Original BandLadder material
It teaches a 3-step method: link, point back and swap. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a model answer with its key moves highlighted, a one-page visual summary, word cards with meanings and examples (this, these, such and the latter), a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
Reading it online is free: create a free BandLadder account and the whole lesson opens in our study reader, on the web and in the app. Downloading the PDF to keep needs a plan; the free reader has every card.
The first 3 of 9 cards
it looks organised, but it isn't
Firstly, Moreover, In addition: a linker at the start of every sentence looks tidy. To a marker, it looks like autopilot.
Firstly,linker cars pollute the air. Moreover,linker cars are noisy. In addition,wrong job cars help families with young children.
The IELTS descriptors have a word for this: mechanical.
IELTS Band 7 wording covers all three
pick the job first, then the word
| Job | Linkers |
|---|---|
| Adding | also · in addition |
| Contrast | however · whereas · although |
| Cause / effect | because · as a result |
| Example | for instance · such as |
| Conclusion | overall · in short · to sum up |
A linker is a promise. 'However' tells your reader a turn is coming, so make sure one does.
Card 4 of 9 onwards
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Yes, to read online. Create a free BandLadder account and the full lesson opens in the study reader. No card details are needed.
The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.
The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.
Both. The lesson is in the IELTS and the PTE study library, so it opens whichever exam you prepare for.
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