“No matter what” is a powerful phrase that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance when used correctly. This expression is commonly used to emphasize that something will happen regardless of circumstances or conditions. Let’s explore how to effectively use “no matter what” sentences in your IELTS exam.

IELTS exam preparation

Understanding “No Matter What” Sentences

“No matter what” is a concessive phrase that indicates a lack of influence on the outcome. It’s equivalent to “regardless of what happens” or “whatever the circumstances may be.” This structure is particularly useful in IELTS Writing and Speaking tasks to demonstrate your ability to express complex ideas and relationships between concepts.

Grammar and Structure

The basic structure of a “no matter what” sentence is:

No matter what + [clause], [main clause]

Examples:

1. No matter what happens, I will always support you.
2. No matter what the weather is like, we’ll go for a walk.
3. No matter what obstacles we face, we’ll overcome them together.

In these examples, the “no matter what” clause introduces a condition that doesn’t affect the outcome stated in the main clause.

Using “No Matter What” in IELTS Writing

Incorporating “no matter what” sentences in your IELTS Writing can help you achieve a higher band score by demonstrating complex sentence structures and advanced vocabulary usage.

Task 2 Essay Example

Consider this IELTS Writing Task 2 question:

“Some people believe that success in life comes from taking risks and chances. Others believe that success results from careful planning. In your opinion, what does success come from?”

You could use “no matter what” in your response:

“While careful planning is undoubtedly important, I believe that true success comes from a combination of planning and the willingness to take risks. No matter what plan one creates, unforeseen circumstances can always arise, requiring quick thinking and adaptability. Successful individuals are those who can navigate these challenges effectively, no matter what obstacles they encounter.”

Task 1 Report Example

For a Task 1 Academic report describing a process, you might write:

“The final quality control stage ensures that no matter what variations occurred during production, only products meeting the highest standards are shipped to customers.”

Enhancing IELTS Speaking with “No Matter What”

Using “no matter what” in your Speaking test can demonstrate your ability to express complex ideas fluently.

Part 2 Example

In a Part 2 task where you’re asked to describe a difficult decision you made, you could say:

“I decided to pursue my passion for environmental science, no matter what financial challenges I might face. This decision was tough because it meant leaving a well-paying job, but I knew that no matter what happened, I would regret not following my dreams.”

Part 3 Example

In a Part 3 discussion about the importance of perseverance, you could say:

“I believe that perseverance is crucial for success in any field. No matter what setbacks one encounters, it’s important to keep pushing forward. This resilience often makes the difference between those who achieve their goals and those who give up when faced with difficulties.”

Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores

To aim for higher band scores (7+), consider using variations of “no matter what” to show a more sophisticated command of English:

1. “Regardless of the circumstances, we must strive for excellence.”
2. “Whatever the cost, we need to address climate change urgently.”
3. “Come what may, I’m determined to finish this project on time.”

These variations demonstrate a wider vocabulary range while maintaining the same emphatic tone as “no matter what.”

Common Errors to Avoid

1. Incorrect word order: “What no matter happens” (Correct: No matter what happens)
2. Using “that” after “what”: “No matter what that occurs” (Correct: No matter what occurs)
3. Omitting the comma in longer sentences: “No matter what we do the result will be the same” (Correct: No matter what we do, the result will be the same)

Conclusion

Mastering “no matter what” sentences can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. By incorporating this structure into your Writing and Speaking responses, you demonstrate a sophisticated command of English grammar and the ability to express complex ideas clearly. Remember to practice using this phrase in various contexts to become more comfortable with it. No matter what section of the IELTS exam you’re tackling, using “no matter what” correctly can help you achieve a higher band score.