

You can use signpost words in your IELTS writing-in speaking exams as well-not only to signal a change, but also to make your writing and speaking more complex and thus encourage examiners to give you a higher band score. The awareness of signpost words can also be applied to the IELTS skill of reading too, by focusing your attention on the information which is coming and which will have the answer you require. In the listening exam, these words usually help you to realize that the answer you are waiting for is coming. The reason for this is that when you’re listening to a speaker, that speaker will signal stages of their talk or use the signpost words to highlight the fact that useful information is about to be introduced.
SIGNPOST WORDS EXAMPLES HOW TO
But it’s going to be useful for IELTS candidates in their preparation to be aware of signpost words and how to use them.Īndrea:So were looking at signpost words today, and knowledge of signpost words is very important in the IELTS listening exam. And Andrea’s with me, and she’s going to explain their use. Today we’re going to talk about signpost words. She has been teaching the subject at home and abroad for over twenty years. Andrea Price currently lives and works in London, teaching IELTS. I’m the founder of the Pass IELTS Higher website, which was started in late 2010 and has been successfully helping students achieve higher band scores since. This will shoot you over to iTunes, where you can leave a rating and review.
SIGNPOST WORDS EXAMPLES FREE
Let’s take a closer look at the four types of signposts that help the reader make sense of a piece of writing in a variety of ways.If you enjoy this free IELTS Test Prepcast, please show us your support and appreciation by clicking here.

You are not expected to start each and every sentence in a paragraph with a signpost. Overusing signposts can affect your writing negatively. to explain the transition from one section of your writing to another). however, in summary), or complete sentences (e.g. Signposts can be simple words or phrases (e.g. For example, ‘Notably’ at the beginning of the second paragraph above tells us that the writer considers the content of the sentence to be significant. Signposts can also tell us how to interpret information presented in the assignment. However, it is not enough to simply outline the intended structure in the introduction – you need signposts throughout to remind the reader where they have come from and tell them where you plan to take them next. For example, ‘Therefore’ shows the relationship between the points made in the first and second sentences, and ‘first’ and ‘subsequently’ tell us that the following sentences explain how the essay will develop.

Most readers find the second text easier to read because signposts make the connections between the ideas presented.
