The “It is crucial that + subjunctive” structure is a powerful grammatical tool that can significantly enhance your IELTS writing and speaking performance. This formal construction emphasizes the importance of an action or situation, making it particularly useful in academic and professional contexts. Let’s explore how to effectively use this structure and boost your IELTS score.
Understanding the “It is Crucial That + Subjunctive” Structure
The phrase “It is crucial that” is used to introduce a subjunctive clause, expressing necessity or importance. The subjunctive mood follows, using the base form of the verb regardless of the subject. This structure appears frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays and Speaking Part 3 discussions, especially when addressing critical issues or making recommendations.
Examples:
- It is crucial that governments invest in renewable energy.
- It is crucial that students develop critical thinking skills.
- It is crucial that companies adopt sustainable practices.
In each example, notice how the verb in the subjunctive clause (invest, develop, adopt) remains in its base form, regardless of the subject.
Formula and Grammatical Analysis
The formula for this structure is:
It is crucial that + subject + base form of verb
Let’s break down the components:
- “It is crucial that” – This is the introductory phrase that sets up the importance of the following clause.
- Subject – This can be singular or plural, but it doesn’t affect the verb form.
- Base form of verb – This is the infinitive without ‘to’, used regardless of the subject.
For IELTS Writing Task 2, this structure can be particularly effective in your thesis statement or when presenting key arguments. In Speaking Part 3, it’s useful for expressing strong opinions on complex topics.
Example for Writing Task 2:
“In today’s rapidly changing job market, it is crucial that educational institutions adapt their curricula to meet the demands of emerging industries.”
Example for Speaking Part 3:
“When discussing environmental policies, it is crucial that policymakers consider both short-term economic impacts and long-term sustainability.”
Sample Passages and Analysis
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample
Topic: The importance of cultural education in schools
“In an increasingly globalized world, it is crucial that schools incorporate cultural education into their curricula. While traditional subjects like mathematics and science remain important, it is equally crucial that students develop a deep understanding of diverse cultures and traditions. This knowledge not only fosters empathy and tolerance but also prepares students for the multicultural workplaces they will likely encounter in their future careers. Moreover, it is crucial that educators create immersive experiences, such as cultural exchange programs or virtual reality tours, to bring these lessons to life. By doing so, schools can ensure that the next generation is well-equipped to navigate our increasingly interconnected world.”
Analysis:
- The passage uses the “It is crucial that” structure three times, emphasizing key points.
- Each use is followed by a base form verb (incorporate, develop, create), demonstrating correct usage of the subjunctive.
- The structure helps to create a formal, authoritative tone appropriate for IELTS Writing Task 2.
IELTS Speaking Part 3 Sample
Question: How can governments encourage more sustainable practices in business?
“When it comes to promoting sustainability in the business sector, it is crucial that governments take a multifaceted approach. Firstly, it is crucial that they provide incentives for companies that adopt eco-friendly practices, such as tax breaks or grants for renewable energy investments. Secondly, it is crucial that governments implement stricter regulations on pollution and waste management, ensuring that businesses are held accountable for their environmental impact. Additionally, it is crucial that public awareness campaigns be launched to educate consumers about the importance of supporting sustainable businesses. By combining these strategies, governments can effectively encourage a shift towards more sustainable business practices across all industries.”
Analysis:
- The response uses the “It is crucial that” structure four times, demonstrating a range of applications.
- The subjunctive is correctly used with different subjects (governments, public awareness campaigns).
- This structure helps to organize ideas clearly and emphasize key points, which is valuable in the IELTS Speaking test.
Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores (7+) in IELTS, consider these advanced techniques:
- Vary your language: While “It is crucial that” is effective, also use synonymous phrases like “It is essential that,” “It is vital that,” or “It is imperative that” to demonstrate lexical resource.
Example: “It is essential that governments invest in public transportation, and it is equally crucial that urban planners design cities with sustainability in mind.”
- Combine with other complex structures: Integrate this structure with other advanced grammatical forms to showcase your language proficiency.
Example: “Not only is it crucial that companies reduce their carbon footprint, but it is also imperative that they actively promote sustainable practices among their employees and customers.”
- Use in conditional statements: Incorporate the structure into if-clauses to discuss hypothetical situations.
Example: “If we are to address climate change effectively, it is crucial that both developed and developing nations commit to significant emissions reductions.”
- Apply to various topics: Demonstrate versatility by using this structure across different IELTS themes (e.g., education, technology, environment).
Example (Technology): “As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent, it is crucial that ethical guidelines be established to govern its development and use.”
- Use in concession statements: Employ the structure to acknowledge opposing viewpoints while asserting your main argument.
Example: “While it is crucial that economic growth be maintained, it is equally vital that this growth not come at the expense of environmental protection.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Incorrect verb form: Using conjugated verbs instead of the base form.
Incorrect: It is crucial that the government implements new policies.
Correct: It is crucial that the government implement new policies. -
Overuse: Repeatedly using the same structure can make your writing repetitive.
Avoid: It is crucial that we protect the environment. It is crucial that we educate people. It is crucial that we implement new laws.
Better: It is crucial that we protect the environment. Additionally, educating the public and implementing new laws are essential steps in this process. -
Misplacing “that”: Omitting or misplacing “that” can change the meaning or structure of the sentence.
Incorrect: It is crucial the government take action.
Correct: It is crucial that the government take action. -
Using with non-important matters: The structure implies high importance, so use it judiciously.
Inappropriate: It is crucial that I buy new shoes this weekend.
Better: It is crucial that we address climate change before it’s too late. -
Forgetting subject-verb agreement in the main clause: While the subjunctive clause uses the base form, the main clause still follows normal agreement rules.
Incorrect: It are crucial that we take action.
Correct: It is crucial that we take action.
Conclusion
Mastering the “It is crucial that + subjunctive” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3. This construction allows you to express importance and necessity with precision and formality, key aspects of academic and professional English. Remember to use it judiciously, vary your language, and combine it with other complex structures to showcase your full range of English skills. Practice incorporating this structure into your responses on various IELTS topics such as environmental issues, education reform, technological advancements, and social policies. By doing so, you’ll be well-prepared to articulate critical points effectively in your IELTS exam.
For further practice, consider exploring related subjunctive structures like “It is imperative that” and “It is essential that” to expand your grammatical repertoire and enhance your ability to express importance and necessity in various contexts.