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

1. If
   e.g., If you study regularly, you will improve quickly.

2. Unless
   e.g., Unless you practise speaking, your fluency won’t improve.

3. Provided that
   e.g., You can join the course provided that you register before Friday.

4. As long as
   e.g., I’ll help you as long as you finish your part of the work.

5. Only if
   e.g., You’ll succeed only if you stay motivated.

6. In case
   e.g., Take an umbrella in case it rains.

7. On condition that
   e.g., The manager agreed on condition that we arrive on time.

8. Whether or not
   e.g., I’m going to the party whether or not it rains.

9. Supposing
   e.g., Supposing you moved abroad, how would your life change?

10. Even if
    e.g., I’ll go for a run even if it’s cold outside.

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✦ Why These Words Are Important in IELTS

• They allow you to discuss possibilities, conditions, and consequences, which is very common in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays (solutions, causes, effects).

• 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”).

• They boost your Coherence & Cohesion and Grammatical Range scores.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Linking Words for Condition

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Would you study abroad if you had the chance?

2. Would you exercise more if you had more free time?

3. Do you carry an umbrella in case of rain?

4. Would you change jobs as long as the salary was higher?

5. Do you think students will learn better if they use technology?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a situation where you had to make a decision depending on a condition.
You should say:

• what the situation was

• what the condition was

• what you decided
  and explain how the condition affected your choice.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1

1. Yes, I would study abroad if I had the chance.

2. I’d definitely exercise more unless I was too busy.

3. Yes, I usually take an umbrella in case it rains.

4. I’d change jobs as long as the salary and conditions were better.

5. Yes, students will improve provided that they use technology effectively.

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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.

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✦ 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?

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✦ Answer Key

1. You will improve quickly.

2. Fluency won’t improve.

3. Register for the course.

4. Finish your part of the work.

5. Staying motivated.

6. Because it might rain.

7. Arrive on time.

8. Still go to the party.

9. Imagine living abroad.

10. Go for a run.