When aiming for a band 7 or higher in the IELTS exam, demonstrating a strong command of grammatical structures is crucial. One such structure that can significantly enhance your writing and speaking is the emphatic negative “not a single.” This phrase, particularly in the form “not a single person objected,” allows you to express complete agreement or lack of opposition in a powerful and sophisticated manner. Let’s explore how to wield this structure effectively across different sections of your IELTS exam.
Examples:
- Speaking (Part 3): “The government’s proposal to invest in renewable energy sources was met with overwhelming support. Not a single person objected during the public forum.”
- Writing (Task 2): “While some argue that globalization leads to cultural homogenization, not a single person can deny the economic benefits it brings.”
- Listening (Section 4): “The professor emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the discovery, stating that not a single scientist had anticipated such a phenomenon.”
In each example, “not a single person objected” or its variations emphasize the absolute nature of the agreement or lack of opposition. This structure adds weight to your statements and demonstrates your ability to use nuanced grammatical structures.
Understanding “Not a Single Person Objected”
This structure falls under the category of emphatic negatives. It’s used to emphasize the complete absence of something or someone.
Frequency in IELTS: While not overly common, using “not a single” or similar structures strategically can make your language stand out and showcase your grammatical range.
Grammar Breakdown and Application
“Not a single person objected” can be broken down as follows:
- Not: This is the negative particle, indicating the absence of something.
- A single: This emphasizes the singularity and completeness of the absence.
- Person: This is the subject of the verb, indicating who or what is absent.
- Objected: This is the past tense verb, describing the action that did not occur.
Application in IELTS:
- Speaking: Use it to express strong opinions or agreements in Part 3 discussions.
- Writing: Emphasize points in your essays, especially when presenting arguments or counterarguments.
- Listening: Pay attention to how this structure is used in lectures or discussions.
Model Answers and Phrases
Writing (Task 2):
“Some argue that space exploration is a waste of resources. However, not a single person can deny the scientific advancements that have stemmed from this endeavor. From satellite technology to medical imaging, the benefits of space exploration are undeniable.”
Speaking (Part 3):
“Do you think online education will replace traditional schools?”
“While online learning offers flexibility, I doubt it will fully replace traditional schools. The social interaction and face-to-face learning experience are invaluable. Not a single person can argue that children don’t benefit from social interaction.”
Variations for Higher Bands:
- Not a soul dissented…
- There wasn’t a single voice of opposition…
- The decision was met with unanimous approval…
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect: Not even one person objected. (While grammatically correct, it lacks the same emphatic impact as “not a single.”)
Correct: Not a single person objected.
Incorrect: Not a single people objected. (Subject-verb agreement error)
Correct: Not a single person objected.
Conclusion
Mastering emphatic negatives like “not a single person objected” provides you with a powerful tool to express complete agreement or lack of opposition in your IELTS exam. By understanding its construction, usage, and variations, you can significantly enhance your grammatical range and score higher in all sections of the test. Remember to practice implementing this structure in your writing and speaking to solidify your understanding.