English at Home

✦ IELTS Topic: Linking Words for Addition – 10 Useful Phrases

In addition
e.g., In addition to good grades, you also need strong communication skills.
Furthermore
e.g., Furthermore, the study revealed a connection between diet and memory.
Moreover
e.g., Moreover, these measures will benefit the environment.
As well as
e.g., She enjoys painting as well as photography.
Along with
e.g., Along with the report, you must submit a presentation.
Also
e.g., He is also applying for a scholarship.
Plus
e.g., It’s affordable, plus it comes with a warranty.
Not only… but also
e.g., The hotel was not only comfortable but also very affordable.
Coupled with
e.g., Coupled with high interest rates, inflation is making life expensive.
What’s more
e.g., The location is perfect, and what’s more, the rent is reasonable.

✦ Why These Words Are Important in IELTS

In both IELTS Writing and Speaking, linking words help you:

Make your ideas flow logically.
Connect sentences smoothly.
Add extra points without sounding repetitive.
Show a range of vocabulary and coherence (important for your Coherence & Cohesion score).

Without linking words, your ideas may sound disconnected, and your score could drop.

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Linking Words for Addition

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

Do you like reading books? (Add another reason why)
Do you enjoy cooking? (Add more information)
What kind of music do you like? (Add another style)
Do you think technology makes life better? (Add a second benefit)
Do you like travelling? (Add an extra place you want to visit)

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe something you enjoy doing in your free time.
You should say:

what it is
how often you do it
why you enjoy it
and add more information using at least three linking words for addition.

✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, I love reading novels. In addition, I read travel blogs to learn about new cultures.
2. Yes, I enjoy cooking, plus it helps me save money.
3. I listen to pop music, as well as jazz.
4. Yes, technology saves time. Moreover, it helps people connect easily.
5. Yes, I love travelling. What’s more, I’m planning to visit Italy next year.

Part 2 Sample Answer

One thing I enjoy in my free time is photography. I usually go out on weekends to capture nature. In addition, I like experimenting with editing software to improve my pictures. Furthermore, I share my photos on social media, which allows me to connect with other photography enthusiasts. Along with taking pictures, I also enjoy writing short descriptions to tell a story about each photo. This hobby is relaxing, and what’s more, it helps me see the world from a different perspective.

✦ Comprehension Test: Linking Words for Addition

1. "In addition to good grades, you also need strong communication skills."
Q: What else is needed besides good grades?

2. "Furthermore, the study revealed a connection between diet and memory."
Q: What did the study reveal?

3. "Moreover, these measures will benefit the environment."
Q: What is an extra advantage of the measures?

4. "She enjoys painting as well as photography."
Q: What two hobbies does she enjoy?

5. "Along with the report, you must submit a presentation."
Q: What must be submitted in addition to the report?

6. "He is also applying for a scholarship."
Q: What is he applying for besides something else he has done?

7. "It’s affordable, plus it comes with a warranty."
Q: What extra feature does it have?

8. "The hotel was not only comfortable but also very affordable."
Q: What two positive qualities did the hotel have?

9. "Coupled with high interest rates, inflation is making life expensive."
Q: What is making life expensive along with high interest rates?

10. "The location is perfect, and what’s more, the rent is reasonable."
Q: What extra advantage does the place have?

✦ Answer Key

Strong communication skills.
A connection between diet and memory.
Environmental benefits.
Painting and photography.
A presentation.
A scholarship.
A warranty.
Comfort and affordability.
Inflation.
Reasonable rent.