Many students lose marks in their grammar, which makes up 25% of your score, simply because of punctuation errors that can be avoided.
Below are some comma mistakes often seen in IELTS Writing Task 2.
🔍 What it is: Using a comma to join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
Incorrect: Many people think it is unnecessary, they believe it is a waste of time.
Correct: Many people think it is unnecessary. They believe it is a waste of time. (Start a new sentence.)
Correct: Many people think it is unnecessary, and they believe it is a waste of time. (Comma + conjunction {Memorise FANBOYS: For And Nor But Or Yet So})
Correct: Many people think it is unnecessary; they believe it is a waste of time. (Use a semi-colon)
Read each sentence and decide: Is it a comma splice? (Yes or No)
- Some people believe that university education is essential, others think practical skills are more valuable.
- Technology has improved communication, it also has negative effects.
- Governments should invest more in public transport, and reduce traffic congestion.
- Many students work part-time, they want to gain experience.
- Online learning is convenient, it lacks face-to-face interaction.
Answers
- Yes 2. Yes 3. No (correct: compound sentence with “and”) 4. Yes 5. Yes
Each sentence contains a comma splice. Rewrite each one correctly using one of these methods:
- Add a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, so)
- Use a semicolon (;)
- Break into two sentences
- The population is growing rapidly, the demand for housing is increasing.
- Education is a basic human right, not everyone has access to it.
- The government increased the tax on cigarettes, smoking rates have dropped.
- Unemployment is a serious issue, it can lead to social unrest.
- Many people support stricter laws, others believe this would limit freedom.
Answers
- The population is growing rapidly. The demand for housing is increasing.
The population is growing rapidly, so/and the demand for housing is increasing.
The population is growing rapidly; the demand for housing is increasing. - Education is a basic human right. Not everyone has access to it.
Education is a basic human right, but not everyone has access to it.
Education is a basic human right; not everyone has access to it. - The government increased the tax on cigarettes. Smoking rates have dropped.
The government increased the tax on cigarettes, and/so smoking rates have dropped.
The government increased the tax on cigarettes; smoking rates have dropped. - Unemployment is a serious issue. It can lead to social unrest.
Unemployment is a serious issue, and it can lead to social unrest.
Unemployment is a serious issue; it can lead to social unrest. - Many people support stricter laws. Others believe this would limit freedom.
Many people support stricter laws, but others believe this would limit freedom.
Many people support stricter laws; others believe this would limit freedom.
Write Yes or No to whether the following are comma splices:
- While many people agree that education is the key to success, some argue that experience plays a more important role.
- The internet has changed how people interact, it has also affected attention spans.
- Despite the government’s efforts to reduce pollution, emissions continue to rise.
- Some believe that money leads to happiness, others claim it causes stress.
- Because online shopping is so convenient, many traditional stores have closed.
- Higher education can open many doors, but it is not accessible to everyone.
- Many people support stricter gun laws, they believe this would reduce violence.
- Although technology has made communication easier, it has also made people more isolated.
- Public transport is often unreliable, therefore many choose to drive instead.
- If students are taught practical skills in school, they may be better prepared for employment.
Answers
- While many people agree that education is the key to success, some argue that experience plays a more important role.
❌ No comma splice – This is a complex sentence, correctly punctuated. - The internet has changed how people interact, it has also affected attention spans.
✅ Yes – This is a comma splice: two independent clauses joined by just a comma. - Despite the government’s efforts to reduce pollution, emissions continue to rise.
❌ No comma splice – This is a dependent clause followed by an independent clause; comma is correctly used. - Some believe that money leads to happiness, others claim it causes stress.
✅ Yes – This is a comma splice. Two complete ideas, but no conjunction or semicolon. - Because online shopping is so convenient, many traditional stores have closed.
❌ No comma splice – Complex sentence; “Because…” starts a dependent clause. - Higher education can open many doors, but it is not accessible to everyone.
