The “It is essential that + subjunctive” structure is a powerful grammatical tool that can elevate your English proficiency and boost your IELTS scores. This formal construction is particularly valuable in academic and professional contexts, making it crucial for IELTS candidates to master. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this structure and explore how to use it effectively in your IELTS preparation.
Understanding the “It Is Essential That + Subjunctive” Structure
The “It is essential that + subjunctive” structure is used to express strong recommendations or absolute necessity. It’s a formal way to emphasize the importance of an action or situation. In IELTS, this structure can help you articulate complex ideas with precision and authority.
Examples:
- It is essential that students prepare thoroughly for the IELTS exam.
- It is essential that the government take immediate action on climate change.
- It is essential that every citizen be aware of their rights and responsibilities.
IELTS Writing Task
Grammar Formula and Usage
The basic formula for this structure is:
It is essential that + subject + base form of verb
It’s crucial to note that the verb following “that” is in its base form, regardless of the subject. This is known as the subjunctive mood, which is used to express hypothetical or non-factual situations.
Applying the Structure in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing Task 2, using this structure can demonstrate a high level of grammatical control and formal language use. Here’s an example paragraph incorporating this structure:
“In today’s rapidly changing job market, continuous skill development is crucial. It is essential that workers adapt to new technologies and industry trends. Furthermore, it is vital that educational institutions provide up-to-date training programs to prepare students for future careers. It is also imperative that governments support lifelong learning initiatives to ensure a competitive workforce.”
This paragraph showcases how the structure can be used to present strong recommendations in a formal, academic style.
Utilizing Similar Structures for Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, it’s beneficial to use a variety of similar structures. Consider these alternatives:
- It is crucial that…
- It is imperative that…
- It is vital that…
For example:
- It is crucial that environmental policies be implemented immediately.
- It is imperative that all citizens have access to quality healthcare.
- It is vital that students develop critical thinking skills.
Using these variations demonstrates a rich vocabulary and advanced grammatical knowledge, which can contribute to higher scores in the Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range criteria.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
Many IELTS candidates make mistakes when using this structure. Here are some common errors to avoid:
Using the wrong verb form:
Incorrect: It is essential that the government implements new policies.
Correct: It is essential that the government implement new policies.Adding ‘s’ to third-person singular subjects:
Incorrect: It is essential that he goes to the meeting.
Correct: It is essential that he go to the meeting.Using modal verbs after ‘that’:
Incorrect: It is essential that students should study hard.
Correct: It is essential that students study hard.
Enhancing Your IELTS Speaking Performance
In the IELTS Speaking test, using this structure can demonstrate advanced language skills. Practice incorporating it into your responses, especially in Part 3 where more abstract topics are discussed.
Example:
Examiner: “What changes do you think are necessary in the education system?”
Candidate: “Well, I believe several changes are crucial. It is essential that schools focus more on practical skills alongside academic knowledge. Additionally, it is vital that the curriculum be regularly updated to reflect the changing needs of the job market.”
IELTS Speaking Test
IELTS Listening and Reading: Recognizing the Structure
While you won’t be actively using this structure in Listening and Reading tests, recognizing it can aid comprehension. In academic texts or formal discussions, this structure often signals key points or recommendations.
Example from a potential IELTS Reading passage:
“Given the current environmental crisis, it is essential that governments worldwide implement stricter regulations on industrial emissions. Moreover, it is crucial that individuals make conscious efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Understanding this structure helps you quickly identify main ideas and author’s opinions, which is crucial for answering questions accurately and efficiently.
Conclusion
Mastering the “It is essential that + subjunctive” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance across all sections. It allows you to express ideas with formality and emphasis, demonstrating a high level of English proficiency. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts, and be mindful of common errors. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, incorporate this and similar structures into your writing and speaking to showcase your advanced language skills and aim for those higher band scores.
For further practice, try using this structure in essays on topics like environmental protection, education reform, or technological advancements. These subjects often require strong recommendations, making them perfect for applying the “It is essential that + subjunctive” structure.