Do you know how to score highly for Fluency and Coherence on IELTS Speaking?
It’s not just about showing fluency and avoiding pauses.
You must use linking phrases to transition between ideas.
Today you’ll learn phrases to do this for time.
Time on Speaking Part 2
Today’s transition phrases are especially useful on Speaking Part 2.
This is because you often tell a story to fill the required two minutes.
It is vital that you organize your answer.
You’ll want to share what happened before, during and after what you’re describing.
Use linking phrases to move the story through time.
#1: One of the main reasons
Introductory phrases are key to organize IELTS essays and speaking answers.
When sharing a reason for a Task 2 essay, a linking phrase is necessary.
These phrases are also helpful for organizing speaking answers.
- One of the main reasons I shop at this store is for their low prices.
#2: When
You can use “when” followed by an age something happened.
This a great way to add additional detail.
- When she was 40…
It can also follow an action or experience.
- When she turned 40, we threw a giant party!
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#3: During that time
Use this time transition phrase to share details about what happened during a time you’re describing.
A similar phrase is, “Throughout this time…”
These can be used synonymously.
You can also use “as” in the same way you’d use “while.”
- While she was in school…
- As she was going through school…
#4: Ended up
This can be used to describe the results of a decision or action.
- She actually ended up…
- We ended up deciding to…
#5: One reason
This transition phrase is a way to share the reason for something.
It can be used both on IELTS essays and in IELTS Speaking answers.
- One reason she was able to
#6: Growing up…
Phrases like this are perfect for comparing the past to now.
You will likely be asked about your childhood.
If describing a person, you can also describe what they were like when they were young.
- Growing up, I was…
- Growing up, she was quite precocious!
Takeaway
Transition phrases for time can help boost Fluency and Coherence scores.
They are especially necessary for IELTS Speaking Part 2.
If you are telling a story to fill the two minutes, you need to share what happened at different times.
Use today’s phrases to boost both Writing and Speaking scores!
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What questions do you have from today’s episode?
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