Many IELTS candidates strive to enrich their writing with sophisticated grammar structures, and the phrase “such…that…” is a powerful tool to achieve this. This article will delve into the depths of this structure, analyze its use, and demonstrate how you can effectively incorporate it into your IELTS writing to achieve a band score of 7 or higher.
Let’s start by looking at a few examples of how “such…that…” can be used in different sections of the IELTS exam:
Speaking (Part 2): “The music festival was such an incredible experience that I’m already saving up to go again next year.”
Writing Task 1 (describing a process): “The demand for the new product was such that the company had to open a new factory to keep up.”
Writing Task 2 (opinion essay): “Some argue that technology has created such a sedentary lifestyle that it’s leading to a decline in public health.”
Understanding “Such…That…”
The “such…that…” construction is used to express a cause-and-effect relationship. It emphasizes the intensity or degree of something (the cause) and the resulting consequence. This structure adds a touch of formality and sophistication to your writing, making it particularly suitable for IELTS Writing Task 2 and showcasing a wider range of grammatical structures.
Structure and Usage
The formula for this structure is simple:
Such + [be] + adjective + noun + that + clause
Let’s break it down:
- Such: This word introduces the cause or reason.
- [be]: Depending on the noun, you’ll use the appropriate form of the verb “to be” (is, are, was, were).
- Adjective: This describes the noun and emphasizes the intensity of the cause.
- Noun: This is the subject of the sentence, often an abstract noun like “talent,” “beauty,” “impact,” etc.
- That: This conjunction links the cause to the effect.
- Clause: This part of the sentence explains the result or consequence.
Applying “Such…That…” in IELTS Writing
1. Writing Task 1
While less common in Task 1, you can use “such…that…” when describing trends with significant consequences:
- “Such was the increase in online sales that traditional retail stores experienced a sharp decline.”
2. Writing Task 2
This structure is particularly powerful in Task 2 to present arguments convincingly:
- “Such is the influence of social media that it can shape public opinion on a global scale.”
- “Many young people face such intense pressure to succeed academically that their mental health can suffer.”
Social Media Influence
3. Speaking
You can use “such…that…” to make your spoken language more expressive and engaging:
- “The food at that restaurant was so delicious that I had to order a second dessert.”
- “The movie was such a rollercoaster of emotions that I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days.”
Elevating Your Score: Advanced Usage
To achieve higher band scores, consider these strategies:
Inversion: For added emphasis, invert the subject and verb after “that”:
- “Such was his determination that he trained every single day, rain or shine.“
Synonyms: Replace “such” with synonyms like “so great,” “so intense,” or “so powerful” to demonstrate vocabulary range.
- “So powerful was the earthquake that it caused widespread destruction.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect word order: Remember the correct structure: “Such + [be] + adjective + noun + that…”
- Missing “that”: Ensure you include the conjunction “that” to connect the cause and effect.
Conclusion
Mastering the “such…that…” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS writing and speaking, helping you express cause-and-effect relationships with clarity and sophistication. By understanding its construction, practicing its use, and exploring advanced variations, you’ll be well-equipped to impress the examiner and achieve your desired band score. Remember to pay attention to word order, use the conjunction “that” correctly, and explore synonyms to showcase a broader vocabulary. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!