Have you ever encountered the phrase “Were It Effective, I Would Implement It” and wondered about its grammatical structure and how it might boost your IELTS score? This seemingly complex construction is actually a powerful tool for expressing conditional statements with a touch of formality and sophistication. Mastering it can significantly enhance your performance in various sections of the IELTS exam.
Let’s examine a few examples of how this structure can be applied across different IELTS sections:
Speaking Part 3:
Examiner: “Do you think stricter laws are the solution to environmental problems?”
You: “While stricter laws are undoubtedly important, were they to be implemented without proper education and public awareness campaigns, I believe their effectiveness would be limited.“
Writing Task 2:
“Some argue that space exploration is a waste of resources. However, were it not for such endeavors, crucial technologies like GPS and satellite communication might never have been developed.”
Listening Section:
(In a lecture about historical events): “The invention of the printing press revolutionized information dissemination. Were it not for this groundbreaking technology, the Renaissance and the subsequent scientific revolution might have unfolded very differently.“
In each of these examples, the “were it…would” construction allows us to express hypothetical situations and their potential consequences in a concise and impactful manner.
Deconstructing the Grammar: “Were it Effective, I Would Implement It”
This structure falls under the umbrella of inverted conditionals or conditionals using inversion. Specifically, it represents a hypothetical situation in the present or future that is unlikely to happen.
- Inversion: Instead of using “if,” the sentence begins with “were,” followed by the subject and then the verb. This inversion creates a more formal and emphatic tone.
- Subjunctive Mood: Notice the use of “were” with all subjects, even singular nouns and pronouns like “it.” This is a remnant of the subjunctive mood, often used to talk about hypothetical or unreal situations.
- Conditional Structure: The sentence still follows the basic conditional structure:
- Subordinate Clause (Condition): Were it effective,…
- Main Clause (Result): …I would implement it.
Mastering the Formula for IELTS Success
Here’s a breakdown of the formula for constructing sentences using this structure:
Were + Subject + to + Verb (base form)…, Subject + would + Verb (base form)…
Examples:
- Were the government to invest more in renewable energy, we would see a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
- Were I to have more time, I would definitely learn a new language.
- Were the cost of living not so high, more people would consider moving to city centers.
IELTS Exam Preparation
Applying the Structure in Your IELTS Exam
Writing Task 2:
Topic: Some people believe that the government should provide free university education for all students. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Example: “While making university free for everyone seems appealing, were such a policy to be implemented without careful financial planning, it could lead to a decline in the quality of education.“
Speaking Part 3:
Examiner: What are the potential benefits of artificial intelligence in the workplace?
You: “AI has the potential to automate repetitive tasks, increasing efficiency and productivity. Were AI to be implemented ethically and responsibly, it could free up human workers to focus on more creative and complex tasks.“
Reaching for Band 7+ Proficiency
To score highly in grammar and vocabulary, aim for a mix of simple and complex structures. Here are ways to elevate your use of inverted conditionals:
- Combine with other grammatical structures: “Were it not for the tireless efforts of healthcare workers, the impact of the pandemic would have been far more severe.” (This sentence combines an inverted conditional with a comparative structure.)
- Use a variety of vocabulary: Instead of repeating “effective,” consider synonyms like “successful,” “productive,” “beneficial,” or “fruitful.”
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Incorrect Verb Tense: Ensure the verb in the subordinate clause is in the base form after “to.”
- Incorrect: Were it to being effective…
- Correct: Were it to be effective…
- Missing “To”: Remember to include “to” before the verb in the subordinate clause.
- Incorrect: Were it effective, I would implement it.
- Correct: Were it to be effective, I would implement it.
Conclusion
Mastering the “were it…would” construction can significantly enhance the sophistication and fluency of your English. By understanding its grammatical structure, practicing its application, and being mindful of potential pitfalls, you can confidently incorporate this powerful tool into your IELTS writing and speaking, paving the way for a higher band score. Remember, consistent practice and a keen eye for detail are key to achieving your desired results.
