Do you use a lot of linking phrases when you’re speaking?
In natural, daily conversation, we don’t always use many linking words.
However, on the IELTS Speaking test, the Examiner listens for a variety of linking words.
This is vital to score 7+ on the Fluency/Coherence score.
Are your linking phrases too common?
Though any transition words help with coherence, some words are higher-scoring.
Many students only use:
- And then
- Because
- I think
This doesn’t show enough variety, and will get you a 6 or less for Fluency and Coherence.
Linking words in context
Each phrase you use to link ideas has meaning.
They must be used in the correct context.
Today, we’ll share several phrases with different functions.
#1: Introducing an answer
- In the first place, …
- Put it like this, …
#2: Introducing opinions
These will be especially useful on Speaking Part 3.
This section of the Speaking exam should sound almost as formal as Writing Task 2.
- I’m of the opinion that …
- To my mind, …
- I firmly believe…
#3: Introducing another example or idea
- In addition/Moreover/Furthermore, …
- Yet another example of this is …
- Yet another reason is …
Band 9 sample Part 3 answers
Lindsay and Aubrey share high-scoring sample answers using these linking words.
#1: If you had the chance, would you like to go up into space?
- “To my mind, no one should be going to space.”
Aubrey shares that she can think of many better ways to spend the funds allocated to space tourism.
- “First of all, housing the homeless.”
- “Moreover, feeding the hungry…”
#2: How about colonizing another planet? Do you believe humans need to find another planet to live on? Why?
She says, “To my mind, the reason we would colonize another planet…”
A bonus linking phrase she uses is “as far as I understand.”
This is a great way to admit that you don’t have full knowledge about a topic.
Notice how Lindsay shares her feelings about the word “colonizing.”
She shares that this has negative connotations.
Takeaway
You need linking phrases in your speaking answers to score 7+.
Avoid using common, low-scoring linking words.
Practice using today’s phrases in your own IELTS Speaking answers.
These will boost both Vocabulary and Cohesion/Coherence scores.
