Complex sentence examples for IELTS writing task 1
| IELTS General Training | IELTS Academic |
| Although it was raining, Marie decided to go for a walk | The government implemented strict regulations to reduce pollution levels, but some industries struggled to comply |
| Despite his busy schedule, Thomas managed to complete the project on time | The internet has revolutionised communication, allowing people to connect with each other across the globe |
| The Jensens adopted a puppy, and it brought joy to their family | While some argue that technology has made our lives easier, others believe it has made us more dependent |
| Frank decided to pursue a career in medicine, which requires years of dedicated study | The company experienced significant growth thanks to its innovative marketing strategies |
| Karen wrote me a heartfelt letter, and it brought tears of happiness to my eyes | Many people enjoy travelling because it broadens their horizons and exposes them to different cultures |
| The Pearson family renovated their house, and it transformed into a beautiful and cosy home | The use of smartphones has become widespread, allowing people to access information instantly |
| Alan volunteered at a local shelter and said it was a rewarding experience helping those in need | The company launched a new product to promote waste management, and it received positive reviews from customers |
| Ashley suggested practising yoga regularly, as it helped her find inner peace and balance | The NGO organised a charity event, raising a substantial amount of money for the cause |
| Anna joined a dance class recently, and it quickly became her favourite form of exercise | Education plays a crucial role in society, as it shapes a person's future prospects |
| Sam studied for hours every day, and his efforts paid off when he aced the exam | The government should invest more in renewable energy sources, as it contributes to combating climate change |
Table of Contents
- IELTS letter writing samples for task 1: Key highlights
- IELTS General Training: An overview
- IELTS General writing task 1
- IELTS letter writing samples
- IELTS letter writing sample 1
- IELTS letter writing sample 2
- IELTS letter writing sample 3
- IELTS letter writing sample 4
- IELTS letter writing sample 5
- Pro tips to prepare for the IELTS letter writing task
- Frequently asked questions
Complex sentences for IELTS writing task 2
| IELTS General Training | IELTS Academic |
| Despite the popularity of fast food, it is important to prioritise a healthy and balanced diet | Although some people believe that zoos have educational benefits, others argue that they restrict animal freedom |
| Despite the challenges, renewable energy sources are vital for a sustainable future | In order to address climate change effectively, governments should implement stricter regulations on carbon emissions |
| Despite the convenience of digital books, traditional printed books still hold a special place in people's hearts | Despite advancements in medical science, prevention is crucial in maintaining good health |
| Governments should invest in vocational training programs in order to tackle youth unemployment | While social media allows us to connect with others, it can also be a platform for spreading misinformation |
| While globalisation has brought economic growth, it has also increased the gap between society in terms of finance | Despite the progress made in gender equality, women still face discrimination in society |
| Although tourism brings economic benefits, it can also have negative impacts on local cultures and environments | Although technology has made communication easier, it has also led to declining face-to-face interactions |
| In order to combat poverty, governments should focus on providing quality education and job opportunities | Although social media can be a valuable tool for networking, it can also contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression |
| Although social media provides platforms for self-expression, it can also inflict unrealistic beauty standards on young minds | Despite the advancements in artificial intelligence, human creativity and critical thinking skills remain invaluable |
| While some argue for stricter immigration policies, others advocate for more inclusive and compassionate approaches | Governments should create awareness of the ill effects of smoking and promote a healthier lifestyle |
| Despite the advancements in transportation, there is a need to improve infrastructure in rural areas | In order to tackle the issue of plastic pollution, individuals should reduce their consumption of single-use plastics |
The IELTS is a standard exam for candidates to determine their level of fluency in the English language. It is a widely recognised test worldwide for international students and the working population. The exam is accepted as proof of English proficiency in more than 11,000 educational institutions in several countries like, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. The IELTS exam contains four sections that determine the candidate's language skills. Each section has different question types that test their skills and fluency in English. Here we cover the role and use of complex sentences for the IELTS writing section.
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Complex sentence examples for IELTS
Complex sentences play an important role in the IELTS writing section, so practice using these sentence structures effectively. The writing tasks vary with the IELTS Academic and General Training versions; here are some examples that will give you an idea of where and how to use complex sentences for the IELTS exams.
Complex sentence structure for IELTS writing task 1
IELTS writing task 1 is a data interpretation task in the Academic and a letter-writing task in the General Training version. Here are some general examples of complex sentences for the IELTS.
Note: The underlined and bolded phrases are independent clauses.
IELTS writing section: Key highlights
| No. of tasks | 2 |
| Word limit (in words) | 150-250 |
| Total band score | 9 |
| Duration (in minutes) | 60 |
| Is the syllabus the same for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training? | No |
Data updated as of June 2023
IELTS writing: An overview
No. of tasks: 2
Total duration: 60 minutes
- The IELTS exam pattern includes two descriptive essays between 150-250 words. The section has a duration of 60 minutes. Some questions can be in the form of a graph, chart, or diagram, so you should interpret and describe the data as the task suggests.
