Listing Giving examples Generalising

firstly, secondly, thirdly for example in general

first, furthermore, finally for instance generally
to begin, to conclude as follows: on the whole
next that is as a rule
Reinforcement in this case for the most part
also namely in most cases
furthermore in other words usually
moreover Result/consequence Highlighting
what is more so in particular
in addition therefore particularly
besides as a result/consequence especially
above all accordingly mainly
as well (as) consequently Reformulation
in the same way because of this/that in other words
not only ... but also thus rather
Similarity hence to put it more simply
equally for this/that reason Expressing an alternative
likewise so that alternatively
similarly in that case rather
correspondingly under these circumstances on the other hand
in the same way Deduction the alternative is
another possibility would
Transition to new point then
be
now, in other words Contrast
as far as x is concerned in that case instead
with regard/reference to otherwise conversely
as for ... this implies that ... on the contrary
it follows that if so/not in contrast
turning to Stating the obvious in comparison
Concession (smth
Summary obviously
unexpected)
in conclusion clearly even though
to conclude naturally however
in brief of course however much
to summarise as can be expected nevertheless
overall surely still
therefore after all yet

IELTS essay vocabulary

Expressing personal opinions:
 In my opinion, …
 Personally, I think that …
 It seems to me that ...
 I must admit that …
 I believe/suppose that ...
 I cannot deny that …
 As I see it, …
 As far as I'm concerned, …
 I would argue that ...
 I'd like to point out that …
 In my experience, ...
Very strong opinions:
 I am sure that …
 I am convinced that ...
 I am certain that ...
Example: I would argue that computers are rather beneficial for kids.
Proving your arguments
 to attest, ...
 to prove, ...
 this (fact) is attested/proven by ...
 this (fact) is evidenced by ...
 this (fact) is testified by ...
 this (fact) is endorsed/supported by...
 this (evidence) establishes that ...
Example: Consuming moderate amounts of sweets can be good for health. This is
evidenced by a number of cases when people improved their health conditions by
eating chocolate.
Expressing general point of view:
 It is (generally) claimed that …
 It is (generally) said that …
 It is (generally) thought that ...
 It is (generally) considered that ...
 A common opinion is that ...
 A popular belief is that ...
Example: It is considered that rigorous diets are very unhealthy.
Outlining facts
 The fact is that …
 It is obvious that …
  It is clear that …
 There is no doubt that …
 This proves that …
Example: It is obvious that deforestation has no positive effects.
Generalizing
 Generally speaking, ...
 On the whole, ...
 Typically, ...
 By and large ...
Example: Generally speaking, smoking is a bad habit.
Giving examples
 For example, ...
 For instance, ...
 A good illustration of this is ...
 Evidence for this is provided by ...
 We can see this when ...
Example: A lot of wild animals are endangered. Evidence for this is proved by
decreasing number of species.
Concluding
 To summarise, ...
 In conclusion, ...
 Overall, ...
 On balance, ...
 Taking everything into consideration, ...
Example: Overall, no parents should neglect their children.

Letter structure
How to start and end the letter?
A. Formal letter
When you don't know the recipient’s name:
o Dear Sir … Yours faithfully
o Dear Madam … Yours faithfully
o Dear Sir or Madam … Yours faithfully
When the recipient’s name is known:
o Dear Mr Green … Yours sincerely
o Dear Mrs Green … Yours sincerely
o Dear Miss Green … Yours sincerely
o Dear Ms Green … Yours sincerely

B. Semi-formal letter
When you are writing to a good friend or colleague:
o Dear Jonh … Best wishes/ Best regards
o Dear Jonh ... Many thanks

C. Informal letter
When you are writing to a good friend or colleague:
o Hello Jonh … Best wishes/ Best
o Hi Jonh … See you/ Missing you/ Love
When you are writing to someone you love:
o Dear Mary … Yours always/ Lots of love

Letter openings
The letter's first paragraph is letter opening. In your first paragraph you should:
1. introduce yourself
2. state the purpose of the letter.
Examples of formal letter openings:
 I am writing to enquire about … .
 I am writing to request ... .
 I am writing to explain why ... .
 I am writing to express interest in ... .
 I am writing to inform you that/about… .
 I am writing to complain about (the fact that I)… .
 After having seen your advertisement in … , I would like to… .
 After having received your address from … , I … .
 Thank you for your letter regarding/about … .
 In reply to your letter of 18 June, … .
Examples of informal letter openings:
 Hi! My name is Noah and I've been assigned your drama coach… .
 Hello, My name is Julia and I'm volunteer conducting student excursions… .
 Hi there, I hope you're enjoying your holidays/ trip/ college year/
honeymoon… .
 Hello, thanks very much for asking me to visit you ... .

Letter closings
You may need a letter closing to express gratitude, to repeat an apology, to offer
help etc.
Examples of formal letter closings:
 If you require any further information, feel free to contact me.
 I look forward to your reply.
 I look forward to hearing from you.
 Once again, I apologise for any inconvenience.
 I would appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.
 I would deeply appreciate it if you could ... .
 Thank you in advance!
 Thanking you for your assistance in advance, I look forward to hearing
from you.
Examples of informal letter closings:
 Anyway, I‛ve got to go now. Write again if you need any more information.
 Well, let me finish here. I am eagerly waiting for your reply to this letter.
Introducing the graph
The graph/table/pie chart/bar chart/diagram ...
 gives information about/on ...
 provides information about/on ...
 shows ...
 illustrates ...
 compares ...
 explains why ...
 describes ...
 draws the conclusion of (a survey) ...
Example: The pie charts provide information on the proportion of males and
females working in agricultural sector.
Types of changes

Nouns

a rise (of) a fall (in) prices

an increase (of) a decrease (in) a fluctuation (of)
a growth (of) a decline (in) a variation (in)
a peak (of) a dip (in) Example: a fluctuation
a surge (of) Example: a fall in of prices
Example: a rise of
prices

Verbs
to rise to fall to fluctuate
to increase to decrease to vary
to surge to decline
to grow to dip
to peak to dive
Large rises: to plunge
to rocket Large falls:
to soar to plummet
to leap (->leapt)
 Description of changes

Adverbs
sharply
suddenly slightly
rapidly gently
abruptly gradually
dramatically steadily
significantly modestly
considerably marginally
markedly Example: the prices increased
wildly modestly
Example: the prices rose sharply

Adjectives
sharp
sudden
rapid
abrupt slight
dramatic gentle
steep gradual
significant steady
considerable consistent
marked modest
substantial marginal
spectacular Example: there was a gradual decline
Example: there was a considerable
growth

Useful phrases
a small fraction, a small number, a small minority
a large portion, a significant majority
nearly a fifth, almost 10%, in region of 40%, more than a half, over a quarter,
around two thirds, more or less three quarters, exactly one in ten, approximately a
third