How Grammar is Important for the IELTS Exam?
In this article, you will learn about the importance of Grammar in the IELTS exam. You will also understand some basic concepts of grammar that are useful in answering different types of questions in all the IELTS modules. The article will also delve into the role of grammar in each module and the concepts that play an important role in scoring a high band in the IELTS exam. Certainly, learning has to be complemented with practice, especially when it comes to the IELTS exams. Most test-takers these days prefer the IELTS online practice test for the convenience and also ease of taking it. One can find free IELTS tests in the form of mock tests and short IELTS practice tests for each module online. The topics discussed in the article are:
- How Grammar is important for the IELTS test?
- How to improve your grammar for IELTS Academic?
- How to improve your grammar for IELTS General Training?
- How does grammar impact the overall score in the IELTS exam?
How Grammar is Important for the IELTS Test?
Language is the expression of ideas or thoughts in a way that the other person is able to comprehend and understand them and grammar is the spine of the English language on which lies the onus of creating the meaning. If used well, grammar forms meaningful sentences and if used inappropriately, it changes the whole meaning of the content or does not add any value to the sentence. Grammar facilitates a candidate with enough language tools such that he can use them to weave useful content for speaking and writing. Use the free IELTS online test to polish your grammar skills for IELTS.
What is grammar?
Grammar is the usage of words in a way that together they club up to form an important expression in the form of a sentence. It is that part of language that tells us how to use the language with the help of certain rules. The words are a building block and grammar weaves them together to build the whole structure.
Components of Grammar:
The important components of the grammar are:
- Syntax
- Context
- Phonemes
- Morphemes
- Lexemes
Elements of Grammar:
- Nouns
- Verb
- Adjectives
- Adverbs
- Pronouns
- Prepositions
- Conjunction
All these elements and components join together to form a useful piece of information and that’s why grammar is an integral part of language as it adds meaning to the ideas. We have put together comprehensive grammar lessons in the form of videos which are recorded by experts to be used for self study. These video tutorials on grammar for IELTS can be used along with comprehensive IELTS online classes, IELTS online practice test or independently to brush up your grammar knowledge.
How to Improve Your Grammar for IELTS Academic
Role of Grammar in the Speaking Module:
During the IELTS speaking exam, the examiner looks for clarity in speech, fluency, spontaneity, the right pauses, the right stress on words, pronunciation and grammatically correct English. If your sentence framing is absolutely correct while speaking, you will get good points besides many other things like a good use of vocabulary, etc.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this part, you’ll answer general questions about yourself and your background, interests, or daily life. Proper grammar usage helps you provide clear and concise answers. For example, when asked about your favorite hobby, use the present simple tense to express general facts: “I enjoy playing soccer on weekends because it keeps me fit and helps me socialize with friends.”
Part 2: Individual Long Turn
In this part, you’ll speak for 2 minutes about a given topic, without interruption. Demonstrating a variety of grammatical structures is essential. You can practice them for more accuracy through a free IELTS online test. For instance, if describing a memorable event, use the past tense for actions that took place in the past: “I attended a music festival last summer. The atmosphere was incredible, and I had the chance to see my favorite band live.”
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
In this part, you’ll discuss more abstract topics related to the Part 2 topic. It’s important to use different grammatical structures to express your opinions, provide examples, or make comparisons. For example, when discussing the impact of music on society, use conditionals to express hypothetical situations: “If music programs were more accessible to underprivileged communities, it could inspire creativity and offer positive outlets for self-expression.”
How to be fluent in English?
The best way to achieve good command, spontaneity, and fluency in English is by being in an English speaking environment. That can be done by conversing in English with everyone, watching English movies/ web series, and listening to English songs. Also, you can speak extempore, on topics that usually appear in the IELTS exam, from IELTS practice tests. Do this by standing in front of a mirror and also record yourself. Besides that, practice pronouncing difficult words or commonly used tough/ confusing words, and learn a lot of new words including different kinds of transition/ connecting words. Each time you identify a mistake try to rectify it. Reading along with using the IELTS online practice test is also another way to sharpen your grammar skills; it will also increase your pace of reading. Further, reading increases your understanding of the text, enriches your lexicon and enables you to differentiate between various sentence structures such as simple, compound and complex ones.
