The IELTS Speaking section is the same for all candidates regardless of the module they choose to take: general or academic. It consists of three parts and is assessed according to the four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. As you answer the questions, you also have to organise your ideas logically and link them in a proper way. The examiner must follow your thoughts without effort while you are speaking. It is called coherence. In order to make your answer more coherent, you should use different discourse markers and linking words.
The linking words and phrases for speaking are different from those we use in writing. They are usually simple and less formal and help you sound more natural. So, the main tip here is not to try to impress the examiner with them. Now, let’s look at their functions and meaning.
Adding more information
and
I’m afraid those days are gone and they’ll never come again.
also
She’s a photographer and also writes books.
as well as
We have a responsibility to our community as well as to our families.
another reason/example
There was another reason why he loved this spot.
indeed
I am happy, indeed proud, to be associated with this project.
in addition
In addition to his apartment in Manhattan, he has a villa in Italy and a castle in Scotland.
likewise
Just water these plants twice a week, and likewise the ones in the bedroom.
moreover
He enjoys selling and, moreover, is good at it.
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Comparing and contrasting
yet
Melissa was not doing well in her physics course, yet overall she had a B average.
but
She’s very hard-working but not very imaginative.
or
There were ten or twelve people in the room.
otherwise
They had to leave early, otherwise, the children would have been up too late.
rather
The ending of the war is not a cause for celebration, but rather for regret that it ever happened.
still
Even though she doesn’t really have the time, she still offered to help.
although / even though
She walked home by herself, although she knew that it was dangerous.
despite
I still enjoyed the week despite the weather.
on the one hand…on the other hand
On the one hand, I’d like a job that pays more, but on the other hand, I enjoy the work I’m doing now.
comparatively
Comparatively speaking, this machine is easy to use.
however
This is one possible solution to the problem. However, there are others.
Giving examples
for example / for instance
Offices can easily become more environmentally-friendly by, for example, using recycled paper.
such as
That money is to cover costs such as travel and accommodation.
like
She looks best in bright, vibrant colours, like red and pink.
chiefly / mainly
The island chiefly attracts upmarket tourists.
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Adding emphasis
as a rule
As a (general) rule, I don’t read detective novels.
as usual
As usual, she was wearing jeans.
generally speaking
Generally speaking, people like her as a leader.
no doubt
He will no doubt tell you all about his vacation.
of course
We arrived at the restaurant 30 minutes late so, of course, our reservation had been cancelled.
especially
Parents of young children often become depressed, and this is especially true of single parents.
indeed
We live in strange times indeed.
Expressing result or purpose/reason
so that
I opened the door so that she could come in.
for this reason
It is partly for this reason that he is refusing to rush any recruitment moves.
that’s why
You didn’t study well. That’s why you didn’t pass the exam
because
The journey was quite quick because the road was clear.
Ordering events and sequencing time
first/ second /for a start
We’ll take names and phone numbers for a start, then, later on, we can get more details.
at first
At first, I thought he was joking but then I realized he meant it.
after that
Like nothing I ever did after that was of any significance.
following sth
Following the dinner, there will be a dance.
then
Give her the letter to read, then she’ll understand.
next
What happened next?
finally
We finally got home at midnight.
at long last
At long last, the government is starting to listen to our problems.
meanwhile
Carl’s starting college in September. Meanwhile, he’s travelling around Europe.
when
I was just getting into the shower when the phone rang.
while
While I was in Italy I went to see Alessandro.
as soon as
We’ll come as soon as we can.
at the same time
No one likes conflict, but at the same time, we have to deal with this problem.
now / right now /at the moment
She used to be a teacher, but now she works in publishing.
years ago
What we saw 16 years ago was horrible.
before
It was an hour before the police arrived.
when I was…
I wanted to go to school when I was younger, but my mother was told that children like me couldn’t go to school.
in the past
You must have had similar situations in the past.
during
They work during the night and sleep by day.
as yet
No ambulances had as yet managed to get across the river.
Expressing ideas and opinions / Being clear
Actually, I have to say…
I must admit…
I must admit, I admire your courage… staying with Ezra while his life turns upside down.
I think…/ I guess…/ I suppose…/ I believe…
What I want to say is… / What I mean is…/What I was saying is…
As far as I am concerned
As far as I am concerned, the problem is not a simple one.
In my opinion
Games are also more interesting in my opinion.
To tell you the truth
To tell the truth, I couldn’t hear a word he said.
To be honest
To be honest, I don’t think it will be possible.
If you ask me
If you ask me, people should go on a training course before they become parents.
frankly
Quite frankly, I think this whole situation is ridiculous.
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Sounding less direct
apparently
Apparently, he’s had enough of England and is going back to Australia.
perhaps
“I never remember people’s birthdays.” “Well, perhaps you should.”
sort of /kind of
I was sort of hoping to leave early today.
arguably
She was, arguably, the best female basketball player of all time
maybe
Maybe you were right after all.
probably
I’m probably going – it depends on the weather.
surely
Surely they could have done better than that (= I believe they could have done better).
just
I just wanted to ask you if you’re free this afternoon.
Summarizing
So
So we leave on Thursday and get back the next Tuesday, is that right?
After all
I do like her – after all, she is my sister.
In any case
You should be able to catch a bus, but in any case, you can always take a taxi home.
In short
He’s disorganized, inefficient, never there when you want him – in short, the man’s a pain.
In other words
He was economical with the truth – in other words, he lied.
Anyway
Anyway, in the end, we just agreed to stop seeing each other.
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