Introduction
When preparing for the IELTS Writing test, one of the most effective ways to increase your score is by using complex sentences. Complex sentences allow you to express more detailed ideas, demonstrate your grammar range, and show the examiner that you can handle more advanced writing structures.
However, using complex sentences can be tricky. If not done correctly, they can lead to mistakes that might lower your band score. In this post, we will discuss how to use complex sentences effectively in your IELTS writing, focusing on grammar tips, sentence structures, and cohesive devices.
1. What Are Complex Sentences?
Why This is Important:
A complex sentence contains at least one independent clause (a complete thought) and one dependent clause (a part of a sentence that cannot stand alone). By using complex sentences, you can combine ideas and show a deeper understanding of the language.
What You Need to Do:
- Identify the structure: Complex sentences consist of a main clause and a subordinate clause. For example, “Although it was raining, I went for a walk.”
- Use subordinating conjunctions: These words connect independent and dependent clauses. Common subordinating conjunctions include “although,” “because,” “since,” “while,” and “if.”
Tip from WritingChex:
Complex sentences are powerful, but only if they’re grammatically correct. A sentence like “She was happy, when she passed the test.” is incorrect because the comma is not used correctly. Be mindful of punctuation.
2. Why Complex Sentences Are Crucial for IELTS Writing
Why This is Important:
IELTS Writing Band descriptors reward candidates who demonstrate range and accuracy in their use of grammar. If you only use simple sentences, it may be difficult to score above a Band 6 or 7 for grammar. Complex sentences, when used correctly, show the examiner that you can handle a variety of sentence structures.
What You Need to Do:
- Use complex sentences strategically: You don’t need to use complex sentences in every single sentence, but incorporating them where appropriate will showcase your grammatical range.
- Avoid over-complicating: While complex sentences are important, clarity is key. Don’t use them just to impress the examiner—ensure that your sentence structure enhances the meaning of your ideas.
Tip from WritingChex:
Remember that quality trumps quantity. It’s better to use a few well-constructed complex sentences than to use many complicated sentences that are unclear or contain mistakes.
3. Common Mistakes with Complex Sentences
Why This is Important:
Although complex sentences can make your writing more sophisticated, they also increase the risk of mistakes. These mistakes can affect your grammar accuracy score, which can be detrimental to your overall band score.
What You Need to Do:
- Watch out for comma splices: A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by just a comma without a coordinating conjunction. For example: “I wanted to go shopping, I had no time.” To fix this, you can add a conjunction (“and,” “but”) or use a semicolon: “I wanted to go shopping; however, I had no time.”
- Ensure subject-verb agreement: A common mistake in complex sentences is forgetting that the subject and verb must agree in number. For example, “Although she go to the store, she forgot to buy milk” should be corrected to “Although she goes to the store.”
- Avoid confusing sentence fragments: Make sure that both the independent and dependent clauses express a complete thought. For example: “Because she wanted to go home.” is not a complete sentence. It should be “Because she wanted to go home, she left early.”
Tip from WritingChex:
When you’re practicing, always check your complex sentences for these common mistakes. With enough practice, you’ll start noticing these issues more easily and correcting them on the spot.
4. Types of Complex Sentences You Can Use in IELTS Writing
Why This is Important:
There are different types of complex sentences, each of which can be used to express different kinds of relationships between ideas. Understanding when to use each type will help you vary your sentence structure and make your writing more engaging.
What You Need to Do:
- Cause and effect: Use sentences that show cause and effect. Example: “The government increased taxes because the economy was struggling.”
- Contrast: Show how two ideas are different. Example: “Although the company was profitable, it struggled to increase its market share.”
- Condition: Express a condition or hypothetical situation. Example: “If I had more time, I would travel more.”
- Time: Show when something happens. Example: “While I was at the store, I met an old friend.”
Tip from WritingChex:
To create variety in your writing, try to use different types of complex sentences. This will show your ability to link ideas in diverse ways and demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency.
5. How to Improve Your Use of Complex Sentences
Why This is Important:
Mastering complex sentences takes practice. The more you practice using them correctly, the easier it will be to incorporate them naturally into your writing during the exam.
What You Need to Do:
- Read high-quality model essays: Look at IELTS Writing samples that score highly (Band 7 and above) to see how complex sentences are used effectively. Pay attention to how the writers use different sentence structures and punctuation.
- Practice writing complex sentences: Take a simple sentence and practice turning it into a complex sentence. For example, “She studied hard. She passed the test.” can be combined into “Although she studied hard, she still found the test challenging.”
- Use writing exercises: Find IELTS writing exercises focused specifically on complex sentences. This could include exercises that involve combining two sentences into one, or correcting errors in complex sentence structures.
Tip from WritingChex:
Focus on accuracy first, and then try to increase the variety in your complex sentences. Practicing with a balance of both will help you improve more quickly.
6. Linking Devices and Cohesion
Why This is Important:
In addition to using complex sentences, linking devices (or cohesive devices) play a crucial role in making your writing flow smoothly. Without appropriate linking devices, your complex sentences may seem disconnected or unclear.
What You Need to Do:
- Use subordinating conjunctions: Words like “although,” “because,” “even though,” “if,” and “when” will help you connect ideas in a meaningful way.
- Use relative pronouns: “Who,” “which,” “that,” and “whom” are useful for adding more detail to sentences. Example: “The author, who is well-known, wrote a best-selling novel.”
- Use adverbials: Words like “however,” “therefore,” “consequently,” and “moreover” can help link your ideas logically and give your writing more coherence.
Tip from WritingChex:
Make sure that your linking devices don’t sound forced or repetitive. Use them naturally to connect related ideas and make your writing more cohesive.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of complex sentences is essential for achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing. By following the tips in this post—avoiding common mistakes, using a variety of sentence structures, and practicing regularly—you’ll be able to incorporate complex sentences more effectively into your writing. Remember that complex sentences are not just about impressing the examiner; they should serve to improve the clarity and depth of your writing.
At WritingChex, we offer detailed feedback and corrections for IELTS Writing, helping you refine your grammar and sentence structures. Let us help you develop the skills you need to succeed in the IELTS Writing exam.
