“Therefore” is a useful transition word that can help you express cause and effect relationships more effectively in your IELTS writing and speaking. While it might not be a word you need in every sentence, understanding how to use “therefore” correctly can demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary and more complex sentence structures – both of which are important for achieving a higher IELTS band score.
Here are a few examples of how “therefore” might be used in an IELTS context:
- Speaking Part 3: “Many people believe that technology has made our lives easier. Therefore, they argue that we should embrace further technological advancements.”
- Writing Task 2: “Pollution from cars is a major contributor to climate change. Therefore, governments should invest more in public transport.”
- Writing Task 1 (Describing a trend): “The graph shows a steady increase in online sales between 2010 and 2020. Therefore, it can be concluded that more and more people are choosing to shop online.”
In each of these examples, “therefore” links a cause (e.g., technology making life easier, pollution from cars) to an effect or consequence (e.g., embracing technological advancements, governments investing in public transport).
Understanding the Function of “Therefore” in IELTS
“Therefore” is a conjunctive adverb, which means it connects two independent clauses and shows a cause-and-effect relationship between them. It indicates that the second clause is a consequence or result of the first clause.
Using “therefore” effectively in your IELTS responses showcases your ability to:
- Present logical arguments: In both writing tasks, using “therefore” helps you create clear and logical connections between your ideas, making your arguments more persuasive.
- Improve sentence structure: Using “therefore” allows you to combine shorter sentences into more complex ones, demonstrating your command of grammar.
- Enhance vocabulary and tone: “Therefore” adds a formal and academic tone to your writing, which is suitable for the IELTS exam.
Using “Therefore” Correctly: Formula and Application
Formula:
Independent Clause 1 + ; + Therefore, + Independent Clause 2
OR
Independent Clause 1. Therefore, + Independent Clause 2
Explanation:
- Independent Clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a sentence.
- Semicolon (;) or Period (.): These punctuation marks are essential for separating the two independent clauses. Using a comma instead of a semicolon or period will result in a grammatical error known as a comma splice.
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IELTS Writing Task 1 Graph>
Application:
Here’s how you can use “therefore” effectively in different sections of the IELTS exam:
Writing Task 1:
- Describing Trends: “The price of oil has steadily decreased over the past year. Therefore, the cost of fuel is expected to fall in the coming months.”
- Making Comparisons: “City A has a much higher population density than City B. Therefore, public transportation systems in City A are likely to be more developed.”
Writing Task 2:
- Presenting Arguments: “Education is essential for personal and societal growth. Therefore, governments should provide free and accessible education for all citizens.”
- Supporting Opinions: “Many people argue that social media has negative impacts on mental health. Therefore, it’s important to use social media responsibly and in moderation.”
Speaking Part 3:
- Expressing Opinions: “I believe that learning a new language opens up many opportunities. Therefore, I encourage everyone to try learning a second language.”
- Giving Reasons: “Climate change is a pressing global issue. Therefore, we all have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint.”
Mastering “Therefore” for a Higher Band Score
While simply using “therefore” won’t guarantee a higher score, employing it correctly and strategically can definitely contribute to a stronger performance. Here’s how to maximize its impact:
- Avoid Overuse: Don’t use “therefore” in every sentence or in every paragraph. Overuse will make your writing sound repetitive and unnatural.
- Vary Your Language: Use synonyms for “therefore” occasionally, such as “consequently,” “thus,” “hence,” or “as a result.”
- Ensure Logical Flow: Make sure the cause-and-effect relationship between the two clauses you are connecting with “therefore” is clear and logical.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Comma Splice: “The demand for electric cars is increasing, therefore, more charging stations need to be built.” (Incorrect)
“The demand for electric cars is increasing; therefore, more charging stations need to be built.” (Correct) - Incorrect Word Order: “Therefore, the government should invest in renewable energy sources, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent.” (Incorrect)
“The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent; therefore, the government should invest in renewable energy sources.” (Correct) - Overuse: “People are spending more time indoors. Therefore, they are exercising less. Therefore, obesity rates are rising. Therefore, health problems are on the rise.” (While technically correct, this is repetitive and lacks natural flow.)
Conclusion
Using “therefore” effectively in your IELTS writing and speaking can strengthen your arguments, enhance your sentence structure, and showcase a wider range of vocabulary. However, it’s crucial to understand its correct usage and avoid common mistakes like comma splices and illogical connections. By practicing with “therefore” and its synonyms, you can improve the clarity, fluency, and sophistication of your language, ultimately helping you achieve a higher band score on the IELTS exam.