Why are connectors, or linking words Important?
In IELTS, there are lots of ways to go wrong! Using very short sentences in speaking or writing can fail to convey the meaning accurately, while long and complex sentences can leave your reader or listener confused, and you may end up with a poor band score. So how do we frame sentences to score Band 7 and above?
John went to the supermarket.
After this, I cooked us spaghetti with cheese
Linking words, also known as discourse markers, connecting words, or transition words, are particular words and phrases you can use to connect your ideas and sentences while writing or speaking. You can use linking words for giving examples, adding information, summarising, giving a reason, and contrasting ideas. Linkers can also help candidates put forth their opinion comprehensively and display a greater knowledge and variety of vocabulary.
Avoid overuse – This is perhaps 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 accurately – As already mentioned, there are hundreds of options to choose from. Therefore, you must connect your ideas using the right words or phrases.
Have variety – 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. The more you highlight practice and test, the better you will get at using connecting words.
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.
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