❌ No comma splice – This is a compound sentence using “but” properly with a comma. - Many people support stricter gun laws, they believe this would reduce violence.
✅ Yes – Classic comma splice. Two full sentences incorrectly joined by a comma. - Although technology has made communication easier, it has also made people more isolated.
❌ No comma splice – Complex sentence again; no problem here. - Public transport is often unreliable, therefore many choose to drive instead.
✅ Yes – This is a sneaky one. “Therefore” is a conjunctive adverb, not a coordinating conjunction, so a comma isn’t enough. - If students are taught practical skills in school, they may be better prepared for employment.
❌ No comma splice – Properly structured complex sentence.
🔍 What’s the rule?
When a sentence begins with an introductory word, phrase, or clause, it’s often followed by a comma. This comma helps the reader clearly distinguish the introduction from the main idea of the sentence.
✅ Example (correct usage):
- In my opinion, the government should take action.
- As a result, public spending increased.
- To conclude, this issue must be addressed urgently.
1. Forgetting the comma entirely
This is the most frequent mistake.
Incorrect:
- In my opinion the education system needs reform.
- As a result many people are unemployed.
- To sum up the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Correct:
- In my opinion, the education system needs reform.
- As a result, many people are unemployed.
- To sum up, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
2. Not recognizing the introductory phrase at all
Students sometimes write complex intros without realising they need to separate them with a comma.
Incorrect:
- From my personal experience studying abroad provides many advantages.
- Considering the rising crime rates the government should act quickly.
Correct:
- From my personal experience, studying abroad provides many advantages.
- Considering the rising crime rates, the government should act quickly.
3. Overusing commas where they’re not needed
Some students learn the rule and then overapply it, inserting commas where there isn’t an introductory phrase or where it disrupts the flow.
Incorrect:
- Many, believe that social media should be regulated.
- The government, should invest more in education.
- People, are becoming more health conscious.
Correct:
- Many believe that social media should be regulated.
- The government should invest more in education.
- People are becoming more health conscious.
4. Using long introductory clauses but skipping the comma
The longer the introductory phrase, the more necessary the comma becomes.
Incorrect:
- Although many people are aware of the environmental impact of their choices they continue to use plastic bags.
Correct:
- Although many people are aware of the environmental impact of their choices, they continue to use plastic bags.
5. 🇵🇱🇷🇺🇺🇦 Common Error: Inserting a comma before “that” in English
In many Slavic languages, it’s grammatically correct to place a comma before “that” (or its equivalent), especially in subordinate clauses that follow reporting or opinion verbs like “think,” “believe,” or “know.”
But in English, this is not correct.
❌ Incorrect (influenced by Slavic punctuation rules):
- I believe, that the government should do more.
- Many people think, that advertising should be banned.
- It is clear, that stricter laws are needed.
✅ Correct (in academic English):
- I believe that the government should do more.
- Many people think that advertising should be banned.
- It is clear that stricter laws are needed.
📝 Common IELTS Introductory Phrases That Need Commas:
| Phrase | Example |
|---|---|
| In my opinion, | In my opinion, governments should invest in public transport. |
| To begin with, | To begin with, there are clear benefits to raising the minimum wage. |
| As a result, | As a result, unemployment may decrease. |
| To sum up, | To sum up, both views have valid points. |
| In conclusion, | In conclusion, technology has changed education for the better. |
| From my perspective, | From my perspective, this issue requires immediate attention. |
| Considering this, | Considering this, more regulation is necessary. |
Read each sentence. Add a comma after the introductory word/phrase if it’s missing.
- In my opinion the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
- To conclude stricter laws are necessary.
- Although many people support this idea it may not be realistic.
- In the modern world technology plays a key role in education.
- Because many young people are unemployed the government must act.
- On the other hand some argue that this would be too expensive.
- From my perspective this is a short-term solution.
- Considering the environmental impact plastic should be banned.
- As a result many traditional markets have closed.
- While this approach may seem effective it can be costly.
