In IELTS speaking and writing you can make your argument more persuasive by adding different linking words which also help to reassure your opinion on different point of views.
Linking words can be used to:
- link the flow of ideas in your writing
- guide the reader (examiner) towards the next stage of your argument
- express different views in your speaking task
For speaking you need some simple linking words to help examiner follow your ideas. These linking words will help you to express your ideas and use them in different situations.
Adding extra information:
- As well as
- And
- Also
For example: She’s beautiful as well as being extremely successful.
Giving examples:
- Such as
- For example
- For instance
- Like
For example: I love eating fruit like oranges and kiwis.
Contrasting:
- But
- While
- Whereas
- Although
- On the other hand
- Despite/ in spite of
For example: I like football, while my sister prefers tennis.
Describing time:
- At the moment
- At present
- Before
- These days
- Nowadays
- In the past
- At that time
For example: Before, children used to spend much more time outside playing different games. But, these days, they prefer spending time indoors playing computer games.
For the IELTS writing task linking words are essential. The examiner needs to see a good range of formal expressions in order to award you with a high score in coherence and cohesion. Linking words help you to build a logical argument in your written essay by linking one statement to another.
These are several types of linking words which can be used expressing different opinions and giving examples in IELTS writing task.
To add a point
- In addition
- Similarly
- Moreover
- Furthermore
- Also
For example: People who exercise regularly have more energy during the day and sleep better at night. In addition, they tend to live longer.
To contrast two points
- However
- Although
- On the other hand
- Yet
- Nevertheless
- In contrast
For example: The drop in sales was mainly due to the lack of customers. There were, however, other factors.
To move on to the next point
- Then
- After this / that
- Subsequently
For example: The bad weather caused a decrease number of visitors in this island. Subsequently, the prices were lowered to attract more tourists.
To note consequences
- Therefore
- As a result
- Consequently
- Despite
- Since
For example: Alcohol can delay your reaction times; therefore, you should never drink and drive.
To highlight and stress
- In particular
- Specifically
- Obviously
- Clearly
For example: Clearly, this information was not provided before the trip.
To introduce a list of ideas
- Firstly
- Secondly
- Finally/ Lastly
For example: Firstly, we need something to eat. Secondly, we need to find a place to live in. And lastly, we need to find work.
To summarise or conclude
- Finally
- In conclusion
- To conclude
- To summarise
- In summary
For example: In conclusion, walking is a cheap, safe, enjoyable and readily available form of exercise.