Did you know that linking words in IELTS Speaking are really important to help improve your fluency?
They also help you sound more natural when speaking.
Why is sounding natural important?
- Because sounding natural is the key to getting a high score in IELTS Speaking
- I don’t want you to just be an English student, I want to help you become an English speaker – whatever your level.
There is a big difference between being an English student and an English speaker.
The English student studies lots of words and phrases, the English speaker practices lots and lots to build fluency, and to sound more natural over time.
That’s what I want for you.
If that’s what you want too, then keep reading to discover how to use some new linking words in IELTS Speaking.
Table of Contents
What are linking words?
Simply put, linking words are like the glue to stick your sentences and ideas together.
They help you connect your sentences and they are really important to show you are organise your ideas coherently in IELTS.
They also known as cohesive devices or connectors.
We can use a lot of linking words in both speaking and writing, however, there are quite a few that should only be used in writing, and others that should only be used in speaking.
In fact, one of the biggest mistake many students make is to use ‘academic’ or ‘written English‘ connectors in IELTS Speaking. They sometimes use the following,
- Nevertheless
- Furthermore
- Thus
- It can be concluded that
This just doesn’t sound natural. In IELTS Speaking, you need to use natural, spoken linking words.
In this article, we will focus on spoken linking words for you to use in IELTS Speaking.
Linking words meaning: Firstly
Other linking words similar to ‘firstly’ are
- to kick off
- first off
- first of all
- at/from the outset = from the beginning
Look at some examples below, in the answers to this question:
Is it a good idea to always eat healthy food?
Yes I would say so. To kick off, a healthy diet helps us feel better, and we can also live longer.
First off, I’m inclined to agree, but it depends on the situation…
First of all, let me just say, most people want to eat healthily, but it’s easier said than done
At the outset, I’d say yes it is, but it can also be a real struggle
From the outset, I’d say yes it is, but it can also be a tall order sometimes
Linking words meaning: Also
Here are some other linking words similar in meaning to ‘also’:
- On top of that
- What’s more
- And come to think of it (something you remember as you speak)
Look at some examples below in answer to this question:
What are the benefits of eating healthy food?
Well, obviously, you feel better. On top of that, you have more energy to spend time with family or friends
Well, obviously, you feel better. What’s more, it’s a great way to lose weight
Well, obviously, you feel better, and come to think of it, it’s a great way to lose weight
Linking words meaning: But
These are some linking words similar in meaning to ‘but’,
- mind you
- (but) at the same time
- that said
- though
Here are some examples below, in the answer to this question:
Do you eat healthy food?
Yes I do, mind you, I must admit I don’t eat healthy food everyday
Well, I try to, but at the same time, I must confess I don’t eat healthy food everyday
Yes I do, that said, it can be a real struggle if you’re eating out with friends, so I don’t eat healthy food everyday
Not all the time, though I do eat more healthy food, like salads, in the summer.
Linking words meaning: To be honest
The following linking words are all similar in meaning to ‘to be honest’,
- to be frank
- quite honestly
- to be totally up front
Let’s look at some example, taking the question,
Do you sometimes eat fast food?
To be frank, I’m not particularly fond of fast food, though I might eat it with friends once in a while
Quite honestly, I am to one for fast food. Mind you, I might eat it with friends once in a while
To be totally up front, I don’t like fast food very much, but that said, I might eat it with friends once in a while
Linking words meaning: In summary
The following mean ‘summarising’
- overall
- in a nutshell
- basically
The two examples below are in answer to the question,
Do you sometimes eat fast food?
I might if I am with friends, but not if I am alone. Overall, I don’t like fast food that much.
I might if I am with friends, but not if I am alone. In a nutshell, I’m not into fast food that much.
I might if I am with friends, but not if I am alone. Basically, I don’t like fast food that much.
Linking words in IELTS speaking
Remember that in order to use these linking words effectively, you need to listen to them in lots of contexts first, and then start practicing lots.
Videos of of talks (e.g. TED Talks), chat shows (e.g. Good Morning Britain) and general conversations are all good sources.
Keep practicing to build your fluency over time and become a confident English speaker, not just a student!
What do you think? Which is your favourite linking word?
Leave your answer in the comments below.
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17 thoughts on “Linking Words for IELTS Speaking”
i love all your lessons. you make learning English easy. Thank you very much.
I practiced speaking English from your online videos and score band 8.0 in ilets speaking.
Thankyou
That is awesome – congratulations on your band 8!
Overall fast food is never my cup of tea for the fact that, it has some health consequences.
Nice and I totally agree!
To be totally upfront Mr Kaith have a knack for teaching English language.
Nice example, and thanks 😉 – Just note: ‘Mr. Keith HAS a knack….’
Basically I would say I am heading on with English since I started binge-watching and listening to Kaith speaking Academy.
Mind you is one of my ever favourite linking word.I would love to use it in my conversation
Me too – that is one of my favourites!
Basically I would like to say ,I learnt to use linking words with you.
Excellent – I am proud of you and me!
I would say, on top of that is one of my all time favourites connector 🙂
Nice – me too!
I couldn’t thank you enough for you enough for your excellent English resources and your way of teaching them here in internet. I have been watching your videos for two months and I should say that so far, I have learned no end. On top of that, you add a special positive taste to your youtube videos which makes watching them a whale of a time.
Hearty thanks to you, dear Mr. Keith for all!😊🙏❤️
So glad you are enjoying your study. Thanks for learning with me!
To be honest is one of my ever favourite linking word.I would love to use it in my conversation and making it part of my speech.