Answers
- In my opinion, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
- To conclude, stricter laws are necessary.
- Although many people support this idea, it may not be realistic.
- In the modern world, technology plays a key role in education.
- Because many young people are unemployed, the government must act.
- On the other hand, some argue that this would be too expensive.
- From my perspective, this is a short-term solution.
- Considering the environmental impact, plastic should be banned.
- As a result, many traditional markets have closed.
- While this approach may seem effective, it can be costly.
Rewrite the sentences correctly
- Many people, believe that governments should offer free healthcare.
- It is clear, that stricter policies are required.
- From my personal experience I think that starting paid work at a young age can cultivate financial awareness.
- In my opinion international cooperation is necessary.
- Considering the consequences it is not worth it.
Answers
- Many people believe that governments should offer free healthcare. (No commas needed)
- It is clear that stricter policies are required. (No commas needed)
- From my personal experience, I think that starting paid work at a young age can cultivate financial awareness. (Comma needed)
- In my opinion, international cooperation is necessary. (Comma needed)
- Considering the consequences, it is not worth it. (Comma needed)
Use the Correct Introductory phrase + put the comma in the correct place.
- ___________ education plays a major role in reducing poverty.
- ___________ though technology can be addictive, ultimately, it can be used to bring about prosperity.
- ___________ many people still choose to live in big cities.
- ___________ I agree with the statement given.
- ___________ others disagree.
Answers
- To begin with, education plays a major role in reducing poverty.
- In conclusion, though technology can be addictive, ultimately, it can be used to bring about prosperity.
- Despite the high cost, many people still choose to live in big cities.
- To some extent, I agree with the statement given.
- While some believe money brings happiness, others disagree.
Introductory phrases:
To some extent
While some believe money brings happiness
To begin with
Despite the high cost
In conclusion
🔹 First: What is a relative clause?
A relative clause gives extra information about a noun, starting with who, which, that, whose, where, or when.
There are two types:
- Defining (restrictive): Essential information – no commas
- Non-defining (non-restrictive): Extra info – commas needed
🔹1. Defining Relative Clauses (No commas)
These clauses narrow down or identify the noun more precisely. Without them, the sentence loses its full meaning.
✅ Structure:
Noun + relative clause (no commas)
✏️ Examples:
✅ Education:
Students who do not receive enough support from their teachers often struggle to succeed academically.
➡️ Only those students (not all) are being discussed. The clause tells us which students.
✅ Environment:
Countries that rely heavily on fossil fuels must invest in renewable energy sources.
➡️ Not all countries—just the ones that rely heavily on fossil fuels.
✅ Crime and Punishment:
Punishments that focus on rehabilitation are more effective than those based on retribution.
➡️ We are only talking about a specific type of punishment.
✅ Technology:
The devices that collect users’ personal data should be regulated by law.
➡️ Not all devices—only the ones that collect data.
🔹2. Non-Defining Relative Clauses (With commas)
These clauses add extra, non-essential information. You can remove the clause and the sentence still makes sense.
✅ Structure:
Noun, + relative clause,
✏️ Examples:
✅ Education:
Private education, which is often expensive, is not affordable for many families.
➡️ “which is often expensive” is extra info. Even without it, the sentence stands:
Private education is not affordable for many families.
✅ Environment:
Carbon emissions, which contribute significantly to global warming, must be reduced immediately.
➡️ The clause gives extra information about carbon emissions.
✅ Crime and Punishment:
The prison system, which has been criticised for being outdated, requires urgent reform.
➡️ “which has been criticised…” adds non-essential context.
✅ Technology:
Artificial intelligence, which is evolving rapidly, is changing the way people work.
