“So overwhelming was the support that we achieved our goal” – this sentence structure, while less common, showcases a sophisticated grasp of English grammar and can make your IELTS writing stand out. It utilizes inversion, a grammatical tool often found in formal and literary contexts. Let’s explore how to use it effectively to achieve a higher band score in your IELTS exam.
Here are some examples of how this structure can be used in different sections of the IELTS writing test:
Task 1:
- Original: The decrease in air pollution was significant, leading to a visible improvement in public health.
- Inversion: So significant was the decrease in air pollution that a visible improvement in public health was observed.
Task 2:
- Original: The evidence supporting climate change is very clear, which makes it crucial for governments to take immediate action.
- Inversion: So clear is the evidence supporting climate change that it is crucial for governments to take immediate action.
Understanding “So…That” Inversion
This structure emphasizes the degree of something by placing the adjective or adverb at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the verb, and then the “that” clause showing the result. It adds a touch of formality and dramatic emphasis to your writing.
Formula and Application
Here’s the formula for this grammatical structure:
So + Adjective/Adverb + Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb + That + Result Clause
Breakdown:
- So: Used for emphasis.
- Adjective/Adverb: Describes the intensity or degree.
- Auxiliary Verb: A helping verb (e.g., was, were, is, are, has, have).
- Subject: The person or thing performing the action.
- Main Verb: The action being performed.
- That: Connects the cause and effect.
- Result Clause: The outcome or consequence.
Application in IELTS Writing:
This structure is most effective in IELTS Writing Task 1 when describing trends or highlighting significant changes in data. In Task 2, use it cautiously when you want to emphasize a point or present a strong argument.
Model Examples
Task 1:
- “The increase in online sales was so dramatic that many traditional stores were forced to close.”
- Analysis: This sentence effectively uses inversion to emphasize the sharp rise in online sales and its direct impact on traditional stores.
Task 2:
- “So detrimental are the effects of plastic pollution on marine life that immediate action is imperative.”
- Analysis: This sentence uses inversion to create a sense of urgency and emphasize the severe consequences of plastic pollution.
Achieving a Higher Band Score
Using this inversion structure demonstrates a wider range of grammatical structures, which is crucial for achieving a Band 7 and above. However, use it judiciously. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnatural.
Common Errors to Avoid
- Incorrect Word Order: The word order after “that” should be the standard subject-verb-object order.
- Overuse: Using this structure too often can sound repetitive.
- Incorrect Tense Agreement: Ensure the tenses in the main clause and the “that” clause are consistent.
Conclusion
Mastering grammatical structures like the “so…that” inversion can significantly enhance your IELTS writing. Remember to practice implementing it in various contexts, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and a natural flow of language.