Linking Words For IELTS Speaking

Linking Words or linkers are those words which connect the ideas that need to be established together in a sentence. They are very important in IELTS Speaking. These words are also known as Connectors and Cohesive Devices. Few linking words can only be used when speaking and a few more can be used only while writing.

Different Purposes of IELTS Linking Words

There is a wide range of linking words that can be used in the IELTS speaking section.

• Simple Linking Words- Simple Linking words are also known as Conjunctions. These words are used to join two similar or contrasting sentences into one sentence.

Examples- And, But, Or.

• Complex Linking Words- Complex Linking words are present in a sentence to add more information to the existing sentence.

Examples- Also, And, As well as, Another reason

• Time Phrases- These connectors are used when the speaker wants to describe a time in a sentence. It helps the listener understand whether the speaker is talking about the Past or Present.

Examples- right now, at present, now, these days, nowadays, before, in the past, at that time, years ago, at the moment, then, when I was younger

• Causes and Solution Linking Words- These words are used when some reasons and causes are stated for a particular statement.

Examples- because, reason being, I guess it’s because, the main reason is, it was caused by, the best way to solve this is, the only to this problem is

• Expressing ideas- These linking words are used to express ideas, thoughts in a sentence.

Examples- I think one important thing is, I guess one difference is, I suppose the main similarity is

• Giving Examples- These linkers are used to provide examples for any topic.

Examples- Like, Such, For example, For instance

• Being Clear- These words are used to clear or clarify any statement or opinions.

Examples- What I want to say is, What I mean is, As I was saying.

• Contrasting Linkers and Concessions- When two contrasting sentences are joined together and other sides of a thing are presented, contrasting linkers are used. These linkers are mainly used to contrast and compare two opposing ideas.

Examples- But, While, Or, On the other hand, Though, Although, Yet

• For stating an opinion- When a speaker gives his/her opinions to the listeners, such linkers are used.

Examples- In my opinion, I believe that, From my point of view, As far as I am concerned

• To express an agreement- When a speaker agrees with a statement or any ideas of another, such linking words are used.

Examples- I am in agreement, I quite agree that, Exactly, I accept that.

• Signposting Language- Signposting language is used by the speaker to guide his listeners through information.

Examples- To begin with, However, Nonetheless, Fundamentally, Furthermore, Incidentally, In the same way, Likewise, Unfortunately.

• Gap Fillers- These words are basically used to avoid gaps totally in a conversation. They are Discourse Markers. They also indicate emotions.

Examples- Well, Kind of, Um, Ah.

Importance of Linking Words

• The linking words or connectors guide the test takers to structure the sentences that they are going to use in IELTS speaking and IELTS writing.
• The linking words also guide the test takers to eliminate the gaps and continue speaking until the examiner asks them to stop. They also give ideas that can be added while framing the sentence.
• The linking words can be used when some statements or ideas need to be emphasized and need to be brought under special notice while speaking. The linking words can be used in the introduction to start up a speech and also can be used effectively in the conclusion.
• Linking words are also used to provide examples to prove a point.
• The purpose of a statement can be specified by using the linking words.
• If correct linking words are used and are placed in correct spaces, 25% of the marks can already be scored.

Tips for Using Linking Words 

• Linking words should not be used generously. When we talk about ourselves, linking words should be avoided.
• The usage of linking words in the speaking test is completely different from the usage of linking words in the writing test as the meanings are mostly different.
• Candidates can use the linking word ‘like’ only when they are providing examples. It is not commendable to use ‘Like’ while writing.
• Using too many linking words will not ensure more marks. On the other hand, too many linkers can lead to fewer marks. The examinee must use linkers by rules.
• The linking words must come naturally while speaking. Linkers used forcefully and positioned incorrectly will not be appreciated.