➡️ The clause is extra information about AI.
| Sentence | Type | Correct Use of Commas? | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| The people who commit crimes should be punished. | Defining | ❌ No commas | It tells us which people |
| Violent crime, which is a growing issue in many cities, needs urgent attention. | Non-defining | ✅ Use commas | Adds extra detail |
| Children that grow up in poverty may have fewer educational opportunities. | Defining | ❌ No commas | Specifies which children |
| Online learning, which became popular during the pandemic, is now widely accepted. | Non-defining | ✅ Use commas | Gives extra background |
Decide whether the sentence needs commas around the relative clause or not. Then rewrite the sentence correctly.
- Many people who live in urban areas suffer from high levels of stress.
- Air pollution which is caused by vehicle emissions poses a serious health risk.
- The students who participated in the international exchange programme gained valuable cultural insights.
- Obesity which has become increasingly common among young people is a major public health concern.
- Online courses that are offered by top universities attract learners from around the world.
Answers
- ✅ Correct as-is. (Defining – no commas) Many people who live in urban areas suffer from high levels of stress.
- ❌ Needs commas.(Non-defining – extra info) ✅ Air pollution, which is caused by vehicle emissions, poses a serious health risk.
- ✅ Correct as-is.(Defining – specifies which students) The students who participated in the international exchange programme gained valuable cultural insights.
- ❌ Needs commas. (Non-defining – gives additional info about obesity) ✅ Obesity, which has become increasingly common among young people, is a major public health concern.
- ✅ Correct as-is. (Defining – tells us which online courses) Online courses that are offered by top universities attract learners from around the world.
Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
- A. Renewable energy, which includes wind and solar power, is essential for a sustainable future.
B. Renewable energy which includes wind and solar power is essential for a sustainable future. - A. The people who support stricter gun laws believe it will reduce crime.
B. The people, who support stricter gun laws, believe it will reduce crime. - A. The Internet which has revolutionised communication is not accessible to everyone.
B. The Internet, which has revolutionised communication, is not accessible to everyone.
Answers
- ✅ A Non-defining – adds extra info about renewable energy
- ✅ A Defining – it’s specifically those people who support stricter gun laws
- ✅ B Non-defining – “which has revolutionised…” is extra info
Use the prompts below to write one sentence each — one using a defining relative clause and one using a non-defining clause. Be careful with comma use.
Prompt 1: Plastic waste / increase in oceans / affect marine life
- ➤ Defining:
Plastic waste _____________________________________________________________. - ➤ Non-defining:
Plastic waste, _____________________________________________________________.
Prompt 2: Young people / use social media / face mental health issues
- ➤ Defining:
Young people _____________________________________________________________. - ➤ Non-defining:
Young people, _____________________________________________________________.
Prompt 3: Universities / offer online courses / attract international students
- ➤ Defining:
Universities _____________________________________________________________. - ➤ Non-defining:
Universities, _____________________________________________________________.
Answers
🟩 Yours might differ – these are just models for comparison.
Prompt 1:
- Defining: Plastic waste that accumulates in oceans affects marine life.
- Non-defining: Plastic waste, which has increased rapidly in recent years, affects marine life.
Prompt 2:
- Defining: Young people who use social media excessively often face mental health issues.
- Non-defining: Young people, who are particularly active online, often face mental health issues.
Prompt 3:
Non-defining: Universities, which often offer online courses today, can attract more international students.
Defining: Universities that offer online courses can attract more international students.
❗What happens:
Students often insert commas where they’re not needed, which can:
- Break the natural flow of the sentence
- Interrupt subject-verb agreement
- Confuse the reader
- Make the writing feel awkward or forced
This often happens because students:
- Want to sound more formal
- Are translating from their native language punctuation rules
- Misunderstand where pauses in speaking = commas in writing
- Think long sentences automatically need more punctuation
Let’s look at some common overuse instances!
🔻 1. Comma Between Subject and Verb
This is one of the most frequent errors.
Incorrect:
- The government, should invest more in renewable energy.
- Social media, has changed how people communicate.
- These policies, are not effective.
Correct:
- The government should invest more in renewable energy.
- Social media has changed how people communicate.
- These policies are not effective.
⚠️ Never separate the subject from its verb with a comma unless there’s an inserted clause.
