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COMPARING: for example, for instance, to give an example, such as, to name a
few
CONTRASTING: unlike, as opposed to, on the other hand, even though,
although, having said that
RESTATING/SUMMARIZING: as I mentioned, like I said, in short, all in all, to
sum up
EMPHASIS: even more, above all, in fact, truly, indeed
MAKING EXCEPTIONS: however, sometimes, still, except for, unless
Transitions in IELTS Speaking Parts 1 and 3 In the conversational parts of the IELTS, transitions are still important. Here, transitions
most often take the form of
verbal pauses . Verbal pauses are natural ways to slow
down a conversation so that
speakers can collect their thoughts and decide what they’ll
say next.
These pauses ultimately mark the times when new ideas and new interactions happen
in English conversation. Real, live conversations can be messy and disorganized, so it’s
good to use transitions that help conversation flow smoothly and naturally. Below are a
few verbal pauses that can serve you well in the first and final parts of the IELTS
Speaking test.
Transitions in IELTS Speaking: Verbal Pauses
Um…/Well…/Hmm… (in hesitation)
That’s a tough/interesting/good question.
Hmm… That’s difficult.
Wow, I really don’t know.
Offhand, I’d say…
Let’s see…
Good question!
Well, I suppose…
Introductory transitions are also important in IELTS speaking. They can be used to
introduce new ideas, or to present a series or sequence of ideas. As an example, the
IELTS Speaking examiner might say
“First, let’s consider…” and the candidate might
respond
, “The first thing that comes to mind…” Later the candidate could add to this this
