IELTS Writing: Signposting

Here are some things to think about when you are practicing your IELTS writing, or any other exam writing.

Try to avoid using the same words, phrases and ideas too often.

Try to use a range of vocabulary. Try to make sure you do not repeat the same idea too often, make sure you explore different ideas to provide a well-balanced answer.

When you introduce each point you need to use what is known as a "signpost", most students stick to the simple and easy "firstly", "secondly", "finally". This is too simple,and too common. You can get away with using one of these signposts, but try some new ones. The examiner will be impressed.

There are two types of signposts.

1)  Major signposts – they show the key parts of your work. Your purpose, the structure, the main points, your conclusions, and most importantly where you stand on the issue.

2)  Linking words and phrases – These show the connections between each individual sentence and the paragraphs themselves.

Use major signposts to show the key aspects of your answer, such as purpose, structure, your position, your main points, and your conclusions.

Major Signposts:

The aim of this essay is to ….

The purpose of this essay is to….

This essay argues that ….

The main questions addressed in this paper are ….

This essay critically examines….

The above discussion raises some interesting questions.

This paper begins by …. It will then go on to …. Finally, ….

In conclusion, ….

Linking Words & Phrases:
Listing – first(ly), …second(ly), …finally, lastly, next, to begin with, at first, finally

Comparing & Contrasting – Nevertheless, in contrast, similarly, on the contrary, on the other hand, however, whereas

Cause & Effect – So that, therefore, thus, despite, hence, since, owing to this, nor, because, in consequence, yet, consequently, in order to, later, to, eventually, in spite of, as a consequence, yet, consequently, in order to, later, so, eventually, accordingly, thus

To show addition – Also, besides, in addition, furthermore, as well, as well as, but, moreover, not only… but also

To rephrase your ideas – In other words, to put it simply, that is, mainly, in general, apart from this, like, generally, for the most part, normally, on the whole, usually, in most cases

To give examples – For example, for instance, to exemplify, in particular, notably, in detail, particularly, as a result, such as, too, specifically

Showing attitude – Especially, still, chiefly, in the same way, for this reason, fortunately, even so, luckily, unfortunately, undoubtedly, admittedly, oddly enough, strangely enough, as a rule

Emphasizing – As a result, what is more, certainly

To begin the conclusion – Therefore, in conclusion, thus, we can see, finally, to sum up, overall, in the end, to conclude

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