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

1. For example
   e.g., Many people enjoy outdoor activities; for example, hiking and cycling are popular.

2. For instance
   e.g., Some countries, for instance, Japan, have very efficient public transport.

3. Such as
   e.g., I enjoy sports such as tennis and badminton.

4. Like (informal in speaking)
   e.g., I love sweet desserts like chocolate cake and ice cream.

5. Namely
   e.g., Three students, namely Sarah, Alex, and Priya, won the award.

6. In particular
   e.g., I enjoy reading; in particular, historical novels.

7. To illustrate
   e.g., To illustrate the problem, the speaker showed photos of the flooded area.

8. As an illustration
   e.g., As an illustration, the teacher shared a story from her own life.

9. Especially
   e.g., I like music, especially jazz and blues.

10. Including
    e.g., The museum has many famous works, including pieces by Picasso.

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✦ Why These Words Are Important in IELTS

Giving examples makes your answers richer, more specific, and more convincing.

• In Speaking, they help you explain your ideas clearly.

• In Writing Task 2, examples show evidence and strengthen arguments.

• They improve Coherence & Cohesion, which is essential for a higher band score.

Without examples, your answers might sound too general or abstract.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Linking Words for Examples

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. What hobbies do you have? (Give examples)

2. What kinds of food do you like? (Give examples)

3. Do you like sports? (Give examples)

4. What types of movies do you watch? (Give examples)

5. What do you do in your free time? (Give examples)

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe an activity you enjoy doing. Give examples of why you enjoy it.
You should say:

• what the activity is

• how often you do it

• why you like it
  and give examples to support your answer.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1

1. I enjoy outdoor sports, such as hiking and cycling.

2. I love Italian food, for example, pasta and pizza.

3. Yes, I like many sports, especially badminton.

4. I prefer action movies, like the Marvel series.

5. I spend my free time reading; in particular, historical novels.

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Part 2 Sample Answer
One activity I enjoy is photography. I go out most weekends to take pictures of nature. For example, I often visit the local park to photograph flowers and birds. In particular, I enjoy capturing early morning light, which gives photos a warm tone. Including photography in my routine helps me relax and be creative. To illustrate the benefits, last month I won a small local competition for one of my pictures.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Linking Words for Examples

1. "For example, hiking and cycling are popular."
Q: What activities are popular?

2. "Some countries, for instance, Japan, have very efficient public transport."
Q: Which country is mentioned?

3. "I enjoy sports such as tennis and badminton."
Q: What sports are given as examples?

4. "I love sweet desserts like chocolate cake and ice cream."
Q: What desserts are mentioned?

5. "Three students, namely Sarah, Alex, and Priya, won the award."
Q: Who won the award?

6. "I enjoy reading; in particular, historical novels."
Q: What type of novels is mentioned?

7. "To illustrate the problem, the speaker showed photos of the flooded area."
Q: What did the speaker show?

8. "As an illustration, the teacher shared a story from her own life."
Q: What did the teacher share?

9. "I like music, especially jazz and blues."
Q: Which types of music are mentioned?

10. "The museum has many famous works, including pieces by Picasso."
Q: Which artist’s work is mentioned?