Embedded relative clauses are a crucial grammatical structure that can significantly enhance your IELTS score. These clauses, also known as non-defining relative clauses, add extra information to a sentence without changing its main meaning. They are set off by commas and can be removed from the sentence without altering its core message. Mastering this structure is essential for achieving a high band score in both the IELTS Writing and Speaking sections.
Let’s explore some examples of how embedded relative clauses can be used in IELTS context:
- “The city of Paris, which is known as the City of Light, attracts millions of tourists every year.”
- “My university professor, whom I greatly admire, has published numerous research papers on climate change.”
- “The new environmental policy, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50%, will be implemented next month.”
- “The Great Barrier Reef, which is the world’s largest coral reef system, is facing significant threats from climate change.”
- “The IELTS exam, which tests English language proficiency, is widely accepted by universities worldwide.”
In each of these sentences, the embedded relative clause provides additional information without changing the main idea of the sentence. This structure allows for more sophisticated and informative writing, which is highly valued in the IELTS exam.
Understanding Embedded Relative Clauses and Their Frequency in IELTS
Embedded relative clauses are a hallmark of advanced English usage and appear frequently in IELTS reading passages and high-scoring writing and speaking responses. They allow test-takers to provide additional information seamlessly, demonstrating a sophisticated command of English grammar.
In IELTS Reading tests, you may encounter sentences like:
“The researchers, who spent five years studying the phenomenon, concluded that climate change was the primary factor.”
For Writing and Speaking, using embedded relative clauses can help you achieve higher scores by showing your ability to construct complex sentences and provide detailed information efficiently.
Grammar Formula and Usage
The basic formula for embedded relative clauses is:
Main Clause , [which/who/whom + additional information] , Main Clause continuation
- Use ‘which’ for things
- Use ‘who’ for people (subject)
- Use ‘whom’ for people (object)
Application in IELTS Writing
In Task 2 essays, embedded relative clauses can be used to provide background information or clarify points:
“Renewable energy sources, which include solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, are becoming increasingly important in the fight against climate change.”
Application in IELTS Speaking
During the speaking test, using embedded relative clauses can make your responses more informative and fluent:
“My hometown, which is located in the south of France, is famous for its beautiful lavender fields.”
Sample Passages and Sentences
Writing Task 2 Sample
Here’s an example of how you might use embedded relative clauses in an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay:
“The issue of climate change, which has become increasingly urgent in recent years, requires immediate global action. Many countries, whose economies still rely heavily on fossil fuels, are finding it challenging to transition to renewable energy sources. However, innovative technologies, which are being developed at an unprecedented rate, offer hope for a sustainable future. Governments, who have the power to implement sweeping changes, must prioritize environmental policies to address this critical issue.”
Speaking Part 2 Sample
For the IELTS Speaking test, you might use embedded relative clauses in your long turn response:
“I’d like to talk about my favorite teacher, who had a profound impact on my academic journey. Mr. Johnson, whom I met in high school, was my English literature teacher. He had a unique teaching style, which combined traditional lectures with interactive discussions, making every class engaging and thought-provoking. His passion for literature, which was evident in every lesson, inspired many students, including myself, to develop a love for reading and writing.”
Strategies for Achieving Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, it’s crucial to use embedded relative clauses accurately and effectively. Here’s how the usage might differ across band scores:
-
Band 6: Basic use of embedded relative clauses, occasionally with minor errors.
“The city, which is very big, has many interesting places.” -
Band 7: More frequent and accurate use, with some variety.
“The city, which boasts a population of over 5 million, offers a diverse range of cultural attractions.” -
Band 8-9: Sophisticated and error-free use, with a wide variety of relative pronouns and complex structures.
“The metropolis, whose skyline is dominated by futuristic skyscrapers, seamlessly blends centuries-old traditions with cutting-edge innovation, making it a fascinating destination for tourists and businesspeople alike.”
Common Errors to Avoid
When using embedded relative clauses, be aware of these common mistakes:
-
Forgetting commas:
Incorrect: “The book which I bought yesterday is very interesting.”
Correct: “The book, which I bought yesterday, is very interesting.” -
Using ‘that’ instead of ‘which’ in non-defining clauses:
Incorrect: “My car, that I’ve had for ten years, is still running well.”
Correct: “My car, which I’ve had for ten years, is still running well.” -
Misplacing the relative clause:
Incorrect: “I met a man who works at the local bank yesterday.”
Correct: “Yesterday, I met a man who works at the local bank.” -
Overusing embedded clauses, making sentences too complex:
Avoid: “The city, which is known for its beautiful architecture, which dates back to the 18th century, which attracts millions of tourists annually, is undergoing major renovations.”
By mastering embedded relative clauses and avoiding these common errors, you can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. Remember to practice regularly and incorporate these structures naturally into your writing and speaking.
For more tips on improving your IELTS score, you might find it helpful to read about how AI is being used in predictive maintenance for industrial systems, which could be an interesting topic for IELTS Task 2 essays or Speaking Part 3 discussions.
In conclusion, embedded relative clauses are a powerful tool for elevating your English language proficiency and achieving success in the IELTS exam. By understanding their structure, practicing their usage, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can demonstrate a sophisticated command of English grammar. As you prepare for your IELTS test, consider incorporating embedded relative clauses into your practice essays and speaking responses to enhance your overall performance.