IELTS Tips: How to use complex grammar for IELTS
In the IELTS Writing Test, it is important to make sure your writing fulfils the criteria set out in the IELTS band score descriptors. One feature that is mentioned in these descriptors is the use of “complex” grammar. According to IELTS, an essay at band 6 “uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms” while a band 7 essay “uses a variety of complex structures.” [1]
So, what does it mean to use “complex” sentences? Today we will explore this topic by clearing up some misunderstandings about complex sentences and demonstrating how to use them effectively.
What is a complex sentence?
A complex sentence is a sentence with more than one clause. A simple sentence only has one clause.
“We danced all night.”
This is a simple sentence. One subject and one verb.
Complex sentences have at least two clauses.
“He took photos while she played soccer.”
This is a complex sentence. Two simple sentences connected by a subordinate conjunction (while).
When you use a subordinate conjunction, you can also change the order of the clauses:
“While she played soccer, he took photos.”
In this case, with the subordinate conjunction (while) at the beginning, you also need a comma between the two clauses.
There are a lot of useful subordinate conjunctions and they all have different purposes. For a more detailed explanation of what subordinate conjunctions are, click here.
You can also join two simple clauses with a relative pronoun (that, which, who).
“I met someone who knows my sister.”
In this case, the relative pronoun (who) connects the two simple clauses and also takes the place of the second subject.
Why some people get it wrong
It is important to remember that “complex” refers to grammar that uses subordinate conjunctions or relative pronouns to connect two clauses. It does not always mean long, complicated, or academic sentences. Many test-takers misunderstand this, and end up writing long, awkward, and grammatically incorrect sentences. The end result is an essay that is difficult to understand.
Let’s look at an example:
“In our society, studying English is one of the most popular activities causing international travel and major challenges associated with this difficult task.”
Sentences like this one are trying very hard to appear complicated. This student has crammed four ideas into one sentence and the result is difficult to understand. Most importantly, they were unable to control the grammar and this has changed their intended meaning. When this happens, the reader will lose track of what is being said and this will have a negative impact on your writing score.
How to write a complex sentence, simply.
To write a good complex sentence, remember that “complex” is about a specific kind of grammar, not complicated ideas. Let’s take the four ideas from the last example and write them out in more simple sentences.
1. Studying English is a popular activity.
2. Studying English causes international travel.
3. There are major challenges in studying English.
4. Studying English is a difficult task.
Now let’s combine these simple sentences into complex sentences, using subordinate conjunctions.
“Studying English is a popular activity that creates a lot of international travel.”
This complex sentence uses a relative pronoun (that) to join our first two points. Remember that a relative pronoun takes the places of the subject (studying English)
“Because studying English is a difficult task, students often encounter major challenges.”
This complex sentence uses a subordinate conjunction (because) to join our next two points. Remember that when the subordinate conjunction is at the beginning, we need a comma to separate the clauses.
These complex sentences are much more clear and organized that the original example. Can you see how using complex grammar effectively helps you develop your ideas clearly?
When should I use complex sentences?
You shouldn’t use only complex sentences in your writing. Simple sentences are also important. While complex sentences tend to be most useful for your supporting arguments in an essay, simple sentence can be very powerful ways to open and close a paragraph. For example:
“Obesity is a growing problem in developed countries. While there are clearly physical repercussions to being obese, it is important to consider the social ramifications as well. For example, a society with high rates of obesity will spend more money on healthcare because their citizens aren’t as healthy. This will make less money available for other important issues like education and infrastructure.”
This example paragraph has three sentences. Notice that the first sentence is a simple one (there is no subordinate conjunction). This is a great way to begin a paragraph because a simple sentence can directly and effectively state your main point. The second sentence is a supporting argument, and so a complex sentence was used. This allows us to go into plenty of detail and show off our grammar. Finally, the paragraph ends with another simple sentence to give more power to the concluding point.
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Good luck on your test and come back next week for more IELTS tips.
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