Use Connecting Phrases in Speaking

In the TOEFL exam, for candidates to achieve an advanced speaking score (25+ out of 30), their responses have to demonstrate,

“generally well-controlled organization and cohesion”.

This means that responses have to show a logical progression, and flow smoothly from one part to the next. In other words, the response has to make sense so that the listener doesn’t get confused. I actually think this is an area of huge misunderstanding, and it isn’t helped by popular speaking templates. 

Templates often contain connecting words and phrases like:

• moreover
• furthermore
• as a matter of fact
• in addition
• on top of that

and a few others that we’re likely to hear in academic lectures, and not in natural-sounding normal speech.

TOEFL students often think that by including these kinds of words and phrases, their responses automatically flow and make sense. They don’t! 

The words that are used WITH these connecting phrases create the explanation, and help it to make sense.

In normal speaking, native speakers rarely use these kinds of formal connecting phrases from templates. We prefer more natural-sounding connecting phrases like:

• and also
• and then
• so
• that means
• because

These are connecting phrases too and just as understandable and helpful as the formal ones found in templates.

You can show your command of English vocabulary by using a variety of different phrases that native English speakers use in normal circumstances, not by searching for rarely used formal words. They often sound strange to native ears, and are too fussy and formal.

So, when you’re practicing speaking responses, use natural sounding connecting phrases. 

I recommend ignoring templates, and constructing your own explanations that make sense to you. Then you'll find that your responses have “generally well-controlled organization and cohesion”.