“What’s more” is a useful phrase that can significantly improve your IELTS performance by adding coherence and sophistication to your language. This article will explore how to effectively use “what’s more” in various parts of the IELTS test, providing examples and tips to help you achieve a higher band score.
Understanding “What’s More” and Its Importance in IELTS
“What’s more” is a transition phrase used to add information or emphasis to a previous statement. It’s similar to expressions like “furthermore,” “moreover,” or “in addition.” In IELTS, using such phrases demonstrates your ability to connect ideas and present information clearly, which is crucial for achieving higher band scores in both Writing and Speaking tasks.
IELTS Writing Task
Frequency in IELTS Tests
While “what’s more” doesn’t appear directly in IELTS questions, examiners expect candidates to use a variety of linking words and phrases. Using “what’s more” appropriately can help you:
- Improve coherence in Writing Task 2 essays
- Add depth to your Speaking Part 2 monologues
- Extend your answers in Speaking Part 3 discussions
Grammar and Usage: Mastering “What’s More”
Formula and Structure
The basic structure for using “what’s more” is:
[Statement 1]. What’s more, [Statement 2].
It’s important to note that “what’s more” is always followed by a comma and typically starts a new sentence or independent clause.
Examples and Analysis
Let’s look at some examples of how to use “what’s more” effectively:
“The new policy will create jobs. What’s more, it will stimulate economic growth in rural areas.”
- Analysis: Here, “what’s more” introduces an additional benefit of the policy, showing a logical progression of ideas.
“Regular exercise improves physical health. What’s more, it has significant mental health benefits.”
- Analysis: The phrase connects two related but distinct advantages of exercise, demonstrating the ability to explore a topic comprehensively.
“The company’s profits have increased by 20% this year. What’s more, they’ve expanded into three new markets.”
- Analysis: “What’s more” is used to add another piece of positive information about the company’s performance.
“Learning a new language broadens one’s cultural understanding. What’s more, it can enhance career prospects in an increasingly globalized world.”
- Analysis: This example shows how to use the phrase to link two broader concepts, ideal for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays.
“The city has invested heavily in public transportation. What’s more, they’ve implemented strict emissions standards for vehicles.”
- Analysis: Here, “what’s more” connects two related urban planning strategies, useful for discussing complex topics in IELTS Speaking Part 3.
Applying “What’s More” in IELTS Tasks
Writing Task 2
In IELTS Writing Task 2, using “what’s more” can help you develop your arguments more effectively. Here’s an example paragraph:
“Reducing plastic waste is crucial for environmental protection. Plastic pollution harms marine life and contaminates our oceans. What’s more, the production of plastic contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. Therefore, urgent action is needed to address this global issue.”
Analysis: The phrase “What’s more” introduces an additional negative impact of plastic, strengthening the overall argument.
Speaking Part 2
In your Speaking Part 2 monologue, “what’s more” can help you extend your answer and showcase your language skills. For example:
“I’d like to talk about my favorite teacher from high school. She taught English literature and had a profound impact on my love for reading. Her classes were always engaging and interactive. What’s more, she encouraged us to think critically about the texts we studied, which helped develop our analytical skills.”
Analysis: Here, “What’s more” is used to add another positive aspect of the teacher’s influence, demonstrating the ability to provide a detailed and well-structured response.
IELTS Speaking Test
Speaking Part 3
In Speaking Part 3, “what’s more” can help you expand on your ideas. For instance:
Examiner: “How do you think technology will change education in the future?”
Candidate: “I believe technology will make education more accessible to people in remote areas through online courses and virtual classrooms. What’s more, it will likely revolutionize the way we learn by providing more interactive and personalized learning experiences tailored to individual needs and learning styles.”
Analysis: The use of “What’s more” allows the candidate to introduce a second, more sophisticated point about the impact of technology on education.
Tips for Using “What’s More” to Achieve Higher Band Scores
Use it sparingly: While “what’s more” is effective, overusing it can make your speech or writing sound repetitive. Aim to use it once or twice in an essay or extended speaking answer.
Ensure relevance: The information introduced by “what’s more” should be closely related to the previous point and add value to your argument.
Combine with other linking phrases: Mix “what’s more” with other transitions like “furthermore,” “in addition,” and “moreover” to demonstrate a wide vocabulary range.
Practice in context: Incorporate “what’s more” into practice essays and speaking exercises to become more comfortable using it naturally.
Use it to introduce stronger points: Often, the information following “what’s more” can be more impactful or significant than the preceding point, helping to build a stronger argument.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using it at the beginning of a paragraph: “What’s more” is best used to connect ideas within a paragraph, not to start a new one.
Incorrect: “Technology has many benefits in education. What’s more, it also has some drawbacks.”
Correct: “Technology has many benefits in education. What’s more, it can significantly enhance student engagement and motivation.”
Overusing it: Relying too heavily on “what’s more” can make your writing or speaking monotonous.
Using it with unrelated ideas: Ensure that the information introduced by “what’s more” is logically connected to the previous point.
Incorrect: “The city has beautiful parks. What’s more, the crime rate has increased.”
Correct: “The city has beautiful parks. What’s more, it boasts numerous museums and cultural attractions.”
- Forgetting the comma: Always remember to put a comma after “What’s more.”
Incorrect: “The product is eco-friendly. What’s more it’s also very affordable.”
Correct: “The product is eco-friendly. What’s more, it’s also very affordable.”
- Using it in formal academic writing: While “what’s more” is acceptable in IELTS, it may be too informal for some academic contexts. Be aware of your audience and the level of formality required.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “what’s more” can significantly enhance your performance in IELTS Writing and Speaking tasks. By adding coherence to your arguments and demonstrating sophisticated language use, you can improve your chances of achieving a higher band score. Remember to practice using this phrase in context, and always aim for natural and relevant usage. As you prepare for your IELTS test, consider incorporating “what’s more” into your responses to questions about complex topics such as environmental issues, technological advancements, or social changes, where you need to present multiple related points or arguments.
