One of the most common questions my IELTS students ask me is: “Do I need to write complex sentences to score Band 9 in IELTS Writing Task 2?”
The answer is yes—but with a very important rule: complex sentences must be accurate and clear.
In IELTS Writing Task 2, grammar accounts for 25% of your score under Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
- ✅ Using IELTS complex sentences shows range and sophistication
- ✅ Writing naturally and clearly keeps your essay examiner-friendly
- ✅ Avoiding forced or incorrect structures prevents losing marks
In this guide, I’ll show you:
- The types of complex sentences you need for Band 9
- How to use them naturally in essays
- Examples and teacher tips to avoid common mistakes
If you want to master all grammar aspects, check my IELTS Writing Task 2 Grammar for Band 7–9 for a complete foundation.
Why IELTS Complex Sentences Are Important
IELTS examiners assess grammar based on:
- Range – Do you use different sentence types (simple, compound, complex)?
- Accuracy – Are your sentences correct and clear?
Using only simple sentences limits you to Band 6–6.5 because it shows restricted range.
Using complex sentences correctly can boost you to Band 7–9.
For official scoring details, check:
What Are IELTS Complex Sentences?
A complex sentence is a sentence that combines an independent clause (a complete sentence) with one or more dependent clauses (clauses that can’t stand alone).
Example:
“Although pollution is increasing, governments are taking steps to reduce emissions.”
Here:
- Independent clause: governments are taking steps to reduce emissions
- Dependent clause: Although pollution is increasing
Types of Complex Sentences for Band 9
Here are the structures that examiners love and how to use them naturally.
1. Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses add extra information without starting a new sentence.
Examples in IELTS essays:
- Although online learning is convenient, traditional education remains essential.
- While urbanization creates job opportunities, it also increases pollution.
Teacher Tip: Use words like although, while, because, since, if to start dependent clauses.
2. Relative Clauses
Relative clauses describe nouns and make sentences more precise.
Examples:
- People who live in cities often face traffic congestion.
- Education, which is vital for economic growth, should be a government priority.
High-Scoring Trick: Use which, who, that correctly. Avoid long, confusing clauses.
3. Conditional Sentences
Conditionals show hypothetical or cause-effect relationships, which are common in Task 2 essays.
- Type 1 (real/possible):
If governments invest in renewable energy, pollution will decrease. - Type 2 (hypothetical):
If countries focused on education, unemployment would decrease. - Type 3 (past hypothetical):
If authorities had acted earlier, traffic problems could have been avoided.
Tip: Use Type 2 and Type 3 in problem/solution and discussion essays for Band 8–9 grammar variety.
4. Compound-Complex Sentences
This structure combines compound and complex sentences for high-level writing.
Example:
“Although public transport is affordable, many people still prefer cars, and this choice leads to traffic congestion.”
This shows:
- ✅ Subordinate clause: Although public transport is affordable
- ✅ Two independent clauses: many people still prefer cars + this choice leads to traffic congestion
5. Reduced Clauses (Advanced Technique)
You can shorten relative clauses to make writing concise.
Full clause:
“People who live in urban areas often face high living costs.”
Reduced clause:
“People living in urban areas often face high living costs.”
Sample Paragraph Using IELTS Complex Sentences
“Although technology has improved communication, it has also increased social isolation for some people. Individuals who rely heavily on social media may struggle to develop real-life connections, and if this trend continues, society will face serious mental health challenges.”
Why this works:
- ✅ Subordinate clause (Although technology has improved communication)
- ✅ Relative clause (who rely heavily on social media)
- ✅ Conditional clause (if this trend continues)
- ✅ Mix of compound and complex structures
Common Mistakes with Complex Sentences
Avoid these errors that lower your score:
- Run-on sentences – combining clauses without punctuation
- Overcomplicating – forcing too many clauses in one sentence
- Using informal connectors – like so, and then in academic writing
- Incorrect tense or verb form in subordinate clauses
Teacher Tip:
- Write 1–2 complex sentences per paragraph
- Balance them with simple and compound sentences for readability
Quick Practice Exercise
Rewrite this simple sentence using a complex structure:
“Many people use cars. The air is polluted.”
Suggested Answer:
“The air is polluted because many people use cars.”
How to Master IELTS Complex Sentences
- Learn the 4 main types: Subordinate, Relative, Conditional, Compound-Complex
- Practice with real IELTS questions
- Check sentence accuracy first – complexity without correctness loses marks
- Mix sentence types naturally in your essay
For more grammar strategies and accuracy tips, review our IELTS Writing Task 2 Grammar for Band 7–9.
FAQ Section
Q1: Do I need IELTS complex sentences to score Band 9 in Writing Task 2?
Yes. Complex sentences show grammatical range and cohesion, which are required for high bands.
Q2: What types of complex sentences are best for IELTS?
Use subordinate clauses, relative clauses, conditionals, and compound-complex sentences naturally in your essays.
Q3: Can too many complex sentences lower my score?
Yes. Overcomplicated or incorrect sentences reduce clarity. Balance simple, compound, and complex structures.
Conclusion
Mastering IELTS complex sentences is key to achieving Band 7–9 in Writing Task 2.
When you:
- ✅ Use different types of complex sentences naturally
- ✅ Maintain grammatical accuracy
- ✅ Mix simple and compound sentences for balance
… your writing will sound fluent, formal, and examiner-ready.
🔗 Next step: Combine this skill with our IELTS Writing Task 2 Vocabulary for Band 7–9 to produce essays that are both accurate and impressive.
