Mastering the use of comparative structures is crucial for achieving a high score in the IELTS exam. One such structure that often appears in advanced English usage is the “hardly as… as” comparison. This construction allows for nuanced comparisons and can significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills for the IELTS test.
Understanding the “Hardly as… as” Structure
The “hardly as… as” structure is used to make comparisons where one thing is significantly less than another in terms of a particular quality or characteristic. It’s a more sophisticated way of expressing inequality compared to simple comparative forms.
Formula and Grammar
The basic formula for this structure is:
Subject + be + hardly as + adjective + as + comparison
Let’s break down this structure with some IELTS-relevant examples:
- “The local market is hardly as crowded as the city center.”
- “Public transportation in small towns is hardly as efficient as in major cities.”
- “Traditional media is hardly as influential as social media in shaping public opinion.”
- “Part-time jobs are hardly as demanding as full-time positions.”
- “Online courses are hardly as engaging as face-to-face classes.”
In each of these examples, the structure is used to emphasize a significant difference between two things, which is particularly useful in IELTS Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3 where you’re expected to make comparisons and evaluations.
IELTS Comparison Chart
Applying “Hardly as… as” in IELTS Writing
Task 2 Essay Writing
In IELTS Writing Task 2, using “hardly as… as” can help you express complex ideas and make sophisticated comparisons. Here’s an example of how you might use it in an essay about education:
“While online education has gained popularity, it is hardly as effective as traditional classroom learning for developing critical thinking skills. The face-to-face interaction in a physical classroom is hardly as limited as in virtual environments, allowing for more spontaneous debates and discussions.”
This usage demonstrates a high level of language proficiency and can contribute to a higher band score in the “Lexical Resource” and “Grammatical Range and Accuracy” criteria.
Task 1 Report Writing
Although less common in Task 1, you can still use this structure to make precise comparisons in data analysis:
“The number of people using public transportation in 2020 was hardly as high as in previous years, likely due to the global pandemic.”
Enhancing IELTS Speaking with “Hardly as… as”
In the Speaking test, particularly in Parts 2 and 3, using this structure can showcase your advanced language skills:
Examiner: “How do you think leisure activities in your country compare to those in other countries?”
Candidate: “Well, I’d say that leisure activities in my country are hardly as diverse as those in more multicultural societies. For instance, our traditional pastimes are hardly as internationally recognized as sports like football or basketball.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect word order:
- Incorrect: “The exam was as hardly difficult as I expected.”
- Correct: “The exam was hardly as difficult as I expected.”
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Misusing “hardly” with other comparatives:
- Incorrect: “This book is hardly more interesting than the other one.”
- Correct: “This book is hardly as interesting as the other one.”
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Forgetting “as” after the adjective:
- Incorrect: “The new software is hardly as user-friendly the old version.”
- Correct: “The new software is hardly as user-friendly as the old version.”
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Using “than” instead of the second “as”:
- Incorrect: “The suburbs are hardly as populated than the city center.”
- Correct: “The suburbs are hardly as populated as the city center.”
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Double negatives:
- Incorrect: “The current situation is not hardly as bad as it seems.”
- Correct: “The current situation is hardly as bad as it seems.” OR “The current situation is not as bad as it seems.”
Strategies for High Band Scores
To achieve a higher band score in IELTS, it’s essential to use a variety of comparative structures. Here’s how you can incorporate “hardly as… as” alongside other comparatives:
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Band 6: Simple comparatives and superlatives
“Cities are more crowded than rural areas.” -
Band 7: “Not as… as” structure
“Rural areas are not as crowded as cities.” -
Band 8-9: “Hardly as… as” and other advanced structures
“Rural areas are hardly as densely populated as urban centers, nor do they offer the same level of economic opportunities.”
By combining “hardly as… as” with other advanced structures, you demonstrate a sophisticated command of English grammar, which is crucial for achieving high band scores in IELTS.
Conclusion
Mastering the “hardly as… as” structure can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam. It allows for more nuanced comparisons and showcases advanced language skills. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts, and always aim to combine it with other sophisticated grammatical forms to achieve the highest possible scores in both the Writing and Speaking modules.
To further improve your skills, try creating sentences using “hardly as… as” to compare different aspects of education, technology, or environmental issues – all common topics in IELTS exams. With consistent practice, you’ll find yourself using this structure naturally and effectively in your IELTS responses.
