December 24, 2024
It’s vital to use transition phrases on IELTS Speaking and Writing.
This is necessary in order to score 7 or higher on Cohesion/Coherence scores.
Today you’ll learn high-scoring words and phrases to link ideas.
These are specific for sharing what happened before something else.
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#2: Prior to
This phrase is more formal and introduces a subordinate clause.
If you are asked in Part 3 about recycling, you could say the following:
Prior to the advent of recycling, city dwellers threw everything away and landfills were surely overflowing. Now, a lot of that is sorted and sent to recycling centers.
This phrase will be extremely useful in IELTS essays as well.
#3: Previously
This can be used as an adverb and can also introduce independent clauses.
If you are asked about how you shop for groceries in Part 1 you could share how you used to do it.
These days I buy my groceries online, with an app. I previously had always gone to the store, but I’m too busy to do that now.
This could also be useful in Speaking Part 3.
The following sample answer would be excellent if you’re asked if people in your country read a lot.
I wouldn’t say that people in my country read a lot, no, unfortunately. Previously, before the internet and such, people read more novels, self-help books, what have you, but sadly I wouldn’t characterize my society as voracious lovers of literature.
These phrases are a great way to compare the past to now.
How to learn more linking phrases
Here on the IELTS Energy podcast, we’ve recorded many episodes about linking phrases.
They each have meaning and must be used in the correct context.
For example, check out IELTS Energy 1393: Furthermore, You Need Formal Linking Phrases.
This episode shares linking phrases for sharing additional information.
Takeaway
You need transition phrases on the IELTS exam!
These are vital for both IELTS Speaking and Writing.
Today’s phrases are perfect for comparing the past to now.
They can be used anytime you’re sharing what it was like before the current situation.
For every linking phrase you need on IELTS, sign up for our online IELTS course!
What questions do you have from today’s episode?
Please leave a comment below.