The IELTS exam often challenges test-takers with various grammatical structures, and one that frequently appears is the “such… as” construction for making comparisons. Understanding and effectively using this structure can significantly enhance your score across all sections of the test. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this grammatical pattern and explore how to apply it in the IELTS context.
Understanding “Such… As” Comparisons
The “such… as” structure is used to make comparisons or to provide examples. It’s a powerful tool for expressing similarity or giving illustrations in your writing and speaking. In IELTS, using this structure correctly can demonstrate a high level of language proficiency.
Basic Structure and Meaning
The basic structure of “such… as” sentences is:
Such + [noun/noun phrase] + as + [example(s)]
This construction is used to introduce examples that are similar to or representative of the noun or noun phrase mentioned.
Examples:
- Such sports as football and basketball are popular worldwide.
- The company invests in such technologies as artificial intelligence and blockchain.
- Such writers as Shakespeare and Dickens have influenced literature globally.
In these examples, the structure introduces specific instances (football and basketball, artificial intelligence and blockchain, Shakespeare and Dickens) of a broader category (sports, technologies, writers).
IELTS grammar such as
Using “Such… As” in IELTS Writing
Incorporating “such… as” constructions in your IELTS Writing can elevate your score by showcasing advanced grammar usage and providing clear, specific examples.
Task 1: Academic Report Writing
In Academic Task 1, you might use this structure to group or categorize data:
“The graph shows such renewable energy sources as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.”
Analysis: This sentence efficiently groups different types of renewable energy, demonstrating good use of categorization skills essential for Task 1.
Task 2: Essay Writing
For Task 2 essays, “such… as” can be particularly useful for providing examples or supporting your arguments:
“Environmental problems, such as deforestation and air pollution, require immediate global action.”
“Such measures as implementing stricter regulations and promoting public awareness can help combat climate change.”
Analysis: These sentences showcase the ability to provide specific examples (deforestation, air pollution) and concrete solutions (stricter regulations, public awareness), which is crucial for achieving a high band score in Task 2.
Enhancing IELTS Speaking with “Such… As”
In the Speaking test, using “such… as” can help you provide more detailed and fluent responses.
Example response for Part 2 (describing a place):
“I’d like to talk about New York City, which is famous for such landmarks as the Statue of Liberty and Times Square. The city offers such diverse experiences as Broadway shows and world-class museums.”
Analysis: This response demonstrates the ability to give specific examples smoothly, which can contribute to a higher score in fluency and coherence.
Advanced Usage and Variations
To aim for higher band scores (7+), consider these more sophisticated uses:
-
With adjectives: “Such diverse cuisines as Italian, Thai, and Mexican reflect the city’s multicultural population.”
-
In passive constructions: “Such issues as overpopulation and resource depletion are being addressed by environmental scientists.”
-
With quantifiers: “The project faces many such challenges as funding shortages and technical difficulties.”
-
Inverted structure for emphasis: “Rarely has such an opportunity as this arisen in the field of renewable energy.”
Analysis: These advanced structures show a high level of grammatical control and vocabulary usage, key factors in achieving top band scores in IELTS.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Confusing “such as” with “like”:
Incorrect: “Such sports like football and basketball…”
Correct: “Such sports as football and basketball…” or “Sports like football and basketball…” -
Overusing the structure:
While “such… as” is useful, overusing it can make your writing repetitive. Vary your language with alternatives like “including,” “for example,” or “for instance.” -
Incorrect word order:
Incorrect: “As such sports football and basketball…”
Correct: “Such sports as football and basketball…” -
Forgetting the plural ‘s’ when necessary:
Incorrect: “Such problem as pollution…”
Correct: “Such problems as pollution…”
Conclusion
Mastering the “such… as” structure can significantly enhance your performance in IELTS. It allows for clear, concise comparisons and examples, which are valuable in both Writing and Speaking tasks. Practice incorporating this structure into your language use, but remember to use it judiciously and in conjunction with other grammatical structures to demonstrate a wide range of language skills. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, look for opportunities to use “such… as” in practice essays, speaking exercises, and even in your daily English conversations to make it a natural part of your language repertoire.
