✦ 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.

📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 15 (Adapted)

Title: Tom’s Secret Return & The Funeral Surprise

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Tom’s Secret Visit

Life on Jackson’s Island had been exciting, but after a few days Tom began to feel restless. Huck and Joe were content with fishing, swimming, and roasting meat, but Tom’s heart ached for something else. He couldn’t stop thinking of Aunt Polly, and whether she was crying for him.

One night, while the others slept, Tom slipped away. He swam silently across the Mississippi River and crept into town. The houses were dark, but in Aunt Polly’s home a candle still burned.

Tom climbed through the window and hid in a corner. He overheard Aunt Polly talking with Mary and Sid. Her voice was sad and heavy.

“Poor Tom,” she whispered. “I was too hard on him. If only I could see him again, I’d forgive everything.”

Mary wept softly, and even Sid, usually smug, looked serious. Tom’s heart swelled. He wanted to rush into the room, hug Aunt Polly, and tell her he was alive. But he didn’t. Pirates must keep their adventures secret. Instead, he carefully left a note under Aunt Polly’s pillow before sneaking away into the night.

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The Town in Mourning

The next day, church bells tolled. Word spread quickly: the three boys had drowned. Townspeople gathered in groups, whispering about the tragedy. Some remembered the boys’ mischief with a smile, others shook their heads and said they’d warned them often enough.

By Sunday, the church was crowded. Everyone wore dark clothes and spoke in hushed voices. The minister began a solemn sermon, praising the lost boys. People wept openly—especially Aunt Polly, Joe’s mother, and even the Widow Douglas, who felt pity for Huck.

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A Shocking Surprise

Just as the minister’s voice grew more emotional, the church doors creaked open. Heads turned. A gasp ran through the congregation.

There stood Tom, Huck, and Joe—alive, sunburnt, and grinning from ear to ear.

For a moment, silence filled the room. Then there was chaos—people shouting, crying, laughing. Aunt Polly fainted, then clutched Tom to her chest, sobbing with joy. Joe’s mother smothered him with kisses, and Huck stood awkwardly until the Widow Douglas gently took his hand.

The boys had returned at the very moment of their own funeral. Their “pirate adventure” had turned into the greatest surprise the town had ever seen.

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Forgiveness and Pride

At first, Aunt Polly scolded Tom, calling him a wicked, thoughtless boy. But her tears betrayed her joy. “Oh, Tom,” she said, “don’t ever leave me again.”

Tom promised he would try to be good—but inside, he was glowing with pride. The whole town was talking about them. They weren’t just boys anymore—they were heroes, pirates who had tricked everyone and returned in triumph.

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📘 Glossary

Word	Meaning
Restless	Unable to stay still, wanting change or action
Ached	Felt a strong emotional pain or longing
Mourning	Public sadness after someone’s death
Solemn	Serious and formal
Congregation	The group of people in a church service
Chaos	Complete confusion and noise
Triumph	A great victory or success

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. Why did Tom secretly return to town at night?

2. What did he overhear Aunt Polly saying?

3. How did the townspeople react to the news of the boys’ disappearance?

4. What happened in church on Sunday?

5. How did Aunt Polly feel when Tom came back?

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✅ Answers

1. To see how Aunt Polly was feeling and if she missed him.

2. That she regretted being hard on Tom and wished she could forgive him.

3. They believed the boys had drowned and mourned them.

4. The boys walked in during their own funeral, shocking everyone.

5. She scolded him at first, but was full of joy and forgiveness.

 

✦ 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.