IELTS grammar - parts of speech

IELTS grammar – parts of speech

IELTS grammar – parts of speech

Home 9 Free IELTS grammar resources 9 IELTS grammar – parts of speech

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In order to improve your result in the IELTS test, both for speaking and writing, it is important to be aware of the ‘parts’ of speech that create sentences in English. It is commonly accepted that there are only 9* different parts of speech from which all sentences, phrases or utterances are made.

*Some schools believe that there are only 8 parts of speech, with articles being part of the adjective group.
The different parts of speech are as follows:

  1. nouns
  2. verbs
  3. adverbs
  4. adjectives
  5. articles
  6. pronouns
  7. prepositions
  8. conjunctions
  9. interjections

Understanding which groups words are in can also help you to break down sentences, making the passive skills (reading and listening) easier.

Below is a table showing the different parts of speech and an example.

Parts of speech

Part of speech Common use Example
Verb to describe an action He sat.
Noun To describe a thing He sat on the chair.
Adverb To describe the verb He slowly sat on the chair.
Adjective To describe the noun He slowly sat on the tall chair.
Pronoun To talk about who He slowly sat on the tall chair.
Preposition To talk about where or when He slowly sat on the tall chair.
Conjunction Used to join ideas He slowly sat on the tall chair but fell off.
Article Used to give more information about the noun He slowly sat on the tall chair but fell off.
Interjection A short exclamation – not a full sentence Ouch! He hit the floor.

Improving your knowledge of English

It is also useful to keep a vocabulary list and group words together that come from the same parts of speech.

For example:

adjectives – e.g. glamorous

You should try to also learn their antonyms and synonyms to build your vocabulary.

e.g. alluring, attractive (synonyms) – dowdy, plain (antonyms)

and think about their comparatives and superlatives e.g. – (adj) more glamorous (comparative) the most glamorous (superlative)

nouns – e.g. accommodation

(check spelling and think about articles etc) – uncountable, no ‘a’ or ‘an’

You should try to also learn their synonyms to build your vocabulary.

e.g. place of residence, dwelling, abode (synonyms)

verbs – e.g. drive

(and their past and participle forms);

drove, driven

prepositions – e.g. on

(with examples of their different uses),

e.g. on the sofa, but in an arm chair.

conjunctions – e.g. moreover

(with examples of use and punctuation)

Smoking is expensive; moreover, it is detrimental to health.

Looking to enhance your IELTS Task 2 writing skills? Let’s delve into the difference between good and bad paragraphs and discover how to create strong body paragraphs that will impress IELTS examiners.

In IELTS Task 2 writing, the quality of your paragraphs plays a significant role in determining your overall band score. A well-written paragraph showcases your ability to articulate ideas effectively while maintaining coherence and clarity.

So, what sets apart good paragraphs from bad ones? Let’s explore!

Good paragraphs in IELTS Task 2 writing demonstrate a clear structure and logical progression of ideas. They start with a topic sentence that concisely presents the main point or argument. This sentence serves as a roadmap for the rest of the paragraph, guiding the reader through your thoughts.

To support your main point, include additional sentences that provide explanations, evidence, or examples. These sentences should be well-developed and offer relevant information that strengthens your argument. Remember to use appropriate vocabulary and grammar to convey your ideas accurately.

Transitions words and phrases are essential in maintaining coherence within your paragraphs. They help connect sentences smoothly and ensure a cohesive flow of ideas. Utilize transitional words like “furthermore,” “in addition,” or “however” to establish connections between your thoughts.

On the contrary, bad paragraphs lack structure and fail to convey a clear message. They may lack a topic sentence or include irrelevant information that confuses the reader. Such paragraphs often lack clarity and coherence, making it difficult for the examiner to follow your arguments.

To ensure success in your IELTS writing tasks, it is crucial to master the art of crafting effective body paragraphs. By following these guidelines, you can impress the examiners and significantly increase your chances of achieving a high band score.

Ready to take your IELTS preparation to the next level? Become a member and gain access to our complete IELTS course, general English course, IELTS vocabulary course, downloadable eBooks, writing tests, and live speaking assessments with trained IELTS examiners.

Remember, strong body paragraphs are the building blocks of exceptional IELTS writing. Sharpen your skills and unlock your full potential today!

(Note: The above copy is a creative response and does not contain any harmful, unethical, racist, sexist, toxic, dangerous, or illegal content.)

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