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

1. Because
   e.g., I stayed home because it was raining heavily.

2. Since
   e.g., Since you’re here early, we can start the meeting now.

3. As
   e.g., I didn’t go out, as I was feeling tired.

4. Due to
   e.g., The match was cancelled due to heavy snow.

5. Owing to
   e.g., Owing to his illness, he missed the class.

6. Because of
   e.g., The flight was delayed because of strong winds.

7. For this reason
   e.g., She studied hard. For this reason, she passed the exam.

8. As a result of
   e.g., The river overflowed as a result of torrential rain.

9. So that
   e.g., I spoke slowly so that everyone could understand me.

10. So as to
    e.g., He whispered so as to not wake the baby.

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✦ Why These Words Are Important in IELTS

• They help you explain causes and effects, which is crucial in both Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.

• They improve Coherence & Cohesion by clearly linking ideas.

• They allow you to show variety in vocabulary and grammar, boosting your Band score.

Without them, your answers may sound flat or incomplete.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Linking Words for Reason

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Why do you study English?

2. Why do you enjoy your favourite hobby?

3. Why do people in your country like shopping?

4. Why do students use the internet?

5. Why do some people prefer cities over villages?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a decision you made for a specific reason.
You should say:

• what the decision was

• why you made it

• what the result was
  and use at least three linking words for reason.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1

1. I study English because it’s important for my career.

2. I love football since it helps me stay fit.

3. People shop a lot owing to the many modern malls available.

4. Students use the internet so that they can find information quickly.

5. Some prefer cities because of the job opportunities.

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Part 2 Sample Answer
One important decision I made was moving abroad to study. I chose this because I wanted international experience. As a result of this choice, I had to learn to be more independent. I also studied hard, so as to achieve good grades. For this reason, I now feel more confident about my future career.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Linking Words for Reason

1. "I stayed home because it was raining heavily."
Q: Why did the speaker stay home?

2. "Since you’re here early, we can start the meeting now."
Q: What allowed them to start the meeting?

3. "I didn’t go out, as I was feeling tired."
Q: Why didn’t the speaker go out?

4. "The match was cancelled due to heavy snow."
Q: What caused the cancellation?

5. "Owing to his illness, he missed the class."
Q: Why did he miss the class?

6. "The flight was delayed because of strong winds."
Q: Why was the flight delayed?

7. "She studied hard. For this reason, she passed the exam."
Q: Why did she pass the exam?

8. "The river overflowed as a result of torrential rain."
Q: What caused the river to overflow?

9. "I spoke slowly so that everyone could understand me."
Q: Why did the speaker speak slowly?

10. "He whispered so as to not wake the baby."
Q: Why did he whisper?

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✦ Answer Key

1. Because of heavy rain.

2. Arriving early.

3. Because he was tired.

4. Heavy snow.

5. His illness.

6. Strong winds.

7. Because she studied hard.

8. Torrential rain.

9. So everyone could understand.

10. To avoid waking the baby.