When preparing for the IELTS exam, especially the Writing and Speaking sections, demonstrating a wide range of grammatical structures is crucial for achieving a high band score. One such structure that can significantly elevate your language proficiency is the phrase “Were it up to me…”. This article delves into the nuances of this grammatical construction, providing a comprehensive guide on its usage, examples, and how it can help you excel in your IELTS exam.
Let’s consider a few examples of how “Were it up to me…” might be used in an IELTS context:
Speaking Part 3:
- Examiner: What do you think the government should do to address climate change?
- Candidate: Were it up to me, I would implement stricter regulations on industrial emissions. I believe that tackling this issue requires a firm stance from policymakers.
Writing Task 2:
- Prompt: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a large city.
- Response: While city life presents undeniable challenges, such as high living costs and noise pollution, were it up to me, I would still choose the vibrancy and opportunities a metropolis offers.
In both scenarios, “Were it up to me…” allows the speaker to express a hypothetical situation and their imagined course of action. It adds a touch of sophistication and demonstrates a firm grasp of complex grammar.
Understanding “Were it up to me…”
This phrase is an example of a conditional clause, specifically a second conditional in the subjunctive mood. Let’s break down the meaning:
- “Were it up to me”: This part sets up the hypothetical scenario, implying that the speaker is not currently in a position of authority to make the decision being discussed.
- “I would…”: This is the main clause, stating what the speaker would do if they had the power to decide.
The use of “were” instead of “was” after “it” signals the subjunctive mood, which is used for hypothetical or unreal situations. It adds a degree of formality and politeness to the statement.
Using “Were it up to me…” in IELTS
Grammatical Structure and Analysis:
Were it up to me, + Subject + would + base form of verb.
For example:
- Were it up to me, I would ban single-use plastics to protect the environment.
In this sentence:
- “Were it up to me” introduces the hypothetical scenario.
- “I” is the subject.
- “would ban” is the verb phrase in the conditional.
- “single-use plastics” is the object.
- “to protect the environment” expresses the purpose of the action.
Application in IELTS:
You can effectively utilize this structure in both the Speaking and Writing sections of the IELTS exam:
- Speaking Part 3: When discussing your opinions on various topics, using “Were it up to me…” can make your responses sound more thoughtful and articulate.
- Writing Task 2: This phrase is particularly useful for opinion or solution-based essays. It helps you express your viewpoint forcefully and persuasively.
Examples:
- Speaking: “Were it up to me, I would invest more in renewable energy sources.”
- Writing: “Were it up to me, I would prioritize education reform as a means to tackle social inequality.”
Enhancing Your Score: Advanced Usage
While using “Were it up to me…” correctly already demonstrates good command of English grammar, you can further enhance your language by:
- Adding reasons and justifications: Instead of just stating your hypothetical action, explain the reasons behind your choice.
- For example: “Were it up to me, I would make public transportation free, as I believe it would significantly reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.”
- Using synonyms and variations: While “Were it up to me…” is a strong phrase, consider synonyms like:
- “If I were in charge…”
- “If the decision were mine…”
- “Given the opportunity…”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect Verb Tense: Ensure that the verb in the main clause is in the conditional form (would + base verb).
- Incorrect: Were it up to me, I invest in solar energy.
- Correct: Were it up to me, I would invest in solar energy.
- Missing “Were”: The subjunctive mood requires “were” even if the subject is singular.
- Incorrect: Was it up to me…
- Correct: Were it up to me…
Conclusion
Mastering sophisticated grammatical structures like “Were it up to me…” can significantly boost your IELTS score. It demonstrates your ability to use a wider range of grammar accurately and appropriately, which is a key factor in achieving a high band. Remember to practice incorporating this structure into your speaking and writing, and pay attention to the correct tense and word order. With consistent effort, you’ll be able to confidently utilize this impressive grammatical tool to express your ideas effectively in the IELTS exam.