IELTS tips: How to boost your academic writing score

To improve your academic writing score, you must use appropriate transition words to an advanced level. You may already know basic transition words (e.g. moreover, however, consequently) and by using advanced transition words, your essay will be much clearer and more sophisticated.

Find three examples of transition words below and visit SI-UK in London or Manchester for preparation lessons to cater for all abilities. An IELTS practice test allows us to learn your current level and tailor classes to your needs!

Transition Word Examples for IELTS

1. Not only...but also

Example: "Severe climate change is harmful not only for natural life, but also for human life."

You could say:

• Severe climate change is harmful for natural life and human life.
• Severe climate change is harmful for natural life. It is also harmful for human life.

By using ‘not only...but also’, you can express the nuance of ‘in addition’.

2. Whereas

Example: "He discusses that severe climate change is the consequence of environmental destruction. Whereas, she argues that it is one of the natural phenomenons."

You could say:

• "He discusses how severe climate change is the consequence of environmental destruction. However, she argues that it is a natural phenomenon."

By using ‘whereas’ you emphasise the contrast between the two arguments

3. Hence

Example: "The child was suffering from cancer, and hence vulnerable to infections."

You could say:

• "The child was suffering from cancer. Therefore, he was vulnerable to infections."

By using ‘hence’, you emphasises the effect/consequence.

IELTS classes in London and Manchester

If you want to improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening ability ahead of applying to a UK university, visit us for a free consultation. An IELTS practice test will allow us to see where you need to improve before tailoring specific lessons to your requirements.