“Should the opportunity arise, take it” – this phrase, often uttered as words of wisdom, showcases the power of conditional clauses in English. While this specific structure might not be a staple in everyday conversation, understanding conditional clauses is essential for achieving a Band 7 or higher in your IELTS exam. Why? Because they allow you to express complex ideas about possibilities, consequences, and hypothetical situations, demonstrating a higher level of grammatical range and accuracy.

Let’s illustrate with a few examples of how conditional clauses could appear across different sections of the IELTS:

• Speaking Part 3 (Hypothetical Discussion): “If you could change one thing about your hometown, what would it be and why?”
• Writing Task 2 (Presenting an Argument): “Some people believe that technology has made our lives easier. Others argue that it has created new problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
• Listening Section 2 (Understanding Context): “Should the weather remain favorable, the expedition will depart as scheduled tomorrow morning.”

In each of these examples, the use of conditional clauses (using words like “if”, “should”, “were”, etc.) allows for a more sophisticated and nuanced expression of ideas.

Understanding “Should the Opportunity Arise”

Meaning and Frequency

The phrase “Should the opportunity arise, take it” is a more formal and somewhat old-fashioned way of saying “If the opportunity arises, take it.” While you might not encounter this exact phrase in the IELTS exam, understanding its structure is crucial for grappling with similar grammatical constructions.

This particular clause is what we call a conditional clause type 1, often used to talk about possible future events and their results. However, it employs a slightly more formal and less direct inversion, using “should” before the subject (“the opportunity”) instead of the typical “if.”

Grammatical Structure

Let’s break down the structure:

Should + Subject + Verb (present simple) + Main Clause (imperative)

• Should the opportunity arise – This is the conditional clause. It sets up a hypothetical situation in the future.
  • “Should” – Used instead of “if” to make the statement more formal and polite. It implies a slight uncertainty about whether the opportunity will actually arise.
  • “the opportunity” – The subject of the clause.
  • “arise” – The verb in the present simple tense.
• take it – This is the main clause. It tells us what to do if the condition in the first clause is met.
  • “take” – The verb in the imperative form, giving direct advice or instruction.
  • “it” – The object of the verb “take”, referring back to “the opportunity”.

<Conditional Clauses Types>

Mastering Conditional Clauses for IELTS

Formula and Application

Conditional clauses follow a specific formula, understanding which can significantly improve your grammatical accuracy in the IELTS. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

Type 0 (General Truths)

If/When + Present Simple, Present Simple

• Example: If you heat ice, it melts.
• IELTS Application: Useful for describing scientific facts or general truths in the Writing or Speaking sections.

Type 1 (Possible Future Conditions)

If/Unless/When/Should + Present Simple, Future Simple (will + base verb)

• Example: If I study hard, I will pass the exam.
• IELTS Application: Common in Writing Task 2 for discussing potential outcomes or solutions to problems.

Type 2 (Unreal Present Conditions)

If + Past Simple, would/could/might + base verb

• Example: If I had more time, I would travel the world.
• IELTS Application: Useful in Speaking Part 2 or 3 for describing hypothetical situations or expressing wishes.

Type 3 (Unreal Past Conditions)

If + Past Perfect, would/could/might + have + past participle

• Example: If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.
• IELTS Application: Can be used in Writing Task 2 to reflect on past events or missed opportunities.

Examples in IELTS Context

Writing Task 2:

Prompt: Some people believe that the best way to improve public health is through education. Others believe that other measures are more effective. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Example: “While education is undoubtedly crucial, if governments solely focus on this approach, they risk overlooking other crucial factors, such as access to affordable healthcare and healthy food options.” (Type 1 Conditional)

Speaking Part 3:

Examiner: Do you think robots will replace human workers in the future?

Candidate: “Well, that’s a difficult question. If robots were to take over all the jobs, it would certainly lead to widespread unemployment. However, I believe that humans possess unique skills, such as creativity and emotional intelligence, which robots may never fully replicate.” (Type 2 Conditional)

Achieving Higher Band Scores

To impress the IELTS examiner and achieve a higher band score, consider these strategies:

• Mixed Conditionals: Demonstrate mastery by using mixed conditionals, which blend different types. For example: “If I had studied Spanish in school, I could be working as a translator now.”
• Inversions: Use inversions like the one in our main phrase (“Should the opportunity arise…”) to add sophistication and formality to your writing.
• Varied Conjunctions: Don’t limit yourself to “if.” Experiment with “unless,” “provided that,” “as long as,” and other conjunctions to showcase your range.

Common Errors to Avoid

• Incorrect Tense Agreement: Ensure the tenses in your conditional clauses align correctly.
  • Incorrect: If I will have time, I will call you.
  • Correct: If I have time, I will call you.
• Double Negatives: Avoid using two negative words in the same clause.
  • Incorrect: If I hadn’t gone to the party, I wouldn’t have not met her.
  • Correct: If I hadn’t gone to the party, I wouldn’t have met her.
• Overusing “If”: Try to vary your sentences using other conjunctions or structures to express conditionality.

Conclusion

Mastering conditional clauses is an essential step towards achieving a high band score in the IELTS exam. By understanding their structure, practicing their various forms, and being aware of common pitfalls, you can confidently express complex ideas and impress the examiner with your grammatical range and accuracy. Remember, should the opportunity to showcase your knowledge of conditional clauses arise in the IELTS, seize it!