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How to use advanced connectors for Band 7, Band 8, and Band 9 fluency
If you want to speak more fluently in the IELTS Speaking test, as well as general conversations, one think you should focus on is using linking words and connectors effectively.
How you connect ideas, sentences, and examples is a huge part of fluency — and it’s something examiners notice immediately.
It’s fine to use basic connectors like and, but, so, because; especially in part 1 of the test, but to get a Band 7 or 8, you also need to use more advanced, conversational linkers that make their speech flow effortlessly.
In this lesson, you’ll learn 13 advanced linking words perfect for IELTS Speaking Part 2 and Part 3, with examples you can start practising today, for any topic.
Why Linking Words Matter in IELTS Speaking
When assessing fluency, examiners listen for:
- how smoothly you express ideas
- how naturally you move between ideas
- whether your speech sounds organised and has some kind of flow
- whether your connectors sound natural (not memorised!)
Using a mix of simple and advanced linkers helps you sound fluent, flexible, and confident.
Linking Words for IELTS Speaking Part 2
In IELTS Speaking Part 2, we have what is often called ‘The Long Turn’. This is where you have to speak on a topic for 1–2 minutes.
Below are useful advanced linkers you can use to structure and extend your Part 2 answer.
1. Starting Your Answer
“Actually, what comes to mind is…”
Perfect for introducing the main idea you are going to talk about.
Example:
Actually, what comes to mind is a time I travelled to India.
2. Emphasising Key Details
“What really stands out is…”
This helps you highlight the most memorable part of a story, event or activity.
Example:
What really stands out is how incredible the food was.
In the past:
What really stood out was the food.
3. Reflecting on the Experience
“Looking back…”
Great for adding personal reflection or emotion.
Example:
Looking back, I think it was one of the best trips I’ve ever had.
“In hindsight…”
Shows regret or something you would do differently.
Examples:
In hindsight, I should’ve stayed there longer.
In hindsight, I could’ve explored more cities.
4. Ending Your Part 2 Answer
“All in all…”
This is a natural way to summarise the story, activity or event.
Example:
All in all, it was a trip that really changed my life.
Linking Words for IELTS Speaking Part 3
(Opinions, reasons, speculation, discussion)
IELTS Speaking Part 3 requires you to use a wider range of language to develop your answer more deeply. You will need to give opinions, reasons, speculation and justifications. All of this will require more flexible linking words. The following can help you sound more natural and logical.
1. Giving an Opinion
“Personally speaking…”
Use this to clearly state your personal view.
Example:
Personally speaking, I think young people spend too much time on their phones.
“I tend to think…”
This shows a softer opinion and that you are open to other views.
Example:
I tend to think young people spend too much time on their mobile phones.
2. Giving a Reason
“One possible explanation is…”
Shows you’re offering one possible idea, but there may be others.
Example:
One possible explanation is that people are addicted to social media.
“It’s undoubtedly because…”
This connector shows you are confident and sure about you reason.
Example:
It’s undoubtedly because social media apps are designed to be addictive.
3. Speculating
“It could well be that…”
When speculating most students use, ‘maybe’ or ‘perhaps’ which are fine. In addition, here is a really nice and very natural speculative connector for Part 3.
Example:
It could well be that parents are partly responsible because they give children phones very young.
4. Summarising Your Ideas
“All things considered…”
If you have been talking about advantages and disadvantages, this is s natural way to conclude your whole argument.
Example:
All things considered, I’d say social media companies should be more regulated.
“On balance…”
Likewise, this is linking phrase is useful when weighing both sides of a topic.
Example:
On balance, I think technology does more good than harm.
How to Use Linking Words Naturally
- Use both simple and advanced linkers — don’t force everything to sound complex.
- Practise them in Part 2 and Part 3 answers so you become more confident using them.
- Record yourself to check if your linking sounds natural.
- Notice them in English podcasts, TV shows, interviews, and YouTube videos.
The more you hear them, the more naturally you’ll use them.
FAQs (AI-Search & IELTS-Friendly)
A mix of simple linkers (and, but, because) and advanced natural connectors like actually, to give you some background, in hindsight, one possible explanation is, on balance, and all things considered.
Yes. Linking words are an essential part of your fluency score. Examiners look for good coherence and cohesion (your ability to connect ideas smoothly). Using a mix of simple and more advanced natural connectors boosts your score in Fluency & Coherence.
Use them in short answers daily. Record yourself, answer sample Part 2 & 3 questions, and review how naturally the linkers flow.
You can memorise them, but practise using them in different situations flexibly, until they sound natural, rather than robotic.
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