Essential Set Phrases And Expressions For The Ielts Writing Speaking Modules Pdf Upd Jun 2026
This guide outlines essential set phrases and expressions updated for the IELTS Writing and Speaking modules, designed to improve your coherence and range for a Band 7+ score. 1. Essential Phrases for IELTS Speaking (Parts 1, 2, & 3) In Speaking, the goal is to sound natural while using a range of idiomatic and complex structures. Buying Time (Natural Fillers): "That’s an intriguing question , let me think for a second..." "To be perfectly honest, I haven't really thought about that before, but..." "It's on the tip of my tongue , but essentially..." Stating Opinions & Perspectives: "From my perspective..." or "I'm inclined to believe that..." "It strikes me that..." "It goes without saying that..." (for obvious points) Elaborating and Clarifying: "What I’m getting at is..." "To put it another way..." "More specifically..." Useful Idioms for Band 7+: Piece of cake: Very easy. A hot potato : A controversial or difficult topic. Costs an arm and a leg: Very expensive. Off the top of my head: To say something without thinking or checking facts. 2. Essential Phrases for IELTS Writing Task 1 Writing Task 1 requires formal, precise language to describe data or situations. Describing Data (Academic): "The chart illustrates the changes in..." "Looking at the graph, it can be seen that..." "There was a sharp decline in..." or "The figure remained constant ..." Making Comparisons: "In comparison with..." or "As opposed to..." "A significantly higher number of..." Letter Writing (General Training): "I am writing in connection with ..." (formal) "I was delighted to hear that..." (informal) "I look forward to hearing from you." (closing) 3. Essential Phrases for IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essays) Success in Task 2 depends on your ability to link ideas logically and present balanced arguments. Phrases & Collocations for Describing Tables, Graphs & Charts
Mastering specific, formal phrases for Writing Task 1 and 2—such as "It is widely believed that" and "Nevertheless"—is essential for enhancing lexical resource and coherence. The Speaking module benefits from idiomatic expressions like "a piece of cake" and conversational fillers, as outlined in updated 2026 guides. For comprehensive, downloadable study materials, visit Scribd IELTS Writing: Key Phrases & Tips PDF IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 - Linking Words (with PDF)
Suggested PDF: Essential Set Phrases & Expressions for IELTS Writing & Speaking What this PDF should include (detailed content) 1. Overview
Purpose: improve lexical resource & coherence for IELTS Writing (Task 1 & 2) and Speaking. How to use: study, practice in context, substitute synonyms, record and self-correct. This guide outlines essential set phrases and expressions
2. Formal / Academic Linking & Cohesion (useful for Writing Task 2)
Adding ideas: Furthermore; Moreover; In addition; What is more. Contrasting: However; On the other hand; Nevertheless; Whereas; Despite this. Cause & effect: Therefore; Consequently; As a result; Owing to; Due to. Giving examples: For example; For instance; To illustrate; Namely. Sequencing: Firstly; Secondly; Finally; Subsequently. Summarising/concluding: In conclusion; To summarise; Overall; On balance.
3. Task 1 (Academic) — Describing graphs/charts Off the top of my head: To say
Introducing: The chart/table/graph illustrates/shows/depicts... Overall trend: The general trend indicates...; A marked increase/decrease. Specific changes: Rose/grew/increased sharply/slightly; Fell/decreased/declined gradually/rapidly. Comparing: X was higher than Y; X peaked at...; X plateaued/stabilised at... Proportions/percentages: Accounted for X%; Represented the majority/minority. Time phrases: Between 2000 and 2010; Over the period; In the following year. Concluding: In summary, the data indicates...
4. Task 1 (General Training) — Describing a situation / letter phrases
Opening lines by letter type (formal / semi-formal / informal): Concluding: In summary
Formal: I am writing to enquire about / to express my concern regarding… Semi-formal: I am writing to request / to complain about… Informal: Hi [Name], Just a quick note to say…
Requests: I would be grateful if you could…; Could you possibly…? Apologising: I apologise for any inconvenience caused. Closing lines: I look forward to your prompt reply; Thank you for your attention to this matter.