Understanding the usage of ‘except that’ is crucial for IELTS candidates aiming to express exceptions and contrasts accurately. This structure frequently appears in both Writing and Speaking tasks, particularly when comparing situations or describing differences.
Basic Structure and Meaning
The phrase ‘except that’ is used to introduce an exception or contrast to what was previously stated. Similar to Unless + clause, it helps create complex sentences that demonstrate advanced grammar control.
Basic formula:
[Main statement] + except that + [exception/contrasting information]
Examples:
- “The two cities are identical, except that one has better public transportation.”
- “I would have achieved band 8, except that I made some careless mistakes in Writing Task 2.”
Using except that in IELTS writing examples
Applications in IELTS Tasks
Writing Task 2
Like Sentences with “not only… but also”, ‘except that’ helps create sophisticated argument structures.
Example paragraph:
“Remote working offers numerous benefits similar to traditional office work, except that it provides greater flexibility in terms of location. This arrangement allows employees to maintain their productivity while achieving better work-life balance.”
Speaking Part 3
‘Except that’ is particularly useful when comparing and contrasting ideas, much like Sentences with “all but” for almost.
Sample responses:
- “Online education is comparable to traditional classroom learning, except that it lacks face-to-face interaction.”
- “The situation in my country is similar to other developing nations, except that we have implemented more progressive environmental policies.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Incorrect Clause Structure:
“The house is perfect except that expensive.”
✓ “The house is perfect except that it is expensive.” -
Redundant Usage:
“Everything was good except that but the weather was bad.”
✓ “Everything was good except that the weather was bad.”
Common mistakes when using except that in IELTS
Advanced Applications for Higher Band Scores
For those familiar with Sentences with “hardly ever”, combining ‘except that’ with other complex structures can demonstrate sophisticated language use:
Advanced example:
“The implementation of the new policy hardly differs from the previous one, except that it incorporates more stringent environmental regulations, which could potentially transform industrial practices.”
Practice Exercises and Sample Answers
Task: Complete these sentences using ‘except that’:
- “The two research methods yielded similar results, ____.”
- “I would agree with the proposal, ____.”
- “The modern workplace remains largely unchanged, ____.”
Sample answers:
- “The two research methods yielded similar results, except that the second approach required fewer resources.”
- “I would agree with the proposal, except that it fails to address long-term sustainability concerns.”
- “The modern workplace remains largely unchanged, except that technology now plays a more central role.”
IELTS practice exercises using except that
Remember, mastering ‘except that’ alongside other complex structures like Sentences with “but that” for negative contrast will significantly enhance your IELTS performance.
