List of Transition Words to Sound Natural in TOEFL iBT® Speaking

In the TOEFL speaking section, expressing your ideas clearly and cohesively is essential to score well. Using transition words is a great way to make your responses sound natural and fluent. Transition words help you connect your thoughts, ideas, and examples smoothly, making your responses more engaging. This blog will explore a list of transition words to sound natural in TOEFL speaking section.

List of Transition Words to Sound Natural in TOEFL Speaking

Transition words are used to connect ideas, provide clarification, and give structure to your responses. You don’t need to overuse them, but adding them where they fit can help you convey your thoughts clearly and logically. Here are some useful transition words divided into categories.

1. Adding Information

When you want to add extra information to your response, use these transition words to expand your ideas.

• Furthermore: Use this to add an additional point that supports your argument.

  • Example: “I enjoy hiking in the mountains. Furthermore, it’s a great way to improve my fitness.”

• Moreover: This word is helpful for adding strong supporting information.

  • Example: “The museum was fascinating. Moreover, the exhibits were interactive, which made it even more interesting.”

• In Addition: This word helps to introduce an extra idea.

  • Example: “I like to read books. In addition, I enjoy watching documentaries.”

2. Giving Examples

Using transitional words for examples will help you clarify your points and show that you understand the topic.

• For Example: This is one of the most common ways to provide an example for any topic.

  • Example: “There are various ways to stay fit. For example, jogging and yoga both are excellent options.”

• Such As: This phrase is useful when mentioning specific instances.

  • Example: “I love different cuisines, such as Italian and Mexican food.”

• To Illustrate: Use this when you want to make something clearer with a specific example.

  • Example: “There are many advantages to traveling. To illustrate, traveling broadens your cultural understanding.”

3. To Compare or Contrast Ideas

Comparing and contrasting ideas is common in the TOEFL Speaking section. Using the right transitions will help you clarify differences or similarities effectively.

• On the Other Hand: This can be used to introduce an opposing idea or contrast.

  • Example: “I prefer traveling by plane. On the other hand, my friend enjoys road trips.”

• However: This word shows contrast or introduces an opposing point.

  • Example: “I want to travel this summer. However, I need to save money.”

• Similarly: This word shows that two things are alike or similar.

  • Example: “I enjoy reading mystery novels. Similarly, my brother likes detective shows."

Also Read: TOEFL iBT® Speaking Score Calculation: Marking Criteria, Score Interpretation

4. To Show Cause and Effect

Often in the TOEFL Speaking section, you'll need to explain why something happens or its consequences. These transition words help you show the relationship between causes and their results.

• Because: Use this word to explain why something happens.

  • Example: “I stayed home today because the weather was too cold to go out."

• Therefore: This word is great for indicating a result or conclusion based on the previous idea.

  • Example: “The weather was terrible. Therefore, the event was canceled.”

• As a Result: Similar to “therefore,” it’s used to show a consequence.

  • Example: “He missed the bus. As a result, he was late for his meeting.”

5. Giving Opinions

To express your opinions or introduce your perspective, you can try these transition words and phrases.

• In My Opinion: This is a common and straightforward way to express your thoughts.

  • Example: “In conclusion, adopting a healthy lifestyle not only improves physical well-being but also enhances mental clarity.”

• I Believe: Use this phrase when stating what you think or feel.

  • Example: “I believe that practicing every day is the key to mastering a new skill.”

• From My Point of View: This helps when you want to emphasize your unique perspective.

  • Example: “From my point of view, one of the best ways to learn a language is by practicing with native speakers.”

6. To Clarify or Explain

When you need to provide more details or make something clearer, use these transition words.

• In Other Words: This is useful when you want to rephrase something for better understanding.

  • Example: “She’s a brilliant student. In other words, she always gets top grades.”

• That is to Say: Use this to clarify or restate your point in a different way.

  • Example: “He’s a dedicated athlete. That is to say, he practices every day to improve.”

• To Put it Simply: This phrase is useful when you want to make something easier to understand.

  • Example: “The project was delayed. To put it simply, we didn’t have enough resources to complete it on time.”

Also Read: TOEFL Speaking Templates for All Speaking Tasks

7. To Summerize or Conclude

These transition words are helpful when you need to summarize or wrap up your response.

• In Conclusion: This is a formal way to conclude your statement.

  • Example: “In conclusion, traveling is a great way to experience new cultures and gain knowledge.”

• To Summarize: Use this phrase to give a brief overview of what you have said.

  • Example: “To summarize, I feel that both indoor and outdoor activities have their benefits for overall well-being.”

• Overall: This is used to express a general summary or conclusion.

  • Example: “Overall, I think the movie was enjoyable, though it was a bit too long.”

8. To Express Agreement or Disagreement

Use these transition words to express your agreement or disagreement with a statement or idea.

• I Agree: Use this phrase to show that you share the same opinion.

  • Example: “I agree with the idea that reading improves vocabulary.”

• I Disagree: This phrase indicates that you do not share the same opinion.

  • Example: “I disagree, I don’t think social media is the main cause of isolation in society."

• I am Afraid I Disagree: This is a polite way to introduce disagreement.

  • Example: “I am afraid I disagree, I believe that living in a big city can offer more career opportunities than in smaller towns.”

Quick Read: TOEFL iBT® Exam Fees in India

Mastering transition words is a powerful tool for sounding natural and fluent in your TOEFL Speaking responses. By using these words effectively, you will improve the clarity, organization, and impact of your answers. Practice using these transition words in your everyday conversations or TOEFL practice sessions to make your responses sound more polished and cohesive.

Also Read:

• What is a Good TOEFL Score?

• Essential Grammar Rules and Tips for TOEFL iBT® Exam

• 10 Tips to Balance TOEFL iBT® Exam Preparation with a Full-Time Job

• TOEFL Test Day: What to Expect and How to Prepare