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

1. In order to
   e.g., I study every day in order to improve my English.

2. So that
   e.g., I left early so that I could catch the train.

3. For the purpose of
   e.g., This test is designed for the purpose of measuring fluency.

4. With the aim of
   e.g., He joined the course with the aim of passing the IELTS exam.

5. With a view to
   e.g., She saved money with a view to buying a house.

6. For the sake of
   e.g., For the sake of clarity, let me explain again.

7. For the intention of
   e.g., He travelled abroad for the intention of studying.

8. For the objective of
   e.g., The project was launched for the objective of reducing waste.

9. To the end that
   e.g., The government increased funding to the end that education would improve.

10. For the purpose that
    e.g., He spoke slowly for the purpose that everyone could understand.

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✦ Why These Words Are Important in IELTS

• They help you explain reasons + goals clearly, especially in Writing Task 2 essays.

• They make your speech sound formal and academic, which boosts Coherence & Cohesion.

• They prevent repetition of simple “because” or “to.”

• They are especially useful for problem–solution essays and future-focused questions in Speaking.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Purpose

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Do you study English in order to travel abroad?

2. Do you work hard so that you can achieve your goals?

3. Do you use social media for the purpose of learning, or entertainment?

4. Did you choose your job with the aim of developing new skills?

5. Have you ever saved money with a view to buying something important?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a goal you achieved. Explain its purpose.
You should say:

• what the goal was

• how you achieved it

• why it was important
  and explain the purpose behind it using at least three linking words for purpose.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1

1. Yes, I study English in order to pass IELTS and continue my studies abroad.

2. I always work hard so that I can feel proud of myself.

3. I sometimes use YouTube for the purpose of practising my listening skills.

4. I chose this course with the aim of improving my job opportunities.

5. I saved money with a view to travelling to Japan last year.

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Part 2 Sample Answer
A goal I achieved was finishing my bachelor’s degree. I worked very hard in order to complete it on time. I attended extra classes for the purpose of improving my grades. I studied late at night so that I would not fall behind. With the aim of getting into a good master’s programme, I did several projects. In the end, I succeeded, and now I feel more confident about my future.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Linking Words for Purpose

1. "I study every day in order to improve my English."
Q: Why does the speaker study every day?

2. "I left early so that I could catch the train."
Q: Why did the speaker leave early?

3. "This test is designed for the purpose of measuring fluency."
Q: What is the purpose of the test?

4. "He joined the course with the aim of passing the IELTS exam."
Q: Why did he join the course?

5. "She saved money with a view to buying a house."
Q: What did she want to buy?

6. "For the sake of clarity, let me explain again."
Q: Why does the speaker want to explain again?

7. "He travelled abroad for the intention of studying."
Q: Why did he travel abroad?

8. "The project was launched for the objective of reducing waste."
Q: What was the objective of the project?

9. "The government increased funding to the end that education would improve."
Q: What did the government want to improve?

10. "He spoke slowly for the purpose that everyone could understand."
Q: Why did he speak slowly?

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✦ Answer Key

1. To improve his English.

2. To catch the train.

3. To measure fluency.

4. To pass the IELTS exam.

5. A house.

6. To make things clear.

7. To study.

8. Reducing waste.

9. Education.

 

✦ IELTS Topic: Linking Words for Summarising & Concluding – 10 Useful Phrases

1. In conclusion
   e.g., In conclusion, education plays a vital role in shaping society.

2. To sum up
   e.g., To sum up, technology has both benefits and drawbacks.

3. In summary
   e.g., In summary, the report suggests that pollution levels are rising.

4. On the whole
   e.g., On the whole, students did well in the exam.

5. Overall
   e.g., Overall, the new system was more effective than the old one.

6. All in all
   e.g., All in all, it was a successful event.

7. In short
   e.g., In short, regular exercise improves both body and mind.

8. Altogether
   e.g., Altogether, about 300 people attended the meeting.

9. Finally
   e.g., Finally, I would like to stress the importance of teamwork.

10. In brief
    e.g., In brief, renewable energy is essential for the future.

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✦ Why These Words Are Important in IELTS

• They signal closure and help finish essays or answers strongly.

