Relative clauses are essential components of English grammar that can significantly improve your IELTS Writing score. By learning how to use relative clauses correctly, you’ll add sophistication and clarity to your essays, impressing examiners and boosting your band score. This guide will walk you through the intricacies of relative clauses, providing valuable tips and examples to help you master this crucial aspect of English grammar.
Understanding Relative Clauses
Relative clauses are subordinate clauses that provide additional information about a noun in the main clause. They are introduced by relative pronouns such as who, whom, which, that, and whose. These clauses help to combine sentences, making your writing more concise and fluent.
Types of Relative Clauses
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Defining (Restrictive) Relative Clauses
- These clauses provide essential information about the noun.
- They are not separated by commas.
- Example: “The book that I borrowed from the library is overdue.”
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Non-defining (Non-restrictive) Relative Clauses
- These clauses provide extra, non-essential information.
- They are separated by commas.
- Example: “My brother, who lives in London, is visiting next week.”
Using Relative Pronouns Correctly
Choosing the right relative pronoun is crucial for constructing accurate relative clauses. Here’s a quick guide:
- Who: Used for people
- Whom: Used for people (object of verb or preposition)
- Which: Used for things or animals
- That: Used for people or things (in defining clauses)
- Whose: Used to show possession for both people and things
Dr. Emma Thompson, a renowned IELTS examiner, emphasizes, “Mastering the use of relative pronouns is key to constructing complex sentences that showcase your language proficiency in the IELTS Writing test.”
Tips for Using Relative Clauses in IELTS Writing
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Combine sentences to create more complex structures
- Simple: “I met a woman. She works at the local hospital.”
- Combined: “I met a woman who works at the local hospital.”
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Use relative clauses to add relevant details
- “The city, which is known for its historical landmarks, attracts millions of tourists annually.”
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Practice using relative clauses with “whose” to show possession
- “The scientist whose research revolutionized cancer treatment won the Nobel Prize.”
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Vary your use of defining and non-defining clauses
- This demonstrates a higher level of grammatical control and awareness.
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Ensure subject-verb agreement in relative clauses
- Incorrect: “The books, which is on the shelf, belongs to me.”
- Correct: “The books, which are on the shelf, belong to me.”
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Use relative clauses to avoid repetition and improve cohesion
- Instead of: “The company is very successful. The company was founded in 1995.”
- Write: “The company, which was founded in 1995, is very successful.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overusing relative clauses
- While they add complexity, avoiding overuse of simple language is crucial. Balance is key.
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Misplacing commas in defining relative clauses
- Incorrect: “The car, which I bought last year, is red.”
- Correct: “The car which I bought last year is red.”
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Forgetting to use a relative pronoun
- Incorrect: “The man I saw yesterday is my teacher.”
- Correct: “The man whom I saw yesterday is my teacher.”
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Using the wrong relative pronoun
- Incorrect: “The book who I read was fascinating.”
- Correct: “The book which I read was fascinating.”
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Creating sentence fragments
- Incorrect: “Which resulted in a significant increase in sales.”
- Correct: “The new marketing strategy, which resulted in a significant increase in sales, was highly praised.”
Advanced Techniques for IELTS Writing
To truly excel in your IELTS Writing, consider incorporating these advanced techniques:
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Reduced relative clauses
- Full: “The man who is sitting in the corner is my uncle.”
- Reduced: “The man sitting in the corner is my uncle.”
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Participle clauses
- “Having finished her exam, Sarah decided to celebrate with friends.”
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Inverted structures with relative clauses
- “So rare is this occurrence that it’s unforgettable” is an example of how you can combine inversion with relative clauses for emphasis.
IELTS Writing expert, Professor James Clark, advises, “Incorporating these advanced structures not only demonstrates a high level of English proficiency but also adds variety to your writing, which is crucial for achieving higher band scores.”
Practicing Relative Clauses for IELTS Success
To improve your use of relative clauses:
- Read extensively in English, noting how relative clauses are used in context.
- Practice rewriting simple sentences as complex ones using relative clauses.
- Use relative clauses in your speaking practice to make them more natural in your writing.
- Analyze sample IELTS essays to see how high-scoring writers incorporate relative clauses.
- Learn how to use conjunctions properly alongside relative clauses to create even more sophisticated sentence structures.
Conclusion
Mastering relative clauses is a powerful way to enhance your IELTS Writing performance. By understanding the different types, using relative pronouns correctly, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create more sophisticated and cohesive essays. Remember to practice regularly and incorporate advanced techniques to truly stand out. With these skills, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the IELTS Writing task with confidence and achieve the band score you desire.
FAQ
How often should I use relative clauses in my IELTS essay?
Aim to use relative clauses in about 20-30% of your sentences. This shows variety without overuse.
Can I use ‘that’ instead of ‘which’ in non-defining relative clauses?
No, ‘that’ is not used in non-defining relative clauses. Always use ‘which’ for non-defining clauses referring to things.
Is it necessary to use relative clauses in IELTS Task 1 writing?
While not mandatory, using relative clauses in Task 1 can help you describe data or processes more efficiently and accurately.
How can I practice using relative clauses effectively?
Try rewriting newspaper articles or short stories, combining simple sentences with relative clauses. This practical exercise will improve your skills significantly.
Are there any relative pronouns I should avoid in formal IELTS writing?
While all relative pronouns have their place, ‘that’ is sometimes considered less formal. In very formal writing, prefer ‘which’ for things and ‘who/whom’ for people.
Can omitting relative pronouns improve my IELTS score?
Omitting relative pronouns (where grammatically correct) can make your writing more concise. However, balance this with clarity and formality appropriate for IELTS.