There\u2019s a lot of complicated, difficult grammar that you shouldn\u2019t waste time on!<\/p>\n
A lot of those rules take time to master that most IELTS students don\u2019t have!<\/p>\n
In this series, we will share specific rules and advice that will improve your grammar score.<\/p>\n
Why are compound sentences important?<\/strong><\/h3>\nYou need a variety of sentence structures to get a 7+ on IELTS Writing.<\/a><\/p>\nThis doesn\u2019t mean you need a lot of complicated sentences.<\/a><\/p>\nIn fact, that can hurt your score, as it makes it easy to commit mistakes!<\/p>\n
Instead, master 3 types of sentences:<\/a><\/p>\n\n- simple<\/li>\n
- compound<\/li>\n
- complex<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you perfect these 3 structures and can use them without mistakes, you will get a higher grammar score.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nStrategies Created by a Former IELTS Examiner<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n![\"3](\"https:\/\/www.allearsenglish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/3-Keys-IELTS-Score-Increase-Guarantee-logo-image-compressed.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n100% Score Increase Guarantee with our Insider Method<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nAre you ready to move past IELTS and move forward with your life vision?<\/strong><\/p>\nFind out why our strategies are the most powerful in the IELTS world.<\/strong><\/p>\nWhen you use our Insider Method you avoid the BIGGEST MISTAKES that most students make on IELTS<\/strong>.<\/p>\nClick here to get a score increase on IELTS. It\u2019s 100% guaranteed.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nWhat is the difference between compound and complex sentences?<\/strong><\/h3>\nA compound sentence has two independent clauses.<\/p>\n
\n- independent clause<\/strong>: complete thought with a subject and verb<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These independent clauses are joined by a comma and a conjunction.<\/p>\n
A complex sentence has one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.<\/p>\n
\n- dependent clause<\/strong>: a group of words that also contains a subject and a verb, but it is not a complete thought<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
How can you remember this difference?<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe word compound is used to describe a cluster of buildings where families live together<\/p>\n
The Kennedy Compound consists of three houses on six acres of property on Cape Cod.<\/p>\n
It wouldn\u2019t be considered a compound unless at least 2 independent families live there.<\/p>\n
Similarly, a sentence isn\u2019t compound unless it has two independent clauses.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n#1: Compound sentences using conjunctions<\/strong><\/h3>\n You need to join the two independent clauses with a conjunction<\/p>\n
\n- and<\/li>\n
- or<\/li>\n
- but<\/li>\n
- nor<\/li>\n
- so<\/li>\n
- yet<\/li>\n
- for<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Example<\/strong>: Teenagers spend too much time on smart phones, and they also waste time playing video games.<\/p>\nYou wouldn\u2019t want these to be separate, simple sentences.<\/p>\n
\n- Teenagers spend too much time on smart phones.<\/li>\n
- Teenagers waste time playing video games.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Instead, use a conjunction to combine them into a compound sentence!<\/p>\n
Punctuation<\/strong>: use a comma after the conjunction<\/p>\nIf you don\u2019t have the subject after \u201cand\u201d, it\u2019s no longer a compound sentence!<\/p>\n
\n- Teenagers spend too much time on smart phones and waste time playing video games.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
As you can see, the comma is eliminated here because it\u2019s not a compound sentence.<\/p>\n
For more information about comma usage, check out IELTS Energy episode 804.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n#2: Compound sentences using a transition in the middle<\/strong><\/h3>\nThere are many transitions you can use to make compounds sentences.<\/p>\n
\n- therefore<\/li>\n
- in addition<\/li>\n
- furthermore<\/li>\n
- otherwise<\/li>\n
- nonetheless<\/li>\n
- nevertheless<\/li>\n
- however<\/li>\n
- thus<\/li>\n
- similarly<\/li>\n
- then<\/li>\n
- also<\/li>\n
- consequently <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Punctuation<\/strong>: when it is in the middle of a sentence, you need a semicolon before the transition and a comma after. <\/p>\n\nMany people are stocking up on household items; therefore, stores are quickly selling out of toilet paper and paper towels.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
<\/div>\n#3: Compound sentences with transitions at the beginning<\/strong><\/h3>\nTo create variety, you can also use these transitions at the beginning of sentences.<\/p>\n
Punctuation<\/strong>: for these, the comma comes after the transition.<\/p>\n\n- Because people are scared of the pandemic, stores are empty. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When grading writing, students often omit the comma or semicolon.<\/p>\n
This negatively affects your grammar store, so pay attention to punctuation!<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nPractice exercises!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- Add punctuation to the following sentences, and then check the answers in the comments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Some feel that this phenomenon should not be our highest priority however I agree with those who believe that such drastic change is a detriment.<\/p>\n
