Essential Set Phrases And Expressions For The Ielts Writing Speaking Modules Pdf «WORKING — 2024»

The following essential set phrases and expressions are categorized by the IELTS Speaking and Writing modules. For comprehensive study, you can refer to dedicated resources like the 100 Essential Words and Phrases for Band 7-9 Success PDF IELTS Speaking Expressions

In Speaking, the goal is to sound natural while using "signposting" language to help the examiner follow your thoughts. Buying Thinking Time : Useful when you need a moment to formulate a response. "That's an interesting question..." "Let me think about that for a second." "Off the top of my head, I’d say..." Expressing Opinions : Moving beyond simple "I think". "From my perspective..." "I'm inclined to believe that..." "It strikes me that..." Idiomatic Expressions (Band 7+) : Demonstrates a high level of lexical resource. Once in a blue moon : Very rarely. A piece of cake : Something very easy. Over the moon : Extremely happy. Run-of-the-mill : Average or typical. IELTS Writing Expressions

Writing requires more formal linking words and specific vocabulary for data description or argumentation. 100 Essential Words and Phrases for Band 7-9 Success

Part 5: Sample Answer Snippets

Writing Task 2 (Opinion)

It is often argued that social media negatively affects interpersonal relationships. From my perspective, while there are some drawbacks, the benefits in terms of connectivity outweigh the harms. For instance, families living abroad can now stay in touch daily, which was impossible a generation ago. In conclusion, despite valid concerns, I believe social media has strengthened rather than weakened human bonds. The following essential set phrases and expressions are

Speaking Part 3 (Speculation)

"If governments were to invest more in public transportation, it’s highly likely that traffic congestion would reduce significantly. That said, changing people’s habits is never easy, so a multi-faceted approach would be necessary."

3 Critical Mistakes to Avoid with Set Phrases

Before you download the PDF, be warned: using phrases incorrectly hurts your score.

1. The "Clunky" Problem

2. Overusing Signposting

3. Wrong Register (Formality)

6. Speaking — Part 2: Cue card structure & useful phrases

Structure to follow (1-minute prep, 1–2 minute talk)

Sample sentence stems

How to expand for 2 minutes

Contents

  1. Quick usage guide
  2. Writing Task 1 — Academic (describing charts, trends, comparisons)
  3. Writing Task 1 — General (letters)
  4. Writing Task 2 — Essays (opinion, discussion, problem–solution, advantage–disadvantage, double question)
  5. Speaking Part 1 — Personal questions
  6. Speaking Part 2 — Cue card (structured opening, development, conclusion)
  7. Speaking Part 3 — Discussion questions (speculation, evaluation, comparison)
  8. Linking words & cohesive devices (grouped by purpose)
  9. Collocations and advanced vocabulary lists
  10. Common mistakes & quick corrections
  11. Practice prompts and sample answers (short models)
  12. Study tips and phrase drills

Essential Set Phrases & Expressions for IELTS Writing & Speaking

A. Academic Writing Task 1 (Describing Data and Trends)

Task 1 requires you to describe visual information (graphs, charts, maps, or processes). You need specific language to describe movement, time, and comparisons.

1. Introducing the Topic:

2. Describing Trends (Movement):

3. Making Comparisons:

1.4 Comparisons & Contrasts

For Task 2 (Essays - Opinion/Discussion)

You need to state opinions, show cause/effect, and give examples.