Learn Connectors for Speaking: Enhance Your IELTS Speaking Score

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In the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Speaking test, fluency and coherence account for 25% of your total band score. Using connectors effectively is key to excelling in these areas. These tools help structure your responses, allowing your ideas to flow logically and making it easier for the examiner to follow your speech.

In this blog, you'll understand why using effective connectors for speaking in the IELTS exam is essential and it will also provide practical examples of useful connectors for the IELTS speaking test.

Connectors for Speaking: Overview and Importance in IELTS

Connectors help provide structure and clarity to your spoken responses, making it easier for your listener (or examiner) to follow your train of thought. 

Without connectors, your speech may sound disjointed like this: "I like traveling. It’s fun. It’s also educational. I learn new things. I enjoy meeting new people." Notice how the ideas are abrupt and lack smooth transitions. 

Also, your ideas could appear random or incomplete, which can negatively impact your IELTS speaking band scores. Effective use of connectors for speaking not only helps achieve this but also demonstrates your communication skills.

To visualize this, here's an overview table illustrating how connectors enhance the structure of a spoken response:

Function	Connector Examples	Impact on IELTS Speaking
Adding Information	"Furthermore," "Moreover," "In addition"	Helps extend ideas and demonstrate depth.
Contrast	"On the other hand," "However," "Whereas"	Shows your ability to discuss different perspectives.
Cause and Effect	"Because," "Therefore," "As a result"	Demonstrates clarity in reasoning and explanation.
Example	"For instance," "Such as," "In particular"	Strengthens your argument by giving concrete examples.
Summarizing	"In conclusion," "To summarize"	Provides closure and ensures clarity.

By learning these connectors, you will significantly improve the fluency and coherence of your responses, making a stronger impression on the examiner.

Let’s get into the types of connectors that come in speaking.

Types of Connectors in IELTS Speaking

There are five key types of connectors in the IELTS Speaking test: Addition, Contrast, Cause and Effect, Sequence, and Example. Each type helps structure your speech clearly. Knowing when and how to use them is vital, as misusing connectors can disrupt your flow, while learning them ensures your ideas are coherent and well-organized.

Here's a breakdown of the most important ones you should be familiar with for the IELTS speaking test:

1. Additive Connectors

These connectors are used to add more information or ideas to what you’ve already mentioned. They are essential for elaborating on your argument or expanding your response, allowing you to present additional points seamlessly.

Examples:

• "Furthermore"
• "In addition"
• "Moreover"
• "Also"
• "Besides"
• "What's more"
• "As well as"
• "Not only... but also"

Example in Use:

•  “I enjoy reading novels. Furthermore, I find that they help improve my vocabulary and writing skills.”
•  “Traveling can be expensive. In addition, it requires a lot of time and planning.”
•  “I love learning languages. Also, it opens up new cultural experiences.”

2. Contrast Connectors

Contrast connectors help present opposing or differing ideas. They are crucial for discussing two sides of an argument or comparing different perspectives. Using them effectively shows your ability to discuss different perspectives and weigh evidence, which is a valuable skill for IELTS.

Examples:

• "However"
• "On the other hand"
• "In contrast"
• "Nevertheless"
• "But"
• "Although"
• "Whereas"
• "Yet"

Example in Use:

•  “I like coffee because it helps me stay alert. On the other hand, I know it can be harmful if consumed too much.”
•  “I love visiting the beach. However, I prefer hiking in the mountains when I want some quiet time.”
•  “India is known for its rich history. In contrast, China’s culture is more focused on modern technology.”

3. Cause and Effect Connectors

These connectors are important when explaining why something happens or what the result is. They allow you to clearly link causes and consequences, which is a common requirement in IELTS responses.

Examples:

• "Because"
• "Therefore"
• "As a result"
• "Due to"
• "Consequently"
• "Thus"
• "For this reason"
• "Owing to"

Example in Use:

•  “I didn’t study enough for the exam; therefore, I didn’t do well.”
•  “The weather was really bad, as a result, the event was postponed.”
•  “I missed the bus because I woke up late.”

4. Example Connectors

These connectors are essential when you need to clarify or provide specific examples to support your points. They make your argument more tangible and relatable, helping to illustrate your ideas with concrete instances.

Examples:

• "For instance"
• "Such as"
• "In particular"
• "Like"
• "Namely"
• "To give an example"
• "As an illustration"
• "Including"

Example in Use:

•  “There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in India, for instance, trekking in the Himalayas and visiting national parks.”
•  “Many countries have incredible cuisines, such as Italy with its pasta and pizza, and Mexico with its tacos.”
•  “In particular, I enjoy reading historical fiction novels because they give a deep insight into past events.”

