IELTS Grammar: As though or Although?

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This is a question students often raise in IELTS preparation and other exam classes, and a common mistake that can be found in essay writing more generally.  In fact because the words sound very similar in speech, it is a mistake that sometimes even native speakers of English can make. 

However, these words have quite different meanings and it is important to learn to use them correctly in your professional or academic writing practice, as not doing so could lose you valuable marks in your English exams or even lead to a personal reputation for inaccuracy or incompetence. 

So what exactly is the difference between as though and although?

As though is a conjunction used to draw a likeness or similarity to something. It can be used to describe a possible explanation for something or to describe when something appears to be the case but it is not. It can be used interchangeably with the phrase as if and most often appears in the middle of a sentence.

For example:

He looked as though he'd seen a ghost. (likeness, similarity)

It feels as though there is unfinished business. (possible explanation)

People exposed to the virus must be treated as though they are carriers. (something that appears to be the case but might not be)



Although is a conjunction meaning in spite of the fact that or even though. It can be used to make a contrast in the same way as but and however. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle of a sentence.

For example:

He travelled alone, although he knew it was dangerous. 

Although I've been there before, I can't remember how to get there.

It was rather cold, although the sun was shining brightly. 

Now it's your turn

Choose as though or although in the following sentences and post your answers in the comments below.

1. The battle was won, ________ there were many casualties. 
2. ________ they are expensive, they last a very long time. 
3. She danced _________ no one was watching.
4. I smiled and nodded ________ I understood him. 
5. I kept nodding _______ I didn't understand him.




Sources
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/as-though
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/although

IELTS Writing Task 1: How to Use the Passive Form to Describe Process Diagrams

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The passive form of present simple is often used to describe processes, where the person completing an action is either not important or unknown. You can often see the passive form of present simple used in formal texts that describe processes and in documentary programmes. 

The passive form of present simple is also used in part 1 of the academic IELTS writing test to describe process diagrams. 

The passive form of present simple is made with the present form of the verb to be. 

is / are + past participle (third form)

For example:

          Cars are made in the factory. 

          The cows are milked every morning

          The coffee beans are harvested in South America.

          The plastic is dyed one of three colours. 

          The pond is cleaned thoroughly, and weeds are removed every year. 

In these sentences the object receiving the action (verb) is most important and comes at the beginning and the person or subject completing the action is omitted. In some cases the subject may be added to the end of a sentence in the passive form using the preposition by.

Now try changing the active sentences in the following exercise into the passive form.

Exercise

1. The boss sends a weekly email to the employees. 

2. People destroy the rainforest.

3. The secretary deletes unnecessary files. 

4. Housekeepers clean the hotel rooms every day.  

5. Birds eat a variety of insects.

Post your answers in the comments below.

IELTS Grammar: 8 Collocations You Need to Know to Increase your Speaking Score

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In English some adjectives are followed by a particular preposition in sentences with the verb to be. Sometimes the preposition is different depending on whether you are referring to people or things. 

Unfortunately there aren't really any rules about using prepositions with adjectives (or any other type of words), you just have to learn them for your IELTS test. You can of course use an English dictionary to check the correct collocation, but today we will focus on some of the most common collocations, which are used to describe how we feel about something or someone. 

happy/sad/angry/annoyed/upset/passionate/mad about 

good/bad at

late/ready/famous for

different from 

interested in 

afraid/fond/frightened of

keen on

bored/capable of

As you will see, using adjective + preposition collocations can instantly make a very simple sentence into one that shows greater grammatical knowledge of the language, which will help increase your score in IELTS speaking and other exams, if they are used accurately. 

For example, the simple sentence I love dogs can be changed to I'm absolutely mad about dogs. Using an adverb is a good way to emphasise your opinion when you are speaking about your hobbies or interests. 

The following adjective + preposition collocations are most useful in part 1 of the IELTS speaking test, where the examiner will ask you to talk about yourself.

Activity 

Rewrite these sentences using the verb to be and the adjective in brackets with an appropriate preposition. 

1. I love swimming (mad)

2. I hate going to the gym (keen) 

3. I can write well in English (capable) 

4. I enjoy watching films and going to the cinema (fond) 

5. I love learning English (passionate)

6. I love football (fanatical) 

7. I don't mind cooking but I certainly like eating! (indifferent) 

8. I can't stand waiting in long queues at theme parks (bored)

9. I can't wait to move to England for my internship (ready)

10. I hate spiders! (afraid)

Write your answers in the comments!