How to Use “With a View to” Effectively in IELTS Writing and Speaking?

The phrase “with a view to” is a useful expression that can enhance your IELTS performance by demonstrating advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures. This formal phrase is often used in academic and professional contexts, making it particularly relevant for the IELTS exam. Let’s explore how to use this phrase correctly and effectively in your IELTS preparation.

Understanding “With a View to”

“With a view to” means “with the aim or intention of doing something.” It’s used to express purpose or objective, similar to phrases like “in order to” or “for the purpose of.” This expression is particularly common in formal writing and can help you achieve a higher band score in the IELTS Writing and Speaking tests.

Examples:

1. The government has implemented new policies with a view to reducing unemployment.
2. She’s taking extra classes with a view to improving her English proficiency.
3. The company is restructuring with a view to increasing efficiency.

IELTS preparation materials

Grammar and Usage

The phrase “with a view to” is followed by a gerund (verb + -ing). The basic structure is:

[Subject] + [Verb] + with a view to + [Gerund] + [Object/Complement]

Let’s analyze some examples:

1. “The city council is investing in public transportation with a view to reducing traffic congestion.”

   • Subject: The city council
   • Verb: is investing
   • Gerund: reducing
   • Object: traffic congestion

2. “Students often participate in extracurricular activities with a view to enhancing their college applications.”

   • Subject: Students
   • Verb: participate
   • Gerund: enhancing
   • Object: their college applications

3. “The company has initiated a training program with a view to improving employee skills.”

   • Subject: The company
   • Verb: has initiated
   • Gerund: improving
   • Object: employee skills

Applying “With a View to” in IELTS Writing

Using “with a view to” can help you achieve a higher band score in IELTS Writing by demonstrating advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some examples of how to incorporate this phrase into your essays:

Task 2 Essay Example:

Topic: Some people believe that governments should invest more money in teaching science than other subjects for the economic growth of a nation. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample paragraph:

“While science education is undoubtedly important, I believe that a balanced approach to education is more beneficial. Governments should invest in a variety of subjects with a view to developing well-rounded individuals who can contribute to various sectors of the economy. For instance, investing in arts and humanities with a view to fostering creativity and critical thinking can lead to innovations in design, marketing, and other fields that are crucial for economic growth. Similarly, funding language education with a view to improving international communication can enhance a nation’s global competitiveness.”

Task 1 Report Example:

For a graph showing government spending on different sectors:

“The chart illustrates government expenditure across various sectors from 2010 to 2020. Over this period, there was a notable increase in education spending, with a view to improving the country’s human capital. Healthcare funding also saw significant growth, likely with a view to enhancing public health outcomes and reducing long-term medical costs.”

Incorporating “With a View to” in IELTS Speaking

Using “with a view to” in your IELTS Speaking test can demonstrate your command of advanced English expressions. Here are some examples of how you might use it:

1. Part 2 (Cue Card) – Describing a goal you have:
   “I’m currently learning Mandarin with a view to working in China in the future. I believe that being fluent in the language will open up numerous career opportunities.”

2. Part 3 – Discussing education policies:
   “Many countries are reforming their education systems with a view to preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century. This often involves incorporating more technology and practical skills into the curriculum.”

Tips for Achieving a Higher Band Score

To maximize your score when using “with a view to”:

1. Use it accurately: Always follow “with a view to” with a gerund.
2. Don’t overuse it: Use the phrase once or twice in your essay or speaking test to show range without sounding repetitive.
3. Combine with other complex structures: For example, “The government, having recognized the importance of renewable energy, is investing heavily in solar power with a view to reducing carbon emissions.”
4. Use in context: Ensure the phrase fits naturally within your sentence and overall argument.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using an infinitive instead of a gerund:
   Incorrect: “They’re saving money with a view to to buy a house.”
   Correct: “They’re saving money with a view to buying a house.”

2. Confusing with similar phrases:
   Incorrect: “With a view of improving their skills…”
   Correct: “With a view to improving their skills…”

3. Overcomplicating sentences:
   Avoid: “The company, in light of recent market changes, is considering various strategies with a view to potentially increasing their market share in the coming years.”
   Better: “The company is considering various strategies with a view to increasing their market share in the coming years.”

Conclusion

Mastering the use of “with a view to” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance by demonstrating advanced language skills. Practice incorporating this phrase into your writing and speaking, always ensuring it’s used naturally and accurately. Remember, while it’s an excellent tool for showcasing your English proficiency, it should be used judiciously alongside a range of other advanced structures and vocabulary to achieve the best possible score in your IELTS exam.