More useful signposts

Here are some examples of other useful signposts you can use to organise your answers in
the IELTS Speaking test.

Sequence ideas

 First (firstly)
computers have increased
 Next,
our ability to get a job done
 Finally, faster.
 The main reason is
 Another point is
 Another reason is

Give an Example

 For example, now I can make overseas

 For instance, orders by e-mail and the
 Namely, goods are here in only a few
 Specifically, days.
 That is,

 ...such as... ...such as making overseas

orders by email.

Add another idea

 Also, they allow us to get a job

 In addition, done more efficiently.
 Moreover,
 Besides,

Introduce a similar idea

 Likewise, computers can be a lot of fun

 Similarly, to use.

Introduce a different idea

 However, some people find computers

 In contrast, very boring to use.
 On the other hand,
 Although some people find computers
boring, I am fascinated by
them.

Introduce a new idea

 With regard to other kinds of technology, it is

 When it comes to clear that they have improved
 On the question of working conditions as well.

Summarise your ideas

 All in all, I think the increased use of

 In brief, computers has improved our
 On the whole, lives dramatically.

Give a cause

 Due to my parents’ nervousness,

 Because of they never turn on the
computer.

Give an effect

 Therefore, the computer sits in the study

 As a result, without being used.
 For this reason,
 Consequently,

Emphasise a point

 Certainly, I understand their fear of

 Indeed, technology.
 In fact,
 Of course,
 Actually,
 As a matter of fact,
 Naturally,

Generalise

 Usually, younger people are more

 In general, comfortable using computers.
 On the whole,
 As a rule,
 In most cases,
 Broadly speaking,
 Generally speaking,
 For the most part,
 To some extent

Clarify a point

 In other words, younger people have grown

 Namely, up with computers.
 That is to say,
 I mean,