Grammar for IELTS Writing: Connecting Sentences

Summary

This lesson focuses on crafting complex sentences for IELTS Writing Task 2 to enhance scores. The instructor demonstrates how to transform two simple sentences into one complex sentence by making three key changes. The use of gerunds as sentence starters is highlighted as a strategy to improve IELTS results. The lesson covers subject changes, the use of appropriate linkers, and maintaining subject-verb agreement, especially the third person singular 's'. The importance of complex sentences for achieving a high band score is emphasized, with practical tips for integrating them into essays during the writing test.

Takeaways

• 📝 The lesson focuses on constructing complex sentences for IELTS writing task 2.
• 🔍 The instructor demonstrates how to transform two simple sentences into one complex sentence.
• 🔑 The first step involves changing the beginning of the sentence with a gerund to enhance IELTS scores.
• 🏗️ The example uses 'building wider roads' as the gerund phrase to start the complex sentence.
• ✅ Gerunds are verbs ending in 'ing' that function as nouns, which can improve sentence structure.
• 🔗 The second step is to link the two original sentences using a conjunction like 'because'.
• 📖 It's important not to repeat the subject to maintain sentence flow and complexity.
• 📚 Changing the subject from 'wider roads' to 'it' reflects the singular form needed after the gerund.
• 📝 The讲师emphasizes the importance of using the correct subject-verb agreement, especially the third person singular 's'.
• 🎯 For a band score of six, the essay should include a good number of complex sentences.
• 🏆 Aiming for a band score of seven requires the use of mostly complex sentences throughout the essay.
• 👋 The lesson concludes with a reminder that complex sentences can be a key strategy for improving IELTS writing scores.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the lesson in the provided transcript?

The main focus of the lesson is to teach how to write a complex sentence for IELTS writing task 2.

What are the two sentences provided on the board in the script?

The two sentences are 'Wider roads can solve traffic congestion' and 'Wider roads allow traffic to move more easily'.

Why is it beneficial to start a sentence with a gerund in IELTS writing?

Starting a sentence with a gerund can improve IELTS results as it changes the verb into a noun and is considered a higher band score technique.

What is a gerund according to the lesson?

A gerund is a verb plus 'ing', which changes the base verb into a noun.

How does the lesson suggest changing the subject to avoid repetition in complex sentences?

The lesson suggests using a gerund at the beginning of the sentence to change the subject from plural to singular and avoid repetition.

What is the linker used to connect the two sentences in the example provided?

The linker used to connect the two sentences is 'because'.

Why is it important to change the verb form at the end of the sentence in the example?

The verb form needs to be changed to match the singular subject introduced by the gerund, ensuring grammatical correctness.

What is the significance of remembering the third person singular 's' on the verb in IELTS writing?

Remembering the third person singular 's' is important as the examiner checks for grammatical accuracy, which can affect the score.

How can complex sentences help in achieving a high score in IELTS writing task 2?

Using complex sentences demonstrates a higher level of language proficiency, which can help achieve a band score of six or seven.

What is the recommendation for sentence structure if aiming for a band score of seven in IELTS writing task 2?

For a band score of seven, it is recommended to use mostly complex sentences in the essay.

What is the final advice given in the lesson for improving IELTS writing test results?

The final advice is to make changes to connect sentences together, especially during the essay checking phase, to aim for a high score.