5. Summary and Conclusion Connectors

These connectors are used when wrapping up a discussion or summarizing your main points. They signal to the examiner that you are concluding your answer, helping you leave a strong, clear impression.

Examples:

• "In conclusion"
• "To summarize"
• "In short"
• "All in all"
• "To conclude"
• "Overall"
• "In brief"
• "To sum up"

Example in Use:

•  “In conclusion, while technology has many benefits, it also brings challenges that need to be addressed.”
•  “To summarize, both the environment and economy need to be considered when making decisions about development.”
•  “All in all, learning English is essential for global communication and opens up many opportunities.”

Maximize your IELTS speaking performance with upGrad's free IELTS preparation course. Gain targeted lessons, expert feedback, and practical strategies to excel in all sections, including self-introductions, speaking tasks, and more!

Next, let’s take a closer look at how to use these connectors effectively in your responses.

Also Read: IELTS Preparation Online - The Best Solution

Useful Connectors for the IELTS Speaking Test

While connectors for speaking may seem like minor details, they play a crucial role in the IELTS speaking format, ensuring your speech flows logically and transitions smoothly between ideas. Using them correctly will help you sound more fluent and cohesive, which is one of the primary criteria examined by examiners.

Let's categorize useful connectors for the IELTS speaking test, with specific examples, and learn how to incorporate them effectively in your responses.

1. Addition Connectors: Expanding Your Thoughts Seamlessly

In IELTS Speaking, additional connectors help you elaborate on ideas, add new information, or offer further explanations. These connectors are essential to extend your response and show the examiner that you can develop your ideas beyond a basic answer. 

They signal that you have more to say on speaking topics and allow you to add complexity to your speech.

Examples of Addition Connectors & How to Use Them:

1.  "Moreover"
 “I love hiking in the mountains. Moreover, I find it’s a great way to clear my mind and relieve stress.”

This connector allows you to build upon your initial thought by adding another reason or point.

2. "In addition"
 “Studying English at a university can improve your career prospects. In addition, it helps you understand other cultures better.”

Here, you can provide extra information that supports your main idea, enriching the depth of your response.

3. "Besides"
 “I like reading in my free time. Besides, I also enjoy learning new languages.”

Using "besides" allows you to introduce a new piece of information in your IELTS speaking introduction without repeating yourself.

4. "Also"
“She plays the piano very well. Also, she’s a great singer.”

 "Also" connects two talents of the person you're talking about, making your description more complete.

5. "What's more"
“The new movie was excellent. What’s more, the soundtrack was amazing.”

This connector is used to emphasize a point, adding more weight to your original statement.

2. Contrast Connectors: Balancing Different Perspectives

Contrast connectors for speaking are useful for showing differences between ideas, situations, or perspectives. These are essential when you want to compare opposing viewpoints or demonstrate an alternative option. 

Using this gives your speech more depth, as it shows you can acknowledge differing opinions or facts while still making a clear point.

Examples of Contrast Connectors & How to Use Them:

1. "However"
 “I enjoy living in the city due to the convenience. However, the noise can be overwhelming sometimes.”

"However" introduces a contrasting idea, demonstrating that you can discuss both sides of an argument or opinion.

2. "On the other hand"
 “The countryside is peaceful and serene. On the other hand, it lacks the amenities that city life offers.”

This is a great way to balance two differing ideas, giving the examiner a clear view of your ability to evaluate contrasting perspectives.

3. "In contrast"
 “India is famous for its rich history and culture. In contrast, countries like the USA are more focused on technological innovation.”

"In contrast" helps you highlight clear differences, which is useful for situations where you’re comparing two distinct ideas or topics.

4. "Yet"
“I love hiking in the mountains. Yet, I avoid it in the winter due to the snow and cold.”

 "Yet" contrasts your enjoyment of hiking with the challenge posed by winter conditions, showing both sides of the situation.

5. "Nevertheless"
“The exam was difficult. Nevertheless, I managed to pass it with a good score.”

 "Nevertheless" introduces a surprising outcome, emphasizing your success despite the challenge.

3. Cause and Effect Connectors: Linking Reasons and Results

Understanding cause and effect is vital in IELTS Speaking, especially when explaining why something happened or the consequences. These connectors help you establish clear relationships between actions and outcomes, an excellent way to demonstrate logical thinking. 

It shows the examiner that you can reason out your points, making your answers more persuasive and coherent.

