Complex structures
One of the main aspects you are assessed under Grammatical range and accuracy is the use of complex structures.
This is an area in which Ari did not perform well in his first set of responses. Most of the sentences that he used were simple sentences. These are sentences which only contain one clause (i.e. one subject + one verb). For example:
Many universities do this now.
It is true that many universities do this now but in the future, I think that the online content will become more integrated.
Complex sentences
- Adverb clauses: These work as adverbs and they can show a number of different relationships between the clauses in the sentence (e.g. contrast, time, reason).
- Noun clauses: They function as nouns, and as such, they can be subjects or objects in sentences.
- Adjective clauses: These function as adjectives and provide extra information about a noun.
The table below shows the different types of complex sentences and some examples. For more detailed information, download and keep the complex sentences document below.
| Type of complex sentence | Example sentence |
|---|---|
| Adverb clauses | Doctors save lives while the sportspeople only entertain. |
| Noun clauses | I am not sure how university education will change in the future. |
| Adjective clause | I would study medicine and then become a doctor who helps children around the world. |
There are other ways in which you can show complexity in your ideas:
Comparative structures
It is common to be asked questions that prompt you to use comparative and superlative forms. If the examiner asks you to compare and/or contrast something, it is important to use these forms in your answer as they give you chance to show grammatical range. Let’s have a look at some of these.
(not) as + adjective + as: This structure can be used to compare and contrast:
My sister is as tall as me.
Many people prefer not to walk as far as they used to.
Comparative adjectives: These can be used to compare one noun to another noun. In these instances, only two items are being compared.
I think being a doctor is a better job for me than teaching.
Superlative adjectives: These are used to describe the noun that is at the highest or lowest limit of the group of nouns.
I think that being a doctor is the best job for me.
Passive voice
Passive voice allows you to show grammatical range. It is formed using the verb to be and the past participle of the verb. It focuses on the results of the action rather than who performed the action. Here are some example passive voice sentences that Ari could have used:
-
Sports equipment shouldn’t be paid for by the government.
-
More online content will be integrated into courses by universities.
-
It isn’t fair that sportspeople are paid more than doctors and nurses.
Modal verbs
Modal verbs (i.e. can, could, should, must) can show a range of information and they can help you produce complex structures. Here are some examples:
- Because of this, they can’t keep up with the assignments.
- I don’t think that they should pay for this.
Try the following quiz to check your understanding of these complex structures.
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