“So as to” can often seem like a tricky grammar point, but mastering it can significantly enhance your IELTS Writing score. While it might not be as common as some other conjunctions, using it correctly demonstrates a higher level of grammatical range and accuracy, ultimately contributing to a higher band score.
Let’s look at a few examples of how “so as to” can be incorporated into different sections of the IELTS Writing test:
Task 1:
- “The government implemented stricter regulations so as to reduce carbon emissions.”
- “The graph shows a sharp increase in online sales, indicating a shift in consumer behavior so as to embrace digital platforms.”
Task 2:
- “Some argue that space exploration is crucial so as to further our understanding of the universe.”
- “It is important to embrace cultural diversity so as to foster a more inclusive society.”
In each of these examples, “so as to” effectively conveys the purpose or intention behind an action. Now, let’s delve deeper into its usage.
Understanding “So as to”
“So as to” is a conjunction used to express purpose or intention. It is more formal than its counterparts “to” or “in order to.” Choosing “so as to” in your writing, particularly in the IELTS exam, showcases a wider vocabulary range and sophistication in sentence structure. This can be particularly impactful in Task 2, where expressing complex ideas clearly and concisely is key to achieving a high score.
Using “So as to” Effectively
Structure and Grammar:
The structure for using “so as to” is straightforward:
[Clause 1] + so as to + [verb in base form] + [rest of Clause 2]
Examples:
- “The company invested heavily in research and development so as to stay ahead of its competitors.”
- “Students should manage their time wisely so as to excel in their studies.”
IELTS Writing Task 1 Graph
Application in IELTS Writing:
Task 1 (Describing Trends): Use “so as to” to explain the reasons behind a particular trend or change observed in a graph, chart, or diagram. For example: “The price of oil sharply declined so as to attract more buyers.”
Task 2 (Expressing Opinions and Providing Reasons): “So as to” is particularly valuable in crafting well-structured arguments. For instance: “Governments should invest in renewable energy sources so as to combat climate change.”
Elevating Your Writing: Tips and Strategies
Formal Tone: Remember that “so as to” lends a formal tone to your writing, making it more suitable for the IELTS Writing test.
Vary Sentence Structure: Avoid repetition by using other conjunctions like “in order to”, “to”, or “so that” interchangeably with “so as to.” For example:
- “He studied diligently in order to pass the exam.”
- “She moved to a new city to pursue her dream job.”
- “They woke up early so that they wouldn’t miss their flight.”
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them:
Incorrect Verb Form: Using the incorrect verb form after “so as to” is a common error. Always use the base form of the verb.
- Incorrect: He worked overtime so as to earning extra money.
- Correct: He worked overtime so as to earn extra money.
Redundancy: Avoid using “so as to” redundantly with other purpose clauses.
- Incorrect: She saved her money so that she could so as to buy a house.
- Correct: She saved her money so that she could buy a house.
Conclusion:
Mastering the use of “so as to” can significantly enhance the clarity and sophistication of your writing, ultimately boosting your IELTS band score. By understanding its grammatical structure, paying attention to formal tone, and practicing its application in various contexts, you can confidently incorporate this conjunction into both Task 1 and Task 2 of your IELTS Writing exam. For more insights into expressing purpose, you can explore resources like this one on the use of “so that” for purpose.