Role of Grammar in the Writing Module:
Writing is one facet of the language which requires expertise to express your thoughts and ideas. Since there are no vocal/ verbal skills involved, it needs more tactful and skilful handling of language to express ideas in writing. If written content has grammatical errors, your ideas may look haywire or meaningless. So, accurate grammar is vital to sew together different ideas into one meaningful content.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Describing and summarizing data (graphs, charts, or tables)
In this task, you need to accurately describe and summarize the data presented in a visual format. Proper grammar usage helps you provide clear and concise descriptions. You can practice it better with a free IELTS online test. For example, when describing a line graph showing the population growth in a city, use the present simple tense for general trends and the past simple tense for specific timeframes:
“The population steadily increased from 1990 to 2000, reaching its peak in 2005. Since then, it has gradually declined.”
Additionally, use the passive voice when focusing on the action rather than the doer: “In the given chart, the production of wheat is shown to have doubled between 1980 and 2000.”
IELTS Writing Task 2: Writing an essay
In this task, you need to write an essay in response to a statement or question. Demonstrating a variety of grammatical structures is crucial to express your ideas, opinions, and arguments effectively. Need better understanding? Get your hands on an IELTS online practice test. For instance, when discussing the advantages and disadvantages of a topic, use conditionals to express hypothetical situations: “If governments invested more in public transportation, traffic congestion and pollution could be reduced.”
Also, use complex sentences to link ideas and show relationships between them: “Although many people argue that technology has led to social isolation, it has also enabled instant communication and access to information, which fosters global connections.”
Role of Grammar in the Reading Module:
Types of questions and specific instructions:
Although in the reading module there is no speaking involved and not much written content, the responses need to be grammatically accurate and correct. They should have grammatically correct syntax.
Here are some examples of how grammar helps in answering various question types:
1. Multiple Choice Questions:
In these questions, you need to choose the best answer from a list of options. Understanding grammar helps you identify the correct answer by making sense of the sentence structures and verb tenses, which can provide context for the information you are looking for. There is no better way to practice these questions, than by taking a free IELTS practice test.
Example: A sentence from the text might read, “The ancient city was abandoned after a massive earthquake in the 4th century.” If the question asks for the reason the city was abandoned, knowing that the past simple tense indicates a completed action in the past will help you choose the correct answer: “a massive earthquake.”
2. True/False/Not Given:
In these questions, you need to determine whether statements are true, false, or not mentioned in the text. A solid understanding of grammar helps you analyze the sentences and identify the relationships between the elements, which can help you find the correct answer.
Example: The statement says, “The earthquake happened before the city was abandoned.” Recognizing the past perfect tense (“had happened”) will help you understand the sequence of events and determine that the statement is true.
3. Summary Completion:
In these questions, you need to fill in the gaps in a summary of the text. Good grammar skills help you choose the correct word form and understand the context of the missing information. An IELTS online practice test can help you get better at answering these questions.
Example: “The ancient city was _______ in the 4th century due to an earthquake.” Knowing that the passive voice is used here, you can correctly fill in the blank with “abandoned.”
4. Sentence Completion:
In these questions, you need to complete sentences with information from the text. Understanding grammar helps you identify the correct form of the word, tense, or structure needed to complete the sentence accurately.
Example: “The earthquake _______ massive damage to the ancient city.” Recognizing the past simple tense, you can fill in the blank with “caused.”
Role of Grammar in the Listening Module:
In the listening module, there are just one-word or three-word answers, still, there may be a usage of articles, etc., so you have to be careful while answering. So grammar is important there as well. Also, listening requires focus, retention and a good grasp of words; if you are well-versed and well-prepared in all the aspects, you can deduce half of the meaning in one go itself. In the listening section, the audio is not played again or there is no rewind option, so you have to be on your toes from the word go.
Here are some examples of how grammar helps in answering various question types in the IELTS Listening module:
1. Multiple Choice Questions:
In these questions, you need to choose the best answer from a list of options. Understanding grammar helps you identify the correct answer by making sense of the sentence structures and verb tenses, which can provide context for the information you are listening for.
Example: The speaker might say, “The event was postponed due to bad weather.” If the question asks for the reason the event was postponed, knowing the past simple passive tense will help you choose the correct answer: “bad weather.”
2. Form and Note Completion:
In these questions, you need to fill in the gaps in a form or set of notes, based on the information you hear. Good grammar skills help you choose the correct word form and understand the context of the missing information.
Example: “Name: _______ Smith.” If the speaker says, “My first name is John,” understanding that “Name” refers to the first name will help you fill in the blank correctly with “John.”
3. Sentence Completion:
In these questions, you need to complete sentences with information from the audio recording. Understanding grammar helps you identify the correct form of the word, tense, or structure needed to complete the sentence accurately.
