‘It is crucial that’ you DON’T overuse cleft sentences in your IELTS or PTE writing test

What  Is a Cleft Sentence, Anyway?

“It is often stated that” IELTS and PTE writers use to many clefts.

“It is crucial that”……. “It is essential that”…… ‘It is vital that”………

“It is often said that”……… “There is a fierce/passionate/fervant debate/discussion that”...

Cleft (think cleave = split) sentences are a fancy way to emphasize part of a statement. Instead of saying “John broke the vase,” we “split” the thought and say, “It was John who broke the vase.” The result? A normal fact sounds like a dramatic reveal in a mystery novel. But is it appropriate in an essay? It’s like our sentences caught a case of the Operas. (And for clarity: It was X who Y or It is Y that Z are classic cleft constructions.) They’re useful for emphasis, sure, but when we overdo it, we end up talking like Shakespearean detectives trying to sell popcorn.

The Issue with Overusing Cleft Sentences

Cleft constructions are commonly used by test-takers as they offer a quick and easy way to showcase grammatical variety. However, their overuse has consequences. Filling an essay with cleft sentences often results in vague, generalized statements that lack substance. Consider these examples:

• It is essential that the government makes policy changes.
• It is often said that pets improve mental health.

While these sentences are grammatically correct, they do not present specific arguments or ideas. This approach can make your essay appear formulaic and overly rehearsed, which examiners often view unfavorably. In IELTS scoring, this can negatively impact your “Grammatical Range and Accuracy” as well as “Task Achievement.” Essays that rely heavily on cleft constructions may even lead examiners to disregard cleft-heavy phrases entirely and only evaluate content they believe is genuinely written by you.

How to Write Better Sentences

Instead of clefts, showcase variety in your grammar by using modal verbs and related structures. Modal verbs like “must,” “might,” “should,” and “could” demonstrate nuanced thinking and precision. Rewriting the earlier examples:

• The government must make policy changes.
• Pets might improve mental health.
• Pets are likely to have a positive impact on mental health.

By using modal verbs, you show a deeper understanding of the context, making your essay stand out.

When Clefts Are Useful—and When They Aren’t

Cleft sentences are most appropriate when paraphrasing research or quoting opinions. For example:

• Research has shown that it is obesity which increases health risks.

However, when expressing personal opinions, avoid clefts. There’s a common misconception that personal pronouns like “I” or “my” should not be used in essays. On the contrary, confidently using phrases like “I believe” or “In my opinion” is encouraged when a question specifically asks for your perspective. The IELTS essay is designed to test your ability to express yourself, not to write a research report.

Expressing opinions with modal verbs adds subtlety and a tone of humble certainty, which can positively impact your score. For instance:

• The government could consider implementing stricter regulations.
• Pets might benefit mental health in various ways.

Final Thoughts

Cleft sentences may seem like a convenient way to pad out essays, but their overuse can harm your performance. Focus on crafting precise and specific arguments using diverse grammar structures, especially modal verbs. By avoiding formulaic language, you can showcase your individuality and achieve higher scores. Remember, the key is quality, not quantity—let your language skills shine authentically.