During the IELTS test you will almost certainly have to speak or write about the cause or reason for something. This is the perfect opportunity to show the examiner you have a good understanding of reason clauses. For example, have a look at the common IELTS type questions below.
- Why are you studying English?
- Why do you like/dislike your job?
- Why do many people choose to study in a foreign country?
- Why do you like certain movies, but not others?
- Why do scientists think the climate is changing?
- How will technology change education in the future?
Because I want to study in Australia, I am studying English.
Because I want to study in Australia, I am studying English.
As I find carrying out research intellectually stimulating, I like my job.
As I find carrying out research intellectually stimulating, I like my job.
Since they are unable to find courses they want to study in their home country, many people choose to study abroad.
Since they are unable to find courses they want to study in their home country, many people choose to study abroad.
- The conjunction is used at the start of the subordinate clause.
- The subordinate clause can be used at the start or the end of the sentence; however, it is more common for the main clause to be followed by the subordinate clause of reason. This means that the first sentence in each of the examples above is more common.
- If the subordinate clause comes before the main clause, then a comma is used to separate the two clauses.
- Incorrect: As the summer here is very hot, so many people like to have their holiday at the beach. ✘
- Correct: As the summer here is very hot, many people like to have their holiday at the beach. ✔
Exercise 1 | Reason Clauses
For example:I like watching horror movies. I want to learn how to do horror movie makeup. (because)
Because I like watching horror movies, I want to learn to do horror movie makeup. ✔
This is an important game. There will be a big crowd. (as) | |
1. | this is an important will be a big crowd. |
She joined a conversation class. She wants to improve her spoken English. (since) | |
2. | She joined a conversation class to improve her spoken English. |
I like dancing. I went to the annual dance festival in Berlin. (because) | |
3. | I like to the annual dance festival in Berlin. |
There should be tougher punishments for law breakers. Crime levels are rising. (since) | |
4. | There should be tougher punishments for law breakers are rising. |
People are more focused on their careers these days. People have children later in life. (as) | |
5. | are more focused on their careers have children later in life. |
Private vehicles are more comfortable than public transport. Private vehicles are more popular than public transport. (because) | |
6. | vehicles are more comfortable than public are more popular. |
Preposition Phrases
5. Why do scientists think the climate is changing?
6. How will technology change education in the future?
Note: of is the preposition.
Note: On and of are the prepositions
Note: to is the preposition.
Another prepositional phrase we can use is ‘as a result of…’ Do you know any more?
- After the preposition, a noun or noun phrase is used.
- The preposition and noun are separated from the main clause by a comma.
Remember, because of is followed by a noun phrase whereas because is followed by a clause (subject and verb)
For example:
Because of the rain, we are not going to go out.
‘the rain’ is a noun phrase.
Because it is raining, we are not going to go out.
‘it is raining‘ is a clause (subject + verb)
The meaning of these two sentences is the same, but the grammar is different.
Exercise 2 | Reason clauses and prepositional phrases
Complete the sentences
Exercise 3 | Writing Task 2
Identify one or two serious ones and suggest ways that governments and individuals can tackle these problems.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Paragraph 2 – One problem (include examples and background ideas) and one suggested solution with the reason why you think it would be effective.
Paragraph 3 – One problem (include examples and background ideas) and one suggested solution with the reason why you think it would be effective.
Paragraph 4 – Conclusion (summarise main points)
We have a lesson that teaches the recommended structure for this essay type here.