101Helpful Hints for IELTS

101 Helpful Hints for IELTS
SENTENCE CONSTRUCTION
USE A VARIETY OF SENTENCES TYPES
In both writing tasks it is important to avoid using repetitious sentence constructions. You need a
variety of ways to express yourself in your sentences. The best way to practise is to observe how other
writers construct their sentences and imitate them.
There are 4 basic sentence types -
a) Simple Sentences
• with 1 verb and a single subject:
Computers make life easy for many people.
simple, compound, complex and combination sentences.
• with 2 verbs and a single subject:
Computers cost a lot of money and require regular maintenance.
• with 2 verbs and a compound subject:
Businesses and individuals buy computers and use them mostly for correspondence.
The sentences above are simple - they consist of one independent clause. A clause is a group of words
containing a subject and a verb. (A group of words without a subject and/or verb is merely a phrase.)
An independent clause can function as a complete sentence, in which case it ends with a full stop.
b) Compound Sentences
Compound sentences consist of two or more independent clauses joined in the following ways:
• with a semi-colon:
Some people like computers; others are afraid of modern technology.
• with one of these 7 conjunctions:
and - but - or - nor - for - so - yet (note the comma)
Students usually write with a computer, but / like writing by hand.
• with a conjunctive (joining) adverb: furthermore - moreover - therefore (etc.)
Students usually write with a computer; however, / like writing by hand.
The punctuation in each case is important and counts towards your final IELTS Writing Band Score.
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