• In Writing Task 2, they are essential for a clear conclusion.

• In Speaking Part 2 and 3, they help you summarise your key points naturally.

• They improve Coherence & Cohesion, which examiners always look for.

Without them, your answers can feel unfinished or weak.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Summarising & Concluding

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. How would you describe your city, in summary?

2. What do you usually do at the weekend, all in all?

3. Can you describe your favourite book in brief?

4. Do you think technology is helpful in education, overall?

5. What is your daily routine like, to sum up?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe an event you enjoyed. Summarise your experience at the end.
You should say:

• what the event was

• where and when it happened

• who was there
  and explain why it was enjoyable, using at least three linking words for summarising/concluding.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1

1. My city is large and busy. In summary, it has both opportunities and challenges.

2. I usually meet friends and play football. All in all, my weekends are relaxing.

3. My favourite book is about history. In brief, it explains how culture has developed.

4. Yes, technology makes learning easier. Overall, it’s a positive tool in education.

5. I wake up early, work, study, and relax. To sum up, my days are quite productive.

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Part 2 Sample Answer
One event I enjoyed was a music festival in my city last summer. There were many bands, food stalls, and thousands of people. I went with some friends, and we had an amazing time. On the whole, the organisation was excellent, and the music was unforgettable. Finally, I would say that it was one of the best events I have ever attended. In conclusion, it gave me great memories and I hope to go again next year.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Linking Words for Summarising & Concluding

1. "In conclusion, education plays a vital role in shaping society."
Q: What does the speaker say about education?

2. "To sum up, technology has both benefits and drawbacks."
Q: What does technology have?

3. "In summary, the report suggests that pollution levels are rising."
Q: What is happening to pollution?

4. "On the whole, students did well in the exam."
Q: How did students perform?

5. "Overall, the new system was more effective than the old one."
Q: Which system was better?

6. "All in all, it was a successful event."
Q: How was the event?

7. "In short, regular exercise improves both body and mind."
Q: What does exercise improve?

8. "Altogether, about 300 people attended the meeting."
Q: How many people attended?

9. "Finally, I would like to stress the importance of teamwork."
Q: What does the speaker want to stress?

10. "In brief, renewable energy is essential for the future."
Q: What is essential for the future?

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✦ Answer Key

1. It is vital in shaping society.

2. Both benefits and drawbacks.

3. Pollution levels are rising.

4. They did well.

5. The new system.

6. Successful.

7. Body and mind.

8. About 300 people.

9. Teamwork.

10. Renewable energy.

 

✦ 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?

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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.

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✦ 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.

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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.

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✦ 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?

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✦ 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.

 

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Linking Words for Comparison

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Do you prefer cities or the countryside? (Make a comparison)

2. Do you think men and women have similar hobbies?

3. Do you study better alone or with others?

4. Do you think schools today are different from the past?

5. Do you think young people and old people share similar interests?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe two things that are similar.
You should say:

• what they are

• how they are similar

• why they are similar
  and use at least three linking words for comparison.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1

1. Cities are busy, whereas the countryside is calmer. But in the same way, both offer opportunities for relaxation.

2. Men enjoy football; likewise, women also play it more nowadays.

3. Studying alone helps me focus; in common with many students, I sometimes prefer group study too.

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Part 2 Sample Answer
I’d like to compare English and Spanish. Just as English is spoken widely around the world, Spanish is also an international language. Similarly, both languages have many regional accents. In a similar fashion, learning either one requires practice in reading, writing, and speaking.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Linking Words for Comparison

1. "Cities face housing problems; similarly, rural areas struggle with healthcare."
Q: What problem do rural areas face?

2. "Technology is advancing rapidly; likewise, education methods are changing."
Q: What else is changing like technology?

3. "Exercise improves health; in the same way, meditation benefits the mind."
Q: What benefits the mind?

4. "Just as reading improves vocabulary, speaking improves fluency."
Q: What improves fluency?

5. "Both skills are equally important for IELTS success."
Q: What two skills are important?

6. "The company expanded in Europe, in a similar fashion to its growth in Asia."
Q: Where did the company expand?

