IELTS Writing for First-time IELTS test takers: How to Fix Overused linking words such as 'however' and 'moreover'

Use linkers where the logic needs them, not at the start of every sentence. Show relationships with sentence structure and reference words first, and keep explicit linkers for real contrasts, additions and results.

At a glance

For: First-time IELTS test takers
Problem: Overused linking words such as 'however' and 'moreover'
Scoring criterion: Coherence and Cohesion
Task affected: Task 1 and Task 2
IELTS test: Academic or General Training (check your requirement)
Typical effort: about one week
First step: Circle every linker in your last essay and delete those that do not mark a real change of direction.

Why this happens to first-time IELTS test takers

Candidates learn lists of connectors and insert one in every sentence. The examiner reads this as mechanical, and the Coherence and Cohesion descriptors penalise over-use of cohesive devices.

Why this affects first-time IELTS test takers: new candidates often practise grammar and vocabulary and skip timed, whole-essay practice.

Paragraphing is unfamiliar and essays are one block.

A strength to build on: Fresh candidates can build good habits for timing and structure from the start.

Fix it in four steps

Circle every linker in your last essay and delete those that do not mark a real change of direction.
Join related ideas with subordinating clauses (although, because, which) instead of starting a new sentence with a connector.
Use 'this' plus a noun ('this trend', 'this policy') to refer back, which links ideas without a connector.
Limit yourself to one new linker per paragraph.

Before and after

Before

Moreover, cars are expensive. Furthermore, parking is limited. In addition, fuel costs are high.

After

Cars are expensive to own because of high fuel costs, and limited parking makes them harder to use in cities.

Ten-minute drill: Take a paragraph with five linkers and rewrite it with only two. Check the meaning stays clear.

Questions and answers

How can first-time IELTS test takers fix overused linking words such as 'however' and 'moreover'?

How long does it take first-time IELTS test takers to fix overused linking words such as 'however' and 'moreover'?

Most learners need about one week. Allow time for at least four timed essays with feedback before the test.

Are linking words bad for the score?

No. Accurate, varied linkers help. The problem is mechanical over-use, where every sentence begins with one.

Which linkers are safest to keep?

Simple ones used for a clear purpose: 'however' for contrast, 'for example' to introduce an example, 'as a result' for consequence.

What does a good practice drill look like for first-time IELTS test takers?

Take a paragraph with five linkers and rewrite it with only two. Check the meaning stays clear. Allow time for at least four timed essays with feedback before the test.

How can first-time IELTS test takers tell they have fixed overused linking words such as 'however' and 'moreover'?

No more than one sentence in four starts with a linking word, and the paragraph still reads logically.

What should first-time IELTS test takers know about their IELTS Writing target?

First-time candidates need to learn the format, timing and criteria before polishing language.

Should first-time IELTS test takers practise this on Task 1, Task 2 or both?

It shows up in both tasks. Fix it in Task 2 first, because Task 2 carries about twice the weight of Task 1, then check Task 1 with the same checklist. Fresh candidates can build good habits for timing and structure from the start.

Can an AI checker help first-time IELTS test takers with overused linking words such as 'however' and 'moreover'?

An AI checker can show where this pattern appears in your own essay and which criterion it affects, which makes the fix concrete. It gives a practice estimate, not an official IELTS score, so use it to choose the next revision, rewrite, and check again. The first check on this site is free.

Check your own essay

See where overused linking words such as 'however' and 'moreover' appears in your own writing and which criterion it affects, then rewrite the weakest paragraph.

Run a free first check

Feedback is a practice estimate, not an official IELTS score. Last reviewed 2026-11-11. Score requirements change, so confirm them with the organisation that will read your result.