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Utilizing Pronouns in the IELTS Exam: A Guide to Effective Usage

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Sep 01,2023 11:21 AM IST

A pronoun is a word used instead of a noun-equivalent. Applicants must understand the significance of pronouns and how to utilize appropriate pronouns to ace their writing and speaking skills, enabling the student to achieve higher scores in the test. Read the blog to improve language accuracy and boost the chances of success in the IELTS examination.

To study abroad, candidates must demonstrate their English proficiency by taking the IELTS test. They must have a strong command of the language in all four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Applicants must understand the importance of grammar and the role of pronouns in IELTS.

Pronouns are words that take the place of a noun. These are used to avoid repetitive words in a sentence/paragraph. Pronouns are a vital part of grammar as they make IELTS writing more effective and concise.

Different Types of Pronouns

Personal Pronouns

Personal pronouns are pronouns that refer to people or things. These pronouns may be used as-

Subject pronoun

Subject pronouns are ones used as the subject of a sentence. These pronouns indicate who or what is doing the action of the verb. The subject pronouns are I, you, he, she, it, we and they.

Some examples of how subject pronouns are used in sentences:

• I went to the store.

• You should eat your vegetables.

• He is my best friend.

• She is beautiful.

• It is a dog.

• We are going to the park.

• They are playing basketball.

Object pronoun

Object pronouns are used as the object of a verb or preposition in a sentence. It is essential to understand the use of preposition and verb in IELTS. The pronouns are me (singular, first person), you (singular or plural, second person), him (singular, third person, masculine), her (singular, third person, feminine), it (singular, third person, neuter), us (plural, first person), them (plural, third person).

Some examples of how object pronouns are used in sentences:

• Give me the book. (The object of the verb "give" is "me.")

• I saw him at the store. (The object of the preposition "at" is "him.")

• The dog wagged its tail. (The object of the verb "wagged" is "its.")

Reflexive Pronouns

These pronouns refer back to the subject of the sentence. They are used to emphasize the subject or to show that the subject is doing something to itself. The reflexive pronouns are myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves. Here are some examples of how reflexive pronouns can be used in sentences during IELTS speaking or writing.

Here are some examples of how reflexive pronouns can be used in sentences:

• I washed myself. (The reflexive pronoun "myself" refers back to the subject "I.")

• She dressed herself. (The reflexive pronoun "herself" refers back to the subject "she.")

• We hurt ourselves. (The reflexive pronoun "ourselves" refers back to the subject "we.")

• They enjoyed themselves. (The reflexive pronoun "themselves" refers back to the subject "they.")

Possessive Pronouns

These pronouns show ownership in a sentence. The words mine, yours, his, hers, ours and theirs are possessive pronouns.

Examples of how possessive pronouns can be used in sentences:

• This book is mine.

• Those shoes are yours.

• His car is red.

• Her house is big.

• Its tail is wagging.

• Our dog is friendly.

• Their toys are scattered all over the floor.

Demonstrative Pronouns

Demonstrative pronouns are used for pointing out things. The words this, that, these and those are demonstrative pronouns.

Examples of demonstrative pronouns are:

• This is my book.

• That is your car.

• These are my friends.

• Those are your parents.

Interrogative pronouns

The pronouns are used to ask questions. The words who, whose, what, which and whom are interrogative pronouns.

Some examples are:

• When did you arrive?

• Where are you going?

• Why did you do that?

• How did you get here?

Indefinite Pronouns

An indefinite pronoun does not refer directly to any other word. Most indefinite pronouns express the idea of quantity.

For example:

• Nothing is impossible.

• One day, I will be rich.

• Somebody left their umbrella here.

• Someone stole my bike.

• Something is wrong.

Incorporating Personal Pronouns in IELTS Essays: Is It Acceptable?

The use of personal pronouns in different types of IELTS essay is a common question among candidates. In IELTS essays, applicants are expected to use their experience and knowledge to support their arguments, meaning that it is sometimes necessary to use personal pronouns to refer to oneself, one's country, or one's own personal experiences.

For example, if an IELTS essay asks students to discuss the importance of education, a student might write, about their own experience of attending school in a developing country. In this case, it would be appropriate to use the personal pronoun "I" to refer to oneself.

Similarly, if an IELTS essay asks students to agree or disagree with a statement, it is sometimes necessary to use personal pronouns to express one's opinion. For example, a student might write "I believe that education is the key to a better future." In this case, the personal pronoun "I" is used to express the student's personal opinion.

Of course, it is important to use personal pronouns sparingly in IELTS essays. If personal pronouns are overused, it can make the essay sound informal and unprofessional. However, when used correctly, personal pronouns in the IELTS exam can help the candidates to express their ideas more clearly and concisely.

Conclusion

Understanding the role and proper use of pronouns in the IELTS exam is crucial for achieving success in all four language skills. Personal pronouns can add depth and authenticity to the essays, allowing them to draw upon personal experiences and opinions to support arguments effectively. While incorporating personal pronouns, candidates must maintain a balance to preserve the formality and professionalism of their writing. By mastering the art of pronoun usage, applicants can confidently enhance their language accuracy and boost their chances of excelling in the IELTS examination.

At Canamprep, you will be given thorough guidance on grammar for IELTS with tips and tricks.

Also read: Advanced grammar for IELTS : A guide to noun and noun phrases

FAQ

Can we use personal pronouns in IELTS?

It is ok to use personal pronouns in essays for IELTS, but don't overuse them as the essay may start sounding too informal.

Which pronoun expresses the idea of quantity?

An indefinite pronoun does not refer directly to any other word. Most indefinite pronouns express the idea of quantity.

Why are pronouns used?

Pronouns are used to avoid repetitive words in a sentence or a paragraph.

Why are personal pronouns important?

Personal pronouns can add depth and authenticity to essays, allowing them to draw upon personal experiences and opinions to support arguments effectively.

What are demonstrative pronouns?

Demonstrative pronouns are used for pointing out things. For example, the words this, that, these and those are demonstrative pronouns

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Utilizing Pronouns in the IELTS Exam: A Guide to Effective Usage

Table of Contents

Different Types of Pronouns

Personal Pronouns

Subject pronoun

Object pronoun

Reflexive Pronouns

Possessive Pronouns

Demonstrative Pronouns

Interrogative pronouns

Indefinite Pronouns

Incorporating Personal Pronouns in IELTS Essays: Is It Acceptable?

Conclusion

FAQ

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