7. "Prices increased, and correspondingly, demand fell."
Q: What happened to demand?

8. "As with many modern cities, traffic is a serious issue here."
Q: What issue is common in modern cities?

9. "The cost of living in London is comparable to New York."
Q: What is being compared?

10. "In common with most students, I find listening practice challenging."
Q: What skill do many students find difficult?

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✦ Answer Key

1. Healthcare.

2. Education methods.

3. Meditation.

4. Speaking.

5. Reading and speaking.

6. Europe.

7. It fell.

8. Traffic.

9. Cost of living.

10. Listening practice.

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

1. If
   e.g., If you study regularly, you will improve quickly.

2. Unless
   e.g., Unless you practise speaking, your fluency won’t improve.

3. Provided that
   e.g., You can join the course provided that you register before Friday.

4. As long as
   e.g., I’ll help you as long as you finish your part of the work.

5. Only if
   e.g., You’ll succeed only if you stay motivated.

6. In case
   e.g., Take an umbrella in case it rains.

7. On condition that
   e.g., The manager agreed on condition that we arrive on time.

8. Whether or not
   e.g., I’m going to the party whether or not it rains.

9. Supposing
   e.g., Supposing you moved abroad, how would your life change?

10. Even if
    e.g., I’ll go for a run even if it’s cold outside.

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✦ Why These Words Are Important in IELTS

• They allow you to discuss possibilities, conditions, and consequences, which is very common in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays (solutions, causes, effects).

• In Speaking Part 3, they make your answers more complex and natural (e.g., “Even if people are busy, they should make time for exercise”).

• They boost your Coherence & Cohesion and Grammatical Range scores.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Linking Words for Condition

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Would you study abroad if you had the chance?

2. Would you exercise more if you had more free time?

3. Do you carry an umbrella in case of rain?

4. Would you change jobs as long as the salary was higher?

5. Do you think students will learn better if they use technology?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a situation where you had to make a decision depending on a condition.
You should say:

• what the situation was

• what the condition was

• what you decided
  and explain how the condition affected your choice.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1

1. Yes, I would study abroad if I had the chance.

2. I’d definitely exercise more unless I was too busy.

3. Yes, I usually take an umbrella in case it rains.

4. I’d change jobs as long as the salary and conditions were better.

5. Yes, students will improve provided that they use technology effectively.

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Part 2 Sample Answer
A few years ago, I wanted to buy a new laptop. I decided to get one only if I could find a good discount. In case I didn’t, I planned to wait until the sales. Supposing I found a cheaper option, I was ready to buy it immediately. In the end, I bought it during a special promotion, which was a good decision.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Linking Words for Condition

1. "If you study regularly, you will improve quickly."
Q: What will happen if you study regularly?

2. "Unless you practise speaking, your fluency won’t improve."
Q: What happens without practice?

3. "You can join the course provided that you register before Friday."
Q: What must you do before Friday?

4. "I’ll help you as long as you finish your part of the work."
Q: What condition must be met for help?

5. "You’ll succeed only if you stay motivated."
Q: What is required for success?

6. "Take an umbrella in case it rains."
Q: Why should you take an umbrella?

7. "The manager agreed on condition that we arrive on time."
Q: What condition did the manager set?

8. "I’m going to the party whether or not it rains."
Q: What will the speaker do even if it rains?

9. "Supposing you moved abroad, how would your life change?"
Q: What is the speaker asking you to imagine?

10. "I’ll go for a run even if it’s cold outside."
Q: What will the speaker do despite the cold?

