“As soon as” is a common phrase used to express that something will happen immediately after another event. It signifies a close temporal relationship between two actions. Mastering this conjunction is crucial for IELTS, particularly in achieving band 7+ in speaking and writing.
Let’s illustrate its use in various sections of the IELTS:
Speaking:
- “As soon as I finish university, I plan to travel the world.” (Future plan)
- “I felt relieved as soon as I saw my test scores.” (Past event)
- “As soon as the music starts, everyone starts dancing.” (Hypothetical situation)
Writing Task 1:
- “The unemployment rate declined steadily as soon as the new policy was implemented.”
Writing Task 2:
- “Some argue that individuals should start saving for retirement as soon as they enter the workforce.”
In each example, “as soon as” clearly links two events, demonstrating a cause-and-effect or a direct chronological sequence.
Understanding “As Soon As” in IELTS
The phrase “as soon as” acts as a subordinating conjunction, connecting two clauses and indicating that the action in the main clause happens immediately after the action in the subordinate clause. It’s particularly useful for:
- Describing sequences: It helps illustrate the order of events, which is crucial in both writing tasks.
- Highlighting immediacy: It emphasizes that there is little to no delay between the two actions, showcasing a strong grasp of time and consequence.
Grammar Rules and Application
Formula:
[Main Clause] + as soon as + [Subordinate Clause]
Tense Harmony:
When the main clause is in the future tense, the verb in the “as soon as” clause is usually in the present simple tense.
Example: I will call you as soon as I arrive at the airport.
When the main clause is in the past tense, the verb in the “as soon as” clause is typically in the past simple tense.
Example: As soon as the rain started, we ran inside.
using-as-soon-as-in-a-sentence|Using “As Soon As” in a Sentence|A person is shown writing the sentence “As soon as I finish work, I will call you.” in a notebook. The image should clearly show the sentence and the person’s hand writing with a pen. The background should be a clean and distraction-free workspace.
Application in IELTS:
Speaking:
- Part 1: Use “as soon as” to provide specific details about your daily routine, past experiences, or future plans.
- Part 2: Employ it to create a chronological narrative or explain the immediate consequences of an event in your story.
- Part 3: Utilize the phrase to discuss hypothetical situations or express the swift impact of certain actions.
Writing:
- Task 1: Describe trends or changes over time by highlighting how one event immediately followed another.
- Task 2: Present arguments or counterarguments by showing the direct results of certain actions or policies.
Model Examples for IELTS
Speaking:
- Examiner: “What are your plans for after the exam?”
- You: “As soon as I finish the IELTS, I’m going to take a long vacation to relax!”
Writing Task 1:
- “As soon as the government introduced subsidies for electric cars, sales figures skyrocketed.”
Writing Task 2:
- “It is argued that as soon as children are exposed to technology, their creativity is stifled.”
Achieving a Higher Band Score
To impress the examiner and potentially achieve a band 7 or higher, consider these tips:
- Vary your language: Instead of always using “as soon as,” consider alternatives like “immediately after,” “the moment,” “once,” or “upon.”
- Combine with other structures: Show your grammatical range by using “as soon as” with different tenses and complex sentences.
- Demonstrate cause and effect: Clearly link the two events connected by “as soon as” to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the relationship between them.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
- Incorrect tense usage: Ensure the verb tenses in both clauses align grammatically.
- Overuse: While useful, don’t overuse “as soon as.” Vary your language for a more sophisticated response.
- Redundancy: Avoid using phrases like “immediately” or “right away” along with “as soon as,” as it creates redundancy.
Incorrect: As soon as I get home, I will immediately start cooking.
Correct: As soon as I get home, I will start cooking.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “as soon as” is a small but significant step towards achieving your desired band score in IELTS. By understanding its function, applying it correctly in different contexts, and avoiding common errors, you can effectively demonstrate your command of English grammar and vocabulary. Remember to practice incorporating “as soon as” into your speaking and writing to build fluency and accuracy. Good luck!
