The English language is full of quirks, and the phrase “it declares that” often raises eyebrows among IELTS students. While grammatically sound, its usage is rather formal and uncommon in everyday speech. In the context of IELTS, understanding the nuances of such phrases, their alternatives, and their effective implementation can significantly elevate your writing and speaking scores.
Let’s consider a few examples:
- The report declares that climate change is a significant threat. (Formal, often used in academic or journalistic writing)
- The government declared a state of emergency. (More common usage, focusing on the action of declaring)
- She declared her love for him. (Expressing a strong statement or feeling)
As evident, “declare” itself holds a strong presence in various contexts, and understanding its correct usage is crucial for IELTS success.
Deconstructing “Declare” and its Formal Cousin
The Essence of “Declare”
“Declare” signifies a formal and assertive announcement. It’s not just stating something; it’s making it known definitively and officially. Think of situations like:
- Declaring war: “The nation declared war on its neighbor.”
- Declaring a winner: “The judges declared her the winner of the competition.”
- Declaring bankruptcy: “The company was forced to declare bankruptcy.”
“It Declares That”: A Formal Affair
Now, the phrase “it declares that” takes this formality a step further. While grammatically valid, it’s not something you’d hear in casual conversation. It’s more common in:
- Legal documents: “The contract it declares that all parties must…”
- Academic papers: “The research paper it declares that the findings are inconclusive.”
- Formal reports: “The committee’s report it declares that further investigation is necessary.”
Notice how these examples tend to use “it” to refer to something inanimate (a document, research, report) that carries the weight of the declaration.
IELTS Application: Choosing Clarity Over Complexity
While “it declares that” is grammatically sound, aiming for clear and concise language is paramount in the IELTS exam. Examiners value natural and impactful language over convoluted structures.
For instance, instead of: “The article it declares that social media can be detrimental to mental health.”
Consider:
- “The article argues that…”
- “The article highlights the potential dangers of social media on mental health.”
- “According to the article, social media can negatively impact mental health.”
These alternatives convey the same message with more clarity and natural flow.
Mastering Alternatives for Higher Bands
To achieve those coveted band 7+ scores, demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary and grammatical structures:
Reporting Verbs
- Assert: “The author asserts that education is the key to societal progress.”
- Contend: “Some experts contend that artificial intelligence poses a threat to humanity.”
- Maintain: “The government maintains that its policies are in the best interest of the people.”
- Suggest: “The evidence suggests a strong correlation between diet and longevity.”
Other Structures
- According to: “According to the study, regular exercise can boost cognitive function.”
- Based on: “Based on the available data, the company is expected to see significant growth.”
- The findings indicate: “The findings indicate a need for further research in this area.”
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Overusing “Declare”: Reserve “declare” for formal contexts and strong statements. Don’t use it interchangeably with “say” or “state.”
- Incorrect Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure the verb form agrees with the subject, especially when using “it” as a placeholder. For example: “The report declares…” NOT “The report declare…”
- Wordiness: Opt for concise language. If a simpler structure conveys the same meaning, choose that.
Conclusion
While “it declares that” isn’t inherently wrong, it’s not the most effective or natural phrase for IELTS writing and speaking. Focus on clarity, conciseness, and a varied vocabulary to showcase your language proficiency and secure a higher band score. Remember, effective communication is about conveying your message clearly and convincingly, and sometimes, that means simplifying your language.