How to Master Complex Sentences in IELTS Writing & Speaking

Mastering complex sentences is crucial for success in the IELTS exam, especially in the writing and speaking sections. Complex sentence structures not only showcase your grammatical range but also help you express your thoughts. This post presents effective strategies to help you master complex sentences, allowing you to communicate your ideas with confidence.

Understanding Complex Sentences

Basic or simple sentences have a subject, a verb and often an object and are called an independent clause because they make sense on their own. For example,

He completed the task

A dependent clause has a subject and a verb but doesn’t make sense on its own. For example,

Although he was tired

It relies on the independent clause to make sense.

When we combine them, using a subordinating conjunction, it makes sense and is a complex sentence.

He completed the task although he was tired.

OR

Although he was tired, he completed the task.

Notice the punctuation here… When the dependent clause comes first, we must use a comma.

The Importance of Complex Sentences in IELTS

Studies show that using a range of sentence structures can improve your writing and speaking task score by 25%, as more complex constructions make your language appear advanced. Examiners appreciate responses that show a variety of sentence structures.

Using complex sentences can boost your IELTS scores in several key areas:

1. Grammatical Range: They help showcase your understanding and use of English grammar.

   
   

2. Cohesion and Coherence: Well-structured complex sentences create transitions between ideas, enhancing the clarity and flow of your writing and speaking.

   
   

Strategies for Using Complex Sentences

1. Start with a Simple Sentence

To create a complex sentence, begin with a basic idea. For example, start with "I like playing football." Then expand it by adding more context: "I like playing football, especially when the weather is nice."

This method allows you to gradually develop your ideas, making the transition to complex sentences feel natural.

2. Use Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are important in forming complex sentences. Words like "although," "because," "while," and "if" connect thoughts.

For example: "Although I often struggle with speaking, I practice daily to improve." This structure adds context.

3. Practice Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentences, which involve varied structures, are excellent for adding complexity.

For instance: "If I could choose any career, I would be a teacher." Such sentences are not only complex but also engaging, as they describe hypothetical scenarios and your responses are more interesting to examiners.

4. Employ Relative Clauses

Relative clauses provide critical details about nouns. Use pronouns like "who," "which," or "that" to create these clauses.

For example: "The car that I bought last year is very reliable." The relative clause ("that I bought last year") adds valuable information, making your sentence more informative.

Mastering relative clauses will help improve your coherence.

5. Read Varied Texts and Analyze

Reading a diverse range of materials—from articles to novels—can greatly aid your understanding of complex sentence structures. Focus on how authors combine ideas and use transitions to enhance clarity.

As an example, after reading a news article, try summarizing it in your own words, while paying close attention to using complex sentences. This will improve your ability to naturally incorporate complex structures into your writing and speaking.

6. Seek Constructive Feedback

Getting feedback from teachers or fellow students on your use of complex sentences can provide valuable insights. Having an outside perspective can highlight areas needing improvement that you might overlook.

Consider forming a study group to verbalize your thoughts and written examples. Discussing your sentence constructions can also help reinforce your understanding of complex structures.

Final Thoughts

Mastering complex sentences is essential for achieving a high score in the IELTS exam. By utilizing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can improve your grammatical range, coherence, and language level.

Practice regularly and look for chances to apply complex sentences in both writing and speaking.

By committing to mastering complex sentences, you not only boost your IELTS performance but also enhance your overall communication skills in English. Best of luck on your IELTS journey!

How to Master Complex Sentences in IELTS Writing & Speaking