Linking words for IELTS speaking
Some words and phrases used to begin a sentence and, to link sentences, and ideas together in IELTS speaking part 3, allowing us to add information.
Adding information and ,giving more details (Linking words for IELTS speaking part 3).
In IELTS speaking part 3, you are expected to expand your answers and ideas, which means it’s very important to keep everything cohesive , so the examiner can follow your answer. To score a 6 or above in the IELTS speaking exam you must be able to do this, and of course not to overuse the same linking word over and over. Remember that the examiner must be to follow what you are saying, and it’s important to have the ability to use linking words, especially in part 3 of the speaking exam.
This is something you need to practice doing when you are preparing for the speaking part 3 exam, and try to be confident in using at least 3 of these examples of linking words or phrases. If you can do this, it will have a positive effect on your coherence score , as your answers will be much easier to follow.
This is only part of what you need to do to improve your speaking in part 3 and you can check out some of the links for more advice at the end of the post. If you have any questions on the use of any of the words or phrases here, just leave me a comment below, and i will certainly try to get back to you with a reply.
It is still ok to use and, but and other simple linking words in part 3,(and,but) as the speaking exam should be informal, but it’s always a good idea to show a wider range of the language needed. Some linking words can sound a little formal for the speaking exam, and although it is certainly no harm to use them, it’s best not to use them more than once or twice.
- As well as that
My hometown has a lot of very interesting history compared to other cities in Japan. As well as that, it’s a much cheaper place to live compared to bigger cities in Japan.
- On top of that
Well, firstly, smartphones can be very expensive to buy. On top of that there is a lot of pressure on young people to have the newest and most popular smartphone.
- Another thing is
I think that watching a movie at home is much more relaxing than watching a movie in the cinema, as I am not going to be disturbed by people talking loudly, and playing with their mobile phones. Another thing is that as a student i can save a lot of money by watching a movie at home.
- What’s more
I haven’t been to that restaurant yet. What’s more my friends have told me that it’s too expensive, and the food is not so good.
- Furthermore (Don’t overuse this in the speaking exam as it’s a little formal)
I think it’s very important for young children to read as much as possible, and it’s got to be a great way to help them progress in their learning. Furthermore, I believe reading can also help children to develop their imagination, which I really think many children are losing these days.
- In addition (Also a little formal and often more suited to writing)
Yes, I think that the main forms of transportation today are causing many environmental problems. Firstly, the constant traffic jams and congestion are making many people’s lives a misery. In addition, air pollution is becoming a more serious problem every day, and I strongly believe that we need to do something about this.
Example speaking part 3 question and answer.
Q. Do many people in your country enjoy eating or trying foreign food ?
A.That’s a good question. In general, I would say that a lot of younger people these days enjoy trying different cuisines from all over the world. To begin with, most young people in Korea today have been exposed to international food from a young age and are quite accustomed to it.
Furthermore, young people are often more daring and willing to try new things. However, older or elderly people in Korea are typically less adventurous or open-minded, preferring to eat more traditional foods. There are, of course, exceptions, and I believe it is often a matter of personal preference and habits.”
Part 2 and 3 example answers – Have a look at lots of part 3 example answers here.
Using 2 contrasting points.
Looking at this example you can see there are 2 contrasting points. A lot of younger people enjoy foreign cuisine. However many older people don’t.
This is often a very important and useful thing to be able to do in IELTS speaking part 3, especially when answering a general question, which most speaking part 3 questions are. In part 1 and part 2 of the test, most questions and topics just relate to you. On the other hand in part 3 most if not all of the questions will be about your country, countries people or people in general.
- Part 1. What kinds of books did you enjoy as a child?
- Part 3. Do young boys enjoy the same kinds of books as young girls?
To answer a general question like this you will need to show some contrasting points, as not all boys enjoy reading the same kinds of books, and not all girls enjoy reading the same kinds of books. If you look back at the example above, i said a lot younger people enjoy eating foreign cuisine, but not all.
By doing this it will automatically give you more to say, and make your answers sound more interesting to the examiner. On top of that, you will also receive a higher score by using a range of these linking words, which of course will also give you better cohesion. So trust me when i tell you that this is one of the most important things to be able to master in part 3 of the IELTS speaking exam.
Linking words and phrases to show two contrasting points.
- However
Boys often enjoy more physical sports such as football, rugby or boxing. However girls generally prefer less physical sports like tennis or volleyball.
- Mind you
I really don’t enjoy big cities. Mind you, i do enjoy going shopping in a big city.
- Having said that
No, I really wouldn’t like to be famous. Having said that, I would enjoy the money that comes with fame.
- In spite of (This/That )
The restaurants close to my home are a bit expensive. In spite of that, I still choose to go to them as the food is so good.
- In contrast
Most young people in my country enjoy trying foreign cuisine. In contrast, many older people don’t, and prefer to eat traditional local food.
- Yet
It was a very cold and wet day, yet they still went for a walk in the park.
When preparing for you IELTS speaking exam make sure that you learn, and are able to use a number of these words or phrases, so you are not overusing any particular one which would not help to give you a higher band score.
Language for giving examples
For example young people generally have more money to spend these days, so they can afford to go out and eat foreign cuisine.
- For instance
Yes, my hometown is a great place to live. For instance, there are a lot of beautiful parks and gardens open to the public.
- As an example
Yes, my city has changed a lot in recent years. As an example, there are so many new big and tall buildings.
- To begin with
Yes, there are some serious environmental problem in my hometown. To begin with theres is a very serious problem with air pollution.
- To start with
No, i wouldn’t want to be famous. To start with i would hate to be in the public eye all the time.
Giving and using examples is a great tool to help you get through your IELTS speaking, especially in part 3. Very often students get stuck while trying to talk about something or answering a part 3 question. If you are asked a question about elderly people, think of your grandparents or an elderly parent. If your grandfather doesn’t use a computer, then it’s most likely that many other elderly people don’t enjoy or know how to use a computer.
I think many older people don’t use computers. For example my grandfather doesn’t even know how to turn on a computer.
Speaking in general
As i already mentioned, IELTS speaking part 3 questions are almost always general questions, so you should certainly answer the question using the correct language.
- Generally
Generally, i think most people do want to travel abroad.
- Generally speaking
Generally speaking, i think people do think more about their health than in the past.
- In general
In general, most students want to go on for further education.
- Typically
Typically, young boys don’t enjoy reading the same kinds of book as young girls.
Summary
In IELTS speaking part 3 you are expected to expand your answers and ideas, which means it’s very important to keep everything cohesive. The examiner is going to be listening to your ability to use linking words, especially in part 3 of the speaking exam. Try to be confident in using at least 3 of these examples of linking words or phrases. If you can do this, it will help your coherence score, as your answers will be clearer, and much easier to follow.
To answer a general question like this you will need to show some contrasting points, as not all boys enjoy reading the same kinds of books. This is one of the most important things to be able to master in part 3 of the IELTS speaking exam. By doing this it automatically gives you more to say, and make your answers sound more interesting to the examiner. Remember that using and giving examples is always a good way to explain some of your points, especially in part 3, as well as making it easier for you.
It’s important to note that when using a range of linking words in the exam,make sure that you are confident using them in your preparation. Do not slow down your speaking trying to think of another linking word, to impress the examiner which will end up affecting your fluency score. Fluency always comes first.
Always remember that yes you can get a higher score for using advanced grammar and vocabulary correctly in the speaking exam, but if you are slowing down to think of it or using it incorrectly, your fluency score will go down. This is something i will write a post on in the near future.
More advice on how to speak in part 3.
How to get a band 7 in IELTS speaking