- While the pattern of the writing section is the same for the Academic and General Training versions, the IELTS exam syllabus differs. Both versions have different questions, so practice writing for the IELTS version you have applied for.
IELTS writing syllabus 2023
| Task | Duration | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training |
| Task 1 | 20 minutes | A data interpretation task where you should write an essay relevant to the data provided. The question would request you to describe the data, a certain stage in the process, and others. | A letter-writing task, where you should put forward an issue or request specific data from the mentioned person or entity. The letter can be in a personal, semi-formal, or formal writing style. The letter’s tone depends on the task requirements. |
| Task 2 | 40 minutes | An interpretation essay where you should express your point of view or argument on a problem. You can use relatable examples to support your point or opinion. Maintain a formal tone, and write the essay in an academic style. | An essay in which you should express your point of view on an argument or a problem. You can add a personal tone or touch to the essay. |
Data updated as of June 2023
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Complex sentence: An overview
- A complex sentence is a sentence that contains at least one dependent clause with an independent clause. It is one of the four types of sentence structures—simple, complex, compound and compound-complex—and is crucial in the IELTS exam.
- The sentence structure helps you communicate multiple ideas in a single sentence. You can add additional details and information in the given sentence.
- Using a complex sentence helps you add extra information to the existing detail, making it clearer to the examiner. The sentences assist the writer in conveying complex topics. Using these sentences is essential, or it may further confuse the examiner.
- Complex sentence structure for IELTS is essential for writing tasks as it helps the candidates to convey their thoughts clearly within the given time and word limit.
Also read: Describe a daily routine that you enjoy
Complex sentences for the IELTS
Candidates should understand the importance of complex sentences for IELTS writing tasks, as the sentence structure helps them clearly present their points and opinions. These sentences exhibit a higher level of language proficiency and show your ability to express ideas and arguments effectively.
Wish to score high in your IELTS? Download our comprehensive 30-day study guide for free
Importance of complex sentence structure for IELTS
- Complex sentences contribute to a wide range of grammatical structures and aid you in demonstrating your command of the language.
- Using subordinating conjunctions, relative clauses, and other complex sentence structures shows your high level of language proficiency in the IELTS exam.
- Complex sentences allow you to express complicated thoughts and ideas in the writing section of the IELTS exam. The sentences help you provide detailed explanations and support your opinion with evidence.
- These sentences improve your overall coherence and cohesion of the writing tasks. Coherence and cohesion are grading criteria essential for achieving higher scores in the IELTS.
Pro tips for using complex sentences for the IELTS
- Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences in your writing. Complex sentences add depth and meaning to your ideas but ensure to balance them with simple sentence structures for clarity.
- Add subordinating conjunctions such as "although," "while," "in order to," and "despite." These conjunctions are essential to add dependent clauses in complex sentences.
- Using relative clauses, provide additional details about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. Practice using words such as "who," "which," and "that" to add additional information to your sentences.
- Use appropriate words and phrases like "however," "moreover," "consequently," and "on the other hand" to show the accurate meaning between ideas and improve the overall flow of your writing.
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Frequently asked questions
What is an example of a complex sentence for IELTS?
Here are some general examples of complex sentences for the IELTS.
- Although it was raining, Marie decided to go for a walk.
- Despite the popularity of fast food, it is important to prioritise healthy and balanced dietary habits.
- The government implemented strict regulations to reduce pollution levels, but some industries struggled to comply.
- While some argue for more stringent immigration policies, others advocate for more inclusive and compassionate approaches.
- In order to combat poverty, governments should focus on providing quality education and job opportunities.
Can I retake IELTS writing only?
IELTS allows candidates to retake any one part of the assessment without re-attempting the entire exam. The IELTS One Skill Retake helps you retake any specific language skill, like writing, reading, listening, or speaking, you prefer to improve your scores.
How can I get 8.5 in IELTS writing?
The IELTS writing section analyses your English skills in written format. With dedication and practice, one can ace the exam in no time. You can follow these steps during preparation to score an 8.5 in the writing section.
- Understand the task
- Note the important points to address and be clear with your opinion
- Follow a structure or format while answering
- Focus on grammar and vocabulary
- Ensure to stick to the time limit
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What are the sections of IELTS Writing?
The IELTS writing section has two tasks. These tasks vary with the Academic and General Training versions.
| Task | Duration | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training |
| Task 1 | 20 minutes | Data interpretation task | Letter-writing task |
| Task 2 | 40 minutes | Interpretation essay | Essay-writing task |
What is the structure of IELTS writing 1?
| Task | Duration | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training |
| Task 1 | 20 minutes | A data interpretation task requires the candidate to write an essay relevant to the provided data. The task includes describing the data or explaining a specific stage in the process. | A letter-writing task, where the candidate should express their issue or request certain information from the mentioned party The writing style can be personal, semi-formal, or formal. The letter’s tone depends on the task requirements. |
