✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Linking Words for Time

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. What’s the first thing you do in the morning?

2. What did you do after school yesterday?

3. Do you usually do several things at the same time?

4. What do you usually do before going to bed?

5. Do you often plan your day step by step?

---

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a day you remember well.
You should say:

• what happened

• when it happened

• what you did
  and describe the events in order using at least three linking words for time.

---

✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1

1. At first, I drink water, and then I make coffee.

2. I did my homework, and afterwards, I watched TV.

3. Yes, sometimes I study and listen to music at the same time.

4. I usually read a book before sleeping; eventually, I fall asleep.

5. Yes, I often use a diary to plan. Initially, I write my tasks, and finally, I check them off.

---

Part 2 Sample Answer
One day I remember well was my first day at university. At first, I felt very nervous walking into the campus. Then, I met some classmates, which made me feel more relaxed. Meanwhile, other students were exploring the library and clubs. Afterwards, we all attended the welcome lecture. Eventually, I felt much more confident, and finally, I realised that university life would be exciting.

---

✦ Comprehension Test: Linking Words for Time

1. "At first, I found IELTS listening difficult."
Q: What was the speaker’s first impression of listening?

2. "Initially, the company focused only on domestic markets."
Q: Where did the company focus first?

3. "We visited the museum, then went to the park."
Q: What did they do after the museum?

4. "We had dinner and afterwards went for a walk."
Q: What happened after dinner?

5. "The new law was passed; subsequently, crime rates fell."
Q: What happened after the law was passed?

6. "She was studying in her room; meanwhile, her brother was watching TV."
Q: What was the brother doing?

7. "The two projects started at the same time."
Q: When did the projects start?

8. "We got lost but eventually found the right road."
Q: What happened in the end?

9. "Finally, we reached the top of the mountain."
Q: What happened at the end of the climb?

10. "First of all, let me explain the background of the issue."
Q: What is the speaker going to explain first?

---

✦ Answer Key

1. It was difficult.

2. Domestic markets.

3. Went to the park.

4. Went for a walk.

5. Crime rates fell.

6. Watching TV.

7. At the same time.

8. Found the right road.

9. Reached the top.

10. The background of the issue.