🔻 2. Unnecessary Comma After Short Sentence Openers
Some short introductory phrases don’t require commas, especially in shorter or more fluent sentences.
Incorrect (Overuse):
- People are, in general, supportive of this policy.
- Technology is, nowadays, influencing every aspect of life.
Correct:
- People are in general supportive of this policy.
- Technology is nowadays influencing every aspect of life.
✅ Rule of thumb: If the phrase comes at the start, a comma may help. If it’s in the middle, usually no comma unless it’s a clear parenthetical.
🔻 3. Unnecessary Comma Before Prepositional Phrases
Students often insert commas before prepositions that don’t need any pause.
Incorrect:
- The benefits, of regular exercise, are well known.
- There are many problems, with the current system.
- The government should provide support, to low-income families.
Correct:
- The benefits of regular exercise are well known.
- There are many problems with the current system.
- The government should provide support to low-income families.
🔻 4. Adding Commas before “because” or other subordinating conjunction
Students often put a comma before subordinating conjunctions (like because, although, since, if, etc.) even when it’s not needed in English.
📌 General Rule in English:
✅ NO comma before a subordinating conjunction when it comes after the main clause.
Correct:
- People should exercise regularly because it improves their health.
- He left early although the meeting was not finished.
- They went home since it was getting dark.
Why? These subordinating conjunctions connect the main clause with an essential dependent clause. The meaning is incomplete without it—so no comma is needed to separate them.
⚠️ But… When DO we use a comma?
You DO use a comma when the subordinate clause comes first (introductory clause).
Correct:
- Because it improves their health, people should exercise regularly.
- Although the meeting wasn’t finished, he left early.
- If students learn practical skills, they may find jobs more easily.
✅ In this case, the comma helps separate the introductory clause from the main one for clarity.
📚 Examples – IELTS Writing Context
❌ Incorrect:
- Governments must act now, because the climate crisis is getting worse.
- Online education is becoming more popular, although some people still prefer traditional classes.
- Many people support strict gun laws, since they believe it will reduce violence.
✅ Correct:
- Governments must act now because the climate crisis is getting worse.
- Online education is becoming more popular although some people still prefer traditional classes.
- Many people support strict gun laws since they believe it will reduce violence.
Below are some sentences where some commas are used incorrectly. Identify and remove any unnecessary commas.
- The government, should provide free education for all citizens.
- Many people believe, that stricter laws will reduce crime.
- Pollution, especially in large cities, is, a growing concern.
- Students, are expected to complete their assignments on time.
- This method is, in general, considered effective.
- There are several benefits, of regular physical activity.
- The education system, needs major reform.
- In my opinion, technology, is both helpful and harmful.
Answers
- ❌ The government, should provide free education for all citizens. ✅ The government should provide free education for all citizens. (Never put a comma between subject and verb.)
- ❌ Many people believe, that stricter laws will reduce crime. ✅ Many people believe that stricter laws will reduce crime. (No comma before “that”—the clause is essential.)
- ❌ Pollution, especially in large cities, is, a growing concern. ✅ Pollution, especially in large cities, is a growing concern. (The comma after “is” is wrong; the first two commas are fine for the inserted phrase.)
- ❌ Students, are expected to complete their assignments on time. ✅ Students are expected to complete their assignments on time. (No comma between subject and verb.)
- ❌ This method is, in general, considered effective. ✅ This method is in general considered effective. (Unless it’s a true parenthetical phrase, no commas needed in the middle here.)
- ❌ There are several benefits, of regular physical activity. ✅ There are several benefits of regular physical activity. (No comma between verb and object/prepositional phrase.)
- ❌ The education system, needs major reform. ✅ The education system needs major reform. (Again, no comma between subject and verb.)
- ❌ In my opinion, technology, is both helpful and harmful. ✅ In my opinion, technology is both helpful and harmful. (The first comma is good; the second is not needed between subject and verb.)
