Top 100 Phrases for IELTS Writing Test

How to Use Linking Words for IELTS Writing Task 1?

How to Use Linking Words for IELTS Writing Task 2?

1. Introduction of the Letter

2. Body of the Letter

3. Closing of the Letter

Example 1:

Sample Response:  

"The table depicts the amount of monthly household income spent on four products in five European nations. The percentages were used to calibrate the data.  Housing is clearly the top expense item for France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, since they each spend around one third of their income on it, at 30%, 33%, and 37%, respectively. 

They, on the other hand, spend about a quarter of their income on food and drink. Surprisingly, Turkey and Spain follow the exact opposite pattern, spending a fifth of their income on housing but one-third on food and drink.  

Furthermore, clothing and entertainment are two areas where all five countries spend significantly less. In terms of clothing, France and Spain spend the least, at less than 10%. The other three countries, however, spend almost the same amount, ranging between 12% and 15%. At 19%, Germany spends one fifth of its budget on entertainment. The UK and Turkey, moreover, spend roughly half of this amount.   

Overall, the bulk of each country's money is spent on food and drink, as well as housing. Clothing and entertainment were far less expensive."

Example 2:

Sample Response:

Dear Ms Smith, 

I am writing with regards to the position of Assistant Office Manager that I am supposed to start next week. However, an unfortunate incident has arisen. 

Like I said during the interview, I am currently working at my aunt's company, where I gained significant experience. However, she had been hospitalized, so my uncle is now taking charge of the business. She has asked me to stay a little longer and help him with the business operations because this is an especially hectic time of year. 

I do understand that this will not be convenient for you, but I genuinely hope that, given the situation, you will be willing to let me start with you three weeks later than what we have agreed upon. 

I would like you to know that I remain very keen to work with you, and that I will be obtaining further useful knowledge and skills during this time. 

I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely, 

Nathan Dills

Example 3:

Sample Response:   

"Technology is advancing at a breakneck pace, opening up new doors for us while keeping us informed about the latest news and events. As a result, many people believe that traditional newspaper reading will become obsolete. I disagree since the easiest and cheapest way to obtain news is through a traditional newspaper.  

To begin, there are a variety of reasons why traditional news gathering methods remain popular. First, many people have developed a strong desire to read the newspaper. Everyone, whether affluent or middle class, can be seen eagerly anticipating the arrival of the newspaper in the morning and reading it with a cup of tea. 

Furthermore, these are the most portable, least expensive, and simplest ways of staying informed about global events. It may be taken from one location to another in a bag and is reasonably priced. It's quite useful, and simply flipping through the pages can make you omniscient. Second, there is no need for power or other equipment. 

Furthermore, the additional accessories are frosting on the cake. The Hindustan Times, for example, has a variety of articles such as women's fashion, job advice, culinary art, and so on. 

However, technology has surely changed the way we read news. For example, videos provide a full and clear view of what we're reading, and we can also save, share, and forward it to our family and friends. Technophobia, it goes without saying, will have no place in an ever-advanced modern society. 

To summarize, improved versions of technology have a significant impact on people's lives, but they will not, in my opinion, be able to threaten the existence of conventional newspapers and periodicals."

Example 4: 

Sample Response: 

"Children are society's future, and they must be instilled with true life values. As a result, there are those who believe that a competitive spirit should be instilled in them, while others believe that cooperative qualities must be possessed. Before forming a judgment, I shall discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each view. 

Firstly, there are numerous reasons why children should have competitive ideals. Competition encourages young people to work harder in order to advance in their studies and other endeavors. They begin to work hard in order to compete with others and learn the value of perseverance. They are able to achieve first place in every competition because of their dedication and hard work. Second, competitive values instill in children self-confidence and self-reliance. They are highly likely to have self-achievement and fulfillment when they join in activities and compete with others. They believe they are deserving of a calm and peaceful mind. They tend to become self-sufficient, and as a result, they have the best decision-making abilities. Furthermore, a sense of accomplishment is a requirement. Without a doubt, people in the current period confront rivalry from infancy to adulthood. For example, in school there is a dance competition, a race competition, a poem competition, and as they get older, they face competition in finding a job, applying for college, and even completing an exam. As a result, a value is essential. 

