Linking Words For IELTS Writing & Speaking Test

The linguistic “glue” that links your thoughts and phrases collectively is called a linking term. They help the students to integrate their phrases and are essential for proving on the IELTS that they can arrange the ideas coherently. In the IELTS speaking test, linking words are mostly used to join two phrases, sentences, or concepts together. Another name for them is combined words or constructive or linking devices. Even though there are a lot of linking terms that are appropriate for speech as well as writing, some are more suited for writing than for communicating. Therefore, your speech should have cohesive elements or link words if you want it to sound coherent, well-organized, and related. These assist you in organizing your response and demonstrating the connections between your ideas. They support you when you add ideas, contrast, compare, and provide justification or justification in both language and writing.

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In IELTS spoken language assessments, students who communicate English regularly tend to overuse linking words or connectors. In actuality, though, the IELTS examiner expects you to use a broad variety of terminologies, different grammatical arrangements, and pertinent connections in the speaking assessment. You’ll earn a better band grade of 8 or 9 and enhance your comprehensive speaking ability with the use of easy linking words for IELTS speaking and natural phrases. IELTS speaking linking words are comparable to IELTS writing, consisting of phrases and idioms. The fundamental goal is to make your conversation engaging and simple to follow. Therefore, in the IELTS speaking test, these linking words are very important.

The following are a few examples of words and phrases that can be used to link sentences in the speaking/writing test for IELTS divided into segments: 

Linking Words IELTS Speaking Test

FOR ADDING MORE INFORMATION, the following terms can be used: 

1. As well as
2. And
3. Also
4. Another reason is
5. in addition to 
6. not only but also 
7. moreover 
8. furthermore 
9. additionally 

TO TALK ABOUT A SPECIFIC TIME, the following terms can be used: 

1. Right now
2. At present
3. Right now
4. These days
5. Currently
6. Previously,
7. Years ago
8. In my younger years
9. At the moment 
10. Now
11. In the past  

TO EXPRESS IDEAS: 

1. I believe that the primary distinction between A and B
2. I suppose one significant thing is. 
3. I think one difference is
4. I feel it should be taken as 

CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS 

1. Because
2. I suppose
3. the only way to properly resolve this is to
4. It was brought about by
5. Well
6. I believe the best way to approach this issue is
7. since the primary cause is
8. The main reason is

TO GIVE EXAMPLES 

1. For example
2. For instances
3. Such as
4. Like

BEING CLEAR 

1. As I was saying
2. I would like to make it clear 
3. what I mean is
4. To clarify 

CONTRASTING AND CONCESSIONS 

1. However
2. on the other hand
3. Nevertheless, 
4. While
5. Or
6. But 

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s a good place to start.

Avoid using the same linking words more than once and refrain from using just the simplest ones (such as and, or, but) while writing a band 9 response.

As an example, the words “notwithstanding,” “hereby,” “hence,” and “correspondingly” look a bit more organic when penned down than while speaking. Be sure your connective words are distinct that are suitable for the situation.

Examples of Linking Words in IELTS Writing

The linking words in the following sentences are mentioned in italics. 

Do you use social media? 

Yes, I am engaged with a few social media apps such as Instagram, facebook, and Twitter. 

Do you think using social media takes up a lot of your time? 

Yes. It might get a little time-consuming at some points; however, it is a very productive thing if used mindfully. 

Do you think social media has a growing career aspect in the future? 

Yes, I agree with that. I believe that if used carefully, social media has one of the most productive and growing career opportunities in the future. 

How much time do you spend on social media every day? 

Currently, I spend somewhat around 2 to 3 hours daily on social media. 

Which is the fastest-growing social media platform in India? 

At the moment, I feel Instagram is one of the most growing social media platforms. In 2020, TikTok, due to its out-of-the-box feature of 30-second videos, had a huge fanbase before it got banned. 

Tips for Using Linking Words in IELTS

1. when answering straightforward questions about yourselves and your daily affairs, steer clear of formal connecting terms.
2. Given that IELTS speaking differs from IELTS writing, you don’t need to worry about using the same linking terms twice.
3. When speaking, one of the fundamental and frequently used linking terms is but, and, because, like, also, etc.
4. IELTS speaking only uses “like” as an introductory word to provide instances; it is not used in IELTS writing.
5. Even if you employed a variety of linking words, you might not receive a higher band score.
6. When speaking, one uses linking words to help the audience comprehend more clearly the topics that are being discussed.
7. In conversational IELTS speaking, connecting words are utilized.
8. The marking criterion of “fluency and cohesiveness,” which makes up 25% of your total marking criteria, involves integrating words.

Finally, answering the exam question correctly, providing enough information, and showcasing excellent vocabulary and grammar are not the only criteria for earning a band 9.

Make sure your ideas flow freely and that there are clear connections between them as well. Organizing and clarifying your response with a range of appropriate linking phrases can also help you draw attention to the logical progression of your argument.

FAQs 

How many connectors can I use in my speaking test? 

There’s no precise tally; these connections need to happen organically. Recall that too much of anything is harmful.

What is the difference between IELTS speaking and writing in terms of linking words? 

Since clarity is crucial, you can use the connectors that are discussed in the article (that is, what I want to make clear is…).

How many connectors are too many? 

You are employing them more than is necessary if it makes you less fluent and repetitious.

What is the difference between connector usage? 

It aids in arranging and connecting our concepts. It not only aids in the development of the response but also improves fluency and coherence scores. 

Neha Sharma

Neha Sharma is an IELTS faculty with a decade of experience in teaching IELTS. She holds a PhD in English from Stanford University, USA. Excelling in tailoring her teaching to individual student needs, she has helped over 50,000 students achieve their target scores. Actively involved in research, she ensures that her methods remain effective and innovative.