Posted on 10th December 2019 by New College Group

Top 10 academic phrases to succeed in IELTS writing

Looking for tips to improve your IELTS writing score? We’ve compiled our top ten academic phrases that will help you succeed in your IELTS writing exam.

To master your IELTS writing exam, it is important to strike a tone that is academic and formal. One such way to do this is to use phrases and vocabulary to convey your points in the most compelling and persuasive manner. Whilst we don’t recommend learning phrases by heart, having a better understanding of the keywords an academic essay should contain can help you develop the vocabulary that will instantly transform your writing. 

Trying to learn too many complex or informal phrases should be avoided, as this could result in you losing marks. Though it is great to expand your vocabulary for the IELTS exam, it is also important to write naturally and clearly to ensure you score top marks. Read on to discover our top 10 phrases to improve your IELTS writing.

1. To put it another way

This is a great academic phrase to use in your IELTS exam to lead into expanding further on complex arguments. This can be used particularly when you feel that the reader needs to be given further clarity on your point.

2. Another key thing to remember

Having a number of words or phrases you can use to introduce layers to your argument is extremely useful. Instead of over-using the word ‘also’, you could use the phrase ‘another key thing to remember’. Other similar phrases include ‘what’s more’, ‘furthermore’, and ‘coupled with’. Using these linking phrases will tell the examiner that you have a better understanding of the English language and help you to achieve a higher score. 

3. However

‘However’ is a keyword that may seem simple but is very useful for introducing contrasting or conflicting elements to your essay. This keyword will help you demonstrate a broader understanding of your subject as you can use the keyword to present a balanced and well-reasoned argument. Similar key phrases include ‘on the other hand’, ‘having said that’, or ‘in comparison’.

4. Despite this

If you are acknowledging a flaw in the information or piece of evidence that you are explaining in your exam, the phrase ‘despite this’ enables you to outline a different perspective. Other words and phrases you could use to outline a contrasting point include ‘nonetheless’, ‘nevertheless’, ‘in spite of’, or ‘notwithstanding’.

5. For instance

Often the best academic phrases you can use in your IELTS writing exam will allow you to give the reader examples. Knowing different ways to say ‘for example’ and convey your evidence will make your essay much more varied and persuasive. Other phrases to try include ‘to give an illustration’, ‘to demonstrate this’, ‘suppose that’, or ‘such as’.

6. Significantly

Reinforce your arguments by demonstrating the importance of certain points. Starting a sentence with ‘significantly’ will highlight your point and make the reader take notice. Try using ‘notably’, ‘importantly’, ‘above all’ or ‘in particular’, too.

7. Compelling

Leave no doubt as to which argument you want the reader to agree with persuasive writing. Use words such as ‘compelling’, ‘effective’, ‘eloquent’, ‘influential’ and ‘credible’ to help justify your points.

8. Then again

There’s nothing to say that you have to present just one side of an argument in your essay; or even that you can’t change your mind or cast doubt upon the evidence that’s being presented. In fact one of our top tips to improve your IELTS writing is to make you can articulately discuss both sides of an argument. Although it is important in your exam to make sure you present which side of the argument you favour clearly. 

Using phrases such as ‘that said’, ‘in comparison’, ‘contrastingly’ ‘by comparison’ and ‘yet’, will help you present a much broader argument.

9. One of the key issues

It is vital that you write in a natural way to discuss the information that has been presented to you in the exam. Academic phrases like ‘one of the key issues’ and ‘the most important aspect’ are great ways to easily introduce different topics and pivotal points you will cover in your IELTS essay.

10. In conclusion

Finishing your essay with a well-balanced explanation of your arguments will put you in a great position to score top points. Try phrases such as ‘to summarise’, ‘finally’, ‘overall’, or ‘to conclude’ to help articulate the final points in your conclusion.

Developing your English language skills takes time. Join our IELTS Preparation course today and improve your overall English language skills to help you pass the IELTS exam.