On the other hand, it is obvious how critical it is to instill the value of cooperation. This is the only way a youngster may learn teamwork, team spirit, coexistence, tolerance, and patience through their feelings. Furthermore, when looking at history, it is clear that the well-known icons of society are only those that have a helpful and sacrificing mentality. A self-centered person will never achieve fame in society. Second, constant competitiveness preaching may develop feelings of rivalry among peers and others. These feelings of rivalry quickly evolve into jealousy and personal grudges. A heart filled with resentment towards others can never be good for themselves or others. 

To sum up, after weighing both competitive and cooperative values, I believe that each has its own significance. As a result, a child should be raised by evenly imparting both."

Word List 1

Word List 2

Word List 3

Word List 4

Affect vs. Effect

“Not winning the competition did not affect her as much as I thought it would.” 

“The effect of her medications on her illness was surprisingly quick.”

Loose vs. Lose

“The dress she is wearing is obviously loose on her.”

(1) “I hate losing at chess against my sister.”

(2) “He lost his keys at the party last night.”

Lay vs. Lie

“She laid her bracelet on the study.”

“He lies down on the bed and takes a nap.”

Accept vs. Except

“She accepted the award graciously.”

“They go to the park every day except on Sundays.” 

Complement vs. Compliment

“Her scarf is a complete complement to her outfit.”

“I was surprised by how he reacted over a small compliment.”

Farther vs. Further

“The black car is farther away than the white car.” 

“The newly-hired employee asked further questions from the manager.”

Passed vs. Past

“She passed her exams in flying colors.”

“She has to move forward and leave the past behind her.”

Elicit vs. Illicit

“I was not able to elicit any response from him.”

“I have advised him to stop the use of illicit drugs.”

Any way vs. Anyway

“Any way you suggest is fine, as long as we reach the venue in half an hour.” 

“It’s fine, I don’t mind. It’s my fault anyway.”

Than vs. Then

“The weather yesterday was warmer than today’s.”

“We went to the park, then ate at our favorite restaurant.”

Its vs. It’s

“The milk is past its expiration date.”

“It’s raining outside, bring an umbrella.”

Their vs. There vs. They’re

“The tourists left their shoes outside the temple.”

“We went to Singapore and stayed there for a week.”

“They’re planning a surprise party for their parents.”

Your vs. You’re

“Your dress looks lovely.”

“You’re chosen to represent the class in the competition next week.”

Who vs. Whom

“Who is the richest man in the world?”

“Whom did he marry?”

That vs. Which

“Products that do not pass the standards are not sold to consumers.”

“The homeless cat, which a stranger adopted, turned out to be my neighbor's lost pet."           

To vs. Too

“I go to the supermarket every week.”

“I love apples and grapes too.”

• Make Use of Memory Tricks: Mnemonics are mental shortcuts that will help you remember more complicated concepts or words. It is a popular approach to memorizing a language. You can make associations between words. For example, when you need to buy Spaghetti, Tomatoes, Olives, Rice, and Eggs from the STORE. Furthermore, the more you think about acronyms or associations, the better you will remember the phrases that go with them.

• Create an Environment Conducive to Learning: When you study abroad, you will hear and read the language everywhere, allowing you to acquire the language far more quickly through immersion. Luckily, you do not need to travel overseas to enhance your vocabulary gradually. You may create an inspirational and study-friendly environment wherever you are. Purchase publications or books in the new language, watch movies and prepare (or simply eat) local cuisine.

• Make Use of a Notebook: Writing new words in a tangible notebook has a romantic quality to it. Just add a new word to a running vocabulary list when you come across a new word that you do not recognize. Then, a few times a week, go over the list, obliterating the English definitions and attempting to recall what each term meant. The more you read through the notebook, the easier it will be to recall the words. You can eventually cross off the words you know, so you do not have to go over them again.

• Put the Words in Their Proper Context: Putting words in context is a fantastic way to learn more vocabulary faster. Consider putting them together in phrases rather than composing lists of random words. That way, you will understand how the word is utilized in everyday situations. It will also be easier to remember if you come up with entertaining sentences. You can also generate drawings or discover visuals that will complement the sentences and place the words in their natural home, depending on how you learn.

• Take it a Step Further: Allow adequate space for mind maps with connected words, synonyms, and antonyms if you want to take your learning a step higher. If you’re going to make the most of your learning, try explaining and describing the word in English rather than translating it into your original tongue.

• Put in The Effort: The most crucial thing you will need to recall English words is the appropriate attitude and the willingness to put in the effort. However, there is no such thing as a magical system. None of the approaches listed above are “correct” or “incorrect.” Find something that works for you and utilize it regularly. Experiment with a few to find which produces the greatest results.