IELTS tips: 5 useful conjunctions for academic writing
In order for you to produce high quality of academic writing in the IELTS exam, it is essential to understand various aspects of conjunctions and use it in applicable contexts.
Conjunctions are also useful as signposts to guide the reader (examiner) through your Writing Tasks and will ensure that your essay is coherent and easy to follow. This is vital as it is a key part of how your writing is assessed. Additionally, it is similarly useful for you to process your Reading and Listening Tasks more logically and efficiently.
5 examples of frequently used conjunctions
1. Therefore
Example 1: Flights nowadays are cheaper than in the past. Therefore more people travel by plane.
Example 2: IELTS is a difficult exam, therefore it is necessary to study a lot before taking it.
Synonyms: Consequently, hence, so, as such
2. Furthermore
Example: Reading is an excellent way to increase your vocabulary. Furthermore, it can also help you improve your grammar.
Synonyms: Moreover, additionally, in addition
3. Whereas
Example1: Whereas most substances shrink when they are cooled, water actually expands.
Example 2: North American society is very individualistic, whereas in my country people are more interested in social harmony.
Synonyms: While, though, although
4. Accordingly
Example 1: You must judge the situation and act accordingly.
Example 2: We have a different background, a different history. Accordingly, we have the right to different futures.
Synonyms: Consequently, as a result
5. Nevertheless
Example 1: The exam was difficult, nevertheless she passed with flying colours as she had studied a lot.
Example 2: Living in cities is increasingly expensive. Nevertheless, many people still choose to do so.
Synonyms: nonetheless, despite, in spite of
More Examples:
Look at these examples to see how although, even though, in spite of and despite are used.
Although we don't agree, I think she's a brilliant speaker.
Even though we don't agree, I think she's a brilliant speaker.
In spite of the law, people continue to use mobile phones while driving.
Despite the law, people continue to use mobile phones while driving.
Although, even though, in spite of and despite are all used to link two contrasting ideas or show that one fact makes the other fact surprising. They can all be used at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence.
Despite the rain, we enjoyed the festival.
We enjoyed the festival, despite the rain.
The main difference between although, even though, in spite of and despite is that they are used with different structures.
in spite of / despite
After in spite of and despite, we use a noun, gerund (-ing form of a verb) or a pronoun.
They never made much money, in spite of their success.
In spite of the pain in his leg, he completed the marathon.
Despite having a headache, I had a great birthday.
The train was cancelled. In spite of that, we arrived on time.
Note that it is common to use in spite of and despite with the expression the fact that, followed by a subject and verb.
In spite of the fact that he worked very hard, he didn't pass the exam.
Despite the fact that he worked very hard, he didn't pass the exam.
although / even though
After although and even though, we use a subject and a verb. Even though is slightly stronger and more emphatic than although.
I enjoyed the course, although I would have liked more grammar practice.
Although we saw each other every day, we didn't really know each other.
Even though she spoke very quietly, he understood every word.
She didn't get the job, even though she had all the necessary qualifications.
though
Though can be used in the same way as although.
Though I wasn't keen on the film, I thought the music was beautiful.
Though can also go at the end of the second phrase. This way of expressing contrasting ideas is most common in spoken English.
We waited ages for our food. The waiter was really nice, though.
Thanks for reading 💕