✦ IELTS Topic: Linking Words for Condition – 10 Useful Phrases
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If
e.g., If you study regularly, you will improve quickly. -
Unless
e.g., Unless you practise speaking, your fluency won’t improve. -
Provided that
e.g., You can join the course provided that you register before Friday. -
As long as
e.g., I’ll help you as long as you finish your part of the work. -
Only if
e.g., You’ll succeed only if you stay motivated. -
In case
e.g., Take an umbrella in case it rains. -
On condition that
e.g., The manager agreed on condition that we arrive on time. -
Whether or not
e.g., I’m going to the party whether or not it rains. -
Supposing
e.g., Supposing you moved abroad, how would your life change? -
Even if
e.g., I’ll go for a run even if it’s cold outside.
✦ Why These Words Are Important in IELTS
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They allow you to discuss possibilities, conditions, and consequences, which is very common in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays (solutions, causes, effects).
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In Speaking Part 3, they make your answers more complex and natural (e.g., “Even if people are busy, they should make time for exercise”).
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They boost your Coherence & Cohesion and Grammatical Range scores.
✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Linking Words for Condition
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
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Would you study abroad if you had the chance?
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Would you exercise more if you had more free time?
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Do you carry an umbrella in case of rain?
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Would you change jobs as long as the salary was higher?
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Do you think students will learn better if they use technology?
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a situation where you had to make a decision depending on a condition.
You should say:
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what the situation was
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what the condition was
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what you decided
and explain how the condition affected your choice.
✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases
Part 1
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Yes, I would study abroad if I had the chance.
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I’d definitely exercise more unless I was too busy.
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Yes, I usually take an umbrella in case it rains.
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I’d change jobs as long as the salary and conditions were better.
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Yes, students will improve provided that they use technology effectively.
Part 2 Sample Answer
A few years ago, I wanted to buy a new laptop. I decided to get one only if I could find a good discount. In case I didn’t, I planned to wait until the sales. Supposing I found a cheaper option, I was ready to buy it immediately. In the end, I bought it during a special promotion, which was a good decision.
✦ Comprehension Test: Linking Words for Condition
1. "If you study regularly, you will improve quickly."
Q: What will happen if you study regularly?
2. "Unless you practise speaking, your fluency won’t improve."
Q: What happens without practice?
3. "You can join the course provided that you register before Friday."
Q: What must you do before Friday?
4. "I’ll help you as long as you finish your part of the work."
Q: What condition must be met for help?
5. "You’ll succeed only if you stay motivated."
Q: What is required for success?
6. "Take an umbrella in case it rains."
Q: Why should you take an umbrella?
7. "The manager agreed on condition that we arrive on time."
Q: What condition did the manager set?
8. "I’m going to the party whether or not it rains."
Q: What will the speaker do even if it rains?
9. "Supposing you moved abroad, how would your life change?"
Q: What is the speaker asking you to imagine?
10. "I’ll go for a run even if it’s cold outside."
Q: What will the speaker do despite the cold?
✦ Answer Key
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You will improve quickly.
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Fluency won’t improve.
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Register for the course.
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Finish your part of the work.
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Staying motivated.
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Because it might rain.
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Arrive on time.
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Still go to the party.
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Imagine living abroad.
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Go for a run.