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✦ Answer Key

1. You will improve quickly.

2. Fluency won’t improve.

3. Register for the course.

4. Finish your part of the work.

5. Staying motivated.

6. Because it might rain.

7. Arrive on time.

8. Still go to the party.

9. Imagine living abroad.

10. Go for a run.

 

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Linking Words for Emphasis

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Do you think English is important? (Emphasise your opinion)

2. Do you like reading? (Emphasise your preferences)

3. Do you think travelling is useful?

4. Is technology important in education?

5. Do you think hard work is the key to success?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe something that is very important to you.
You should say:

• what it is

• why it is important

• how it affects your life
  and emphasise your points using at least three linking words for emphasis.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1

1. Yes, English is important; without doubt, it opens many career opportunities.

2. I like reading, particularly science fiction.

3. Travelling is definitely one of the best ways to learn about new cultures.

4. Clearly, technology makes education more accessible.

5. Above all, hard work ensures long-term success.

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Part 2 Sample Answer
One thing that is very important to me is education. Indeed, it has shaped my future. Undoubtedly, education is the foundation of success, both personally and professionally. Importantly, it gives people the confidence to achieve their goals. In fact, without good education, many opportunities would not be available.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Linking Words for Emphasis

1. "The city is beautiful; indeed, it’s one of the most visited places in the world."
Q: What is being emphasised?

2. "Many people think IELTS is difficult; in fact, with practice, it becomes easier."
Q: What is the truth about IELTS?

3. "Of course, learning vocabulary is essential for success in IELTS."
Q: What is essential?

4. "Above all, students need confidence to perform well in the speaking test."
Q: What do students need most?

5. "Without doubt, English is one of the most useful global languages."
Q: What language is described as useful?

6. "Clearly, more investment in education is needed."
Q: What is needed?

7. "Undoubtedly, technology has transformed the way we communicate."
Q: What has technology changed?

8. "Travelling abroad is definitely a good way to improve English."
Q: What helps improve English?

9. "I enjoy reading, particularly historical novels."
Q: What type of novels does the speaker like most?

10. "Importantly, this research highlights the need for renewable energy."
Q: What does the research highlight?

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✦ Answer Key

1. That it’s a top tourist destination.

2. It gets easier with practice.

3. Learning vocabulary.

4. Confidence.

5. English.

6. More investment.

7. Communication.

8. Travelling abroad.

9. Historical novels.

10. The need for renewable energy.

 

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Linking Words for Result

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Why do you study English? (Give a result)

2. What happens if people don’t exercise?

3. What are the results of eating too much junk food?

4. What happens if students don’t do homework?

5. What happens when the weather is bad?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a time when your effort led to a result.
You should say:

• what you did

• what the result was

• how you felt about it
  and use at least three linking words for result.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1

1. I study English; as a result, I can communicate with people around the world.

2. People don’t exercise; therefore, they may have health problems.

3. Eating junk food regularly is unhealthy; consequently, people gain weight.

4. If students don’t do homework, they get poor grades. That’s why teachers insist on it.

5. The weather was bad; hence, the outdoor event was cancelled.

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Part 2 Sample Answer
Last year, I prepared very hard for the IELTS exam. I took practice tests every week and improved my writing skills. As a result, I became much more confident. I also worked on my pronunciation; therefore, I was able to speak fluently in the test. Consequently, I achieved the band score I needed.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Linking Words for Result

1. "She studied hard; as a result, she passed the exam with flying colours."
Q: Why did she pass the exam?

2. "It rained all night; therefore, the match was postponed."
Q: Why was the match postponed?

3. "He didn’t prepare well; consequently, he failed the test."
Q: Why did he fail?

4. "The shop was closed, thus we couldn’t buy anything."
Q: Why couldn’t they buy anything?

5. "She lived near the school, hence she was never late."
Q: Why was she never late?

6. "I was hungry, so I made myself a sandwich."
Q: Why did the speaker make food?

7. "The project lacked funding; for this reason, it was cancelled."
Q: Why was the project cancelled?

8. "I didn’t bring an umbrella, that’s why I got wet."
Q: Why did the speaker get wet?

9. "The evidence was clear; accordingly, the judge made his decision."
Q: Why was the decision made?

10. "The roads were icy; in consequence, several accidents happened."
Q: Why did accidents happen?

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✦ Answer Key

1. Because she studied hard.

2. Because of the rain.

3. Because he didn’t prepare.

4. Because the shop was closed.

5. Because she lived near the school.

6. Because he was hungry.

7. Lack of funding.

8. He had no umbrella.

9. Because the evidence was clear.

10. Because of icy roads.

 

✦ 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.