How to create complex sentences to achieve higher bands in IELTS Writing exam
You must have heard that in order to score a band 7 or higher in the IELTS Writing exam, you need to create complex sentences in your tasks. Creating complex sentences helps you achieve a higher band score in the ‘Grammatical Range & Accuracy’ criteria of IELTS Writing.
First, what exactly is a complex sentence?
A complex sentence is a sentence that consists of one independent clause (a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence) and one or more dependent clauses (incomplete thoughts that cannot stand alone). The dependent clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions like “while,” “because,” “if,” etc. Complex sentences add depth and detail to writing by showing relationships between ideas.
Example:
Simple Sentence: “She went to the store.”
Complex Sentence: “While she went to the store, her brother stayed at home.”
In the complex sentence, “While she went to the store” (dependent clause) cannot stand alone as a complete thought, but when combined with the independent clause “her brother stayed at home,” it forms a complete idea. Complex sentences are an essential tool for expressing more complex thoughts and improving writing style.
A few more examples:
Although she was tired, she went to the gym.
I will go to the beach when the weather is nice.
Because he forgot his lunch, he had to go back home.
Using complex sentences in the IELTS Exam
How to create complex sentences from Simple sentences in the IELTS Writing Exam?
It is recommended that you create one simple sentence in each paragraph of Writing task 2. Lets understand how to do that with the help of examples:
Let’s create a complex thesis for an opinion essay where you firmly take one side of the argument:
Our question is:
Governments should prioritize funding of public transport system to reduce traffic on roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
1. Basic Opinion Thesis:
Begin with a straightforward expression of your opinion.
Example: “I firmly agree that governments should prioritize investment in public transportation to reduce traffic congestion.”
2. Introduce a Subordinate Clause: (Here, your reasons for agreeing)
Add a dependent clause using a subordinating conjunction to provide reasons or conditions.
Example: “I agree that governments should prioritize investment in public transportation to reduce traffic congestion because it reduces dependency of people on private vehicles and proves cheaper for the common people.
In conclusion, mastering the art of crafting complex sentences is undoubtedly a crucial skill for those aiming to score a Band 7 or higher in the IELTS Writing exam. The ability to construct complex sentences not only enhances grammatical range and accuracy but also elevates the overall quality of writing by allowing for more nuanced expressions and intricate relationships between ideas.
So, the journey towards achieving a Band 7 or higher in the IELTS Writing exam involves not only mastering complex sentence structures but also recognizing their strategic use in conveying ideas effectively. As you continue to refine your writing skills, remember that complexity, when used skillfully, becomes a key ally in the pursuit of higher band scores.
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