Overall foods ingested for dinner have a great deal of sodium at 45% while breakfast items boast a meager amount with 15%.<\/p>\n
For instance high speed trains cost significantly more than freeway construction but they create far less pollution. <\/p>\n
<\/div>\nTakeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\nIn order to get a 7 or higher on Writing<\/a>, you need a variety of sentence structures.<\/p>\nDon\u2019t overcomplicate this, or your score could go down.<\/p>\n
Master simple, compound and complex sentences and you will be all set!<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s lesson on compound sentences gives you all the information you need to write them.<\/p>\n
Practice using them in practice essays<\/a> with correct punctuation in order to get a high Writing score!<\/a><\/p>\nFor more strategies and every grammar point you need, sign up for the 3 Keys IELTS Success System!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This doesn\u2019t mean you need a lot of complicated sentences.<\/a><\/p>\n In fact, that can hurt your score, as it makes it easy to commit mistakes!<\/p>\n Instead, master 3 types of sentences:<\/a><\/p>\n If you perfect these 3 structures and can use them without mistakes, you will get a higher grammar score.<\/p>\n 100% Score Increase Guarantee with our Insider Method<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Are you ready to move past IELTS and move forward with your life vision?<\/strong><\/p>\n Find out why our strategies are the most powerful in the IELTS world.<\/strong><\/p>\n When you use our Insider Method you avoid the BIGGEST MISTAKES that most students make on IELTS<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Click here to get a score increase on IELTS. It\u2019s 100% guaranteed.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n A compound sentence has two independent clauses.<\/p>\n These independent clauses are joined by a comma and a conjunction.<\/p>\n A complex sentence has one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.<\/p>\n The word compound is used to describe a cluster of buildings where families live together<\/p>\n The Kennedy Compound consists of three houses on six acres of property on Cape Cod.<\/p>\n It wouldn\u2019t be considered a compound unless at least 2 independent families live there.<\/p>\n Similarly, a sentence isn\u2019t compound unless it has two independent clauses.<\/p>\n You need to join the two independent clauses with a conjunction<\/p>\n Example<\/strong>: Teenagers spend too much time on smart phones, and they also waste time playing video games.<\/p>\n You wouldn\u2019t want these to be separate, simple sentences.<\/p>\n Instead, use a conjunction to combine them into a compound sentence!<\/p>\n Punctuation<\/strong>: use a comma after the conjunction<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t have the subject after \u201cand\u201d, it\u2019s no longer a compound sentence!<\/p>\n As you can see, the comma is eliminated here because it\u2019s not a compound sentence.<\/p>\n For more information about comma usage, check out IELTS Energy episode 804.<\/a><\/p>\n There are many transitions you can use to make compounds sentences.<\/p>\n Punctuation<\/strong>: when it is in the middle of a sentence, you need a semicolon before the transition and a comma after. <\/p>\n Many people are stocking up on household items; therefore, stores are quickly selling out of toilet paper and paper towels.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n To create variety, you can also use these transitions at the beginning of sentences.<\/p>\n Punctuation<\/strong>: for these, the comma comes after the transition.<\/p>\n When grading writing, students often omit the comma or semicolon.<\/p>\n This negatively affects your grammar store, so pay attention to punctuation!<\/p>\n Some feel that this phenomenon should not be our highest priority however I agree with those who believe that such drastic change is a detriment.<\/p>\n Overall foods ingested for dinner have a great deal of sodium at 45% while breakfast items boast a meager amount with 15%.<\/p>\n For instance high speed trains cost significantly more than freeway construction but they create far less pollution. <\/p>\n In order to get a 7 or higher on Writing<\/a>, you need a variety of sentence structures.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t overcomplicate this, or your score could go down.<\/p>\n Master simple, compound and complex sentences and you will be all set!<\/p>\n Today\u2019s lesson on compound sentences gives you all the information you need to write them.<\/p>\n Practice using them in practice essays<\/a> with correct punctuation in order to get a high Writing score!<\/a><\/p>\n For more strategies and every grammar point you need, sign up for the 3 Keys IELTS Success System!<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
Strategies Created by a Former IELTS Examiner<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
What is the difference between compound and complex sentences?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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How can you remember this difference?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
#1: Compound sentences using conjunctions<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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#2: Compound sentences using a transition in the middle<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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#3: Compound sentences with transitions at the beginning<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Practice exercises!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n