“The Chances Are That + Clause” is a useful expression for expressing probability in English. It’s particularly valuable for IELTS candidates aiming to demonstrate advanced language skills. Let’s explore this structure in depth and see how it can be applied effectively in the IELTS exam.
Understanding “The Chances Are That + Clause”
The phrase “the chances are that” is used to indicate a high probability or likelihood of something happening. It’s equivalent to saying “it’s likely that” or “it’s probable that”. This structure is commonly used in both spoken and written English, making it a valuable addition to your IELTS repertoire.
Examples:
- The chances are that it will rain tomorrow.
- Given the current economic situation, the chances are that interest rates will rise.
- The chances are that most students will pass the exam.
In each of these examples, the speaker is expressing a high degree of certainty about a future event or situation.
IELTS Exam Preparation
Grammar and Usage in IELTS
Formula and Grammatical Structure
The basic structure is:
The chances are that + [subject] + [verb] + [rest of clause]
It’s important to note that the verb in the clause should agree with the subject, not with “chances”. For example:
- The chances are that he is (not “are”) coming to the party.
- The chances are that they will (not “will they”) finish the project on time.
Application in IELTS Writing and Speaking
In IELTS Writing and Speaking, using this structure can help you express probabilities and predictions more sophisticatedly. Here are some examples:
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Writing Task 2 (Essay):
“While some argue that technology will replace human workers, the chances are that it will create new job opportunities in fields we haven’t even imagined yet.” -
Speaking Part 3 (Discussion):
Examiner: “How do you think cities will change in the future?”
Candidate: “Well, given the current trends, the chances are that cities will become more environmentally friendly. We’re likely to see more green spaces, renewable energy sources, and sustainable transportation options.” -
Writing Task 1 (Graph Description):
“Based on the data presented in the graph, the chances are that the population growth rate will continue to decline over the next decade.”
In each of these examples, the structure is used to make a prediction or express a likelihood based on available information or trends.
Enhancing Your IELTS Score with “The Chances Are That”
Using this structure effectively can contribute to a higher band score in IELTS, particularly in the areas of Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
For a Band 6 response, you might use the structure in a straightforward manner:
“The chances are that more people will use public transport in the future.”
To aim for a Band 7 or 8, you could expand on this:
“Given the increasing concern about climate change and urban congestion, the chances are that governments will invest more heavily in public transportation infrastructure, likely resulting in a significant shift away from private car usage in major cities.”
For a Band 9 response, you could incorporate the structure into a more complex sentence with additional advanced vocabulary:
“In light of the mounting evidence regarding the detrimental effects of excessive car usage on both urban air quality and global climate patterns, the chances are that policymakers will be compelled to prioritize substantial investments in comprehensive public transportation networks, potentially catalyzing a paradigm shift in how urban dwellers conceptualize and utilize mobility options.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect verb agreement:
Incorrect: The chances are that people is becoming more aware of climate change.
Correct: The chances are that people are becoming more aware of climate change. -
Using “that” after “are”:
Incorrect: The chances are that the economy will improve.
Correct: The chances are the economy will improve. (Both with and without “that” are acceptable) -
Confusing with similar structures:
Be careful not to confuse this structure with “There is a chance that…”. While similar in meaning, they have different grammatical structures.Incorrect: There are chances that the project will be delayed.
Correct: There is a chance that the project will be delayed. OR The chances are that the project will be delayed. -
Overuse:
While it’s a useful structure, overusing it can make your speech or writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by also using phrases like “It’s likely that…”, “There’s a high probability that…”, or “It’s probable that…”.
Conclusion
Mastering the “The chances are that + clause” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to express probabilities and make predictions in a sophisticated manner, which is particularly useful in Writing Task 2 essays and Speaking Part 3 discussions. Remember to practice using this structure in context, and always ensure that your verb agrees with the subject of the clause, not with “chances”. With consistent practice, you’ll find that this structure becomes a natural part of your English expression, helping you to achieve a higher band score in your IELTS exam.
For further practice, try incorporating this structure into responses about future trends in technology, environmental issues, or social changes – all common topics in IELTS exams. The more you use it, the more comfortable and natural it will become in your English expression.
