How to Make Complex Sentences in IELTS? Mastering the art of constructing complex sentences is important for achieving a high score in the IELTS exam. In the IELTS exam, complex sentences show your ability to convey ideas with precision, coherence, and fluency.
They showcase your grasp of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures that enable you to express yourself effectively in both written and spoken English.
Complex sentences involve combining independent and dependent clauses using a variety of conjunctions and subordinating connectors. By incorporating complex sentences into your IELTS responses, you can improve the sophistication and clarity of your ideas which provides a solid foundation for achieving a high band score.
In this blog, we will explore the principles behind constructing complex sentences, examine the various types of clauses and connectors used, and provide practical tips to help you elevate your writing and speaking skills in the IELTS test.
Let’s know How to Make Complex Sentences in IELTS and unlock the door to IELTS success.
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How to Make Complex Sentences in IELTS
Here are some tips & strategies on how to make complex sentences in IELTS:
Understand Sentence Structure
Familiarise yourself with the basic structure of a complex sentence, which consists of an independent clause (a complete sentence) and one or more dependent clauses (incomplete sentences).
Example: although she was tired, sarah decided to go for a run.
Use Subordinating Conjunctions
Introduce dependent clauses using subordinating conjunctions such as although, because, if, when, while, etc. these words establish the relationship between the clauses.
Example: Because it was raining, they decided to stay indoors.
Employ Relative Pronouns
Incorporate relative pronouns like who, whom, which, and that to connect dependent clauses to independent clauses, providing additional information.
Example: The book, which was written by a renowned author, became an instant bestseller.
Use Coordinating Conjunction
Combine independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions like and, but, or, so, yet, etc., to show a relationship of coordination.
Example: She wanted to go to the party, but she had to study for her exams.
Embrace Conjunctive Adverbs
Improve the complexity of your sentences by using conjunctive adverbs such as however, therefore, furthermore, nevertheless, etc., to connect independent clauses.
Example: He studied hard; therefore, he passed the exam.
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Incorporate Adverbial Phrases
Include adverbial phrases to express time, place, manner, reason, or condition, adding depth to your complex sentences.
Example: In spite of the rain, they went for a walk.
Vary Sentence Lengths
Experiment with combining short and long sentences to reate a natural flow and avoid monotony.
Example: Although the sun was shining brightly, the wind blew fiercely, making it feel colder than expected.
Practice Sentence Expansion
Take a simple sentence and expand it by adding subordinate clauses or phrases to convey additional information.
Example: The car crashed. -> The car, which was driven by a reckless driver, crashed into a tree.
Maintain Sentence Clarity
Ensure that the meaning of your complex sentence remains clear by placing dependent clauses in appropriate positions.
Example: After finishing her work, she went to the gym. (clear) -> She went to the gym after finishing her work. (ambiguous)
Read And Analyze Model Essays
Study high-scoring IELTS essays to understand how complex sentences are used effectively. Pay attention to the range of connectors and sentence structures employed.
Use Adjective Clauses
Introduce additional information or describe a noun using adjective clauses (also known as relative clauses).
Example: The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
Experiment With Inversion
Create complex sentences by inverting the subject and verb order to emphasise certain elements or add complexity.
Example: Not only did she complete the marathon, but she also set a new record.
Employ Gerunds and Infinitives
Incorporate gerunds (verb +-ing) and infinitives (to+verb) to add depth and complexity to your sentences.
Example: She enjoys swimming in the ocean.
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Combine Different Sentence Types
Mix complex, compound, and simple sentences to showcase your ability to vary sentence structures.
Example: Although it was raining, they decided to go for a walk, and they brought umbrellas with them.
Practice Subordination
Explore different ways to subordinate clauses and phrases using subordinating conjunctions, relative pronouns, or adverbial phrases.
Example: Before going to bed, she likes to read a book.
Use Parallel Structure
Maintain parallelism when constructing complex sentences by ensuring that similar ideas are expressed in the same grammatical form.
Example: She is not only intelligent but also diligent.
Introduce Cause and Effect
Show your ability to explain relationships between ideas by using cause-and-effect connectors such as because, as a result, therefore, etc.
Example: Due to his hard work, he achieved great success.
Incorporate Conditional Clauses
Express hypothetical situations or conditions using conditional clauses, often introduced by words like it, unless, or provided that.
Example: If it rains, we will stay indoors.
Include Appositives
Enhance the complexity of your sentences by using appositives, which provide additional information about a noun or noun phrase.
Example: john, a talented musician, plays the guitar.
Practice Sentence Combining Exercises
Engage in exercises that require you to combine multiple simple sentences into complex ones focusing on different types of clauses and connectors.
Conclusion (How to Make Complex Sentences in IELTS)
In this blog, we have discussed how to make complex sentences in IELTS. Mastering complex sentences in IELTS involves using subordinating conjunctions, relative pronouns, coordinating conjunctions, and adverbial phrases.
Practice regularly, analyse model essays, and vary sentence lengths and types for fluency. Enhance your responses with complexity, clarity, and coherence to excel in the IELTS exam.
FAQs (How to Make Complex Sentences in IELTS)
Why is it important to make complex sentences in the IELTS exam?
Constructing complex sentences show your language proficiency and ability to convey ideas effectively, leading to higher scores in the Exam.
What are some common conjunctions used to create complex sentences?
Subordinating conjunctions (e.g., although, because), coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but), and conjunctive adverbs (e.g., however, therefore) are commonly used to connect clauses in complex sentences.
How can I incorporate adjective clauses in my complex sentences?
Use relative pronouns (e.g., who, whom, which) to introduce adjective clauses that provide additional information or describe a noun.
How can I ensure clarity in my complex sentences?
Pay attention to the placement of dependent clauses and maintain proper sentence structure to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.