Many IELTS students aim for that elusive Band 7 or higher, and mastering complex grammatical structures is key. One phrase that often causes confusion is “it includes that.” While it might sound natural in casual conversation, it can be grammatically incorrect and lead to lower scores in your IELTS exam.
For instance:
Incorrect: The report analyzes the city’s pollution problem, and it includes that air quality has worsened in the past decade.
Correct: The report analyzes the city’s pollution problem, indicating that air quality has worsened in the past decade.
In this article, we’ll delve into why “it includes that” is often problematic and explore more effective alternatives to enhance your writing and speaking.
Understanding the Issue with “It Includes That”
The phrase “it includes that” often arises from a desire to express inclusion or highlight specific details. However, it often leads to clunky and grammatically inaccurate sentences. The main issue lies in using “that” as a conjunction after “includes.” “Includes” typically expects a noun or a noun phrase after it, directly stating what is being included.
Effective Alternatives to “It Includes That”
Let’s explore some grammatically sound and stylistically superior alternatives to “it includes that”:
1. Using Verbs Indicating Inclusion
Instead of “includes,” opt for verbs that naturally introduce the subsequent information:
- Indicates: The study indicates that stress levels are rising among young adults.
- Shows: The data clearly shows that the new marketing strategy is effective.
- Demonstrates: This example demonstrates that clear communication is vital for success.
2. Direct Object and Appositive Phrases
You can often rephrase the sentence to make it more concise and impactful:
- Original: The program offers many benefits; it includes that students can receive mentorship.
- Improved: The program offers many benefits, including mentorship for students.
3. Using Semicolons or Colons
For connecting closely related ideas with greater sophistication:
- Semicolon: The company is expanding its operations; this includes opening new branches in Europe.
- Colon: The following factors contributed to the victory: strong leadership, effective teamwork, and a bit of luck.
IELTS Exam Preparation
Applying these Alternatives in IELTS
Let’s examine how these alternatives can be applied across different sections of the IELTS exam:
Writing Task 2:
Original: The government’s plan to improve public transportation is comprehensive; it includes that they will invest in new buses and trains.
Improved: The government’s comprehensive plan for improving public transportation includes investing in new buses and trains.
Speaking Part 3:
Original: Well, the advantages of living in a big city are numerous, and it includes that you have access to more job opportunities.
Improved: Living in a big city offers numerous advantages, particularly the wider range of job opportunities available.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Overusing “that”: Be mindful of using “that” excessively, which can lead to wordiness.
- Incorrect Prepositions: Use prepositions accurately after the alternative verbs.
- Comma Splices: Avoid comma splices when connecting independent clauses. Use a semicolon or conjunction.
Conclusion
While “it includes that” might seem like a simple phrase, understanding its grammatical nuances is essential for achieving a higher IELTS band score. By mastering the alternatives and practicing their application, you’ll be well-equipped to express yourself with clarity, precision, and sophistication in your exam. Remember, consistent effort and attention to detail are key to unlocking your full potential in the IELTS exam.