IELTS 2026 Writing Tip #3
Stop Starting Every Sentence with "Firstly, Secondly, Finally"
Why This Matters
One of the most common habits among Band 5–6 candidates is beginning every supporting point with:
- Firstly
- Secondly
- Thirdly
- Finally
Although these words are grammatically correct, overusing them makes your essay sound mechanical and predictable.
Examiners expect a range of sentence structures. Repeating the same sentence openings throughout an essay limits your Grammatical Range and Accuracy score and makes your writing less sophisticated.
Compare these two approaches:
Band 6
Firstly, artificial intelligence improves efficiency.
Secondly, it reduces human error.
Thirdly, it saves businesses money.
Finally, it increases productivity.
The ideas are acceptable, but the structure is repetitive.
Band 9
Improving operational efficiency, artificial intelligence enables businesses to complete complex tasks more quickly.
Because AI systems can analyse vast amounts of data accurately, they significantly reduce human error.
By automating repetitive processes, companies can lower labour costs and allocate resources more effectively.
Not only this, but AI also boosts productivity by allowing employees to focus on higher-value tasks.
The ideas are similar, but the sentence structures are more varied and advanced.
---
What Examiners Want Instead
Rather than relying on listing words, vary your sentence openings through:
1. Gerunds
A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used at the beginning of a sentence.
Formula
Verb + ing, + main idea
Examples
Investing in public transportation can reduce traffic congestion.
Improving healthcare facilities should be a government priority.
Reducing carbon emissions is essential for environmental sustainability.
Automating routine tasks helps businesses increase productivity.
Encouraging physical activity can improve public health.
---
2. By + Gerund
This structure explains the method used to achieve a result.
Formula
By + verb-ing, + result
Examples
By investing in renewable energy, governments can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
By automating repetitive tasks, companies can save time and money.
By improving road infrastructure, authorities can reduce traffic accidents.
By promoting tourism, countries can generate additional revenue.
By enforcing stricter laws, governments can reduce crime rates.
---
3. Result Openers
These introduce consequences and outcomes.
Examples
As a result,
Consequently,
Therefore,
As a consequence,
For this reason,
Example Sentences
Many companies use AI to analyse consumer behaviour. As a result, marketing campaigns become more effective.
Traffic congestion has increased significantly. Consequently, commuting times have become longer.
---
4. Subordinators
Subordinators create complex sentences and show relationships between ideas.
Common Subordinators
Because
Since
Although
While
Rather than
Given that
Even though
Provided that
If
When
---
Examples
Because AI systems process information quickly, businesses can make faster decisions.
Although artificial intelligence offers numerous benefits, it also presents ethical concerns.
While technology improves productivity, it may reduce employment opportunities.
Given that public transportation is affordable, more people choose to use it.
---
Band 6 vs Band 9 Comparison
Topic
Many companies are now using artificial intelligence to make decisions.
Band 6 Version
Firstly, AI helps businesses analyse data.
Secondly, it reduces mistakes.
Thirdly, it saves money.
Finally, it increases productivity.
Why It Is Band 6
- Ideas are listed
- No development
- No explanation
- No examples
- Repetitive sentence openings
---
Band 9 Version
Analysing vast amounts of information within seconds, AI enables businesses to identify trends more effectively.
Because intelligent systems can process data with a high degree of accuracy, costly human errors are often reduced.
By automating routine tasks, organisations can lower operational expenses and allocate resources more efficiently.
Not only this, but AI also increases productivity by allowing employees to focus on strategic responsibilities rather than repetitive work.
Why It Is Band 9
- Complex sentence structures
- Varied openings
- Logical development
- Cause-and-effect relationships
- More precise vocabulary
---
High-Scoring Alternatives
Instead of "Firstly"
Use:
- Investing in...
- Improving...
- Reducing...
- Encouraging...
- Developing...
- Analysing...
- Because...
- Since...
- Given that...
---
Instead of "Secondly"
Use:
- Along with this,...
- In addition,...
- not only this,...
- To add more,...
- Another significant benefit is...
- Equally important,...
- As a result,...
---
Instead of "Finally"
Use:
- Not only this, but...
- Lastly, it is worth noting that...
- Another key point is...
- A further advantage is...
- Beyond this,...
- Most importantly,...
---
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1
Firstly, AI helps businesses.
Secondly, it saves money.
Thirdly, it improves productivity.
Better Version
Improving efficiency, AI helps businesses perform tasks more quickly.
By reducing labour costs, companies can save money.
Not only this, but AI also enhances productivity.
---
Mistake 2
Firstly, public transport is affordable.
Secondly, it reduces traffic.
Finally, it helps the environment.
Better Version
Because public transportation is affordable, more residents can use it regularly.
As a result, traffic congestion can be reduced.
Not only this, but fewer private vehicles on the road can lead to lower emissions.
---
Quick Checklist Before You Submit
✓ Did I avoid starting every point with Firstly, Secondly and Finally?
✓ Did I use at least one gerund opening?
✓ Did I use at least one subordinator?
✓ Did I include cause-and-effect relationships?
✓ Did I vary my sentence structures?
✓ Did I explain my ideas instead of only listing them?
Following this approach consistently can help move a candidate from Band 6 writing towards Band 7–8+ performance by improving grammatical range, coherence, and sentence variety.
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