According to the IELTS band descriptors, students need to use a mix of simple, compound and complex sentences in the writing test to get a band 6. If you are aiming for band 7, then you should use a variety of sentence structures.
This will increase the band you want to score. The main cause is the grammatical range that you should reveal in your writing task 2. You should also be aware that the grammatical range must have accuracy too; otherwise, you will lose marks! Punctuation marks are also important to represent a clear meaning.
Why Complex Sentences Matter:
- • Complex sentences are more informative and cohesive
- • They prove your proficiency and insight of the topic
- • They make your writing more interesting and easier to read
- • They account for 25% of your writing mark
This blog will help you to get mastery over the skill of writing complex sentences in IELTS writing. By this, you will learn to write complex sentences effortlessly to get higher band scores.
What do you mean by complex sentences?
Complex sentences are made by joining 2 or 3 simple sentences to expand the main idea or to explain it. You can also connect more than one idea. Complex sentences are a complex part of your grammar, by which you can score 25% of your writing mark.
How to write complex sentences?
There are many ways to write complex sentences, but we explain the four most common types to make it absolutely simple for you:
1. Compound Sentences
Use simple conjunctions (coordinating conjunctions) to connect words, phrases, or independent clauses. The FANBOYS stand for:
- F (for)
- A (and)
- N (nor)
- B (but)
- O (or)
- Y (yet)
- S (so)
Examples of how each (FANBOYS) can be used appropriately in a Writing Task 2 essay:
1. For shows reason or cause
Example: Many people oppose keeping animals in enclosures, for they believe it is unethical and unnecessary.
2. And adds similar ideas
Example: The government should invest in public transportation, and it should also promote the use of bicycles.
3. Nor continues a negative idea
Example: Governments do not provide enough support to the elderly, nor do they invest in long-term healthcare provisions.
4. But shows contrast
Example: Some people argue that technology isolates individuals, but others believe it strengthens the social bond.
5. Or presents an alternative
Example: Students should be encouraged to choose streams for study that they enjoy, or they may lose interest in education altogether.
6. Yet introduces a surprising contrast
Example: Online learning is convenient, yet it may not be suitable for students who need face-to-face interaction.
7. So shows result
Example: The population is growing rapidly, so governments must make plans for future accommodation needs.
NOTE: As you can see, each simple sentence is meaningful on its own, and when joined together, they represent two related facts.
Tips for Using FANBOYS in Writing Task 2:
- • Use FANBOYS to link two independent clauses (meaningful/complete sentences)
- • Don't overuse themvariety in sentence structure is important
- • Combine with other linking devices like 'however', 'therefore', and 'moreover' to show a range of cohesive devices
2. Relative Sentences
Use relative pronouns such as "who, which and that" to elaborate on the main sentence. The relative might be dependent on the main sentence.
Examples:
Water pollution is a huge global issue that causes the deaths of many marine animals every year.
Pollution, which causes many health ailments among individuals, is a huge global problem.
Individuals who are responsible for deforestation are strictly punished by the government.
Note: As you can see in the second example, sometimes a relative pronoun can come first to focus on the more important fact.
3. Subordinate Sentences
Use subordinate conjunctions such as "because, while, when, as, until, although, even though, if, unless and whereas" to describe some facts about the main sentence. The subordinate is dependent on the main sentence.
Examples:
During the coronavirus pandemic, everything was closed as per the government guidelines because this is the only way to protect people from this virus.
Canada is relaxing after reducing the emission of carbon dioxide, whereas many other countries are still struggling.
As people are working hard, their efforts are not appreciated for their performance.
Note: As you can see in the last example, the two sentences should be separated with a comma when the subordinate conjunction comes at the beginning of the complex sentence.
4. Conditional Sentences
Use the "ifthen" structure to express the condition under which the main clause would be true.
Use "Simple present tense" in the if-clause and "simple future tense" in the main clause.
Example:
If other alternatives become the primary source of energy in many countries, then the pollution problem will be solved.
Note: As you can see, sometimes the "if clause" comes after the main one, which makes the use of a comma unnecessary. "Then" can also be omitted.
Conclusion
Use a mix of compound, relative, subordinate and conditional sentences to construct complex sentences that are simple to comprehend. Remember common conjunctions that you can use in the sentences. Use the right comma and full stops where they are required; otherwise, you will lose marks.
Thus, practice makes you perfect.
Ready to Master Complex Sentences in IELTS Writing?
Unlock the power of complex sentences and boost your IELTS Writing score to Band 7+ with expert guidance.
At Pyramid e-Institute, we provide comprehensive IELTS Writing training with personalized feedback to help you perfect your grammatical range and achieve your target band score.
Start Your IELTS Journey Today