Linkers in IELTS
Linkers play a crucial role in IELTS. Hence, it’s necessary to use them accurately in your writing and in speaking. The usage of linking words for IELTS speaking is quite different from IELTS writing linking words. While speaking, the topics are extempore. You probably may not get enough time to even think and speak. Therefore, concentrate of fluency rather than the linkers. The examiner will immediately come to know if you are adding them forcefully. Remember that the linking words should come naturally to you while speaking and not give the examiner an impression that you have plugged them intentionally. Some of the key factors to remember while using the linking words for IELTS are:
Avoid overdoing – Excessive usage can be harmful. This is possibly one of the most common mistakes students make, using linkers for IELTS in every sentence. Though the grammar may be correct, using such words excessively will make you sound robotic. Therefore, the first suggestion is to avoid using these words if you don’t need them.
Use them correctly – Not every linker can be replaced with other. As discussed, there are numerous options to choose from. Therefore, you must connect your ideas using the right words or phrases.
Avoid repetition – There may be a particular linker that you frequently use in your writing or speech. Even if it fits perfectly in every context, it will not fetch you higher marks. Therefore, get in the habit of using a variety of linkers for IELTS.
Replace ‘ahhs’ and ‘umms’ with linkers – Using ‘Ummm or ‘aaa’ in your speaking test will signal that you are not fluent in English. If you do not want to lose out on your score, try using linkers when you are stuck in the middle of your speech.
Linkers/Sequencing Words:
To show addition: again, and, also, besides, equally important, first (second, etc.), further, furthermore, in addition, in the first place, moreover, next, too
To give examples: for example, for instance, in fact, specifically, that is, to illustrate
To compare: also, in the same manner, likewise, similarly
To contrast: although, and yet, at the same time, but, despite, even though, however, in contrast, in spite of, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, still, though, yet
To summarize or conclude: all in all, in conclusion, in other words, in short, in summary, on the whole, that is, therefore, to sum up
To show time: after, afterward, as, as long as, as soon as, at last, before, during, earlier, finally, formerly, immediately, later, meanwhile, next, since, shortly, subsequently, then, thereafter, until, when, while
To show place or direction: above, below, beyond, close, elsewhere, farther on, here, nearby, opposite, to the left (north, etc.)
To indicate logical relationship: accordingly, as a result, because, consequently, for this reason, hence, if, otherwise, since, so, then, therefore, thus
