Use These Sentence Structures for IELTS Writing & Speaking
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To achieve a band 9 in your IELTS writing, the rubric requires that a wide range of structures be used within the scope of the task, with full flexibility and control. In order to achieve this, there are various sentence structures you can learn to implement to take simple sentences to the next level.
Table of Contents
1 Advanced Sentence Structures for Band 9
1.1 Compound sentence
Structure: Independent clause + Coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) + Independent clause.
Example:
- The government has implemented new policies to improve public health, and the citizens are already noticing positive changes.
- Teachers’ wages were the highest in 1991 at 50%, but in 2001 and 1981, they were 45% and 40% respectively.
1.2 Complex sentence
Structure: Subordinating conjunction + Dependent clause + Independent clause
Example:
- Although the economy has been improving, many families still struggle to make ends meet.
- Although 20% of the 1991 expenditure was for books, it dropped to 9% in 2001 and was 15% in 1981
1.3 Compound-complex sentence
Structure: Independent clause 1 + Coordinating conjunction + Independent clause 2 + Subordinating conjunction + Dependent clause
Example:
- This company expanded its operations globally, and it had to employ more people because the demand for its products increased.
- Although other workers’ salaries were 28% in 1981, they dropped to 22% in 1991, and further decreased to 15% in 2001.
1.4 Relative clause
Structure: Subject + Relative pronoun + Dependent clause
Example:
- The scientists who worked on the project made significant contributions to renewable energy research.
- The pie charts, which illustrate yearly expenditure variations by a UK school, show that teachers’ salaries were the major expense.
1.5 Inversions
Structure: Verb + subject + complement (places emphasis on action)
Example:
- Never has the public seen such a rapid advancement in technology as in the past decade.
- Only in 1991 was the expenditure on books as high as 20%.
2 Using various sentence structures to elevate IELTS score
A lot of candidates misinterpret the requirement and assume all their sentences need to be complex, but that is simply not the case. You are only encouraged to use a variety of structures.
2.1 Sentence Structures in IELTS writing:
In your essays, you want to use a variety of structures without risking the clarity of your content. It’s recommended to keep arguments simple so the examiner can clearly understand your point of view. However, when providing reasons or further examples, try to elevate those sentences by using more advanced structures to provide further information and elaborate.
One problem faced by almost every large city in traffic congestion:What do you think the causes are? What solutions can you suggest?
Avoid:
Traffic congestion in large cities is a serious issue. The main reason is the high number of vehicles on the road. We need to reduce congestion. One way to fix the problem is by improving public transportation. Additionally, encouraging carpooling can help lessen traffic.
Recommended:
Never have we seen such a critical need for traffic solutions as we do now. Traffic congestion in large cities is a serious issue that needs immediate attention. Due to the high number of vehicles on the road, the cause of this problem is evident. To reduce congestion, the government needs to work on improving public transportation. Additionally, encouraging carpooling can also help lessen traffic since there will be fewer cars on the road.
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2.2 Sentence Structures in IELTS speaking
Using advanced sentences (like relative clauses and compound/complex sentence structures) is a great way to elaborate on your answers. This can even be incorporated during shorter part 1 questions.
- What is the weather like in your country?
Avoid:
I would say the weather in South Africa is pretty moderate. I mean, the summers can be really hot. The winter has both hot and cold days. It can snow in some of the inland regions. I live on the coast, and it never snows there.
Recommended:
The weather in South Africa is generally moderate in most places, although summers can become scorching. On the other hand, winter can have a mix of hot and cold days, with occasional snowfall in inland regions. Living on the coast, where snow is unheard of, the weather is pretty comfortable the whole year.
