Listening
The words that tell you what is coming next, and where the talk changes direction. With a practice exercise.
Signpost words in IELTS listening are the words a speaker uses to show where they are going: although, next, as a result, admittedly, in the same way. They are also called discourse markers, which simply means words that show how a talk is organised. Following them is one of the most useful listening skills there is.
They matter most in Sections 2 and 4, where one person talks for several minutes. A signpost tells you that the topic is about to change, which means the next answer is close.
By function
Six relationships, and the words that announce each.
Although, however, on the other hand, whereas. The speaker is about to say something that goes against what came before.
First, the next step, then, after that, finally. A process or a list, and the answers will follow the same order.
Not only that but also, in addition, moreover, what is more. Another point in the same direction as the last.
Admittedly, of course, granted, it is true that. The speaker accepts a point before disagreeing with it, so expect a but shortly after.
As a result, consequently, therefore, which meant that. The second thing happened because of the first.
In the same way, similarly, likewise. Two things are being treated as alike, and the second is usually the answer.
Method
Six phrases and what they mean when you hear them.
A new subject is starting, or the talk is nearing its end. All three signal a break more than a meaning.
Another point is coming. Useful in Section 4, where losing your place is costly and there is no pause to recover in.
The speaker is about to rephrase. If you missed the point the first time, the second version is coming.
A recap of something earlier. Not new information, so do not expect an answer here.
An exception or a contrast is coming, which often contains the answer because it is the surprising part.
The speaker is going to expand on the point just made, so the detail you need may be a sentence away.
Practice
For each sentence opening, decide what is likely to come next.
You hear the first part of a sentence. The signpost word tells you what kind of point is coming.
In the real test this lets you predict where the answer will be, and lets you recover when you have lost your place.
1Although the scheme was expensive to introduce...
An opposite. Although signals that something contrasting is coming, most likely that it was worth the cost after all.
2The next step in the process is...
A sequence. Next step marks a stage in a process, and in a flowchart question the answers follow that same order.
3Not only did numbers fall, but also...
An addition. Not only... but also adds a second point in the same direction, and that second point is frequently the answer.
4Admittedly, the early results were disappointing...
A concession. The speaker is accepting a point before disagreeing with it, so expect a but or however within a sentence or two.
5As a result of the changes...
Cause and effect. What follows happened because of what came before, which makes it easy to predict and easy to catch.
6You hear anyway in the middle of a talk. What does it signal?
A change of subject, or the end approaching. Anyway, right and now all mark a break in the talk rather than a meaning.
Signpost words are how you find it again. There is no pause in Section 4, so recovering mid-talk is a real skill rather than a nicety.
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Words and phrases that show where a speaker is going, such as although, next, as a result and admittedly. They are also called discourse markers.
They tell you what kind of point is coming and when the topic changes, which helps you predict where the next answer will be.
Sections 2 and 4, where one person speaks for several minutes. In Section 4 there is no pause, so they are also how you recover if you lose your place.
Yes. A speaker's voice usually falls at the end of one topic, then pauses, then starts higher on the next. That pattern marks changes as clearly as any word.
The same words appear, but writing assesses whether you use them sparingly and accurately. Overusing them in an essay lowers your band.
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