Examples of Cause & Effect Connectors & How to Use Them:

1. "Because"
 “I studied abroad in the UK because I wanted to experience a different culture and improve my English.”

"Because" is a straightforward connector that introduces the reason for an action, providing clarity for the listener.

2. "Therefore"
 “I didn’t practice enough for the exam. Therefore, I didn’t perform as well as I had hoped.”

"Therefore" signals that what follows is a consequence or result, linking cause to effect in a clear, concise way.

3. "As a result"
 “It rained all night. As a result, the streets were flooded the next morning.”

This connector emphasizes the outcome of an event, which is useful for describing cause-and-effect relationships in daily life or specific scenarios.

4. "Consequently"
“She missed the bus. Consequently, she was late for the meeting.”

 "Consequently" shows that missing the bus led directly to being late, linking the cause to the outcome.

5. "Thus"
“The company launched a new product. Thus, their sales have increased significantly.”

 "Thus" is used to indicate the result of the company’s action, demonstrating the outcome of their decision.

4. Sequence Connectors: Structuring Your Ideas in a Clear Order

Sequence connectors help you lay out your ideas in a logical order. Whether you’re narrating a story, explaining a process, or listing steps, using correct vocabulary is critical for organizing your speech and guiding the listener through your thoughts. 

Properly using sequence connectors shows the examiner that you can speak in a structured, organized way.

Examples of Sequence Connectors & How to Use Them:

1. "Firstly"
 “Firstly, I think it’s important to understand the benefits of exercise for both physical and mental health.”

"Firstly" is a great way to introduce the first point in your response, giving the listener a clear starting point.

2. "Next"
 “Next, I’ll discuss how technology has revolutionized communication.”

Using "next" signals a transition to the following idea or step, keeping your answer well-paced and organized.

3. "Finally"
 “Finally, I’d like to talk about the long-term effects of climate change on agriculture.”

"Finally" helps you conclude your speech in a clear and concise manner, providing a neat finish to your answer.

4. "Then"
“You start by washing your hands. Then, you prepare the ingredients.”

"Then" is used to show the next step in a sequence, making it easy for the examiner to follow.

5. "Afterwards"
“We visited the museum. Afterwards, we had lunch in the nearby cafe.”

 "Afterwards" helps transition between events in a chronological order, keeping the flow clear.

5. Comparison Connectors: Drawing Parallels and Making Connections

When comparing two ideas, things, or situations, comparison connectors help you highlight similarities. These connectors demonstrate your ability to make connections between different concepts, which is especially useful when discussing two contrasting viewpoints or similarities.

Examples of Comparison Connectors & How to Use Them:

1. "Similarly"
 “Reading books is a great way to relax. Similarly, listening to music can also have a calming effect.”

"Similarly" draws a parallel between two related ideas, showing that you understand the relationship between them.

2. "In the same way"
 “I love spending time outdoors, in the same way I enjoy practicing yoga at home.”

This connector is perfect for explaining how two things share common characteristics or benefits.

3. "Like"
“She enjoys playing tennis, like her father.”

 "Like" compares two people with a shared interest, making the connection clear and relatable.

4. "Just as"
“Just as I prefer traveling to new places, my brother enjoys exploring new cities.”

 "Just as" draws a direct comparison between two individuals’ preferences, showing they are alike in some way.

5. "Equally"
“Both countries have rich histories, and equally, they offer unique travel experiences.”

 "Equally" helps emphasize that two things hold the same value or significance.

6. Example Connectors: Clarifying and Supporting Your Points

To make your ideas more concrete and relatable, example connectors are essential. They allow you to provide specific examples to support your points, making your responses more persuasive and credible. 

Using examples gives the examiner a clearer understanding of your point of view.

Different “Example” Connectors & How to Use Them:

1. "For example"
 “There are many ways to improve your English. For example, you can watch English movies or read books.”

"For example" helps introduce a concrete instance that supports your argument.

2. "Such as"
 “India has a rich cultural heritage, such as the traditions of Diwali and Holi.”

"Such as" allows you to offer specific examples to clarify your general statements.

3. "In particular"
“I enjoy reading historical fiction novels, in particular those set in ancient civilizations.”

 "In particular" is used to emphasize a specific interest within a broader category.

4. "Like"
“There are many popular tourist destinations in Europe, like Paris and Rome.”

 "Like" introduces specific examples that clarify the general statement about tourist destinations.

5. "As an illustration"
“Many technologies have changed our lives. As an illustration, smartphones have made communication much easier.”

 "As an illustration" helps introduce a concrete example that supports the broader point about technology.

