As an IELTS teacher, I often encounter students struggling with the nuanced expression “It Is High Time + Past Simple.” This structure is not only important for achieving a high band score in IELTS but also adds sophistication to your English communication. Let’s dive deep into its usage, significance in IELTS, and how to effectively incorporate it into your exam preparations.

Understanding the “It is high time + past simple” Structure

The phrase “It is high time” followed by the past simple tense is used to express that something should have been done earlier and it’s now urgent or even overdue. This structure emphasizes a sense of immediacy and often implies criticism or frustration with the current situation.

Formula:

It is high time + subject + past simple verb

For example:

• It is high time we started preparing for the IELTS exam.
• It is high time the government took action on climate change.
• It is high time you learned to manage your time effectively.

In these sentences, the use of the past simple after “It is high time” doesn’t refer to the past but rather emphasizes the urgency of the present or near future action.

It is high time structure

Significance in IELTS and Frequency of Appearance

The “It is high time” structure is particularly valuable in IELTS for several reasons:

1. Sophistication: It demonstrates a higher level of language proficiency, which can contribute to a better score in both Speaking and Writing tasks.

2. Expressing Urgency: It’s an excellent way to convey urgency or criticism in Task 2 essays, especially when discussing social issues or personal opinions.

3. Versatility: This structure can be used across various IELTS topics, from environmental concerns to personal development.

While not extremely common, this structure does appear in IELTS exams, particularly in:

• Reading passages discussing social or environmental issues
• Listening sections featuring discussions or opinions
• Writing Task 2 prompts that require expressing opinions on urgent matters
• Speaking Part 3 questions that ask for views on social changes or personal habits

Applying “It is high time” in IELTS Tasks

IELTS Writing Task 2

In essay writing, “It is high time” can be a powerful tool to express strong opinions or calls to action. Here’s an example paragraph:

Topic: Environmental Protection

Many people believe that not enough is being done to protect the environment. What is your opinion?

Sample paragraph:

It is high time governments took decisive action to combat environmental degradation. For decades, scientists have been warning about the consequences of climate change, yet progress has been painfully slow. It is high time we implemented stricter regulations on industrial emissions and invested more heavily in renewable energy sources. Moreover, it is high time individuals recognized their role in this global crisis and made significant changes to their consumption habits.

In this paragraph, the repeated use of “It is high time” emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the writer’s strong stance on the topic.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

In the speaking test, you can use this structure to express opinions on social issues or personal habits. For example:

Question: Do you think people in your country work too much?

Sample answer:

“Yes, I do think many people in my country work excessively. In fact, it is high time employers recognized the importance of work-life balance. Many professionals are burning out due to long hours and high stress levels. It is high time our society reevaluated its priorities and placed more emphasis on personal well-being and family time rather than just productivity and profit.”

Tips for High Band Scores Using “It is high time”

To maximize your IELTS score when using this structure, consider the following:

1. Contextual Relevance: Use “It is high time” when discussing urgent matters or expressing strong opinions. It’s particularly effective in Writing Task 2 conclusions or when asked about social changes in Speaking Part 3.

2. Varied Vocabulary: While the structure remains the same, vary the verbs you use after “It is high time.” This demonstrates lexical resource.

Example for Band 7-8:

• It is high time we addressed the growing inequality in our society.

Example for Band 8-9:

• It is high time policymakers grappled with the complexities of social media’s impact on mental health.

3. Combine with Other Advanced Structures: To showcase your grammatical range, combine “It is high time” with other complex structures.

Example:

• Not only is it high time we tackled climate change, but we should also be considering how to mitigate its already inevitable consequences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Present Simple: A frequent error is using the present simple instead of past simple after “It is high time.”

Incorrect: It is high time we start taking action.
Correct: It is high time we started taking action.

2. Overuse: While effective, overusing this structure can make your speech or writing sound repetitive. Use it strategically for emphasis.

3. Inappropriate Context: Avoid using “It is high time” for trivial matters or in formal academic writing where a more neutral tone is required.

4. Forgetting the Subject: Remember to include a subject after “It is high time.”

Incorrect: It is high time went to bed.
Correct: It is high time we went to bed.

Common mistakes with "It is high time"

Conclusion

Mastering the “It is high time + past simple” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to express urgency and criticism effectively, demonstrating a sophisticated command of English. Remember to use it appropriately in context, vary your vocabulary, and combine it with other complex structures for maximum impact. With practice, you’ll find this expression becoming a valuable tool in your IELTS arsenal, helping you to articulate your thoughts more powerfully and precisely.

For further practice, try incorporating this structure into essays on topics like educational reform, technological advancements, or global economic challenges. These areas often call for urgent action or critical evaluation, making them perfect for applying “It is high time.”

To expand your grammatical range even further, you might want to explore related structures such as sentences with “could have been” for past speculation or the past perfect with time clauses. These will complement your use of “It is high time” and help you express complex ideas with greater precision in your IELTS tasks.