The phrase “start from scratch” [stɑːt frəm skrætʃ] is an idiomatic expression used to describe beginning something again from the very beginning, typically because your previous efforts have failed or you are starting a new project entirely. In the context of IELTS, understanding and using such idiomatic expressions can significantly enhance your score, especially in the speaking and writing sections.
Synonyms and related terms:
- Begin anew [bɪˈɡɪn əˈnjuː] — Start again from the beginning.
- From the ground up [frəm ðə ɡraʊnd ʌp] — Build something entirely new.
- Recommence [ˌriːkəˈmens] — Begin again.
- Wipe the slate clean [waɪp ðə sleɪt kliːn] — Start over without any past baggage.
- Make a fresh start [meɪk ə frɛʃ stɑːt] — Embrace a new beginning.
Examples in Sentences:
- After losing all my research data, I had to start from scratch.
- Sometimes it’s beneficial to begin anew when a project isn’t going as planned.
- They built their business from the ground up without any external assistance.
- After the disagreement, they decided to recommence and tackle the issue afresh.
- The new management was determined to wipe the slate clean and improve the company’s reputation.
- She moved to a new city to make a fresh start in her career.
What Does It Mean to “Start from Scratch”?
Meaning and Pronunciation
The idiom “start from scratch” generally means to begin again from the beginning with no prior advantage or progress.
Usage in IELTS
Understanding idioms and their appropriate usage can be powerful tools in the IELTS exam. Idiomatic expressions are particularly useful for the Speaking and Writing tasks, where demonstrating a range of vocabulary can score highly.
Examples of Usage:
- Speaking: “After receiving feedback on my essay, I decided to start from scratch and rewrite it entirely.”
- Writing Task 2: “To address the problem of urban congestion, city planners must start from scratch and rethink public transport systems.”
Analyzing The Frequency of the Keyword in IELTS Tests
The phrase “start from scratch” is not uncommon in IELTS tasks. Occasionally, you may encounter it in Reading passages and Listening scripts or during the Speaking test as a cue to discuss challenges and solutions.
Example Topics:
- Speaking Part 2 cue card: Describe a project you had to start from scratch.
- Writing Task 2: Discuss the importance of planning ahead rather than frequently starting from scratch.
Applying the Keyword in IELTS Writing
Writing Task 1 Example:
“In line graphs showing company sales, if a company experiences a downturn and must start from scratch, they often restructure their strategies, leading to potential recovery and growth.”
Writing Task 2 Example:
“Educational reforms often fail because they simply modify existing systems. Instead, to see significant improvements, policymakers need to start from scratch and design a curriculum that meets modern requirements.”
Combining with Other Keywords:
- Businesses that aim to recommence their operations often need to innovate and start from scratch.
- When projects fail, many managers prefer to wipe the slate clean and start from scratch.
Idioms and Phrases Related to “Start from Scratch”
- Begin anew: Starting again; e.g., “The scientists had to begin anew after their initial hypothesis was disproven.”
- Wipe the slate clean: Start fresh without previous errors; e.g., “Every new year is an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and set new goals.”
- Build from the ground up: Construct without any initial advantage; e.g., “The software engineers built the application from the ground up following the client’s requirements.”
Conclusion
Understanding and effectively using the expression “start from scratch” can be a valuable asset in your IELTS preparation, enabling you to demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Don’t forget to practice these in relevant topics to ensure fluency and cohesion in your speaking and writing tasks. Other related phrases such as “wipe the slate clean”, “begin anew”, and “recommence” can be incorporated to show versatility and depth in your language skills.
For further reading on how to enhance your IELTS preparation, you can explore articles like Go Back to the Drawing Board and How to Prepare for IELTS in a Month, where similar idiomatic expressions are discussed in different contexts.
Familiarize yourself with these idioms, incorporate them in your daily practice, and you’ll see a marked improvement in your IELTS performance. Good luck!