Why ’Besides’ is a Bad Linking Word on IELTS

Today you’ll learn why ‘besides’ is a bad linking word on IELTS. Go to for your free Video IELTS Masterclass! In teaching students from a multitude of countries, this is one of the commonalities that I’ve noticed- namely, that everyone is using ‘besides’ incorrectly! First of all, ‘besides’ is an informal word, so you should not use it in your academic writing. It’s fine for Speaking Part 1 and 2, but make sure you’re using it correctly. ‘Besides’ is not exactly the same as ‘and’ or ‘in addition’. Students want to use it synonymously with those linking words, but it has a slightly different connotation. We use ‘besides’ to add an idea as an afterthought- to add a piece of information that we thought of while we were speaking. For example: “I can’t go out tonight, because I’ve got work in the morning… besides, I haven’t been sleeping well and I’m exhausted.” So, what should you use instead of ‘besides’ in your formal writing? ➠ What is more ➠ Moreover ➠ Furthermore ➠ In addi