✦ 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.

 

Tom Sawyer – Chapter 7: Love and Mischief

It was the next morning, and Tom arrived at school feeling excited. He couldn’t stop thinking about Becky Thatcher, the pretty new girl in town. He was determined to impress her.

As soon as the teacher looked away, Tom whispered to Becky and invited her to look at his prized possession—a brass doorknob he had found. Becky smiled politely, but she didn’t seem very interested in the doorknob.

Tom then began to draw pictures for her on his slate. He drew a house, a tree, and a cow. Becky giggled. Encouraged, Tom whispered, “Want me to teach you how to draw?” She nodded, and they leaned close together over the slate.

While they worked, Tom told her about his adventures. He explained how he could charm warts away, find treasure, and even tell where ghosts walked at night. Becky was fascinated.

Then Tom whispered, “Becky, we should be engaged.” Becky looked puzzled. “What’s that?” she asked. Tom explained, “It means you’re mine forever, and we’re going to get married. You have to promise and then kiss me.” Becky laughed nervously but agreed. They kissed quickly, and Tom said proudly, “Now you’re my fiancée.”

But Tom couldn’t stop there. He started talking about his “old fiancée,” Amy Lawrence. As soon as Becky heard that, her face fell. “You were engaged before?” she cried. “I didn’t think you loved anyone else!” She turned away from him, hurt and angry.

Tom tried to explain, but Becky wouldn’t listen. She ignored him for the rest of the morning. At lunchtime, she sat with other girls and refused to even look at him.

Feeling miserable, Tom decided to get revenge—by having fun without her. He joined his friends and played noisy games, pretending he didn’t care.

Becky, watching from a distance, decided to make Tom jealous. She waited for the perfect moment and then went over to Alfred Temple, the new boy in school. She smiled sweetly at him and began to talk. Alfred was flattered, and soon he was showing off his fancy new spelling book.

When Tom saw them together, he was furious. He turned away and tried to look busy, but inside he was burning with jealousy.

Later, Becky sneaked into the empty schoolroom to make another move in her plan. She knew the teacher’s most precious possession was a big book of pictures. The rule was clear: no student was allowed to touch it. Becky opened it carefully and began turning the pages.

Then she came to a picture of a man and woman standing very close together. It was a little shocking for a young lady to see. She gasped and shut the book quickly—but not before the corner of the page tore.

Becky panicked. If the teacher found out, she would be in big trouble. She tried to smooth the page, but the rip was clear. Just then, she heard footsteps. Tom walked in.

At first, she turned away, expecting him to tease her. But when the teacher returned and began questioning the class about the damaged book, Tom suddenly stood up. “I did it,” he said. The teacher scolded him harshly and gave him a punishment.

Becky was surprised and touched. Tom had taken the blame for her. When school ended, she ran after him. “Tom,” she said softly, “I’m sorry for being mad. You’re the best.” She smiled, and Tom felt his heart swell. They were friends again.

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Glossary

• Slate – a small flat board used for writing with chalk

• Possession – something you own

• Engaged – promised to marry someone

• Fiancée – a woman engaged to be married

• Flattered – pleased because someone shows interest or admiration

• Jealous – feeling angry or upset because someone is getting attention you want

• Precious – very valuable or important

• Tore – past tense of tear; to damage by pulling apart

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Comprehension Questions

1. What did Tom first show Becky to impress her?

2. What did Tom suggest they should be?

3. Why did Becky get angry with Tom?

4. How did Becky try to make Tom jealous?

5. What rule did Becky break in the schoolroom?

6. Who took the blame for tearing the book?

7. How did Becky feel when Tom defended her?

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Answers

1. A brass doorknob

2. He suggested they should be engaged

3. She found out Tom had been engaged to Amy Lawrence before

4. She talked sweetly to Alfred Temple and looked at his spelling book

5. She opened and looked through the teacher’s special picture book

6. Tom Sawyer

7. She felt touched and forgave him.

 

✦ 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.