“Contrary to” is a powerful phrase that can significantly enhance your IELTS writing and speaking scores by demonstrating a nuanced understanding of contrasting ideas. While not overly complex, its correct usage can impress examiners and showcase your ability to articulate complex relationships between concepts.

Let’s consider these examples:

• Contrary to popular belief, consuming moderate amounts of dark chocolate can have health benefits. (This sentence introduces a common belief and then presents an opposing view.)
• The company’s profits soared this quarter, contrary to market expectations of a downturn. (This sentence highlights a contrast between actual results and predicted outcomes.)
• Contrary to his initial reservations, John found the art exhibition to be surprisingly moving. (This sentence illustrates a shift in personal opinion or perspective.)

As you can see, “contrary to” effectively signals a difference or contradiction, which is a valuable skill in various IELTS tasks, such as expressing opinions, presenting arguments, and comparing and contrasting ideas.

Understanding “Contrary To” in IELTS

“Contrary to” is a prepositional phrase that indicates a situation or fact that is the opposite of or in conflict with another. It is commonly used in both formal and informal English, making it suitable for various contexts within the IELTS exam.

Its significance in IELTS stems from the need for clear and concise expression of contrasting ideas, a common requirement in:

• Writing Task 2: When presenting a balanced argument or discussing opposing viewpoints.
• Speaking Part 3: When exploring different perspectives on a given issue.

Using “Contrary To” Effectively

The structure for using “contrary to” is simple:

Contrary to + Noun/Noun Phrase

Let’s break it down:

• “Contrary to” sets the stage for the contrasting element.
• The noun or noun phrase following “contrary to” represents the idea, belief, or expectation that is being contradicted.

Example:

• Contrary to the company’s predictions, the new product launch was a resounding success.

Here, “the company’s predictions” is the noun phrase that is being contradicted by the statement that the product launch was successful.

Applications in IELTS

Let’s look at how “contrary to” can be integrated into different sections of the IELTS exam:

IELTS Writing Task 2:

Imagine the essay prompt asks: “Some people believe that technology has made our lives easier, while others argue that it has made them more complex. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”

Example:

Contrary to the belief that technology simplifies our lives, many argue that it has led to information overload and increased pressure to constantly multitask.

IELTS Speaking Part 3:

Let’s say the examiner asks: “What are some of the challenges faced by people living in large cities?”

Example:

“Well, contrary to the image of cities being bustling and exciting, many residents struggle with issues like social isolation and the high cost of living.”

Contrary to Example

Mastering Contrast for Higher Scores

To achieve a band score of 7 or higher in IELTS, demonstrating a mastery of language and the ability to express complex ideas effectively is crucial. Here’s how you can utilize “contrary to” and similar structures for this purpose:

1. Using Synonyms and Variations:

Don’t limit yourself to solely using “contrary to.” Explore synonyms like:

• In contrast to
• Despite
• Notwithstanding
• In spite of

Example:

Despite the government’s efforts to promote renewable energy sources, fossil fuels still dominate the energy sector.

2. Employing Conjunctive Adverbs:

Conjunctive adverbs like “however,” “nevertheless,” and “on the other hand” can be used to create a clear contrast between clauses.

Example:

Many believe that automation will lead to job losses; however, it could also create new opportunities in fields like software development and data analysis.

3. Showcasing a Range of Grammatical Structures:

Instead of sticking to simple sentences, incorporate complex sentences and a variety of grammatical structures when using “contrary to” or its synonyms.

Example:

Although there is a widespread belief that watching television is detrimental to children’s development, research has shown that educational programs can actually have a positive impact on their cognitive skills.

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

While “contrary to” is a relatively straightforward phrase, test-takers sometimes misuse it. Here are some common errors to avoid:

1. Incorrect Preposition:

Using the wrong preposition after “contrary” is a common mistake. Remember, it’s always “contrary to,” not “contrary with,” “contrary from,” or any other preposition.

Incorrect: Contrary with expectations, the team performed exceptionally well.
Correct: Contrary to expectations, the team performed exceptionally well.

2. Redundancy:

Avoid using “contrary to” with words or phrases that already imply a contrast, as this creates redundancy.

Incorrect: Contrary to the opposite view, I believe that…
Correct: In contrast to the opposing view, I believe that…

3. Lack of Clarity:

Ensure that the contrast being made is clear and logical. The element following “contrary to” should directly oppose the main clause.

Unclear: Contrary to his love for pizza, he decided to order salad. (The connection between loving pizza and ordering salad is not inherently contradictory.)
Clear: Contrary to his usual healthy eating habits, he decided to indulge in a large pizza.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of “contrary to” and other phrases that signal contrast is essential for achieving a high score in the IELTS exam. By using these phrases correctly and incorporating synonyms and grammatical variations, you can effectively convey your ideas, present well-structured arguments, and demonstrate a sophisticated command of the English language. Remember to practice using “contrary to” in various contexts related to potential IELTS topics to improve your fluency and accuracy.