“It is unlikely that…” – a phrase seemingly simple, yet brimming with the potential to elevate your IELTS writing and speaking scores. This structure is a favorite for expressing low probability and often appears in various sections of the IELTS exam.
Let’s take a look at a few examples:
- Speaking Part 3: “It is unlikely that traditional farming methods will be sufficient to feed the growing global population.”
- Writing Task 1: “The graph shows that it is unlikely that the price of oil will decrease in the next quarter.”
- Writing Task 2: “Some argue that it is unlikely that artificial intelligence will ever fully replace human workers.”
In each case, the phrase signifies a low likelihood of the event happening, demonstrating your ability to express nuanced ideas about probability.
Understanding “It Is Unlikely That”
This phrase signifies a low probability of something occurring. It’s a more formal and nuanced way of saying “probably won’t happen”. Using this structure showcases your grasp of advanced grammar and vocabulary, which is essential for achieving a higher band score.
Frequency in IELTS
The phrase and its variations are frequently used in both the Academic and General Training IELTS tests. You might encounter it in:
- Listening: Predicting information in lectures or conversations.
- Reading: Understanding the author’s opinion or interpreting data in graphs and charts.
- Writing Task 1: Describing trends and making predictions based on data.
- Writing Task 2: Expressing opinions, presenting arguments, and discussing future possibilities.
- Speaking: Discussing a range of topics, speculating about the future, and expressing your views.
Structure and Usage
The basic structure is as follows:
It is unlikely that + Subject + will/would + Verb (base form) + …
Let’s break it down:
- “It”: This acts as a dummy subject, referring to the situation or event being discussed.
- “Is unlikely”: This conveys the low probability of the event.
- “That”: This conjunction introduces the clause describing the unlikely event.
Variations:
- Degrees of unlikelihood:
- Highly unlikely: “It is highly unlikely that…” (even lower probability)
- Somewhat unlikely: “It is somewhat unlikely that…” (slightly less certain)
- Tenses:
- Present: “It is unlikely that she will arrive on time.”
- Past: “It was unlikely that they would have known about the change.”
- Modal verbs:
- Can/Could: “It is unlikely that this problem can be solved overnight.”
- Active/Passive voice:
- Active: “It is unlikely that the government will raise taxes.”
- Passive: “It is unlikely that the project will be completed by the deadline.”
Applying “It Is Unlikely That” in IELTS
Writing Task 1:
Prompt: The graph shows the projected growth of online shopping between 2023 and 2030.
Sample Sentence: “While online shopping is expected to increase, it is unlikely that it will completely replace traditional retail stores within the given timeframe.”
Analysis: This sentence uses “it is unlikely that” to make a prediction based on the graph’s data. It acknowledges the upward trend but also suggests that physical stores will likely remain relevant.
Writing Task 2:
Prompt: Some people believe that space exploration is a waste of resources. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Sample Paragraph:
“Opponents of space exploration argue that it is unlikely that we will ever find another planet habitable for humans. They contend that the vast sums of money poured into space programs could be better spent addressing immediate problems here on Earth, such as poverty and climate change.”
Analysis: The paragraph effectively uses “it is unlikely that” to present one side of the argument, demonstrating an understanding of the opposing viewpoint.
Speaking Part 3:
Examiner: Do you think electric cars will fully replace petrol cars in the future?
Candidate: “While the popularity of electric cars is growing, it is unlikely that they will fully replace petrol cars anytime soon. This is due to factors such as the cost of electric vehicles and the lack of charging infrastructure in many areas.”
Analysis: The candidate uses the phrase to express a nuanced opinion about the future of electric cars, demonstrating the ability to engage in a thoughtful discussion.
Achieving a Higher Band Score
- Vary your language: Don’t overuse “it is unlikely that”. Consider synonyms like “it’s improbable that,” “it’s doubtful that,” or “the chances are slim that.”
- Provide clear reasoning: Always support your statement with evidence or logical explanations. For example, instead of simply stating “It is unlikely that robots will take over the world,” explain why you believe this to be the case.
- Use a range of grammatical structures: Combine “it is unlikely that” with other grammatical structures to demonstrate your language proficiency. For instance, you could use conditional clauses: “It is unlikely that renewable energy sources will fully replace fossil fuels unless there are significant technological advancements.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Double negatives: Avoid using double negatives like “It is unlikely that he won’t come.” This can make your writing confusing and grammatically incorrect.
- Incorrect tense consistency: Ensure that the tenses used in the sentence with “it is unlikely that” agree with the overall tense of your writing or speech.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “it is unlikely that” and its variations is a valuable asset for achieving a higher band score in the IELTS exam. By understanding its structure, usage, and how to effectively incorporate it into your responses, you can express your ideas with greater clarity, precision, and sophistication. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts to build your confidence and fluency.