“Such Is The Strength Of Her Character That She Inspires All” is a powerful statement, isn’t it? It’s an example of the “such…that…” structure, which is used to emphasize the degree of something and the result it produces. Mastering this structure can add sophistication and clarity to your IELTS writing, helping you achieve a higher band score.

Let’s look at a few examples of how this structure can be used in different parts of the IELTS exam:

Speaking:

• “The impact of social media on our lives is such that we are constantly bombarded with information.” (Here, you’re emphasizing the overwhelming impact of social media.)
• “Such was my excitement at visiting the museum that I couldn’t sleep the night before.” (This emphasizes the intensity of your excitement.)

Writing Task 2:

• “The evidence presented in support of climate change is so compelling that it cannot be ignored.” (This highlights the strength of the evidence and its undeniable nature.)

In each of these examples, the “such…that…” structure helps to convey a strong sense of degree and impact, making your language more expressive and persuasive.

Understanding the “Such…That…” Structure

The “such…that…” structure is used to express a cause-and-effect relationship where the cause is so significant that it leads to a particular result. It is a formal and emphatic way of saying “so…that…”.

Frequency in IELTS

While not overly common, the “such…that…” structure can be employed effectively in both the Speaking and Writing sections of the IELTS exam. It demonstrates a strong command of grammatical structures and can help you achieve a higher score in the “Grammatical Range and Accuracy” criterion.

Deconstructing the Structure

Let’s break down the structure and its grammatical components:

Formula:

Such + (is/was) + adjective + noun + that + clause

Explanation:

• “Such” acts as an intensifier, emphasizing the degree or intensity of the adjective and noun that follow.
• The verb “is” or “was” is used depending on the tense.
• An adjective describes the quality or state of the noun.
• The noun identifies the thing or concept being described.
• “That” introduces the result clause, explaining the consequence of the intensity described in the first part of the sentence.
• The clause following “that” expresses the effect or result.

Applying the “Such…That…” Structure in IELTS Writing

Writing Task 2 – Emphasizing an Argument

Let’s say you are writing an essay about the importance of education:

Example:

“Such is the transformative power of education that it can break cycles of poverty and inequality. By providing individuals with knowledge and skills, education empowers them to access better opportunities and improve their lives.”

Analysis:

This sentence effectively uses the “such…that…” structure to highlight the profound and life-changing impact of education. It makes your argument more persuasive and impactful.

Writing Task 1 – Describing a Significant Trend

Imagine you need to describe a sharp increase in online sales in a Task 1 report:

Example:

“From 2010 to 2020, there was a dramatic rise in online shopping. Such was the growth in this sector that it came to dominate the retail market.“

Analysis:

Here, the “such…that…” structure emphasizes the significance of the growth in online sales, indicating its substantial impact on the retail market.

Online Shopping Growth

Achieving a Higher Band Score: Variations and Alternatives

While the basic “such…that…” structure is effective, you can demonstrate greater flexibility and sophistication by using variations:

1. Inversion: For more formal writing, you can invert the subject and verb after “such”:

   • Standard: Such was the demand for the product that the company couldn’t keep up.
   • Inverted: Such was the demand for the product that the company couldn’t keep up.

2. Omitting “That”: In some cases, “that” can be omitted, especially in less formal writing:

   • Such is the power of music, it can evoke a wide range of emotions.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Incorrect Word Order: Ensure that the word order follows the formula: Such + (is/was) + adjective + noun + that + clause.
• Missing Article: Remember to use the definite article “the” before the noun when necessary.
• Overuse: Avoid using the “such…that…” structure too frequently in your writing, as it can make your language sound repetitive.

Conclusion

Mastering the “such…that…” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS writing, enabling you to express ideas with greater emphasis and clarity. By understanding its construction, practicing its use, and exploring its variations, you can effectively incorporate this powerful tool into your writing to achieve a higher band score.

To further practice, try using the “such…that…” structure to describe a significant event in your life, the impact of technology on society, or the importance of a particular skill in the modern world. Good luck!