“Because of” is a key phrase for expressing cause and effect in English, a skill crucial for achieving a Band 7 or higher in IELTS writing. This article will delve into the nuances of using “because of” effectively, providing you with the knowledge and tools to enhance your grammatical accuracy and overall writing proficiency for the IELTS exam.
Let’s consider how “because of” might appear across different sections of the IELTS:
Speaking Part 2: “I chose to study abroad because of the excellent academic reputation of universities in Canada.” (Here, “because of” explains the reason for choosing to study abroad.)
Writing Task 1 (describing a trend): “The decline in tourism was primarily because of the global pandemic.” (“Because of” pinpoints the cause of the tourism decline.)
Writing Task 2 (essay): “Some argue that pollution is primarily because of industrial activities, while others emphasize the role of individual consumption.” (This sentence uses “because of” to present two contrasting viewpoints on the cause of pollution.)
Understanding “Because Of” in IELTS Writing
“Because of” is a preposition used to introduce a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that explains the reason for something. It highlights the cause behind an action, event, or situation. Using this phrase effectively demonstrates your ability to express complex ideas clearly and concisely, a key factor in achieving a higher IELTS score.
Using “Because Of” Correctly
Here’s the key formula for using “because of” accurately:
[Situation] + verb + because of + [Noun/Noun Phrase]
Let’s break down its application:
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In Writing Task 1: Use “because of” to explain trends, changes, or differences depicted in graphs, charts, or diagrams.
- Example: “The sharp increase in online sales is because of the convenience and wider selection offered by e-commerce platforms.”
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In Writing Task 2: Employ “because of” to provide reasons and support your arguments effectively.
- Example: “Many young people are choosing to rent rather than buy property because of the rising cost of living and stagnant wages.”
Mastering “Because Of” for Band 7+
- Formal Tone: “Because of” maintains a formal tone, making it suitable for both IELTS Academic and General Training writing tasks.
- Conciseness: It helps create concise sentences, important for conveying information effectively within word limits.
- Example: Instead of saying “The project was delayed because the team lacked resources,” you can write, “The project was delayed because of a lack of resources.”
- Cause and Effect: Use “because of” to show a direct link between a cause and its effect, enhancing the clarity and coherence of your writing.
Avoiding Common Errors
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Incorrect Usage with Clauses: Remember, “because of” is followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a complete clause with a subject and verb.
- Incorrect: The concert was canceled because of it was raining heavily.
- Correct: The concert was canceled because of the heavy rain.
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Confusing with “Because”: “Because” is a conjunction used to introduce a reason clause.
- Incorrect: Many people prefer online shopping because of it is convenient.
- Correct: Many people prefer online shopping because it is convenient.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “because of” is a stepping stone to achieving your desired IELTS score. By understanding its application and avoiding common pitfalls, you can express cause-and-effect relationships with accuracy and precision. For further practice on using conjunctions like “because” effectively, refer to resources on subordinating conjunctions. Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your grammar and overall IELTS writing skills.