⚜@IELTS Speaking 9⚜ IELTS Speaking How to improve your IEL
What are the don’ts in the use of linking devices? The examiner places importance on the use of linking devices. However, you
may still get marked down although you have used them. The reason is
inappropriate and unnatural use. For instance, the word moreover is more
suitable for academic writing and formal speech than in speaking where the
questions are general in nature. Most candidates are often stuck because they are
not aware of the appropriate context to use these linking devices in, thus
affecting fluency.
Using discourse markers alone is not enough. It is also necessary for a candidate
to use them correctly. Many candidates have a tendency to overuse discourse
markers. In doing so, they sacrifice flexibility on usage, affecting their band
score. The use of various cohesive devices in speaking is also assessed strictly.