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

1. However
   e.g., The plan was well organised; however, it failed to meet the deadline.

2. Although
   e.g., Although it was raining, we decided to go hiking.

3. Even though
   e.g., Even though he was tired, he finished his homework.

4. Despite
   e.g., Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.

5. In spite of
   e.g., In spite of her fear of heights, she went bungee jumping.

6. Whereas
   e.g., I prefer tea, whereas my sister likes coffee.

7. While
   e.g., While the hotel was expensive, it offered excellent service.

8. On the other hand
   e.g., City life is exciting; on the other hand, it can be stressful.

9. Nevertheless
   e.g., The task was difficult; nevertheless, they managed to complete it.

10. Even so
    e.g., The weather was cold; even so, we enjoyed our picnic.

---

✦ Why These Words Are Important in IELTS

• They help you compare and contrast ideas, which is vital for Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.

• They show the examiner that you can use complex sentence structures and connect ideas logically.

• They improve your Coherence & Cohesion score by linking opposing points smoothly.

Without them, your answers might sound one-sided or incomplete.

---

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Linking Words for Contrast

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Do you prefer summer or winter? (Give a contrasting point)

2. Do you like living in the city or the countryside? (Give both sides)

3. Do you prefer reading books or watching films? (Contrast your opinions)

4. Do you like travelling alone or with friends? (Give pros and cons)

5. Do you prefer mornings or evenings? (Contrast your habits)

---

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a situation where you had to choose between two options.
You should say:

• what the options were

• what you chose

• why you chose it
  and give contrasting points using at least three linking words for contrast.

---

✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1

1. I prefer summer for the sunshine; however, winter is better for skiing.

2. City life is convenient; on the other hand, the countryside is more peaceful.

3. I enjoy reading; although films are more visual, books let me imagine more.

4. Travelling with friends is fun; despite this, solo trips give me more freedom.

5. I like mornings for productivity; whereas evenings are better for relaxing.

---

Part 2 Sample Answer
Last year, I had to choose between taking a job abroad or staying in my home country. Although working overseas sounded exciting, I worried about being far from family. On the other hand, the salary abroad was much higher. Nevertheless, I decided to stay, as I valued my current lifestyle and friendships.

---

✦ Comprehension Test: Linking Words for Contrast

1. "The plan was well organised; however, it failed to meet the deadline."
Q: What happened despite good organisation?

2. "Although it was raining, we decided to go hiking."
Q: What activity did they do despite the weather?

3. "Even though he was tired, he finished his homework."
Q: What did he do despite being tired?

4. "Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived on time."
Q: What happened despite traffic?

5. "In spite of her fear of heights, she went bungee jumping."
Q: What did she do despite being afraid?

6. "I prefer tea, whereas my sister likes coffee."
Q: Who likes coffee?

7. "While the hotel was expensive, it offered excellent service."
Q: What was good about the expensive hotel?

8. "City life is exciting; on the other hand, it can be stressful."
Q: What is the negative side of city life?

9. "The task was difficult; nevertheless, they managed to complete it."
Q: What happened despite difficulty?

10. "The weather was cold; even so, we enjoyed our picnic."
Q: What did they enjoy despite the cold?

---

✦ Answer Key

1. It failed to meet the deadline.

2. Went hiking.

3. Finished homework.

4. Arrived on time.

5. Went bungee jumping.

6. The sister.

7. Excellent service.

8. It can be stressful.

9. They completed it.

10. The picnic.