IELTS Writing: Using Complex Sentences Effectively

When it comes to acing the IELTS Writing test, employing complex sentences can be a game-changer. Not only do they exhibit your ability to handle advanced grammar, but they also enrich the clarity and depth of your arguments. This comprehensive guide will explore how to use complex sentences effectively in your IELTS writing, providing detailed strategies, illustrative examples, and practical tips to help you excel.

What Are Complex Sentences?

Complex sentences are sentences that consist of one main clause and at least one subordinate (or dependent) clause. The main clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while the subordinate clause provides additional information, context, or detail, enhancing the depth and nuance of your writing.

• Main Clause: "I need to improve my writing skills."

• Subordinate Clause: "Because I want to score higher on the IELTS."

Together, they form a complex sentence: "I need to improve my writing skills because I want to score higher on the IELTS."

Why Use Complex Sentences in IELTS Writing?

Using complex sentences effectively can have several benefits in your IELTS Writing task:

Demonstrates Grammatical Range: IELTS assessors look for a variety of sentence structures. Complex sentences showcase your ability to handle different grammatical forms, which is crucial for achieving a higher band score.

Enhances Argumentation: Complex sentences allow you to present and elaborate on ideas more fully, making your arguments more persuasive and nuanced.

Improves Coherence and Cohesion: By linking ideas and providing detailed explanations, complex sentences contribute to a more coherent and cohesive essay.

How to Make Complex Sentences for IELTS

1. Identify Main and Subordinate Clauses

Start by crafting a clear main clause, which will be the core message of your sentence. Then, introduce a subordinate clause that adds context or detail.

• Example: "Although I studied hard for the test, I didn’t achieve the score I aimed for."

• Main Clause: "I didn’t achieve the score I aimed for."

• Subordinate Clause: "Although I studied hard for the test."

2. Use Appropriate Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are crucial for linking main and subordinate clauses. Some common subordinating conjunctions include "although," "because," "since," "unless," "if," and "while."

• Example: "She decided to take a break because she had been working for hours."

3. Incorporate Relative Clauses

Relative clauses provide additional information about a noun in the main clause. They often begin with relative pronouns like "who," "whom," "which," "that," or "whose."

• Example: "The university, which offers a variety of programs, is located in the city center."

• Main Clause: "The university is located in the city center."

• Relative Clause: "which offers a variety of programs."

4. Use Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences express hypothetical situations and their possible outcomes. They often start with "if" to introduce the condition.

• Example: "If you practice writing regularly, you will improve your skills significantly."

• Condition: "If you practice writing regularly."

• Result: "You will improve your skills significantly."

5. Combine Simple Sentences

Combine shorter, simple sentences with complex ones to add variety and depth to your writing.

• Example:

• Simple Sentences: "The course was challenging. It was also rewarding."

• Complex Sentence: "Although the course was challenging, it was also rewarding."

How to Use Complex Sentences in IELTS Writing

Structuring Your Essay

Effectively using complex sentences can enhance your essay’s structure and readability. Here’s how:

• Introduce and Develop Arguments: Complex sentences can help introduce a point and expand on it with supporting details.

• Example: "While many people believe that technology hurts education, research shows that it can enhance learning experiences when used appropriately."

• Present Contrasting Views: Complex sentences are excellent for showing different perspectives or arguments.

• Example: "Although some argue that online learning lacks the personal touch of traditional classes, others claim that it offers flexibility and accessibility that can be equally effective."

• Illustrate Causes and Effects: Use complex sentences to detail cause-and-effect relationships.

• Example: "Because the company implemented a new strategy, its market share increased significantly."

Improving Coherence and Cohesion

Complex sentences can improve the overall flow of your essay by linking ideas and ensuring smooth transitions between paragraphs.

• Example: "Despite the initial difficulties, the project was completed successfully, which highlights the team's dedication and problem-solving skills."

Examples of Complex Sentences in IELTS

Example 1:

Complex Sentence: "Even though the cost of living in the city is high, many people choose to live there because of its vibrant culture and abundant job opportunities."

Example 2:

Complex Sentence: "If students want to excel in the IELTS exam, they must practice consistently and develop effective strategies for each section of the test."

Example 3:

Complex Sentence: "The new policy, which was introduced to address growing concerns about employee well-being, has resulted in higher job satisfaction among staff members."

IELTS Complex Sentence Structure

1. Complex Sentences with Multiple Clauses

Some complex sentences feature more than one subordinate clause, adding depth to your writing.

Example: "Although the film was lengthy and its pacing slow at times, the strong performances and thought-provoking storyline made it a compelling watch."

2. Nested Clauses

Nested clauses occur when one clause is embedded within another, adding layers of information.

Example: "The book, which was recommended by my professor, who has a wealth of experience in the subject, was incredibly insightful."

3. Complex Sentences with Non-Finite Clauses

Non-finite clauses, such as infinitive or gerund clauses, can be used to add variety to your complex sentences.

Example: "To achieve a high score in IELTS, students need to practice regularly, especially if they aim to improve their writing skills."