Linking words for IETLS speaking

We need natural linking words for normal conversations. Using these words correctly will make your English sound natural for we learn English to become an English speaker. We need to practice a lot to become fluent.

In IETLS speaking test, these linking words act as glue to keep your ideas together coherently. We also call these words as connectors or cohesive devices.

Mind you that written linking words are different from spoken connectors. For example nevertheless, furthermore, in addition are common written connectors. They are rarely used in spoken English.

Firstly = To kick off, First off, From the outset, At the outset

It is a good idea to eat healthy food?

Yes it is, firstly, it helps us feel better, and it can also help us live longer.

Yes I’d say so. To kick off, a healthy diet helps us feel better and live longer.

First off, I’m inclined to agree, but it depends on the situation. ( I’m inclined to agree = I tend to agree, I more or less agree).

From the outset, I’d say yes it is, but eating healthy food all the time can also be a tall order sometimes (to be a tall order = to be difficult).

Also = on top of that, what’s more

What are the benefits of eating healthy food?

On the one hand, you feel better, and also you can live longer.

Well, obviously, you feel better. On top of that, you have more energy to spend time with family and friends.

Well, obviously, you feel better, and come to think of it, it’s a great way to lose weight.

But = mind you, but at the same time, that said.

Do you eat healthy food?

Yes I do, but I must admit, I don’t eat healthy food everyday. (I must admit = to be honest, must confess)

Yes I do, mind you, it’s not always that easy, so I don’t manage to 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. (a real struggle = a difficult)

To be honest = quite honestly, to be totally up front

Do you sometimes eat fast food?

To be honest, I don’t like fast food very much, though I might eat it with friends once in a while.

Quite honestly, I’m not particularly fond of 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.

In summary = in a nutshell, overall, basically

Do you sometimes eat fast food?

I might if I’m with friends, but not if I’am alone. Overall, I don’t like fast food that much.

I might if I’m with friends, but not if I’am alone. In a nutshell, I don’t like fast food that much.

I might if I’m with friends, but not if I’am alone. Basically, I don’t like fast food that much.

Pay attention, we need to know how and when to use these linking words. The best method to use these word naturally is practice as frequent as possible after listening how native speakers use them in various contexts.