Linking Words for IELTS Speaking-Tips to Use them

What are linking words?

Words that join the ideas of two distinct sentences in a phrase or sentence are called ‘linking words’ or ‘conjunctive words. Using connectors accurately is a key to score well in IELTS speaking. You need some easy and natural linking words to connect your ideas or stories. Thus, it gives your sentences a logical sequence.

Let us discuss linking words for IELTS speaking in detail:

Linking words for expressing ideas

To express ideas or thoughts, following connectors are used for speaking. Every time someone wants to express his opinion he uses the phrase ‘I think’

• I think the main difference is

Example

I think the main difference is attitude towards life which makes someone happy or sad.

• I think one important thing is

Example

For me, I think the most important thing is ‘education” when we talk about solving unemployment issues. That’s the only way we can educate our youth, so that they get success in life.

• I suppose the main difference between X and Y

Example

I suppose the main difference between Imran khan and Salman Khan is the use of social media. Imran uses social media quite well as compared to Salman.

Causes and Solutions

To explain causes and solutions, use following connectors:

• I guess

Example

I guess I should visit Canada.

• The main reason is

Example

The main reason behind Pakistan falling economy is poor finance ministry.

• It was caused by

Example

It was caused by poor weather.

• Because

Example

Because of poor governance, the country has not been able to resolve the basic issues.

• I suppose the best way to deal with the problem is

Example

I suppose patience and analysis are the best ways to deal with a problem.

Giving Examples (Linking Words for IELTS Speaking)

To give an example we can use the following connectors in speaking. Please do not use ‘like’ as linking words in IELTS writing.

• For example

Example

For example, look at this picture.

• For instance

Example

They must be innovative. For instance, look at this article.

• Such as

Example

Nidhi has worked for many good companies such as ‘product industry’

• Like

Example

She was busy like her mother.

Being clear

These connectors should be used to clear your point of view.

• What I mean is

Example

What I mean is, one should focus on his ambition.

• What I want to say is

Example

What I want to say is, you cannot satisfy all people.

• As I was saying

Example

As I was saying, this is the wrong way to explain.

Adding more information

To add more information, or to link two sentences with similar ideas, use these connectors.

• Another reason is

Example

She does not like watching dramas now; another reason of not watching TV is that her favorite actor has left drama industry.

• And

Example

You will come tomorrow and start your work again.

• As well as

Example

Indian Government should take care of our education system, as well as employment opportunities.

• Also

Example

People who are educated are treated well. Also people respect them.

• Additionally

Example

I worked hard to write articles. Additionally, I started work to stay fit.

Time phrase

You should use time phrases to highlight either the discussion is about past, present or future.

• Now

Example

Now we should work hard as a nation to achieve success.

• At the moment

Example

At the moment, there are no employment opportunities for fresh graduates.

• At present

Example

At present, maintain your healthy diet otherwise you will look weak.

• Right now

Example

Pakistan needs to take some important decisions right now.

• In the past

Example

We have glorious history in the past.

• Before

Example

Work hard before it is too late.

• These days

Example

Poor people are facing trouble these days.

• Year ago

Example

He died two years ago.

• Then

Example

First, I went abroad, and then I met with him.

Importance of using linking words

• Linking words or conjunctive words in IELTS are used join ideas. They help to make your conversation meaningful and logical. It means, they are used as cement to join bricks.

• For examiner, fluency and coherence matter a lot. Linking words make 25% of your exam marks.

• The linking words can be used to highlight time phrase.  Additionally, they can also be used for contrast or comparison.

• The purpose as well as opinion of the sentence can be explained through connectors. Also, improve your vocabulary by reading this article, ielts vocabulary.

Tips to use Linking words

• Whenever you read novel or newspaper, you may hardly try to focus consciously on connectors, while preparing an IELTS exam push yourself to do so. Learn to use linking words without stuffing to have natural look.

• For getting high score, it does not matter how many times you have used Linking words. Only the content is important which can impress the examiner.

• Linking word such as ‘like’ is not advisable to use in written exam. The word ‘like’ can be used in speaking module.

• You can get a detailed information on linking words for IELTS speaking part 1 and linking words for speaking task 2 and much more about IELTS from ieltsdass.com