The “it’s time + past simple” structure is a crucial grammatical pattern that IELTS test-takers should be familiar with. This construction appears frequently in both the speaking and writing sections of the IELTS exam, and mastering it can significantly enhance your language proficiency and overall score. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this structure and explore how to use it effectively in your IELTS preparation.

Understanding the “It’s Time + Past Simple” Structure

The “it’s time + past simple” structure is used to express that something should happen now or should have happened earlier. It conveys a sense of urgency or the idea that an action is overdue. This construction is particularly useful in IELTS Speaking Part 2 and Writing Task 2, where you may need to discuss current situations or suggest solutions to problems.

IELTS Exam Preparation

Formula and Grammatical Rules

The basic formula for this structure is:

It’s time + subject + past simple verb

It’s important to note that although we use the past simple form of the verb, we are actually referring to the present or near future. This unique aspect of the structure often confuses learners, so it’s crucial to practice it extensively.

Examples:

1. It’s time we left for the airport.
2. It’s time you studied for your IELTS exam.
3. It’s time the government took action on climate change.
4. It’s time I got a new job.
5. It’s time they renovated the old building.

In each of these examples, the action mentioned hasn’t happened yet, but the speaker believes it should happen now or should have happened already.

Applying “It’s Time + Past Simple” in IELTS Speaking

In the IELTS Speaking test, using this structure can demonstrate your command over complex grammatical patterns, potentially boosting your score in the Grammatical Range and Accuracy criterion.

Sample Responses for IELTS Speaking Part 2

Topic: Describe a change you would like to see in your city.

“I believe it’s time our city invested in more green spaces. For years, we’ve seen rapid urbanization, and while that’s brought economic benefits, it’s time we recognized the importance of nature in urban areas. It’s time the local government implemented policies to create more parks and community gardens. Not only would this improve air quality, but it’s time we provided more recreational areas for residents, especially children and the elderly.”

In this response, the “it’s time + past simple” structure is used multiple times to emphasize the urgency of the suggested changes, showcasing a sophisticated use of grammar that aligns well with IELTS band 7 and above.

Incorporating “It’s Time + Past Simple” in IELTS Writing Task 2

For Writing Task 2, this structure can be particularly effective in opinion essays or problem-solution tasks. It allows you to express your views strongly and suggest solutions with a sense of urgency.

Sample Paragraph for IELTS Writing Task 2

Topic: Some people think that governments should spend less money on arts and invest more in education. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

“While education is undoubtedly crucial, it’s time we recognized the significant role of arts in society. It’s time governments balanced their budgets to support both sectors adequately. In many countries, arts funding has been steadily declining, and it’s time policymakers understood that a well-rounded society needs both strong educational institutions and a thriving arts scene. Therefore, it’s time we invested in both areas equally, ensuring a holistic approach to societal development.”

This paragraph effectively uses the “it’s time + past simple” structure to present a balanced view while emphasizing the importance of both education and the arts. Such usage demonstrates a high level of grammatical control, which is essential for achieving a band 7 or higher in IELTS Writing.

IELTS Writing Task

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Using present simple instead of past simple:
   Incorrect: It’s time we leave for the airport.
   Correct: It’s time we left for the airport.

2. Adding ‘to’ before the verb:
   Incorrect: It’s time to we studied harder.
   Correct: It’s time we studied harder.

3. Using continuous form:
   Incorrect: It’s time we were leaving.
   Correct: It’s time we left.

4. Forgetting the subject:
   Incorrect: It’s time went to bed.
   Correct: It’s time we went to bed.

5. Using future tense:
   Incorrect: It’s time we will start the project.
   Correct: It’s time we started the project.

Strategies for High Band Scores

To achieve a high band score (7+) in IELTS, it’s crucial to use this structure accurately and appropriately. Here are some strategies:

1. Vary your sentence structures: While “it’s time + past simple” is effective, don’t overuse it. Combine it with other complex structures to showcase your range.

2. Use it for emphasis: Employ this structure when you want to stress the urgency or importance of an action.

3. Context is key: Ensure the context justifies the use of this structure. It’s most effective when discussing overdue actions or pressing issues.

4. Practice with past participles: Some verbs have irregular past forms. Practice with verbs like “got,” “took,” “went” to ensure fluency.

5. Combine with other expressions: Pair it with phrases like “long overdue” or “high time” for added impact. For example: “It’s high time we took action on climate change.”

Conclusion

Mastering the “it’s time + past simple” structure can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam. It allows you to express urgency and importance effectively, which is particularly useful in discussing current issues or suggesting solutions. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts, and always ensure your usage is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate. With consistent practice, you’ll be able to incorporate this sophisticated grammatical pattern into your IELTS responses naturally, potentially boosting your overall band score.

To further improve your skills, try creating sentences using this structure about topics commonly found in IELTS, such as environmental issues, education reforms, technological advancements, or social changes. This practice will not only refine your grammar but also prepare you for the diverse range of subjects you might encounter in the IELTS test.