“As a consequence” is a valuable phrase to master for IELTS Writing, particularly in Task 1 when describing trends or Task 2 when explaining cause-and-effect relationships. It adds a sophisticated touch to your writing, demonstrating your ability to use a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary.
Here are a few examples of how “as a consequence” can be used in different sections of the IELTS exam:
- Writing Task 1: “The price of oil sharply declined, as a consequence, fuel costs for consumers also decreased.” (This sentence highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between oil price and fuel costs)
- Writing Task 2: “Some argue that social media has led to increased loneliness and isolation. As a consequence, mental health issues are on the rise.” (This sentence connects social media usage with the consequence of mental health problems)
- Speaking Part 3: “Well, many cities are becoming increasingly congested. As a consequence, air pollution levels are rising, which poses a significant threat to public health.” (This example demonstrates the use of “as a consequence” in a spoken response to discuss the impact of urbanization)
Understanding “As a Consequence” and its Significance
“As a consequence” is a transition phrase used to signal a result or effect stemming directly from a previously mentioned cause. It implies a clear and often unavoidable outcome. Using this phrase showcases your ability to:
- Structure Complex Sentences: Demonstrate your command of complex sentence structures by effectively linking causes and effects.
- Enhance Cohesion: Create smooth transitions between ideas, improving the overall flow and clarity of your writing.
- Improve Lexical Resource Score: Using synonyms like “therefore,” “thus,” or “consequently” instead of basic conjunctions like “so” or “because” helps achieve a higher lexical resource score.
Mastering the Usage of “As a Consequence”
Formula:
Independent Clause (Cause) + Comma (,) + “As a consequence” + Comma (,) + Independent Clause (Effect)
Explanation:
- The first independent clause states the cause or reason for the consequence.
- The phrase “as a consequence” acts as the connecting link between the cause and effect.
- The second independent clause describes the consequence or result.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Example:
“The graph illustrates the dramatic rise in smartphone usage. As a consequence, the demand for traditional cameras has plummeted in recent years.”
Analysis:
- Cause: The increase in smartphone usage.
- Connector: As a consequence.
- Effect: The decline in demand for traditional cameras.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Example:
“Many companies prioritize profits over environmental responsibility. As a consequence, pollution levels continue to rise at an alarming rate.”
Analysis:
- Cause: Companies prioritizing profits over environmental concerns.
- Connector: As a consequence.
- Effect: Increasing pollution levels.
Smartphone Usage Growth
Elevating Your Writing: Tips and Tricks
- Vary Your Vocabulary: Utilize synonyms such as “consequently,” “thereupon,” “as a result,” or “hence” to avoid repetition and showcase a wider range of vocabulary.
- Contextual Usage: Ensure the cause-and-effect relationship is clear and logical within the context of your writing.
- Formal Tone: “As a consequence” is more formal than “so” or “because,” making it suitable for academic writing tasks in IELTS.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect Punctuation: Remember to use commas before and after “as a consequence.”
- Overuse: While useful, avoid using “as a consequence” excessively in your writing. Vary your language for better flow and rhythm.
- Informal Context: “As a consequence” is quite formal; avoid using it in informal writing or speaking sections where a simpler connector might be more appropriate.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “as a consequence” and its synonyms can significantly enhance the clarity, sophistication, and overall impact of your IELTS writing. By understanding its meaning, usage, and common errors, you can confidently incorporate it into your responses and work towards achieving a higher band score. Remember to practice using “as a consequence” in various contexts and explore other cause-and-effect vocabulary to further strengthen your writing skills. For a deeper dive into cause-and-effect language, check out resources on the consequences of climate change like the social consequences and economic consequences.