Ielts speaking--how to improve your bandscore

What are the active discourse markers for speaking?
There are varied questions in parts 1, 2, and 3 of the Speaking test. Each of these
questions calls for a different type of answer; therefore, each question requires
an appropriate linker. There are numerous transitional words that signal the
relationship between sentences and join them together. The relationship between
each sentence differs, so there is an appropriate cohesive device for each
different function.
To signal the beginning of your speech, you can use first, firstly, first of all, to
begin with, or in the first place. This should be followed by an independent
clause and a slight pause after these expressions must be made before you
continue speaking. This pausing is a common element in speaking right after you
utter cohesive devices. These devices are used when enumerating examples,
ideas, and other forms of thought to emphasize the primacy—or priority—in the
list. These expressions signal the order of events, specifically when you are
giving directions on how to do things—for instance, when the examiner asks you
about your favourite dish and how to prepare it. However, take note that the
expressions at first, initially, originally, in the beginning, and at the beginning do
not always mean the same as first and firstly.
In order to avoid long pauses, you can use let me think, let me see, well, or you
know, but do not use them often. These expressions are used so that your fluency
will not be jeopardized, but frequent use of these fillers will be penalized. It also
indicates lack of ideas.
The expressions with regard to, regarding, as regards, as far as . . . is concerned,
and as for focus attention on what is to follow. You should announce the subject
beforehand. For instance, you may say, ‘The number of fatalities is rapidly
increasing. As for the missing people, the count remains the same’.
To state contrasting points without emphasizing the difference or in a balanced
way, the expressions on the other hand, alternatively, and then again are
commonly used. The following are examples:
1.  Travelling alone is good because you can maximize your time without
asking other people’s preferences. On the other hand, travelling with a
group is also a good way to spend your holiday since you are with people

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who can help you in an emergency while you are travelling.
2.  You can study English in Australia. There are a lot of schools with good
reputations in teaching English. Alternatively, you can also study in Canada
or the USA.
To state contrasting points and show differences, use however, nevertheless,
conversely, in contrast, despite this, in spite of this/that, or despite that. Look at
the examples below:
1.  It is not sound to say that the Internet is detrimental to youth. In fact, it is
where you can access vast amounts of information and entertainment
without spending a lot of money and energy. Nevertheless, some of the
contents are offensive and disadvantageous. One example is pornography.
2.  Eating fast food has indeed gained popularity among working people
because it’s convenient and quick. However, their health suffers from the
frequent intake of this food because of its low nutritional value.
Similarly, in the same way, likewise, and by the same token are helpful
expressions when you talk about similarities. To illustrate, here are examples:

1.  I think parents should teach their children the harm of early pregnancy.
Similarly, schools should include sex education in their curriculum,
especially secondary schools.
2.  The teacher’s authority should be respected by students. By the same token,
teachers should also value students’ opinions and individuality.
For concession, linking words such as of course, admittedly, naturally,
obviously, clearly, undeniably, and undoubtedly can be utilised. These words
signal that the idea is not 100 percent wrong and should be followed by a
counterargument beginning with but and other similar words or phrases. For
example, you may say ‘Admittedly, studying English in an English-speaking
country is effective, but this is not the only way to learn the English language’.
In the Speaking test, it is unavoidable that you have to add details to your answer
so that you can clearly illustrate your ideas. In this scenario, you need
expressions that function as such. Some of these expressions are as well as that
(or not only that), on top of that, another thing is, besides, what’s more,
furthermore, in addition, and moreover. Look at these examples:

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1.  Studying online is convenient and time efficient. On top of that, it is
affordable.
2.  I would say that the Internet has changed people’s lives for the better. I say
that through this invention, we have gained access to information without
having to spend much time reading books in the library. What’s more, news
is readily available everyday irrespective of time and place.
To give examples of your claims so that you can support your main idea in
speaking, the expressions for example, for instance, as an example, and to
illustrate this are some of the phrases fulfilling the said function.

To give a more specific answer, you can use any of these words and phrases:
specifically, to be more specific, in particular, as a matter of fact, in fact, and
actually.

To make a vague explanation clearer, you may use I mean, what I mean is, to put
that another way, what I’m trying to say is, my point is, in other words, that is,
and that is to say.