Advanced IELTS Writing techniques: Colons, Semi-colons, and Parentheses

Teacher - Mr. Richard Forrest

The ability to use punctuation in your writing enables the reader to more clearly understand what you are trying to communicate. Incorrect or missing punctuation can leave an entire sentence unclear or confusing. The main purpose of punctuation is to highlight the emphasis on particular ideas or thoughts that are discussed in your writing.

In this blog, I will cover some advanced tools of punctuation: Colons, Semi-colons, and Parentheses. If used correctly they can boost your IELTS writing score and allow you to express yourself in new ways.

The Colon :

A) Using a colon to introduce a list or series.

The first useful way you can use a colon in IELTS writing is to use it to introduce a list or series. Please note, what comes after a colon is normally a word or phrase, as such, capital letters are not required unless for a proper noun or acronym.

Example -

1. Many factors have combined to produce the deadly climate crisis: agricultural gasses, fossil fuel emissions, and, to a lesser extent, deforestation.

2. There are three types of rocks: Igneous rocks, Sedimentary rocks, and Metamorphic rocks.

B) Using a colon to provide emphasis.

Another way they can be used is to create an emphasis on the information that comes after it. In order to successfully do this, you will need to carefully build your sentence so that it sets the stage, or prepares the reader, for the punchline (Like in a joke).

Example -

1. There is one skill above all others that you need to pass IELTS: the ability to work hard.

2. Humanity faces its greatest challenge yet: climate change.

C) Using a colon to separate two independent clauses.

It is possible to use a colon in order to separate two independent clauses in the event that the second clause directly relates to the first clauses (must be directly related), and when the second clause is emphasized. Although it is possible to use a semicolon or full stop (period) between two independent related clauses, the colon is a little bit softer than the full stop, and a little harder than the semicolon.

In other words, it is somewhere in between a hard full stop, and a slightly softer semicolon.

Example -

1. A tomato is not a vegetable: it is a fruit.

2. The science was conclusive: smoking really does damage your health.

NOTE - In British English, the word that comes after a colon is capitalized except in the case that it is a proper noun or acronym. In American English, writing styles do not have a standardized approach, but if you are unsure, capitalize the first word after a colon if what follows makes two or more complete sentences.

Example -

1. I am writing this letter to complain about my stay last week at your hotel: First, the shower was faulty. Second, there were no batteries in the TV remote. Finally, the fan was noisy all night.

The semicolon ;

A) Using semicolons to replace conjunctions.

Semicolons are used primarily to join independent clauses without the use of conjunctions like and, but, or etc.

They are not typically followed by a capital letter except if followed by a proper noun or an acronym.

While colons (covered earlier in the blog) are typically followed by explanations or reasons, the semicolon is used simply to replace conjunctions. They link two independent clauses.

Example -

1. I would love to see a new cinema in my area; the current cinema is rubbish.

2. I was planning to go to the club tonight; I cannot go because I feel sick.

B) Using semicolons with long lists that have lots of internal punctuation.

Semicolons are also great with long lists, especially if they contain lots of internal punctuation. It will help or aid your reader to follow the divisions that exist between the items.

Example -

1. The chart below depicts the train times for the following cities: Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cardiff, Wales; London, England.

C) Using semicolons with conjunctive adverbs.

If you have a conjunctive adverb that joins two independent clauses, you should use a semicolon. This rule applies for conjunctive adverbs like, however, nevertheless, therefore, finally, lastly, accordingly, otherwise, similarly, and moreover.

Example —

1. I went outside to stretch my legs; otherwise, my legs would be very sore.

2. Coronavirus posed a serious threat to the elderly; therefore, they were advised to isolate themselves.

NOTE - Conjunctive adverbs can be used in other parts of a sentence; thus, you should only use a semicolon if it makes it easier for the conjunctive verb to connect the two independent clauses.

Parentheses ( )

Using round brackets

A parenthesis is when a single word, phrase, or clause is put into a sentence to provide greater detail or as an afterthought. If you were to delete the parentheses, the surrounding sentence would still make sense grammatically. You can also use dashes and commas for parenthesis but in this blog, I will focus on the use of round brackets.

Some people refer to parentheses as “interrupters” as they interrupt the flow of the writing in order to insert non-essential, but interesting information.

Example -

1. Joe Biden (The president of the USA) has announced today that all shops and restaurants will close.

2. While the majority of people voted for a new cinema (67%), a small minority (15%) voted to block the decision.

3. The purpose of meditation is to train the mind to focus (through a process of constant refocusing) and to improve our ability to control our emotional responses.

NEXT STEPS?

I hope that you have enjoyed reading this blog.  If you have any questions regarding the test or would like to inquire about my writing correction services or IELTS online classes please email me at info@lovetolearnenglish.com.