"Practice Exercise: Using Linking Phrases to Describe Changes in IELTS Writing Task 1"

"Practice Exercise: Using Linking Phrases to Describe Changes in IELTS Writing Task 1"

Writing Task 1: Cohesion & Coherence

Connecting Ideas with Linking Phrases

Task: The sentences below present data accurately but lack flow. Use linking phrases (e.g., Despite, However, After which, Having...) to join them into a smooth, high-scoring paragraph.

Original Notes (Disconnected):

  • The income of Lovely loaves began at just over $ 80,000 in 2000.
  • There was a slight rise to around $ 95,000 in 2001.
  • The figure went down steadily to $ 80,000 in 2003.
  • There was a slight increase to around $ 90,000 in 2004.
  • There was a sharp fall to just under $ 60,000 in 2007.
  • Income fell considerably to $ 40,000 in 2008.
  • The figure levelled off in the last two years.
Reveal Model Answer

improved Paragraph:

Despite a slight rise to around $95,000 in 2001, the income of Lovely Loaves went down steadily to $80,000 in 2003. However, there was a slight increase to around $90,000 in 2004. After which, there was a sharp fall to just under $60,000 in 2007. Having fallen considerably to $40,000 in 2008, the figure then leveled off in the last two years.

Note: Observe how sentences 1 & 2 were combined using "Despite", and the final two points were combined using the participle clause "Having fallen".

    • Related Articles

    • Practice Linking Sentences with Sequencing Words and Phrases for IELTS Graph Writing

      IELTS Cohesion & Coherence Practice: Linking Sentences with Sequencing Words Instructions: Combine the paired sentences below using the specific linking word provided in parentheses. Pay attention to punctuation. 1. Following this The company ...

    • Practice Exercise: Line Graph Writing

      Writing Task 1: Line Graph Analyze trends and make comparisons The chart below shows the changes that took place in three different areas of crime in Newport city centre from 2003-2012. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main ...

    • IELTS Writing Practice: Academic Task 1 (Pie Charts)

      IELTS Writing Practice Topic: Academic Task 1 (Pie Charts) Part 1: Report Writing The Question The pie charts below show units of electricity production by fuel source in Australia and France in 1980 and 2000. Summarize the information by selecting ...

    • The Importance of Linking Words and Phrases in Process Writing

      Cohesion & Coherence Linking Words for Process Writing (Task 1) Why are they important? Linking words help organize ideas and create coherence between sentences. Using appropriate phrases makes your writing interesting, easy to understand, and ...

    • Mastering Linking Words and Phrases: A Key to Cohesive IELTS Graph Writing

      Cohesion: Alternatives to "And Then" Essential Linking Words for Process Charts & Graphs To achieve a high Coherence & Cohesion score, you must avoid repeating "and then." Use these alternatives to show sequence and cause-and-effect. Vocabulary ...