In the IELTS speaking section, linking words or linkers holds great importance in making connections between your sentences. However, in reality, the IELTS examiner wants you to use a wide range of vocabulary, various structures of grammar and relevant connectors in the speaking exam as well as during an ielts speaking practice test. Thus, this blog covers the most used linking words for IELTS speaking along with its types and tips to use them efficiently. So let’s get started and first understand what linking words mean.
Table of Contents
What Are Linking Words for IELTS Speaking?
Linking words for IELTS speaking is majorly used for connecting two phrases, sentences, or ideas. They are also called cohesive or connecting devices. These words play a vital role in enhancing overall IELTS speaking vocabulary for parts 1,2 and 3. However, many linking words can be used in both speaking and writing, some should only be used in writing, and others should only be used in speaking. In addition, many of the students fail to understand connectors for IELTS speaking section and lose marks. Thus, in the next section, you will get to know about the different types of IELTS speaking linking words.
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To help the examiner, you need to follow your ideas and concepts while appearing for the speaking section. Thus, you will need some linkers for IELTS speaking that are spoken naturally. These linkers will help you enhance your score for fluency and coherence, which counts for 25% of your marks. Further, to ensure the proper usage of these words, below is the list of linking words for IELTS speaking as follows:
Giving additional information
- And
- As well as
- Also
- Another reason is
- Not only....but also
- Moreover
- Furthermore
- Additionally
Time Phrases
- Now
- At the moment
- At present
- Right now
- These days
- Nowadays
- In the past
- Before
- Then
- At that time
- Years ago
- When I was younger
- In the future
- In a few decades
- Looking ahead
Expressing Ideas
- I think one important thing is
- I guess one difference is
- I suppose the main difference between X and Y is
Causes and Solutions
- I guess it’s because
- It was caused by
- The main reason is
- Because
- I suppose the best way to deal with this problem is
- I reckon the only answer is to
- The best way to solve this is
Giving Examples
- For example
- For instance
- Such as
- Like
Being Clear
- What I mean is
- What I want to say is
- As I was saying
Concessions and Contracts
- Although
- But
- On the other hand
- While
- Or
- In comparison
- On the other hand
- By contrast
Stating an opinion
- Actually I have to say
- I think/I guess/ I suppose/I believe
- As far as I’m concerned
- In my opinion
- To be honest
Overall, these are the types of linking words for IELTS speaking that can be used in parts 1,2 and 3. In our next section, you will find examples of how to use the linkers in the sentences.
Must Read: Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking
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Examples of Linking Words in IELTS Speaking
In the above section, we looked at the linking words for the IELTS speaking section. However, in this section, you will learn how to use the speaking connectors with the help of questions and answers. Through the proper use of these words, you will improve your IELTS speaking phrases and sentences. Now look below at the given examples for a proper understanding.
Q: Does she always reach the office on time?
A: Yes, she always reaches the office on time. Furthermore, her work is also established.
Q: What should we do now?
A: At the moment, we will watch an interesting movie and go out for a walk.
Q: Do you think fast food is bad?
A: Yes, I do. It can cause problems such as heart disease or diabetes. Also, it can lead to weight problems that are common nowadays.
Q: Why do people celebrate religious festivals at home?
A: The main reason is to invite friends, and relatives and capture some memorable moments.
Q: How does one can achieve their goals?
A: I think one important thing is patience when it comes to achieving your goals.
Q: Do children play similar games today that they played in the past?
A: No, I don’t think they do. Before, children used to play games like hide and seek and with some handmade toys. But, these days, children tend to prefer to play computer games and their toys are battery-operated.
Q: What is the difference between weather and climate?
I suppose the main difference between weather and climate is a measure of time. Weather is for the short-term of a particular location, while Climate refers to the conditions for a longer period of time.
Q: Are you coming with me to eat lunch?
A: I want to, but on the other hand I have to study too.
These are some of the examples of how you can use IELTS speaking connectors in the exam. In the next section, you will see some useful tips on how to use linking words effectively.
Tips to Use Linking Words Effectively in IELTS Speaking
The following section has mentioned the IELTS speaking tips for linking words on how to use them effectively. Through these tricks, you will achieve a high band score.
- Avoid using formal linking words for answers to questions that are simple and ask you about yourself and your life.
- Do not use many speaking connectors for IELTS as it will not give you a high score.
- You must practice with the common linking words in IELTS speaking, but don’t memorize it.
- Be accurate while using IELTS linking words in the speaking section.
- Pay attention to how native speakers use linking words to connect their ideas.
- Get an understanding of IELTS speaking band descriptors before appearing for the exam.
- Record your speech and listen back to identify areas where you can improve your use of linking words.
- Use effectively speaking connectors as they are a part of the marking criteria of “fluency and coherence.”
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Conclusion
To sum up, we discussed the linking words for IELTS speaking, along with their types and examples. Further, we had a look at the useful tips on how to use linking words in the speaking section of IELTS. However, this blog has helped you to understand the importance of linkers in IELTS speaking for high band scores. Further, if you are willing to know more about the speaking section, then take our free IELTS speaking mock test and check your score on the spot. Also, you can join our offline or online IELTS classes at an affordable price.
FAQs
1 What Are Linking Words in IELTS Speaking?
Linking words for IELTS speaking is used for connecting two phrases, sentences, or ideas. They are also called cohesive and connecting devices.
2 What Are the 20 Linking Words?
Here are the most common 20 linking words for IELTS speaking.
- And
- As well as
- Also
- Another reason is
- Not only....but also
- Moreover
- Furthermore
- Now
- At the moment
- At present
- Right now
- These days
- Nowadays
- In the past
- Before
- Then
- I think one important thing is
- I guess one difference is
- I suppose the main difference between X and Y is
- Because
3 What Are 10 Examples of Transition Words?
And, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's more, moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.)
4 What Is a Positive Transition Word?
Above all, indeed, truly, of course, certainly, surely, in fact, really, in truth, again, besides, also, furthermore, in addition.
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