✦ 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.

 

📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 8 (Adapted for English Learners)

Title: In the Graveyard at Midnight

That night, Tom Sawyer could not stop thinking about what Huck Finn had told him. Huck believed a dead cat could cure warts. The idea seemed foolish, but Tom loved strange adventures, and he agreed to meet Huck at the graveyard at midnight.

The night was dark and silent. A full moon shone through the clouds, lighting the old gravestones with a pale glow. Tom arrived first, carrying a small lantern hidden under his jacket. A few minutes later, Huck appeared, barefoot and carrying the dead cat tied to a string.

“Got your cat?” Tom whispered.
“Sure,” said Huck. “This is going to work—you’ll see.”

The two boys crouched behind tall gravestones. The graveyard was a frightening place at night, with shadows that looked like ghosts and the hoot of owls in the trees. Huck explained the superstition again: if you took a dead cat to a graveyard at midnight and said the right words, the cat would cure warts by taking them away to the devil.

Tom shivered with excitement and fear. “Let’s try it.”

But before they could begin, the boys heard voices. They froze. The sound of footsteps crunched on the gravel path. Tom blew out the lantern quickly, and the boys hid behind a large gravestone.

Three men entered the graveyard. One was Muff Potter, a kind but foolish man, always half-drunk. The second was Injun Joe, a dark and dangerous figure known in town for his bad temper. The third was Doctor Robinson, a young man from the village.

The men carried shovels and a lantern. They stopped at a new grave and began to dig. Tom and Huck stared in horror as the men lifted out the coffin and opened it. Doctor Robinson ordered Muff and Injun Joe to lift the body.

“Why should we do the hard work?” complained Injun Joe. “You think you’re better than us!”

“Be quiet and do as I say,” the doctor replied sharply.

Muff Potter laughed nervously, but Injun Joe grew angrier. “Five years ago, your father whipped me out of town like a dog. Tonight I’ll have my revenge!”

Before Muff could react, Injun Joe grabbed Muff’s knife. With a quick, terrible movement, he struck Doctor Robinson. The doctor fell to the ground, dead.

Tom and Huck nearly screamed, but fear kept them silent. Their hearts pounded as they watched the horror unfold.

Muff Potter, confused and drunk, stared at the dead man. Injun Joe quickly placed the bloody knife into Muff’s hand. “You did this, Muff. You killed him in anger.”

“I… I don’t remember,” stammered Muff. His head swam with drink.

Tom and Huck knew the truth—but they were too terrified to move. They crept backward, then ran as fast as their legs could carry them out of the graveyard. They did not stop until they reached the safety of Tom’s backyard. Both boys were pale, shaking with fear.

“We saw a murder, Huck!” Tom gasped.
“We can’t ever tell anyone,” Huck replied. “If Injun Joe finds out, he’ll kill us too.”

The boys swore an oath, right then and there, never to speak of what they had seen. They sealed the oath by pricking their fingers and mixing the blood—a solemn promise between them.

But deep inside, both knew they would never forget that terrible night in the graveyard.

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📘 Glossary

Word	Meaning
Gravestone	A stone marking a grave
Superstition	A belief not based on science, often about magic or luck
Coffin	A box used for burying a dead body
Revenge	Punishment or harm against someone who hurt you
Stammered	Spoke with pauses or repeating sounds because of fear or nerves
Oath	A very serious promise
Pale	Light-colored face, often from fear or illness
Terrified	Extremely afraid

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. Why did Tom and Huck go to the graveyard at midnight?

2. What did Huck say a dead cat could do?

3. Who were the three men that entered the graveyard?

4. What happened between Injun Joe and Doctor Robinson?

5. How did Injun Joe make Muff Potter look guilty?

6. What oath did Tom and Huck swear?

7. How did the boys feel after the incident?

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✅ Answers

1. To test the superstition that a dead cat could cure warts.

2. He said it could cure warts by taking them away to the devil.

3. Muff Potter, Injun Joe, and Doctor Robinson.

4. Injun Joe attacked and killed Doctor Robinson.

5. He placed the bloody knife into Muff Potter’s hand.

6. They swore never to tell anyone what they had seen.

7. They were terrified, pale, and shaken, but they knew they would never forget.

 

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

1. However
   e.g., The plan was well organised; however, it failed to meet the deadline.

2. Although
   e.g., Although it was raining, we decided to go hiking.

3. Even though
   e.g., Even though he was tired, he finished his homework.

4. Despite
   e.g., Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.

5. In spite of
   e.g., In spite of her fear of heights, she went bungee jumping.

6. Whereas
   e.g., I prefer tea, whereas my sister likes coffee.

7. While
   e.g., While the hotel was expensive, it offered excellent service.

8. On the other hand
   e.g., City life is exciting; on the other hand, it can be stressful.

9. Nevertheless
   e.g., The task was difficult; nevertheless, they managed to complete it.

10. Even so
    e.g., The weather was cold; even so, we enjoyed our picnic.

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✦ Why These Words Are Important in IELTS

• They help you compare and contrast ideas, which is vital for Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.

• They show the examiner that you can use complex sentence structures and connect ideas logically.

• They improve your Coherence & Cohesion score by linking opposing points smoothly.

Without them, your answers might sound one-sided or incomplete.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Linking Words for Contrast

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Do you prefer summer or winter? (Give a contrasting point)

2. Do you like living in the city or the countryside? (Give both sides)

3. Do you prefer reading books or watching films? (Contrast your opinions)

4. Do you like travelling alone or with friends? (Give pros and cons)

5. Do you prefer mornings or evenings? (Contrast your habits)

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a situation where you had to choose between two options.
You should say:

• what the options were

• what you chose

• why you chose it
  and give contrasting points using at least three linking words for contrast.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1

1. I prefer summer for the sunshine; however, winter is better for skiing.

2. City life is convenient; on the other hand, the countryside is more peaceful.

3. I enjoy reading; although films are more visual, books let me imagine more.

4. Travelling with friends is fun; despite this, solo trips give me more freedom.

5. I like mornings for productivity; whereas evenings are better for relaxing.

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Part 2 Sample Answer
Last year, I had to choose between taking a job abroad or staying in my home country. Although working overseas sounded exciting, I worried about being far from family. On the other hand, the salary abroad was much higher. Nevertheless, I decided to stay, as I valued my current lifestyle and friendships.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Linking Words for Contrast

1. "The plan was well organised; however, it failed to meet the deadline."
Q: What happened despite good organisation?

2. "Although it was raining, we decided to go hiking."
Q: What activity did they do despite the weather?

3. "Even though he was tired, he finished his homework."
Q: What did he do despite being tired?

4. "Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived on time."
Q: What happened despite traffic?

5. "In spite of her fear of heights, she went bungee jumping."
Q: What did she do despite being afraid?

6. "I prefer tea, whereas my sister likes coffee."
Q: Who likes coffee?

7. "While the hotel was expensive, it offered excellent service."
Q: What was good about the expensive hotel?

8. "City life is exciting; on the other hand, it can be stressful."
Q: What is the negative side of city life?

9. "The task was difficult; nevertheless, they managed to complete it."
Q: What happened despite difficulty?

10. "The weather was cold; even so, we enjoyed our picnic."
Q: What did they enjoy despite the cold?

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✦ Answer Key

1. It failed to meet the deadline.

2. Went hiking.

3. Finished homework.

4. Arrived on time.

5. Went bungee jumping.

6. The sister.

7. Excellent service.

8. It can be stressful.

9. They completed it.

10. The picnic.