Do linking words increase my IELTS Writing band?

Used naturally and in variety, yes — they're part of Coherence & Cohesion. But overusing them (a connector on every sentence) lowers band 7+, because the criterion penalises mechanical linking.

What's the most underused cohesion device?

Referencing — pronouns and determiners like "this trend" or "such measures" that point back to earlier ideas. Adding these is often the quickest way to lift a band-6 script.

Should I start every paragraph with "Firstly / Secondly"?

No. Memorised sequencing chains read as mechanical. Use a clear topic sentence and connect ideas where the logic genuinely requires it.

How many linking words should I use?

There's no number — aim for one clear linker per shift in idea, plus referencing and varied structure. Flow matters more than count.

Linking Words for IELTS Writing: Cohesion Without Overdoing It

What Coherence & Cohesion really marks

Coherence is whether your ideas are logically ordered and easy to follow; cohesion is how you connect them. The criterion explicitly penalises mechanical or overused linking. A band-8 script uses cohesion you barely notice; a band-6 script bolts a connector onto the front of every sentence.

The cohesion tools (beyond "linking words")

Logical connectors — for sequencing and relationships: however, as a result, in contrast, for instance, therefore. Use them where the logic needs them, not by default.
Referencing — pronouns and determiners that point back: this trend, such measures, these groups, it. This is what most band-6 writers underuse, and it's the fastest upgrade.
Substitution & ellipsis — avoiding repetition: "Some support the policy; others oppose it."
Paragraphing — a clear central topic per paragraph is itself a cohesion device. One idea per paragraph, signalled by a topic sentence.

Use them naturally — a before/after

Overdone (band 6): "Firstly, cars cause pollution. Moreover, cars cause traffic. In addition, furthermore, cars are expensive. In conclusion, therefore, cars are bad."

Natural (band 7+): "Cars are a major source of urban pollution, and they also clog city centres at peak times. Beyond these environmental and practical costs, owning one is increasingly expensive — which is why many city dwellers are reconsidering car ownership altogether."

Notice the second version uses referencing ("these… costs"), natural connectors ("and… which is why"), and varied sentence structure — not a connector per sentence.

A simple rule of thumb

One clear linker per idea-shift, not per sentence.
Prefer referencing and substitution to repeating nouns or stacking connectors.
Vary your connectors — don't repeat "Moreover" three times; and avoid memorised over-formal chains ("Firstly… Secondly… Moreover… In conclusion").
Read it aloud — if it sounds like a list of connectors, cut some.

Practise with feedback

Coherence & Cohesion is hard to self-assess. Write timed essays and get a per-criterion breakdown that flags mechanical or missing cohesion with IELTS writing correction. Pair this with the Task 2 essay types guide and the band scores guide to see how the four criteria combine.