IELTS Grammar & Vocabulary
IELTS Grammar for a High Band
A quarter of your Writing and Speaking bands is grammar. Band 7+ needs a range of complex structures used accurately. This lesson shows the structures worth mastering.
Structures that show range
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| Complex sentence (subordinate clause) | Although the policy is costly, it benefits society in the long run. |
| Relative clause | Students who study abroad often gain independence. |
| Conditional | If governments invested more, pollution would fall. |
| Passive voice | More trees should be planted in cities. |
| Cleft sentence | It is education that drives long-term growth. |
Accuracy matters most
Range only helps if the sentences are correct. Examiners count "error-free sentences", so a mix of accurate simple and complex sentences scores higher than complex sentences riddled with mistakes.
Aim for variety within a paragraph: one simple, one compound and one complex sentence reads more naturally than three long complex ones in a row.
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Take test →Frequently Asked Questions
How important is grammar for IELTS?+
Grammatical Range and Accuracy is one of the four equally weighted criteria in both Writing and Speaking, so it directly determines a quarter of each band.
Do I need perfect grammar for band 7?+
No. Band 7 allows some errors, as long as most of your sentences are error-free and you show a range of structures.