IELTS Writing: Sentence Construction – an A-Z guide

Grammar is a crucial marking criterion not only in Writing but also Speaking. In particular, along with applying vocabulary in correct context, grammar is assessed on how you write a SENTENCE.  In the other words, the examiner will evaluate your ability to use a wide range of structure. You should bear in mind that a decent essay should include:

– Opening (2 sentences)
– Body (2 paragraphs with 5-6 sentences per paragraph)
– Conclusion (2 sentences)
Thus, a good essay only contains 14-16 sentences so if you write good sentences, you can create a decent paragraph. When you connect decent paragraphs you will get a fabulous essay. Very simple!

So the question is how to construct good sentences.

Simply, there are 3 types of sentences we can write, namely, SIMPLE SENTENCES, COMPOUND SENTENCES, and COMPLEX SENTENCES. Now, I will guide you how to write each type of sentences.

1- SIMPLE SENTENCES (lowest score)

– Sentence structure:

You can construct a simple sentence using these structures:

1. S+V+O. (John likes cats)
2. S+S+V+O. (John and Janet like cats)
3. S+V+V+O. (John do not hate and do not have a cat)

In the other words, no matter whether how many subject, verbs, or objects you get in your sentence, it’s still a simple sentence. In fact, you cannot gain a high score by using this kind of sentence.

2- COMPOUND SENTENCES (higher score)

A compound sentence is created by connecting 2 simple sentences using FANBOYS (coordinators: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so; remember to distinguish between BUT and YET) or TRANSITION WORDS (however, furthermore, moreover, in addition, etc.)

– Sentence structure:

S+V+O + (linking words) + S+V+O

– Example:

A nuclear plant requires strict safety controls, so staff is trained for nearly a year before its operation.

3- COMPLEX SENTENCES (highest score)

– Sentence structure:

S + V + O

in which: 

S or O contains one clause (clause = S+V+O)
For example:

The increasing number of private vehicles put more strain on public infrastructure that the Government has to reconstruct it annually.

S = The increasing number of private vehicles
V = put
O = more strain on public infrastructure / that the Government has to reconstruct it annually ( after “that” is a clause)

A complex sentence is popular with 3 kinds of clauses which are NOUN CLAUSES, ADJECTIVE CLAUSES, ADVERB CLAUSES.

– NOUN CLAUSES

Functions:  Act as a noun but it is a clause (S+V+O). Thus, it will stand at the position of Noun.

>If it acts as a Subject (S):
• Whether the Government should ban private vehicles/ is / a controversial issue

• It / is / true that technology is increasingly discouraging human interactions (note that this sentence use  “it” as a dummy subject in the replacement for the group of words after “that…”). Actually, this sentence is: that technology is increasingly discouraging human interactions is true. However, in Academic writing, we should not use “that” at the beginning of a sentence so we should use “it” instead.

 >>If it acts as an Object (O):

• Some people / believe / that formal education is a guarantee for their future success.

• However, others / hold / an opposite opinion that early working experience brings young people more competitive advantages in the future.

>>Some excellent sentences: (What…not…but…)
• What young people need most is NOT money, BUT soft skills and working experience in some key areas
• What most companies need is NOT robots, BUT creative people who can contribute ideas.

– ADJ CLAUSES

Functions: Act as an adjective, or in the other words, this is a complement clause for a noun.

>>>who:
Students who rely on teachers for knowledge / are / passive in their learning.

Children who are over dependent on technology / may have / a tendency to accompany a sedentary lifestyle.

>>>that:
Working at home / is / suitable for employees that have their own working disciplines.

>>>, which (replacement for the whole sentence)
Manufacturers discharge chemical waste into the rivers, which deteriorates water-quality
(, which is a complement clause for the whole clause before it, this means “the act of discharging chemical waste into the rivers will deteriorate water quality”)

– ADV CLAUSES

Functions: Act as an adverb, this clause talk about time (when), place (where), condition (if) – all condition clause is the complex sentence.

>>>while
While many countries try to cut down on emissions, US Government withdraws from Paris Climate Agreement.

>>>if
If a student wants to be successful in their future career, they need to learn about job-specific information.

NOTE:

You should bear in mind that in your essay, complex sentences must comprise at least 70% of total sentences to get the maximum score.
You can also connect a complex and a compound sentence to generate a more sophisticated complex sentence.

For example:
Upon graduation, some students wanted to travel, but others went to work.

 Disclaimer:

The article was translated by our volunteer from Hai Vu – an IELTS teacher.

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