Linking words are part of the Fluency and Coherence criterion: they show how your ideas connect. Many candidates, though, use the words they learned for essays: "Firstly", "Furthermore", "In conclusion". They are fine in writing, but in speech they sound like a memorised script.
Written and spoken: the difference
| Job | Written (essays) | Spoken (Speaking) |
|---|---|---|
| Adding | Furthermore, Moreover | On top of that, What's more, Also |
| Contrast | However, Nevertheless | But then again, That said, Mind you |
| Example | For instance | Take ..., for example, Like when... |
| Reason | Due to the fact that | The thing is..., because |
| Result | Consequently, Therefore | So, That's why, which means |
| Opinion | In my opinion | I'd say, Personally, If you ask me |
| Clarifying | That is to say | What I mean is, In other words |
| Concluding | In conclusion | So overall, All in all, At the end of the day |
Time linkers for Part 2
Time words carry a cue card story: At first..., After a while..., Eventually..., By the time..., Looking back....
One answer, two styles
Do you prefer studying alone or with friends?
Sounds like an essay
Firstly, I prefer studying alone. Furthermore, it is more productive. However, studying with friends is also useful. In conclusion, I prefer studying alone.
Sounds like speech
I'd say alone, mostly. The thing is, when I'm with friends we end up chatting, so it takes twice as long. That said, before exams I like to meet up and test each other, which really helps.
Reading is not enough: speak
In IELTS Buddy an AI examiner talks to you as in the real test and gives an estimated band on all 4 criteria. 3 mock tests are free.
Rules
- One idea, one linker. You do not need to start every sentence with one.
- Variety. To stop repeating "and" and "but", swap in two or three others.
- Match the meaning. "That said" has to be followed by a real contrast.
- Part 3 can be a little more formal: "On the other hand" and "As a result" sound natural there.
More phrases: 40 useful phrases. On the criterion: the 4 criteria in plain language.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose marks for saying "Furthermore"?
Not for a single word. But if your answers sound like written text, you lose the impression of natural speech. The spoken alternatives are safer.
How many linking words should I use?
There is no set number. What matters is showing how your ideas connect without repeating the same word again and again.
Reading is not enough: speak
In IELTS Buddy an AI examiner talks to you as in the real test and gives an estimated band on all 4 criteria. 3 mock tests are free.
