Why you need to use familiar and natural sentence patterns?

Many students who take the IELTS test make a deliberate attempt to write long and complex sentences containing obscure words. They seem to believe that by using sophisticated vocabulary and sentence patterns they can impress the reader. Unfortunately, this is not always true.

The kind of sentence patterns you use reflect your level of English. If you are highly proficient in English, you will automatically use complex sentence patterns. Beginner and intermediate students are more likely to opt for less complex patterns.

If your English is really good, you will be able to impress the examiner without having to try too hard. On the other hand, if your English is not that good, you must not try writing complex sentences. Remember that long and complex sentences are not easy to construct. If you make a conscious effort to fill your writing with complex sentence patterns, you will invariably make a lot of grammar mistakes.  That will lower, not raise, your mark.

Instead, be yourself and use the kind of vocabulary and sentence structures you normally use. Don’t waste your time thinking of longer and obscure words and don’t write extremely long sentences. If you do, your writing may sound awkward and you will make more errors.

Remember that good writing is all about getting your message across. Express your opinions clearly and coherently. Answer the questions really well and you will get good marks.