Natural Discourse Markers for IELTS Speaking
Connect your ideas. Sound like yourself.
Use everyday expressions to add an example, explain a reason, tell a story or change direction. Choose the phrase that fits your meaning, rather than trying to fit a phrase into every answer.
36 expressions · 12 speaking purposes · Free four-page PDF
What are discourse markers?
Discourse markers are words and phrases that help a listener follow your ideas. This guide also includes useful linking expressions and short phrases for starting, clarifying or finishing an answer.
IELTS assesses how clearly you organise and connect ideas as part of fluency and coherence. Using a particular phrase does not guarantee a band score. Read the IELTS Speaking band guide to understand the wider criteria.
Everyday answers
Work, study, home, hometown and getting around
Start naturally
Answer the question directly. An opening phrase is optional.
| Useful expression | Natural example |
|---|---|
| Well, ... | Well, I'm studying nursing at the moment, and I work in a cafe at weekends. |
| At the moment, ... | At the moment, I'm renting an apartment near the university. |
| Generally, ... | Generally, I take the train to work because parking in the city is expensive. |
Add another point
Keep related ideas together.
| Useful expression | Natural example |
|---|---|
| And ... | My hometown is fairly small, and most places are within walking distance. |
| Also, ... | I like my course because the classes are practical. Also, the teachers are really supportive. |
| Plus, ... | Our apartment is close to the station. Plus, there's a supermarket just downstairs. |
Give an example
Make a general idea more specific.
| Useful expression | Natural example |
|---|---|
| For example, ... | There are lots of free things to do in my hometown. For example, you can walk along the river. |
| For instance, ... | I use technology a lot at college. For instance, I record lectures so I can listen again later. |
| ... like ... | I enjoy outdoor activities, like cycling along the coast or playing football with friends. |
Reasons, contrasts and choices
Explain what you mean without sounding like an essay
Explain why or what happens
Because gives a reason; so gives a result.
| Useful expression | Natural example |
|---|---|
| ... because ... | I usually take the bus because the stop is right outside my house. |
| So, ... | My lectures start at eight, so I leave home quite early. |
| That's why ... | Most of my relatives still live in my hometown. That's why I go back whenever I can. |
Show a contrast
Connect two different sides of an idea.
| Useful expression | Natural example |
|---|---|
| But ... | I like my apartment, but I'd love to have a small garden. |
| ... though. | The buses are quite reliable. They get crowded in the mornings, though. |
| On the other hand, ... | Driving is convenient. On the other hand, taking the train means I don't have to find parking. |
Give a balanced answer
Allow for different situations or a small reservation.
| Useful expression | Natural example |
|---|---|
| It depends, really. | It depends, really. If I'm travelling into the city, I take the train. For shorter trips, I drive. |
| I suppose ... | I suppose I'd prefer a house, mainly because I'd have more space. |
| To be fair, ... | My hometown can be a bit quiet. To be fair, it's a lovely place to bring up children. |
Tell a story and stay clear
Useful for longer answers about experiences and memories
Put events in order
Help the listener follow what happened.
| Useful expression | Natural example |
|---|---|
| To start with, ... | To start with, I was nervous about my first day at work because I didn't know anyone. |
| Then, ... | Then, one of my colleagues showed me around and introduced me to the team. |
| In the end, ... | In the end, I really enjoyed the day, and I felt much more confident about the job. |
Correct or clarify
Make a brief repair, then carry on.
| Useful expression | Natural example |
|---|---|
| Actually, ... | I've lived in this apartment for three years. Actually, it'll be four years next month. |
| I mean, ... | My hometown is lively. I mean, there's usually something happening in the town centre. |
| What I mean is ... | My course is quite hands-on. What I mean is, we spend a lot of time practising in the lab. |
Return or shift focus
Use a clear connection; avoid unrelated tangents.
| Useful expression | Natural example |
|---|---|
| Anyway, ... | We stopped at a cafe on the way, and the food was great. Anyway, when we reached the beach, we went straight into the water. |
| As I was saying, ... | As I was saying, the best part of that trip was spending time with my grandparents. |
| As for ..., ... | The house itself is quite small. As for the neighbourhood, it's quiet and there are plenty of parks. |
Develop an idea and finish
Opinions, wider discussion and a natural stopping point
Give your view
State an opinion without making it sound absolute.
| Useful expression | Natural example |
|---|---|
| I think ... | I think cities should make buses more affordable so more people can use them. |
| I'd say ... | I'd say the biggest change in my hometown is the amount of new housing. |
| For me, ... | For me, the best thing about studying with other people is being able to share ideas. |
Take a brief moment
A short pause is fine. Do not use these in every answer.
| Useful expression | Natural example |
|---|---|
| Let me think. | Let me think. A teacher who really helped me was my secondary school English teacher. |
| That's a good question. | That's a good question. I suppose people keep old photographs because they bring back memories. |
| I've never really thought about that, but ... | I've never really thought about that, but I think a city's buildings can tell us a lot about its history. |
Round off a longer answer
Stop when your point is complete; a closing phrase is optional.
| Useful expression | Natural example |
|---|---|
| Overall, ... | Overall, I think working from home is useful, as long as people still have chances to meet their colleagues. |
| So, ... | So, that's why the trip to my grandparents' village is still one of my favourite memories. |
| ... really. | I like my neighbourhood because it's peaceful and close to work. Those are the main things for me, really. |
A simple way to practise
- Choose a familiar topic: your work, studies, home, hometown or daily journey.
- Answer a question using your own details. Add one relevant reason or example.
- Record yourself and listen. Did the expressions help your listener follow your answer?
In Part 1, keep answers relevant and conversational. In Part 2, sequence your story clearly. In Part 3, explain opinions and consider different sides. You do not need a formal conclusion for every answer.
These are original teaching examples, not recalled or predicted test questions. Test-format reference: IELTS.org Speaking format · Checked 2 November 2026.