✍️ 50+ High-Band IELTS Writing Connectors, Phrases & Gerunds (Band 9 Ready)
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🔹 1. Adding Ideas
(Use to develop arguments smoothly)
1. Furthermore
2. In addition to this
3. Not only that, but…
4. What is more
5. As well as (+ gerund) → e.g., As well as reducing emissions, rewilding supports biodiversity.
6. Coupled with (+ noun/gerund) → Coupled with rising fuel costs, inflation affects transport.
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🔹 2. Contrasting / Conceding
(For balanced or discuss-both-sides essays)
7. However
8. Nevertheless
9. On the contrary
10. In contrast to (+ noun/gerund) → In contrast to investing in space research, prioritising public health has tangible benefits.
11. Despite / In spite of (+ noun/gerund)
12. While it is true that...
13. Admittedly
14. Even though
15. Although
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🔹 3. Cause and Effect
(For reasons, outcomes, and result-based logic)
16. As a result
17. Therefore
18. Owing to / Due to (+ noun/gerund)
19. Resulting in (+ noun/gerund) → Urbanisation is increasing, resulting in environmental degradation.
20. Contributing to (+ noun/gerund)
21. Triggered by (+ noun) → The crisis was triggered by governmental mismanagement.
22. Leading to (+ noun/gerund)
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🔹 4. Clarifying / Emphasising
(To highlight or define points clearly)
23. In fact
24. Specifically
25. Particularly
26. Especially
27. Notably
28. Namely
29. To be more precise
30. Significantly
31. Most importantly
32. It is worth noting that...
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🔹 5. Examples / Illustration
(To support arguments with clarity)
33. For instance
34. For example
35. A clear example is...
36. To illustrate this point
37. Such as
38. Including
39. Namely
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🔹 6. Comparison / Similarity
(For discussing parallels or alternatives)
40. Similarly
41. Likewise
42. In the same vein
43. In comparison to (+ noun/gerund)
44. Just as
45. Equally important
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🔹 7. Sequence / Structuring
(For paragraph order and logical flow)
46. Firstly / Secondly / Finally
47. To begin with
48. Moving on to the next point
49. Subsequently
50. Lastly
51. With reference to (+ noun)
52. Turning to the question of...
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🔹 8. Conclusion / Summarising
(For ending your essay powerfully)
53. In conclusion
54. To summarise
55. All things considered
56. Taking everything into account
57. On the whole
58. Ultimately
59. To wrap it up
60. It can be concluded that...
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🔹 BONUS: High-Level Band 9 Gerund Phrases
(Use these for grammatical range and accuracy)
61. Focusing on social equity is vital.
62. Addressing global warming requires global cooperation.
63. Balancing economic growth with sustainability is key.
64. Encouraging eco-friendly habits can yield long-term benefits.
65. Preventing the spread of misinformation is a government responsibility.
66. Adopting healthier habits results in societal improvement.
🎯 Pro Tip for Band 9 Writing:
Instead of just using “Furthermore” or “However” repeatedly, mix in gerund starters like:
Implementing stricter laws, however, may spark resistance.
Despite increasing awareness, climate inaction persists.
Balancing tourism with conservation remains a challenge.
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