Mastering Complex Sentences in IELTS Writing
Introduction:
Many students commonly use overly complex grammar in IELTS writing to impress the examiner. This misconception leads to grammatical errors and lost marks in various areas. In this post, we will explore complex sentences in IELTS writing, understanding what they entail, when to use them, and how to create them effectively.
Understanding Complex Sentences:
The term "complex" is often misunderstood, as it does not refer to complicated or lengthy sentences. Complex sentences combine two or more simple sentences, making the essay more coherent and cohesive. To illustrate this, we will compare an overly complicated sentence with its simplified form to demonstrate the importance of clarity and coherence.
When to Use Complex Sentences:
While the IELTS exam requires a mix of simple and complex sentences, it does not mean every sentence must be complex. Band 9 answers use a combination of both. We should use simple sentences for main points and complex sentences when expanding on those points or providing supporting examples.
Creating Complex Sentences:
We need to understand and confidently use various grammatical structures to create complex sentences. Essential methods include using relative clauses, subordinate clauses, conditional clauses, and compound sentences. These structures can seamlessly link ideas together to form grammatically correct and easy-to-understand paragraphs.
Warning and Next Steps:
The crucial aspect of using complex sentences is to do so appropriately and naturally. Memorizing structures without understanding their usage can lead to unnatural and incoherent writing. Focus on answering the question and practice linking simple sentences into complex ones organically. With enough practice, mastering complex sentences will significantly enhance your IELTS writing and improve your overall band scores.
Relative Pronouns:
who
which
that
whom
whose
Subordinating Conjunctions:
although
because
while
if
since
when
unless
before
after
Conjunctions of Time:
when
while
as
as soon as
before
after
since
until
once
Conjunctions of Cause and Effect:
because
since
as
therefore
thus
consequently
as a result
hence
due to
Conjunctions of Purpose:
in order to
so that
to
Conjunctions of Contrast:
although
though
even though
while
whereas
despite
in spite of
on the other hand
Conjunctions of Comparison:
like
as
similar to
in comparison
Conjunctions of Result:
so that
therefore
thus
as a result
hence
consequently
Conjunctions of Place:
where
wherever
These words and phrases are specifically used to introduce dependent clauses or subordinating ideas, making sentences more complex and enhancing the overall structure of your writing. Again, use them appropriately to maintain clarity and coherence in your writing.
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