How to Make Your Speaking and Writing Flow Better — Using Linkers for Cohesion

Many English learners think that mastering English is simply about learning lots of words and applying grammar rules — first build up vocabulary, then form sentences using correct grammar. While this is certainly an important foundation, it’s not quite enough to sound fluent or natural — especially when aiming for a high IELTS band score.

Let’s take an example from a typical IELTS Speaking Part 1 question:

Examiner: “Can you describe the type of accommodation you live in?”

Candidate’s answer:
“I live in an apartment. I like my apartment. It’s modern. It’s near the city centre. The apartment is close to my school. I can walk to school in 10 minutes. The apartment is small. I want to move to a bigger one.”

Although this answer is grammatically correct and uses clear vocabulary, you can probably sense that it sounds somewhat disjointed or mechanical. What’s missing is cohesion — the element that helps ideas connect and flow.

What Is Cohesion?

Cohesion refers to the way different parts of your speech or writing fit together to create a smooth, logical flow. In simple terms, it’s like the glue that links your ideas.

One of the best ways to build cohesion is by using linking words and phrases, often called linkers. These words help guide your listener or reader through your ideas by showing relationships such as cause and effect, contrast, or examples.

Common linkers include:
and, but, because, so, however, for example — and many more.

In the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections, examiners assess your use of cohesion and coherence as part of the scoring criteria. If your ideas connect logically and are easy to follow, you’re more likely to achieve a higher band score.

Using Linkers Effectively

Linkers help you organise your ideas in various ways:
Adding extra information
Contrasting ideas
Explaining reasons
Showing cause and effect
Giving examples

Here are some typical linkers in each category:

• Adding: and, also, in addition, moreover
• Contrasting: but, however, although, on the other hand
• Giving reasons: because, since, as
• Showing result: so, therefore, as a result
• Giving examples: for example, for instance, such as

Linkers in Speaking vs Writing

How you use linkers can vary depending on the situation:

• In spoken English (such as IELTS Speaking Part 1), it’s more natural to use simple and conversational linkers like and, but, so, because.
• In academic writing (such as IELTS Writing Task 2 essays), a wider variety of linkers — often more formal ones — is expected.

It’s important to avoid overusing linkers, which can make your speech or writing sound forced. Aim for a natural, balanced use.

Improved Example

Let’s return to the earlier candidate’s answer and see how it can be improved with cohesive devices:

Original:
“I live in an apartment. I like my apartment. It’s modern. It’s near the city centre…”

Improved with linkers:
“I live in an apartment, and I really like it because it’s modern and conveniently located in the city centre. It’s also close to my school, so I can walk there in just 10 minutes. However, the apartment is a bit small, which is why I’d like to move to a bigger one in the future.”

Notice how the improved version sounds much more natural and connected — this is what good cohesion can achieve!

How to Practise and Improve

Learning to use linkers effectively takes time and practice. Here are some simple ways to improve:

Read and listen regularly

Expose yourself to well-written texts and natural conversations (articles, podcasts, videos). Pay attention to how linkers are used to join ideas.

Review your writing

After writing essays, go back and check which linking words you used. Are you using a variety? Are any linkers being repeated too often?

Record your speaking

Practise answering IELTS questions aloud. Record yourself, then listen back. Does your answer flow well? Are you using linkers naturally?

FAQs

Q1: Do I need to use linkers in every sentence?
No — in fact, using a linker in every sentence can sound awkward. Use them where they make sense and help the flow of ideas.

Q2: Are linkers graded in IELTS Speaking and Writing?
Yes. Cohesion and coherence are part of the scoring criteria for both sections.

Q3: Should I use formal linkers in IELTS Speaking?
Not usually. In the Speaking test, especially in Parts 1 and 2, use natural, conversational linkers.

Q4: How can I expand my range of linkers?
Read sample essays and listen to good examples of spoken English. Make note of useful linkers, then practise using them yourself.