Here is a list of linking words for your IELTS speaking with tips and models. For speaking you need some simple linking words and natural phrases to help the examiner follow your ideas and stories. These linking words and signposts are simple and informal on the whole. IELTS writing is different and requires the use of a wide range of linkers.
IELTS Speaking Linking Words – Why are they important?
Why are they important for IELTS Speaking if there is no marking criterion for Coherence and Cohesion, like there is in IELTS writing? Well, the marking criterion of Fluency is actually Fluency & Coherence and that means you are marked on being well understood. While the linking words themselves are not marked, you are marked on being easy to understand by making the direction of your ideas clear – and that requires linking words which signpost the direction of what you are saying. So, these linking words will help your score for Fluency and Coherence, which counts for 25% of your marks.
Types of Linking Words for IELTS Speaking
Adding more information
- and
- also
- as well as
- another reason is
Time Phrases
You should use signposts to help the listening understand when you are talking about the past or the present. This is crucial in IELTS Speaking where you will be asked questions that are related to the past, to the present and to the future.
- now
- at the moment
- at present
- right now
- these days
- nowadays
- in the past
- before
- then
- at that time
- years ago
- when I was younger
- in the future
- in a few decades
- looking ahead
Expressing ideas
- I think one important thing is
- I guess one difference is
- I suppose the main difference between X and Y is
Causes and Solutions
- I guess it’s because
- The main reason is
- It was caused by
- Because
- I suppose the best way to deal with this problem is
- I reckon the only answer is to
- The best way to solve this is
Giving Examples
These connective devices are for giving examples in your answers. The most common and natural to use is “like”. Please note that “like” can’t be used as a linking device in IELTS writing.
- for example
- for instance
- such as
- like
Being Clear
You use these simple, natural expression to explain your point again more clearly or get your answer back on track.
- What I mean is
- What I want to say is
- As I was saying
Contrasting and concessions
Use these connecting words to compare and contrast or give concessions. You will often be asked a comparison question in the IELTS Speaking test. These questions can come in speaking part 1, part 2 or part 3. So, make sure to use these linking words for your statements.
- but
- on the other hand
- while
- although
- or
- in comparison
- on the other hand
- by contrast
