Read the two answers to the same IELTS Writing Task 2 prompt: "What are the main environmental problems in urban areas, and how can they be solved?"
1.2 Which answer scores higher for Grammatical Range?
2.1 Complete the rule box:
| Structure | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| , which / who / where + clause | Public transport, which is subsidized… | |
| preposition + which / whom | The system in which we live… | |
| , V-ing (present participle) | Active result / simultaneous action | Cars emit fumes, causing issues. |
| , V3 (past participle) | The policy, introduced last year… |
2.2 Match the sentence (1–6) with the structure it uses (A–F). Click a number, then a letter.
3.1 Choose the correct option (A, B or C).
1. The new recycling plant, ___ opened last month, can process 500 tons of waste daily.
A) thatB) whichC) where
2. This is the city ___ I spent my childhood.
A) whichB) whereC) that
3. The measures, ___ were introduced by the local council, have been widely praised.
A) whoB) whereC) which
4. The scientist ___ research focuses on renewable energy will give a lecture tomorrow.
A) whoB) whoseC) which
5. The conference, ___ we discussed sustainable development, was a great success.
A) at whichB) whichC) where
6. My neighbour, ___ car is always parked illegally, finally received a fine.
A) whoB) whoseC) whom
4.1 Choose the correct participle form to complete the sentence.
1. The factory emits toxic gases, ___ severe damage to the local ecosystem.
A) causedB) causingC) having caused
2. ___ by heavy traffic, the city centre is highly polluted.
A) CongestedB) CongestingC) Being congested
3. The government passed a new law, ___ the use of plastic bags in supermarkets.
A) bannedB) banningC) having banned
4. ___ in 1990, the old power plant is now being dismantled.
A) BuiltB) BuildingC) Having built
5. Many people choose to cycle to work, ___ a healthier lifestyle and reducing emissions.
A) promotedB) promotingC) having promoted
5.1 Match the beginning of each sentence (1–8) with the correct ending (A–H). Click a number, then a letter.
6.1 Combine each pair of sentences into ONE complex sentence using the structure in brackets. Do not change the meaning.
1. The government invested in renewable energy. This reduced the country's carbon footprint. (thereby + V-ing)
→ The government invested in renewable energy,
2. The new policy was implemented last year. It has already shown positive results. (Past participle clause)
→ The new policy, , has already shown positive results.
3. Many people commute by car. They contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. (who)
→ Many people contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
4. The conference focused on sustainable urban planning. We attended it yesterday. (preposition + which)
→ The conference, , focused on sustainable urban planning.
5. The company ignored environmental regulations. It was forced to pay a massive fine. (Having + V3)
→ environmental regulations, the company was forced to pay a massive fine.
7.1 Each sentence has one mistake. Click the wrong word to mark it. Three sentences are correct — for those, click "✓ No mistake".
8.1 Read the short text about sustainable architecture. Click the correct word for each gap.
9.1 Complete the sentences with true information about yourself. Use the structure shown in brackets.
1. My hometown, which , is a great place to live. (non-defining relative clause)
2. I enjoy activities that . (defining relative clause)
3. , I decided to study English seriously. (Having + V3 / participle clause)
4. My favourite tool/app, which , helps me every day. (non-defining relative clause)
5. The person whom is very important to me. (relative clause with preposition/whom)
6. by the fast pace of modern life, I sometimes feel stressed. (Past participle clause)
7. I try to avoid habits that . (defining relative clause)
8. My goal, which , requires a lot of dedication. (non-defining relative clause)
10.1 Answer the questions below. Rule: each answer must contain at least TWO complex sentence structures.
1. What are the main causes of traffic congestion in your country, and how can they be solved?
2. Do you think technology has a positive or negative impact on the environment?
3. How has the way people consume goods changed compared to the past?
4. Should the government impose stricter laws on companies that pollute the environment?
5. What role does education play in solving global environmental issues?
6. Do you think individuals can make a difference, or is it only up to governments?
11.1 Write one body paragraph (80–100 words) for the following essay question:
Requirements:
Before moving to Step 5, tick what you can do confidently:
Score: ___ / 7 → if 5+, move to Step 5: +1 COMPLEX SENTENCES (2)
13.1 Writing. Find an IELTS Task 2 "Causes and Solutions" or "Opinion" prompt. Write a full essay (250+ words). Rule: use at least 6 complex sentence structures (relative or participle clauses). Highlight them.
13.2 Reading. Find an article on BBC News or The Guardian about the environment or technology. Write down:
13.3 Speaking. Record yourself answering 3 IELTS Part 3 questions. Listen back. Did you use simple sentences connected by "and" or "so"? Try to record again, deliberately combining ideas using relative or participle clauses.