“For the sake of” is a versatile phrase that adds a touch of sophistication and clarity to your English. While not overly complex, understanding its nuances can significantly enhance your IELTS writing and speaking scores, particularly when aiming for those coveted band 7+ marks. Let’s delve into how “for the sake of” functions and explore its applications within the IELTS exam.
Understanding “For the Sake of”
Essentially, “for the sake of” signifies “for the benefit of” or “in order to achieve something positive.” It emphasizes the importance of the action being taken. Here are a few examples to illustrate:
- Speaking Part 2: “During my teenage years, I took up playing the guitar for the sake of impressing a girl I liked.” (Here, the speaker emphasizes the motivation behind learning the guitar.)
- Writing Task 2: “Governments should invest in renewable energy sources for the sake of future generations.” (This highlights the beneficiary of the action – future generations.)
- Listening Section 2: “The park was closed for the sake of public safety due to the severe storm.” (This clarifies the reason for the closure – to ensure public well-being.)
Structure and Usage
Formula:
for the sake of + [noun/noun phrase] OR for [someone’s/something’s] sake
Breakdown:
- “For the sake of” acts as a prepositional phrase.
- The following noun or noun phrase represents the person, thing, or concept benefiting from the action.
Applying “For the Sake of” in IELTS
Writing Task 2:
Prompt: Many people believe that economic progress is more important than environmental protection. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Example: “While economic growth is undeniably important, it should not come at the expense of the environment. For the sake of our planet’s health and the well-being of future generations, we must prioritize sustainable practices that foster both economic prosperity and environmental responsibility.”
This sentence effectively argues for a balanced approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the economy and the environment.
Speaking Part 3:
Examiner: “Some people believe that technology is making us less sociable. What’s your opinion?”
Candidate: “I think it depends on how we use it. Technology can be incredibly isolating if we allow it to consume our lives. However, it can also be a fantastic tool for connecting with others, for the sake of maintaining relationships with friends and family who might live far away.”
This response demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic and utilizes “for the sake of” to highlight a positive aspect of technology.
Elevating Your Language
To achieve higher band scores, consider these alternatives to “for the sake of,” which offer subtle differences in meaning and formality:
- in the interest(s) of: (formal, often used for official contexts)
- for the benefit of: (emphasizes positive outcomes)
- to ensure/protect/preserve: (highlights specific purposes)
- in order to safeguard: (more formal, often used for serious issues)
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
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Incorrect preposition: Using prepositions other than “of” after “sake.” Remember, it’s always “for the sake of.”
Incorrect: We should reduce our carbon footprint for the sake from the planet.
Correct: We should reduce our carbon footprint for the sake of the planet. -
Redundancy: Avoid using phrases like “for the sake of the benefit of” – it’s redundant!
Incorrect: For the sake of the benefit of our health, we should exercise regularly.
Correct: For the sake of our health, we should exercise regularly.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “for the sake of” and its synonyms can significantly elevate your IELTS writing and speaking, allowing you to express your ideas with greater precision and sophistication. Remember to practice incorporating this phrase into your responses and essays to solidify your understanding and impress the examiners. By diversifying your vocabulary and demonstrating a strong command of English grammar, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired IELTS score.