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

1. Firstly
   e.g., Firstly, we need to agree on the main objectives.

2. Secondly
   e.g., Secondly, the team must allocate roles clearly.

3. Next
   e.g., Next, we should prepare the necessary documents.

4. Then
   e.g., We visited the museum, then went for lunch.

5. After that
   e.g., After that, we took a bus to the city centre.

6. Following this
   e.g., Following this, the company launched a new marketing campaign.

7. Subsequently
   e.g., The new rules were introduced; subsequently, complaints decreased.

8. Meanwhile
   e.g., I was cooking dinner; meanwhile, my friend set the table.

9. Finally
   e.g., Finally, we reached the top of the mountain and enjoyed the view.

10. In the end
    e.g., In the end, we decided to cancel the trip because of the rain.

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✦ Why These Words Are Important in IELTS

• They organise ideas logically, which boosts your Coherence & Cohesion score.

• They help guide the listener or reader through your argument, story, or explanation.

• They make your speech sound structured in Speaking Part 2 and make your Writing essays flow smoothly.

Without sequence words, your ideas can sound messy and harder to follow.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Linking Words for Sequence

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Tell me about your morning routine (use sequence words).

2. Describe how you travel to work/school.

3. How do you prepare for a holiday?

4. What steps do you take when cooking?

5. Can you explain a process you know well?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a process you recently followed (e.g., preparing a meal, completing a project).
You should say:

• what the process was

• what steps you took

• what the outcome was
  and use at least three sequence words.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1

1. Firstly, I wake up and make coffee. Next, I check my messages. Then, I take a shower and get ready for work. Finally, I leave the house at around 8am.

2. I take the bus to work. Firstly, I walk to the bus stop. After that, I wait for my bus. Then, I get off near the office.

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Part 2 Sample Answer
Last month, I helped organise a charity event. Firstly, we discussed the type of activities we wanted to include. Secondly, we booked the venue and contacted volunteers. Following this, we promoted the event on social media. Meanwhile, the catering team prepared the food. Finally, the event took place and it was a great success. In the end, we raised more money than expected.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Linking Words for Sequence

1. "Firstly, we need to agree on the main objectives."
Q: What is the first step?

2. "Secondly, the team must allocate roles clearly."
Q: What is the second step?

3. "Next, we should prepare the necessary documents."
Q: What happens after allocating roles?

4. "We visited the museum, then went for lunch."
Q: What did they do after the museum?

5. "After that, we took a bus to the city centre."
Q: What happened after visiting the museum?

6. "Following this, the company launched a new marketing campaign."
Q: What action was taken after the previous step?

7. "The new rules were introduced; subsequently, complaints decreased."
Q: What happened after the new rules were introduced?

8. "I was cooking dinner; meanwhile, my friend set the table."
Q: What was happening while the speaker was cooking?

9. "Finally, we reached the top of the mountain and enjoyed the view."
Q: What was the last step?

10. "In the end, we decided to cancel the trip because of the rain."
Q: What decision was made?

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✦ Answer Key

1. Agree on objectives.

2. Allocate roles.

3. Prepare documents.

4. Went for lunch.

5. Took a bus to the city centre.

6. Launched a marketing campaign.

7. Complaints decreased.

8. Friend set the table.

9. Reached the top and enjoyed the view.

10. Cancelled the trip.