The "there be" construction is a fundamental yet powerful grammatical structure in English that can significantly enhance the clarity and sophistication of your IELTS writing. When used effectively, it helps present information objectively while demonstrating your command of English syntax. This article explores how to leverage "there be" sentences strategically in IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic and General) and Task 2, supported by current data and authoritative examples.
Understanding "There Be" in Academic Contexts
The structure follows the pattern: There + be + noun phrase (+ optional complement). It exists to indicate the existence or occurrence of something without assigning direct agency. In IELTS Writing:
- Task 1 (Graphs/Charts): Ideal for describing quantities, trends, or distributions ("There was a sharp increase in renewable energy consumption").
- Task 2 (Essays): Useful for presenting arguments or evidence ("There are compelling reasons to support universal healthcare").
A 2023 analysis by Cambridge Assessment English of high-scoring (Band 7+) IELTS essays revealed that candidates who employed "there be" structures accurately scored 12% higher in Grammatical Range and Accuracy than those who avoided it.
Current Data Applications with "There Be"
To demonstrate its relevance, let’s examine real-world data from 2024:
Global Education Trends (Task 1 Example)
The table below, sourced from UNESCO’s 2024 Global Education Monitoring Report, illustrates how "there be" can concisely present data:
| Region | % of GDP Spent on Education (2024) | Change Since 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-Saharan Africa | 1% | +0.4% |
| Europe & N. America | 9% | -0.2% |
| South Asia | 8% | +0.6% |
Sample sentences:
- There was a notable rise of 0.6% in education investment across South Asia since 2020.
- There remains a significant gap between Europe’s expenditure (4.9%) and Sub-Saharan Africa’s (3.1%).
Climate Change (Task 2 Example)
Drawing from the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (2023):
- There has been a 1.1°C global temperature increase since pre-industrial levels, intensifying extreme weather events.
- There are only seven years remaining to halve emissions and limit warming to 1.5°C.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
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Redundancy:
- Weak: There are many students who prefer online learning.
- Stronger: Many students prefer online learning.
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Overuse: IELTS examiners penalize repetitive structures. Balance "there be" with active voice and participle clauses.
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Agreement Errors:
- Incorrect: There is several factors...
- Correct: There are several factors...
Advanced Variations for Higher Bands
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Modal Verbs:
- There could be unintended consequences to this policy.
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Perfect Tenses:
- There have been numerous attempts to solve this issue.
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Passive Voice Combinations:
- There is expected to be a surge in demand.
Authentic Examples from Recent IELTS Topics
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Technology (2024 Trend):
There has been a 27% increase in AI-related patents filed globally (WIPO, 2024), suggesting rapid technological advancement. -
Urbanization:
By 2050, there will be an estimated 6.7 billion people living in cities (UN-Habitat, 2024).
Final Thoughts
The "there be" structure, when paired with precise data and varied syntax, can elevate your IELTS writing from competent to exceptional. Prioritize accuracy over frequency, and always contextualize statistics with authoritative sources. For further validation, refer to official IELTS materials like Cambridge IELTS 18 (2023) or the British Council’s 2024 Write Right guide, which emphasize this construction’s role in achieving coherence and task achievement.
Remember: Examiners assess not just what you write, but how you grammatically frame your ideas. Mastering "there be" is a subtle yet impactful step toward Band 7+.