Example: “The meeting was rescheduled for _______.” If the speaker says, “We decided to move the meeting to next Tuesday,” recognizing the prepositional phrase will help you fill in the blank with “next Tuesday.”
4. Short Answer Questions:
In these questions, you need to answer briefly based on the information you hear. A solid understanding of grammar helps you formulate concise and accurate answers using the appropriate word forms, tenses, and structures.
Example: The question asks, “What is the main topic of the lecture?” If the speaker says, “Today, we will be discussing climate change,” understanding the future continuous tense will help you answer with “climate change.”
How to Improve Your Grammar for IELTS General Training
For all other modules, it is the same but for IELTS Writing Task 1, it is different.
In the IELTS Writing Task 1 for General Training, candidates are required to write a letter. This letter can be formal, semi-formal, or informal, depending on the context. A strong grasp of grammar is essential to write an effective and well-structured letter that addresses the task requirements. To ace this task, it’s always recommended to take a free IELTS practice test.
Here are some essential grammar points to consider when writing your letter:
1. Sentence Structure:
Use a variety of sentence structures to convey your ideas. This includes simple, compound, and complex sentences. Varying your sentence structure demonstrates your grammatical range and helps keep the reader engaged.
Example:
Simple: “I am writing to inquire about the job opening.”
Compound: “I saw the advertisement online, and I am interested in applying.”
Complex: “Although I have not worked in this industry before, I have transferable skills that make me a suitable candidate.”
2. Verb Tenses:
Use the appropriate verb tense to convey the correct meaning and maintain consistency throughout your letter. This is especially important when discussing past events, future plans, or hypothetical situations.
Example:
Past: “I attended the training last week.”
Present: “I am currently working as a sales manager.”
Future: “I will be available for an interview next week.”
Conditional: “If you need further information, please let me know.”
3. Formality:
Adjust your language and grammar to match the level of formality required for the letter. Formal letters require more formal vocabulary, passive voice, and complex sentence structures. Informal letters can use contractions, colloquial language, and a more conversational tone. You can practice both by attempting a free IELTS practice test.
Example:
Formal: “I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to apply for this position.”
Informal: “Thanks for letting me know about the job. I’m really excited about it!”
4. Punctuation:
Use proper punctuation to clarify your ideas and ensure your letter is easy to understand. This includes using commas, periods, and capital letters correctly.
Example: “I am writing to inquire about the job opening, which I saw advertised online. The position seems like a perfect fit for my skills and experience.”
5. Cohesion and Coherence:
Use appropriate linking words and phrases to connect your ideas and create a cohesive letter. This helps the reader follow your train of thought and makes your writing more coherent.
Example: “Firstly, I would like to mention my relevant work experience. Secondly, I believe my educational background makes me a strong candidate for this role. Lastly, I am highly motivated and eager to contribute to your team.”
By focusing on these grammar aspects and practicing your writing skills, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Writing Task 1 for General Training and achieve a higher band score.
How does grammar contribute to the overall score in the IELTS Exam?
On the whole, grammar orchestrates the English language in a definite pattern. It fine-tunes the expression in a way that everything seems to be in place. Grammar alone contributes around 25% of your overall score and that means a lot. There is no need to learn grammar by heart; rather, it’s best to understand it and apply it practically in your speaking and writing skills. I would suggest and encourage you to take as many grammar practice tests as you can because if you master grammar, half of your IELTS exam will be won. By and large, candidates falter in grammar, especially in the writing module where they lose marks because of incorrect usage of grammatical syntax. The whole language is built on it and it is the prime factor why some candidates having command over grammar score well.
IELTS Scoring:
To get good scores in the IELTS test, grammar accuracy is of utmost importance and you must practice each day to have a good hold over grammar skills. There are many candidates who are able to converse fluently in English and have good communication skills but still lack in grammar accuracy. However, that can be learned by joining IELTS preparation online classes or by joining some IELTS preparation private coaching institutes. In addition you can attempt a free IELTS practice test.
Grammar is the core aspect that is taught in the IELTS preparation classes, be it online or in private classes. They teach you all the basic grammar rules and how to use them practically by giving you practice sessions. When you take those practice sessions, you get more clarity and also, you always have help readily available at hand. As you apply the grammar rules in your daily conversations, you are able to make better sentence structures rather than more complex ones.
In conclusion, having strong grammar skills is essential for success in both the IELTS Academic and General Training exams. By consistently practicing grammar exercises, seeking feedback, and using online resources, you can improve your grammar and increase your chances of achieving a higher score. Don’t let grammar hold you back, start improving today!