Learning these useful connectors for the IELTS speaking test will not only improve your responses but also give you the confidence to express your ideas more clearly and logically. 

Also Read: 50+ Essential Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Improve Fluency

Now that you’re familiar with the common connectors for speaking and how they function, let’s learn how to use them effectively during the test.

How to Use Connectors for Speaking Test Effectively in IELTS?

More than 3 million IELTS exams are taken annually, and the IELTS speaking test is a very impactful part of it to figure out.

While connectors enhance the clarity and fluency of your responses, using them effectively demonstrates your ability to organize ideas clearly, a key factor in achieving a higher score.

Here are some tips & advice on how to use connectors effectively:

• Integrate Connectors Naturally:
  Don't force connectors into your response. They should feel like a natural part of your speech, helping to clarify your ideas without disrupting the flow. Practice with popular IELTS speaking topics and consciously incorporate connectors as part of your response.
• Balance Is Key:
  While connectors for speaking are important, you shouldn’t overuse them. Using too many connectors, especially in quick succession, can make your speech sound stiff and unnatural. Instead, aim for a balanced use where connectors help, but don’t dominate the conversation.
• Avoid Repetitive Connectors:
  Relying too much on one connector can make your speech repetitive and predictable. Instead, try to vary your connectors. For example, using "however" in every contrast situation might sound monotonous. Switch it up with "on the other hand" or "in contrast" to keep your speech dynamic.
• Match Connectors to the Context:
  Knowing when and where to use specific connectors is crucial. For instance, "however" is great for showing contrast or an exception, while "moreover" is ideal for adding supporting details. 

Understanding the function of each connector and matching it to the situation will help ensure your speech sounds coherent and appropriate.

Now, let’s put this knowledge into practice and answer some questions.

Practice Exercises & Sample Answers to Improve Connector Usage

Once you're familiar with the types of connectors, the next step is to practice using them in real IELTS Speaking scenarios. The best way to excel in this is through consistent practice with vocabulary, top phrases, and more. 

Candidates focusing on fluency and coherence, key areas where connectors are vital, are likely to score above a Band 7.

Here are a few exercises and sample answers to help you get started:

Exercise 1: Adding Details and Expanding on Ideas
Try answering the following question, making sure to use at least three different additional connectors.

Question: What are the advantages of learning English?

Sample Answer:
"Learning English has many advantages. Firstly, it opens doors to better job opportunities, as many global companies require employees to speak English. Moreover, it helps you connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds, making travel and socializing easier. In addition, English is the language of science, technology, and business, so it’s an essential tool for anyone pursuing higher education or a career in these fields.”

Exercise 2: Showing Contrast and Balancing Opinions
Now, try to answer this question using at least two contrast connectors.

Question: Do you prefer studying alone or in groups? Why?

Sample Answer:
“I prefer studying alone because it allows me to focus better and work at my own pace. However, I understand the benefits of studying in groups, as it can lead to the exchange of ideas and help clarify concepts. On the other hand, group study sessions can sometimes be distracting if members are not focused on the task at hand.”

Exercise 3: Cause and Effect Relationships
Answer the following question, making sure to use connectors like "because," "therefore," and "as a result."

Question: Why is exercise important?

Sample Answer:
“Exercise is essential for maintaining good health because it helps to strengthen the heart and muscles. Therefore, people who exercise regularly are less likely to develop chronic conditions like heart disease. As a result, they tend to live longer, healthier lives.”

Exercise 4: Giving Examples to Support Your Ideas
Answer the following question using connectors like "for example" or "such as" to provide specific examples that support your argument.

Question: What are the benefits of reading books?

Sample Answer:
“Reading books has numerous benefits. For example, it can improve your vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. Such as when I read novels in English, I notice that I begin to understand more complex words and phrases. In addition, reading books allows you to expand your knowledge on various topics, from history to science.”

Exercise 5: Using Sequence Connectors to Organize Your Thoughts
Answer this question, using connectors like "firstly," "next," and "finally" to organize your response step by step.

Question: Can you describe your typical day?

Sample Answer:
“Firstly, I wake up early and start my day with some exercise, either a jog or yoga. Next, I have breakfast and prepare for work or study. Finally, in the evening, I relax by watching a movie or reading a book before going to bed.”

There you go! The more you practice, the more fluent and confident you'll feel using connectors for speaking in the IELTS.

