Understanding reference words for IELTS

Understanding reference words for IELTS

Understanding reference words for IELTS

Home 9 Free IELTS grammar resources 9 Understanding reference words for IELTS

We hope you find this free IELTS resource useful! However, if you’re really looking to achieve IELTS success, become a member! You will get instant access to the complete IELTS course (Academic or General Training), the 6-level general English course, the IELTS vocabulary course and the 7 downloadable eBooks (with audio files). MASTER Members also get 10 writing tests (Task 1 and Task 2) assessed with comments, corrections and estimated band score, as well as 2 live speaking assessments, one to one with a trained IELTS examiner.

What’s wrong with this sentence?

Some people believe that a university education should be available to everyone as a university education will help with employment.

The problem here is that ‘university education’ has been repeated – the sentence would have been better presented using a reference word like this:

Some people believe that a university education should be available to everyone as this will help with employment.

Reference words (words that refer back to a previous word or phrase but without repeating it) are very common many reading texts and can often cause some confusion. An important part of understanding a text is being able to identify the reference words and their relationship to other words, phrases or sentences.

Test your skills – what do the underlined words refer to? Choose the correct letter A-C.

New Zealand is becoming an increasingly popular destination for overseas visitors. It attracts tourists and people on business, but the vast majority come as students. Mostly from Asian countries, they stay for anything from a few weeks to a few years or more, studying at language schools, colleges and universities. New Zealand can offer good homestay accommodation, a clean and beautiful environment and a reasonable cost of tuition. These factors attract an ever-increasing number of overseas students, accounting for millions of dollars in revenue for New Zealand.

It refers to
(a) overseas
(b) New Zealand
(c) a popular destination
Show answer(B) – New Zealand

They refers to
(a) Asian countries
(b) tourists and business people
(c) students
Show answer(C) – students

These factors refers to
(a) accommodation, environment and reasonable tuition costs
(b) schools, colleges, universities
(c) increasing overseas students
Show answer(A) – accommodation, environment and reasonable tuition costs

Now try using reference words the other way round. What reference word could replace the underlined words?

  1. Professor Edwards has been lecturing for 16 years.
  2. Overseas students often find university courses difficult.
  3. His car has broken down again!
  1. Professor Edwards … Show answerHe
  2. Overseas students … Show answerThey
  3. His car Show answerIt

Understanding reference words – 3 important tips
Tip 1: Subject or object reference words
Be careful – reference words can change depending on whether they are the subject or the object of the sentence. For example:
Overseas students often find university courses difficult.

  • They often find university courses difficult.
  • Overseas students often find them difficult.

Mr Smith works with Mr Jones every day.

  • He works with Mr Jones every day.
  • Mr Smith works with him every day.

Tip 2: Singular and plural

When talking generally, you may find that some singular nouns take a plural reference word. For example:
A teacher (singular) should always be prepared. They (plural) should also be punctual.


Tip 3: The dummy subject
Sometimes ‘it’ can appear in a sentence but it is not a true reference word – it doesn’t refer back to anything specific. This is called the dummy subject. For example:
It is commonly accepted that people with a higher education generally work in higher paid jobs.
In the sentence above, ‘it’ does not refer to anything specific, just the general situation.
Practice by reading the sentences below and deciding whether ‘it’ is used as a reference word or a dummy subject.

  1. Look at those clouds. It’s going to rain.
  2. Homework is essential. It allows students to review work they have studied in class.
  3. Admittedly, student depression is hard to investigate as few people are willing to talk openly about it.
  4. It can take up to four years to complete a degree.
  5. Otago is a very popular university. It was the first university in New Zealand.

1.  Show answerThis is a dummy subject
2.  Show answerThis is a reference word
3.  Show answerThis is a reference word
4.  Show answerThis is a dummy subject
5.  Show answerThis is a reference word

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.)

Share this page!
Ready to become a full member and unlock our complete IELTS preparation course?
SELECT YOUR MEMBERSHIP BELOW
General Training Module IELTS - SPEED Membership

GENERAL TRAINING

SPEED MEMBERSHIP

SPEED Membership includes full access to the 10 Unit IELTS course, the 6-level general English course, the IELTS vocabulary course, the 7 downloadable eBooks and 15 complete IELTS practice tests, all with your own dedicated support tutor.

90 DAYS ACCESS

…or click here to learn more

General Training Module IELTS - SPEED Membership

ACADEMIC MODULE

SPEED MEMBERSHIP

SPEED Membership includes full access to the 10 Unit IELTS course, the 6-level general English course, the IELTS vocabulary course, the 7 downloadable eBooks and 15 complete IELTS practice tests, all with your own dedicated support tutor.

90 DAYS ACCESS

…or click here to learn more

GENERAL TRAINING MASTER MEMBERSHIP

GENERAL TRAINING

MASTER MEMBERSHIP

MASTER Membership includes everything in the SPEED membership, as well as 10 writing tests assessed with comments and corrections AND 2 live speaking assessments one to one with your support tutor (a trained IELTS examiner) via Skype or Whatsapp.

6 MONTHS ACCESS

…or click here to learn more

ACADEMIC MODULE MASTER MEMBERSHIP

ACADEMIC MODULE

MASTER MEMBERSHIP

MASTER Membership includes everything in the SPEED membership, as well as 10 writing tests assessed with comments and corrections AND 2 live speaking assessments one to one with your support tutor (a trained IELTS examiner) via Skype or Whatsapp.

6 MONTHS ACCESS

…or click here to learn more