Each sentence below contains one or more punctuation issues related to comma overuse. Rewrite them with correct punctuation.
- People, should take more responsibility for the environment.
- To conclude, stricter punishments, are not always effective.
- There is, a growing concern about youth unemployment.
- Governments must, therefore, invest in renewable energy.
- The healthcare system, although under pressure, continues, to function.
Answers
- ❌ People, should take more responsibility for the environment. ✅ People should take more responsibility for the environment.
- ❌ To conclude, stricter punishments, are not always effective. ✅ To conclude, stricter punishments are not always effective. (The comma after “To conclude” is correct; the second one is not.)
- ❌ There is, a growing concern about youth unemployment. ✅ There is a growing concern about youth unemployment.
- ✅ Governments must, therefore, invest in renewable energy. (This one is fine—the adverb “therefore” is acting as a parenthetical interrupter.)
- ❌ The healthcare system, although under pressure, continues, to function. ✅ The healthcare system, although under pressure, continues to function. (Comma after “continues” is unnecessary.)
Pick the version with correct comma usage.
1.
A. Many students, prefer to study abroad.
B. Many students prefer to study abroad.
2.
A. The benefits, of free healthcare, are clear.
B. The benefits of free healthcare are clear.
3.
A. Although it is expensive, the policy is popular.
B. Although, it is expensive the policy is popular.
4.
A. In some cases, online education is more effective.
B. In some cases online education, is more effective.
5.
A. The government should, in my opinion, increase funding.
B. The government should in my opinion increase funding.
Answers
1. ✅ B. Many students prefer to study abroad.
(No comma between subject and verb.)
2.✅ B. The benefits of free healthcare are clear.
(No commas needed unless a non-essential phrase is included.)
3.✅ A. Although it is expensive, the policy is popular.
(Introductory dependent clause needs a comma.)
4. ✅ A. In some cases, online education is more effective.
(Introductory prepositional phrase → comma helps clarity.)
5. ✅ A. The government should, in my opinion, increase funding.
*(Parenthetical phrase “in my opinion” is correctly set off with commas.)
Look at the examples below before we learn more about subordinating clauses. Do you make any of these mistakes?
❌ Incorrect:
Many people support the use of nuclear energy, because it provides a reliable power source.
✅ Correct:
Many people support the use of nuclear energy because it provides a reliable power source.
🔍 Why?
No comma is needed because the dependent clause comes after the main idea (independent clause).
❌ Incorrect:
Although online learning is convenient students may lack motivation.
✅ Correct:
Although online learning is convenient, students may lack motivation.
🔍 Why?
The sentence starts with a dependent clause, so it must be followed by a comma.
❌ Incorrect:
People are living longer, although healthcare is expensive.
✅ Correct:
People are living longer although healthcare is expensive.
🔍 Why?
This surprises some people! But if the dependent clause is at the end, no comma is needed with “although.”
(We do use commas with “although” only if it’s at the beginning.)
🔹 1. What Are Subordinating Conjunctions?
These words introduce a dependent clause (a clause that can’t stand alone). Examples include: because, although, since, if, when, while, even though, unless, as, before, after, once, whereas and though.
They often explain reason, contrast, time, or condition.
🔹 2. Independent vs. Dependent Clauses
| Clause Type | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Independent Clause | Complete sentence (can stand alone) | Students work hard. |
| 🚫 Dependent Clause | Incomplete sentence (needs support) | Because they want high scores |
🔹 3. Comma Rules with Subordinating Conjunctions
✅ Rule:
If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma.
If it comes second, don’t use a comma.
📘 Examples:
Comma needed:
Because education is expensive, many students take part-time jobs.
✅ Dependent clause first → Use a comma
No comma:
Many students take part-time jobs because education is expensive.
