Thesis statements (Introduction):
Transitional phrases (Body paragraphs):
Giving evidence:
Concluding:
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is not just a test of English; it is a test of strategic communication. Examiners do not expect you to sound like Shakespeare, but they do expect coherence, lexical resource, and task achievement.
One of the fastest ways to boost your Band Score from 6.0 to 7.5+ is to master "set phrases" —also known as discourse markers, hedging language, and formulaic expressions. Thesis statements (Introduction):
Why? Because these phrases act as linguistic scaffolding. They buy you time to think, organize your ideas logically, and demonstrate a command of nuanced English.
To help candidates prepare for the 2025-2026 exam cycles, we have compiled the ultimate guide to essential set phrases. You can download the official "Essential Set Phrases and Expressions for the IELTS Writing & Speaking Modules PDF (Updated 2026)" at the end of this article.
Do not just say "I think." Vary it based on confidence level.
Introducing the visual
Describing trends
Making comparisons
Concluding (Task 1 doesn’t need a conclusion, but a summary is fine)
Set phrases (also known as functional language or chunking) are pre-constructed groups of words that native speakers use automatically. For IELTS candidates, they serve three critical purposes:
Let’s break down the essential list for each module.
Focus: Formal, Academic, Objective Tone. Transitional phrases (Body paragraphs):
For essays, you need thesis phrases, transition phrases, and concession phrases.
1. Stating your opinion (Agree/Disagree)
2. Introducing arguments (Body Paragraphs)
3. Giving examples (Avoid "For example" every time)
4. Concession (Showing balance – Crucial for Band 7+) Giving evidence:
5. Concluding