How Can Cleft Sentences Help Me Achieve a Band 7+ on the IELTS?

Cleft sentences are used to emphasize a particular part of a sentence. They are formed by dividing a simple sentence into two clauses, one of which begins with a cleft pronoun (what, it, all) or …

Cleft Sentences Examples

Cleft sentences are used to emphasize a particular part of a sentence. They are formed by dividing a simple sentence into two clauses, one of which begins with a cleft pronoun (what, it, all) or a wh-clause (who, where, when, why). This structure allows you to draw attention to specific information, which can be particularly useful in the IELTS exam to demonstrate a wider range of grammatical structures and enhance your writing and speaking.

Here are a few examples of how cleft sentences can be used in different sections of the IELTS exam:

  • Speaking (Part 2): “Describe a memorable journey you have taken.” > “It was the breathtaking views from the train window that truly made the journey unforgettable.
  • Writing (Task 1): “The graph shows the number of people who visited a museum over a period of five years.” > “What is immediately apparent from the graph is a significant increase in visitor numbers between 2010 and 2012.”
  • Writing (Task 2): “Some people believe that technology has made our lives easier, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.” > “While technology has undoubtedly brought many benefits, what concerns me most is its potential impact on our social skills.”

Understanding Cleft Sentences in IELTS

Cleft sentences are not a separate grammar point tested on the IELTS. Instead, they are a sophisticated grammatical structure that can help you express your ideas more clearly and emphatically. Using them effectively can demonstrate a good command of grammar and contribute to a higher band score, particularly in the Writing and Speaking sections.

Types of Cleft Sentences and Their Uses

1. It-Cleft Sentences

Structure: It + be + emphasized part + that/who/which + rest of the sentence

Function: Used to emphasize the subject, object, adverbial phrase, or prepositional phrase of a sentence.

Examples:

  • Original: I lost my passport in the airport.

  • It-cleft: It was my passport that I lost in the airport. (Emphasizing the object)

  • Original: The government should invest more in renewable energy.

  • It-cleft: It is the government who should invest more in renewable energy. (Emphasizing the subject)

IELTS Application: In Writing Task 1, you can use it-clefts to highlight key features in a graph or chart. For instance, “It was in 2015 that the sales figures peaked” effectively emphasizes the year of peak sales.

2. Wh-Cleft Sentences

Structure: Wh-clause + be + emphasized part

Function: Used to emphasize the subject, object, or adverbial phrase of a sentence.

Examples:

  • Original: She needs a good night’s sleep.

  • Wh-cleft: What she needs is a good night’s sleep. (Emphasizing the object)

  • Original: I admire his determination the most.

  • Wh-cleft: What I admire most about him is his determination. (Emphasizing the object of the preposition)

IELTS Application: In Speaking Part 3, when expressing your opinions, you can use wh-clefts to add weight to your viewpoints. For example, “What I believe is that education plays a crucial role in personal development” sounds more impactful than simply saying “I believe education is important.”

3. All-Cleft Sentences

Structure: All + subject + verb + be + emphasized part

Function: Used to emphasize a part of the sentence while implying that nothing else is important or relevant.

Examples:

  • Original: I only want to travel the world.
  • All-cleft: All I want to do is travel the world. (Emphasizing the action)

IELTS Application: You can use all-clefts in Writing Task 2 to make your arguments more persuasive. For instance, “All that is needed is a concerted effort from all nations to combat climate change” emphasizes the importance of a collective effort.

Cleft Sentences ExamplesCleft Sentences Examples

Achieving a Higher Band Score: Using Cleft Sentences Effectively

  • Variety and Accuracy: Use a variety of cleft sentence structures accurately to showcase a wider range of grammatical structures.
  • Appropriate Emphasis: Ensure the emphasized information is relevant to the context and contributes to the overall message.
  • Natural Language: Use cleft sentences naturally and avoid overusing them, as this can make your writing or speaking sound forced.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Incorrect Word Order: Ensure the correct word order is maintained within the cleft structure.
  • Overuse of “That”: Explore using “who” or “which” instead of “that” where appropriate to demonstrate a wider vocabulary.
  • Unnecessary Emphasis: Avoid using cleft sentences for information that doesn’t need extra emphasis.

Conclusion

Mastering cleft sentences can be a valuable asset for achieving a Band 7+ on the IELTS. By understanding their structure, function, and application, you can effectively use them to enhance your writing and speaking, demonstrating a sophisticated grasp of English grammar and achieving your desired score. Remember to practice implementing them in various contexts related to the IELTS exam to build your confidence and fluency.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.