✅ Dependent clause second → No comma
🔹 4. IELTS Writing Examples (Right vs. Wrong)
| ❌ Incorrect | ✅ Correct |
|---|---|
| Although technology has many benefits people also face distractions. | ✅ Although technology has many benefits, people also face distractions. |
| Students often choose vocational training because it is more practical. | ✅ No change — comma not needed here. |
| If governments invest in renewable energy they can reduce emissions. | ✅ If governments invest in renewable energy, they can reduce emissions. |
🔹 5. Common Mistakes
🚫 Forgetting the comma when the sentence starts with a subordinating conjunction:
While cities offer more job opportunities people often struggle with high living costs.
✅ Fix: While cities offer more job opportunities, people often struggle with high living costs.
🚫 Using a comma when the dependent clause comes second:
People often commute by car, although public transport is available.
✅ Fix: No comma needed here. ✅ People often commute by car although public transport is available.
🔍 Quick Tip to Identify It:
- If the sentence starts with one of these conjunctions, check if it’s setting up a cause, time, or contrast. If so, the first part is dependent, and you need a comma after it.
- Although cities offer better job opportunities many people prefer rural life.
- People often choose to study abroad because international degrees are highly valued.
- When governments prioritise education the entire nation benefits.
- Public transport is often unreliable although it is more eco-friendly.
- Since healthcare is free citizens are more likely to seek medical help.
Answers
- ✅ Although cities offer better job opportunities, many people prefer rural life.
- ✅ Correct as is – No comma needed.
- ✅ When governments prioritise education, the entire nation benefits.
- ❌ Incorrect → Public transport is often unreliable although it is more eco-friendly. ✅ Corrected: Public transport is often unreliable, although it is more eco-friendly.
- ✅ Since healthcare is free, citizens are more likely to seek medical help.
- Fix the punctuation in these sentences:
- Climate change is becoming more severe, because industries continue to emit greenhouse gases.
- If students do not manage their time effectively they may struggle with assignments.
- Individuals, who work from home, often report higher productivity.
- Many people rely on social media, although it can contribute to stress.
- While online learning is flexible students may find it less engaging.
Answers
1.❌ Climate change is becoming more severe, because industries continue to emit greenhouse gases.
✅ Climate change is becoming more severe because industries continue to emit greenhouse gases.
2. ✅ If students do not manage their time effectively, they may struggle with assignments.
3. ❌ Individuals, who work from home, often report higher productivity. ✅ Individuals who work from home often report higher productivity. (This is a defining clause — no commas)
4. ❌ Many people rely on social media, although it can contribute to stress. ✅ Many people rely on social media although it can contribute to stress.
5. ✅ While online learning is flexible, students may find it less engaging.
Choose A or B.
1.
A. Because technology evolves rapidly society must adapt.
B. Because technology evolves rapidly, society must adapt.
2.
A. Some people argue that advertising is manipulative, since it influences consumer behaviour.
B. Some people argue that advertising is manipulative since it influences consumer behaviour.
3.
A. While many believe success is based on talent others value hard work.
B. While many believe success is based on talent, others value hard work.
4.
A. If public transport is improved more people will use it.
B. If public transport is improved, more people will use it.
Answers
1. ✅ B. If public transport is improved, more people will use it.
2. ✅ B. Because technology evolves rapidly, society must adapt.
3. ✅ B. Some people argue that advertising is manipulative since it influences consumer behaviour.
4. ✅ B. While many believe success is based on talent, others value hard work.
Write one IELTS-style sentence for each prompt using a subordinating conjunction. Be careful with commas!
1. Start your sentence with Although.
2. Use because in the middle of your sentence.
3. Start your sentence with If.
4. Use while to show contrast.
5. Use since to explain a reason.
Answers
(Your answers may vary — here are models to compare.)
1. Since working hours have increased, many employees report higher levels of stress.
2. Although university education is expensive, many students believe it is worth the investment.
3. Many individuals choose to cycle to work because it is both eco-friendly and healthy.
4. If governments fail to act on climate change, future generations will face serious consequences.
5. While some argue that social media connects people, others believe it increases loneliness.
