Mastering “Assuming That” for IELTS Success: A Comprehensive Guide

“Assuming that” is a powerful phrase that can elevate your IELTS writing and speaking, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of hypothetical situations and conditional statements. Used correctly, it adds sophistication and clarity to your arguments, helping you achieve a band score of 7 or higher.

Let’s look at some examples of how “assuming that” functions in different sections of the IELTS exam:

Speaking Part 3:

• “Assuming that renewable energy becomes more affordable, do you think it will completely replace fossil fuels in the future?”

  In this example, “assuming that” sets up a hypothetical condition (renewable energy becoming cheaper) to explore a complex issue.

Writing Task 2:

• “Some people believe that space exploration is a waste of resources. Others argue that it is essential for the advancement of humankind. Assuming that we had unlimited funds, discuss both views and give your own opinion.”

  Here, “assuming that” establishes a specific parameter (unlimited funds) to frame the essay prompt and guide the discussion.

Now, let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of using “assuming that” effectively in your IELTS exam.

Understanding “Assuming That” in IELTS

“Assuming that” is a prepositional phrase that introduces a hypothetical situation or an assumption upon which a statement or argument is based. It is similar in meaning to phrases like “supposing that,” “provided that,” or “on the condition that.”

This phrase is particularly useful in the IELTS exam because it allows you to:

1. Explore hypothetical scenarios: IELTS often presents prompts that require you to discuss potential outcomes or consider different perspectives.
2. Structure conditional statements: You can use “assuming that” to create clear cause-and-effect relationships in your writing and speaking.
3. Demonstrate a wider range of grammar and vocabulary: Using a variety of grammatical structures and synonyms like “assuming that” showcases your language proficiency.

Grammar and Usage: “Assuming That”

Formula:

Assuming that + subject + verb …, + main clause

Breakdown:

• “Assuming that”: Introduces the hypothetical condition.
• Subject + verb: Forms the conditional clause, outlining the assumed situation.
• Main clause: Presents the consequence, opinion, or further development based on the assumed condition.

Examples:

• Assuming that the weather remains favorable, we can expect a bountiful harvest this year.
• Many students choose to study abroad assuming that it will enhance their career prospects.
• Assuming that you win the lottery, what would be the first thing you would do?

IELTS Application:

• Writing Task 1 (Describing Trends): “Assuming that the current trend continues, the number of people learning English online is projected to double in the next five years.”
• Speaking Part 2 (Describing an Experience): “It was a challenging project. However, assuming that I had the full support of my team, I was confident that we could succeed.”

IELTS Exam Preparation

Utilizing “Assuming That” for a Higher Band Score

1. Vary your language: Don’t overuse “assuming that.” Explore synonyms such as “provided that,” “supposing that,” “in the event that,” or “on the condition that” to demonstrate lexical resource.
2. Employ different sentence structures: Instead of always starting sentences with “Assuming that,” try placing it in the middle or using it to connect two clauses.
   • “The government should invest more in public transportation, assuming that they want to reduce traffic congestion.”
3. Combine with other complex grammatical structures: Use “assuming that” within conditional sentences (using “if,” “unless”) or when discussing hypothetical situations in the past (using “had + past participle”).
   • “Assuming that I had known about the scholarship earlier, I would have definitely applied.”

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

1. Incorrect verb tense agreement: Ensure that the verb tenses in both the conditional clause and the main clause are consistent and logical.

   • Incorrect: Assuming that the economy will improve, many people are still struggling.
   • Correct: Assuming that the economy improves, many people will likely still face challenges.

2. Overuse or redundancy: Avoid using “assuming that” repeatedly or when it is not necessary to convey the meaning.

   • Redundant: Assuming that you are tired, you should probably go to sleep.
   • Improved: You should probably go to sleep if you are tired.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of “assuming that” can significantly enhance your ability to express complex ideas and hypothetical situations, which are crucial for achieving a high band score in the IELTS exam. By understanding its function, grammar, and application, you can confidently incorporate this phrase into your writing and speaking, showcasing a wider range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Remember to practice using “assuming that” in various contexts and explore its synonyms to demonstrate your linguistic flexibility.