Linking Words for IELTS Speaking - Connectors in Speaking

The International English Language Testing System, commonly referred as IELTS, is a very well known and respected language proficiency exam. In IELTS Speaking module, all the candidates are required to have conversations with the examiner on different everyday topics.

while talking with the examiner, you need to express your ideas and opinions by observing cohesion and coherence. So, in this article, you are going to learn about cohesive devices commonly known as linking words for IELTS Speaking in detail.

Various purposes of linking words

Linking words are used for different purposes while speaking. To have knowledge about each purpose is really important, as this will help you to make impression on examiner. Linking words can be used for following purposes:

Opening statements
Giving examples
Showing similarities
Contrasting ideas
Adding information
Sequencing ideas
Expressing personal opinion
To Agree or disagree
Giving reason

Opening statements

Some linking words are used for opening statements when you are about to discuss your ideas with the examiner. Such linking words include “Well, I think”, “To begin with”, “First of all”, “Let’s talk about” etc.

Example

Well, I think it’s time we discuss the new project proposal.
To begin with, let me introduce myself.

Giving examples

“For instance”, “For example”, “Such as”, and “To illustrate” are some linking words for IELTS Speaking which are used while giving examples during a conversation.

Examples

For instance, I enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
For example, Iron Man laid the foundation for the movie franchise.

Showing similarity

Linking words like “Similarly”, “Likewise”, “In the same way “, and “Correspondingly” are a few linking words used for showing similarity between two or more things, ideas or persons.

Examples

Similarly, both teams played beautifully.
Likewise, the marketing team contributed significantly to the company’s success.

Contrasting ideas

When you want to present a contrast between two statements, you will use contrasting linking words such as “However”, “Nonetheless”, “On the other hand”, “In contrast”, “Nevertheless” etc.

Examples

On the other hand, I would like to take part in the examination.
However, it was not enough to go over the line.

Adding information

“Furthermore”, “Moreover”, “In addition”, and “Additionally” are some of the linking words that are used to add more information about a certain topic or discussion.

Examples

Furthermore, the company has highlighted potential risks in this adventure.
Moreover, the survey suggests that the audience does not want another season of this movie.

Sequencing ideas

Firstly, Secondly, Lastly, To begin with, Next, Finally, Initially, Subsequently, Lastly, and “In the first place” are the linking words which are used while giving information about something in a sequence.

Examples

Firstly, we need to analyze our budget for this school trip.
Secondly, we must make sure that everything goes according to the plan.

Expressing personal opinion

Sometimes we are asked to or expected to give personal insight on a particular topic under discussion. In such situations, linking words like “In my opinion”, “I believe that”, ” From my perspective”, “As far as I am concerned”, and “I would say that” come in handy.

Examples

In my opinion, our judicial system needs a much needed reboot.
I believe that giving youngsters proper job opportunities would ultimately decrease the crime rate in our society.

Agreeing and disagreeing

Linking phrases like “I completely agree”, “I strongly believe”, “I partially/agree/disagree”, “I see your point, but”, and “I have a different opinion”, make it a lot easier to show your feelings while agreeing or disagreeing with somebody.

Examples

I completely agree with you that we must take action now if we want better facilities.
I see your point, but I strongly believe that this will only worsen the situation.

Giving reasons

The linking phrases like “This is due to”, “The reason for this is” “One possible reason is”, “This can be attributed to”, and ” the main cause of this is” can make your communication better while giving reasons about something.

Examples

This is due to the constant injustice that is being done to the locals.
The main cause for this is the lack of mutual respect.

Summarizing

Whenever you are in a debate or in a meeting, you always need to give a satisfying conclusion to your discussion. In such times, linking words and phrases like “In conclusion”, “To sum up”, “To conclude”, “Overall”, “All in all”, “To summarize”, and “In a nutshell” can add promising touch.

Examples

In conclusion, the Avengers finally beat Thanos with the help of Captain Marvel.
To sum up, society will improve only if we improve ourselves first.

Importance of using linking words for IELTS Speaking

Linking words, also known as transition words or connectors, play a vital in IELTS speaking module.

Following points will help you to clarify the importance of linking words:

They develop connection between words, ideas and paragraphs.
The candidate can express himself in a more coherent and easier way.
Their usage will help you to make an impression that you have high language proficiency.

Tips for using Linking Words in IELTS Speaking

Here are some useful tips for using linking words in IELTS Speaking module:

You must always practice linking words before giving an exam.
Make your concepts clear about the meaning and right usage of linking words in communication.
Do not use the same linking words again and again, as it will make you look unprepared and unnatural.
Mostly, you need to present your ideas in a sequence. So, it will be extremely beneficial for your score if you use sequence linking words accurately.
Always show cause and effect of certain actions and words like “because,” “as a result,” “consequently,” and “therefore” can help you explain the cause-and-effect relationship between different elements of your description.
Use words like “before,” “after,” “during,” “while,” “since,” and “until” to explain the timing or duration of particular events or incidents.
Paying attention to the way you are pronouncing linking words will also improve your communication and ultimately your final bands in IELTS.
Ensure that your responses are relevant, well-structured, and address all parts of the prompt to maximize your chances of success in IELTS Speaking module.

Conclusion- Linking words for IELTS Speaking

To sum up, learning the proper use of linking words and phrases for IELTS Speaking module is integral for bands 7 and more than that. However, just using linking words would not be enough to get good bands. Make sure that your answers are coherent, easy to understand and completely relevant to the topic of discussion.

FAQs about linking words for IELTS Speaking

Linking words and phrases are used for IELTS Speaking in order to link your thoughts with one another. Their usage makes it easy to understand your point of view which otherwise could be absurd.

Furthermore, However, Moreover, In addition, On the other hand, Therefore, In contrast, Consequently, Nevertheless, Similarly, In conclusion, Although, As a result and ‘In other words’ are some of the most important linking words used in speaking module of IELTS.

The linking connectors for task 1 are first, firstly, in the first place, first of all, for another thing, to begin with, then, next, finally, last of all, and lastly.

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Wish you best of luck during the journey of IELTS

Linking Words for IELTS Speaking – Connectors in Speaking