By Christopher Rixon – September 11, 2023
One of the most challenging IELTS writing components to master is Grammatical Range and Accuracy. This is a measurement of your ability to use a wide range of grammatical structures without making a lot of errors. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can demonstrate your proficiency in a variety of sentence forms.
Complex sentences are the key to mastering Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Complex sentences are like the spices in a recipe; they add depth and flavour to your writing. Students who use complex sentences score higher on the IELTS writing test than those who don’t. Complex sentences contain a main clause and at least one subordinate clause. Subordinate clauses begin with words like “although,” “while,” “whereas,” “so that,” “rather than,” “if,” “because,” and “provided that.”
Example:
I have scheduled a meeting for tomorrow morning so that we can discuss the project’s progress and address any concerns.
NOTE: Rare use of subordinate clauses scores a 4 in Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Even if your accuracy is 9, you will not score more than 4. Sentence variety is more important than accuracy!
Interrogative sentences
Interrogative sentences, or questions, are like having a friendly conversation with your reader. Use them wisely to stimulate curiosity and engagement.
Example:
Have you ever wondered why certain species of birds migrate thousands of miles each year in search of warmer climates?
Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences express possibilities or conditions. They add a layer of complexity to your writing, demonstrating your grammatical prowess. IELTS writing examiners award higher Grammatical Range and Accuracy scores to students who use conditionals, particularly advanced conditionals with words like “unless” and “provided that”.
Example:
Unless urgent measures are taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the consequences of climate change will continue to intensify.
Modal Verbs for Precision
Modal verbs like “can,” “must,” “might,” and “should” convey different degrees of necessity, possibility, or intention. Integrating them into your writing will help you to express ideas more effectively.
Example: You should consider joining the writing workshop.
Strategic Use of Passive Voice
Passive voice shifts the focus from the doer of the action to the action itself. While active voice is typically preferred for clarity, occasional use of passive voice adds variety and sophistication to your writing. Students who achieve high IELTS writing scores tend to have a solid understanding of passive voice.
Example: The novel was written over 100 years ago by the celebrated author.
Experiment with Inversion
Grammatical inversion is another excellent way to make your writing stand out from other IELTS candidates. Inversion is when we change the normal word order in a sentence. Instead of having the subject come before the verb, we switch them around. Inversion is used in sentences beginning with certain phrases like “not only,” “neither,” “nor,” “only then,” and “so.” It can add emphasis, create a more formal tone, or introduce variety into sentence structures.
Example: Not only did the policy lead to economic growth, but it also had a positive impact on the environment.
Remember, achieving a higher score in the Grammatical Range and Accuracy category isn’t just about using these techniques mechanically. Context is crucial. Each technique should fit naturally within your writing and enhance your message.
To master these strategies, practice is your best friend. The more you incorporate them into your IELTS writing, the more seamlessly they will flow. Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from peers, English tutors, or writing mentors to fine-tune your skills. Constructive criticism is a valuable tool for improvement!
