to enquire about … .

 I am writing to request ... .
 I am writing to explain why ... .
 I am writing to express interest in ... .
 I am writing to inform you that/about… .
 I am writing to complain about (the fact that I)… .
 After having seen your advertisement in … , I would like to… .
 After having received your address from … , I … .
 Thank you for your letter regarding/about … .
 In reply to your letter of 18 June, … .

Examples of informal letter openings:

 Hi! My name is Noah and I've been assigned your drama coach… .
 Hello, My name is Julia and I'm volunteer conducting student excursions…
.
 Hi there, I hope you're enjoying your holidays/ trip/ college year/
honeymoon… .
 Hello, thanks very much for asking me to visit you  ... .

Letter closings
You may need a letter closing to express gratitude, to repeat an apology, to
offer help etc.

Examples of formal letter closings:

  If you require any further information, feel free to contact me.
 I look forward to your reply.
 I look forward to hearing from you.
 Once again, I apologise for any inconvenience.
 I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.
 I would deeply appreciate it if you could  ...  .
 Thank you in advance!
 Thanking you for your assistance in advance, I look forward to hearing
from you.

Examples of informal letter closings:

 Anyway, I‛ve got to go now. Write again if you need any more
information.
 Well, let me finish here. I am eagerly waiting for your reply to this letter.
IELTS Academic word list (online
and pdf)
On this page you can find an ultimate IELTS academic wordlist that consists
of 5 sub-lists with 100 words in each. The lists get increasingly difficult. By
learning these words you will learn the most common and important vocabulary
that occurs in IELTS.

Vocabulary is equally important for reading and writing. By knowing a lot

of prevalent words you will understand the reading texts better. Moreover,
vocabulary is one of the four marking criteria used to assess you IELTS writing.
So one of the secrets of a successful essay is a broad range of vocabulary.

Simply memorizing the words is not enough: you need to know how to adopt
the words in your writing.

So, having learnt the word resolute, you should be able to apply it in your
writing. For example: her resolution to become a designer has led her to
success.

Don't worry if you haven't learnt all of the word lists: quality is more
important than quantity! It's much better to learn 1 word list well than 5 word
lists poorly.

Download IELTS Academic wordlist in pdf >

List 1
Words 11- Words 21- Words 31- Words
Words 1-10
20 30 40 41-50
achieve authority consistent distinction factors
administratio available constitutiona economic feature
n benefit l element final
affect category consumer environmen financial
analysis community context t focus
approach complex create error function
appropriate concerning culture equation global
area conclusion data establish identify
aspects conduct  definition estimate impact
assistance consequenc destructive evaluation income
 assume e discovery evidence
Words 51- Words 61- Words 71- Words 81- Words
60 70 80 90 91-100
indicate media policy regulations similar
individual method positive relevant solution
injury modern potential require source
investment normal previous research specific
involve obtain primary resident strategy
issue restrict process resources structure
item occur purchase response theory
legal participation range sector threat
maintenance percent recent security traditiona
major period region significant l
transport

List 2
Words 1- Words 11- Words Words 31- Words 41-
10 20 21-30 40 50
access attitude constant demonstrat ensure
activity aware contact e equivalent
alter capacity contributio despite evolution
alternative challenge  n dimension exclude
amendmen circumstance core domestic exposure
t comment correspond dominant external
annual communicatio criteria emerge facilitate
apparent n cycle emphasis fundament
application concentration debate enable al
approximat conflict decline energy funds
e considerable deduction enforcemen generation
artificial t
Words 51- Words 61- Words Words 81- Words 91-
60 70 71-80 90 100
hence location  occupatio project sufficient
hypothesis logic n promote summary
illustrate marginal option proportion supply
image maximum orientation psychology task
immigratio mechanism outcome reaction technique
n medical overall remove technology
implement mental parallel resolution transition
initial modification perspectiv specify trend
integration negative e stability version
 layer network philosophy subsequent volume
legislation   precise
predict

List 3
Words 1- Words 11- Words 21- Words Words 41-
10 20 30 31-40 50
abstract author definite exceed identical
accurate brief deny expansion ignorance
acknowled capable discriminati expert imply
ge civil on fees incentive
adaptation classical disposal flexibility incorporated
adequate comprehensiv diversity foundatio index
adjust e  domain n infrastructur
adult contrary dynamic gender e
advocate coordination eliminate global inhibition
aid couple equipment grade innovation
attribute decades estate guarantee instance
Words Words 61- Words 71- Words Words 91-
51-60 70 80 81-90 100
instruction minimum pursue simulation sustainable
intelligence monitoring rational solely symbolic
interact motivation recovery somewhat topic
interval neutral reject status trace
investigati obvious release stress transformati
on overseas reveal style on
isolated parameter role substituti ultimate
justificatio phenomenon satisfy on underline
n prohibit scope successiv unique
lecture publish sequence e utility
liberal survey visible
migration survive

List 4
Words 11- Words 21- Words 31- Words
Words 1-10
20 30 40 41-50
accommodati behalf contradict devote exhibit
on bias controversy differentiati explicit
 accompany cease conversely on exploitati
advance chart cooperate diminish on
analogous clarity crucial displaceme extract
anticipate coherence currency nt federal
appendix coincide denote display fluctuatio
appreciate commodity detect distorted ns
arbitrary confirm deviation dramatic format
assure contempora device duration founded
automatically ry ethical guidelines
eventually highlighte
d
Words 51- Words 61- Words 71- Words 81- Words
60 70 80 90 91-100
implicit medium portion revision theme
incompatible military precede revolution thereby
induce mutual predominan scenario uniform
inevitably norms tly schedule validity
inherent notion priority sphere vehicle
intensity nuclear prospect suspended via
intermediate objective qualitative target violation
internal paragraph radical team virtual
manual passive random temporary vision
mature perceive reinforce tension widesprea
relax d

List 5
Words 1- Words 11- Words 21- Words 31- Words 41-
10 20 30 40 50
abandon assembly compile creditable encounter
abate assessment complemen deceive enhance
abrupt assign t depression enormous
accumulati attain comprise derive entirely
on avert conceive distribution entrepreneu
acquisition coal concurrent divergent r
adjacent collapse confined doubt erosion
aggregate colleagues conform drastic forbearance
albeit combat confuse election forthcoming
ambiguous commit consciousn empirical frustration
ancestor ess goal
convinced
Words Words 61- Words 71- Words 81- Words 91-
 51-60 70 80 90 100
homogeno invoke ongoing reluctant substantiate
us justify overlap restore supplement
inclination likewise persistent restraint ary
indulge link pose rigid sympathy
infer manage possess route termination
initiative manipulation preliminary sacrifice transmissio
insight merge presumptio scale n
inspection nonetheless n so-called undergo
integral notwithstand ratio straightforw unify
interventio ing refine ard vital
n odd relate subordinate voluntary
intrinsic whereby