Also Read: Cue Card Topics With Answers for IELTS: Your Ultimate Guide to Ace Your Speaking Test

Next, let’s take a look at some common mistakes that you can make when using connectors for speaking and how to avoid them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Connectors in Speaking

While connectors are a powerful tool for improving your fluency and coherence in the IELTS Speaking test, there are some common mistakes that many candidates make when using them. 

Understanding the right preparation techniques and avoiding these mistakes will help ensure that your speech remains natural, clear, and organized.

Here are some mistakes to watch out for while using connectors for speaking:

• Overusing Certain Connectors:
  One of the most common errors is relying too heavily on a single connector. Repeatedly using connectors like “however” or “in addition” can make your speech sound robotic and mechanical. 

Tip to Avoid It: Use a variety of connectors to avoid repetition. Keep a list of alternatives (e.g., "on the other hand," "furthermore," "in contrast") to switch things up and add variety to your responses.

• Using Connectors That Don’t Fit the Context:
  Another common mistake is using connectors that don’t match the situation. For instance, using “in addition” when you're trying to contrast two ideas (like when discussing opposing views) can confuse your audience. 

Tip to Avoid It: Before using a connector, pause and ask yourself if it fits the context of your point. Practice with sample questions to develop a feel for which connectors suit various situations.

• Not Pausing Between Connectors:
  Connectors are meant to link ideas smoothly, but if you don’t pause properly between them, your speech can sound rushed or disjointed. 

Tip to Avoid It: Practice speaking slowly and deliberately. When using connectors, pause briefly to allow your ideas to settle before moving to the next point, making your speech sound more natural and organized.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can make sure that your speech flows naturally and logically, improving your overall fluency and coherence.

With these pitfalls in mind, it’s time to focus on strategies to help you achieve a Band 7 or higher.

IELTS Speaking Tips to Score Band 7 and Above Using Connectors

To achieve a Band 7 or higher in IELTS Speaking, you must demonstrate not only a strong command of vocabulary and grammar but also the ability to speak fluently and cohesively. 

While connectors for speaking are essential, simply knowing which ones to use isn't enough. You need to focus on integrating them seamlessly into your speech.

Here are the key tips to aim for high IELTS band scores:

1. Focus on Fluency:
The key to fluency is practicing speaking naturally. Use connectors where appropriate, but don't overthink their use. 

• Speaking fluidly means not getting stuck on finding the perfect connector but continuing the flow of ideas. 
• Regular practice will help you become more comfortable using connectors as part of a natural conversation.

2. Mix Connectors with Varied Sentence Structures:
To make your responses dynamic, avoid using the same sentence structures repeatedly. Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences with connectors to show your grammatical range. 

• For example, you could use a connector like “however” to link a compound sentence, or “because” to explain a cause-and-effect relationship in a complex sentence. This variety will impress the examiner.

3. Avoid Excessive Fillers:
Using excessive fillers like “uh” or “like” can make your speech sound unpolished and hesitant. 

• Instead, focus on speaking clearly and structuring your thoughts before you speak. If you need time to think, use brief pauses or simple connectors like “let me think” or “that’s a good question” to organize your thoughts.

4. Practice Common IELTS Speaking Topics:
One of the best ways to get comfortable using connectors is to practice answering common IELTS Speaking questions. 

• Try practicing with various popular topics, like describing a beautiful city, talking about a person, or explaining an opinion, so that you can use connectors in different contexts.
• The more you practice, the more naturally the connectors will come to you, and the smoother your responses will be.

5. Utilize IELTS Speaking Resources:
Use credible IELTS resources such as official IELTS practice tests, band descriptors, and sample speaking answers from sources like the British Council.

• upGrad provides customized IELTS free courses, relevant e-books, and sample papers, such as:
  • IELTS Connectors (Free PDF)
  • IELTS Academic Word List
  • IELTS Linking Words Guide
  • Common IELTS Speaking Topics
• Practice with mock speaking tests and expert feedback to refine your approach and ensure you're using connectors appropriately.

By incorporating these strategies into your practice, you’ll not only improve your use of connectors but also develop a more natural, confident speaking style.

How Can upGrad Help You Learn Connectors for Speaking in IELTS?

Learning useful connectors for the IELTS speaking test is essential to improving your score, particularly for fluency and coherence. Connectors help structure your ideas, making your speech clear and organized. 

Practicing their natural use in various contexts can improve your responses and achieve a higher band score. The tips, exercises, and resources shared here will guide you in integrating connectors for speaking smoothly into your speech, uplifting your confidence.

If you need personalized strategies to take your IELTS prep further, upGrad's career counseling can help you refine your approach. Book a 1:1 session today for expert guidance and a customized study plan!