Developing your letter-writing skills plays a crucial role in your OET exam preparation. Aside from enrolling in an OET review center and utilizing a note-taking technique, it is also beneficial to re-learn the basic rules of grammar. For instance, check out these OET letter-writing tips on how to use subordinating conjunctions.
What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?
A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause and an independent clause to establish a relationship between them. It can be placed at the beginning (with a comma) or in the middle of a sentence. If you’re a student enrolled in a review center for OET Manila, it is practical to know the intricacies of using subordinating conjunctions, which includes these two functions of the subordinating conjunction:
1. A subordinating conjunction provides an essential transition between ideas and arguments in a sentence. It also indicates a time and place or a cause and effect relationship. Here are some examples:
I won’t be back in Manila until next month. (time and place)
I will not release his papers unless he completes his work. (cause and effect)
2. A subordinating conjunction also reduces the importance of one clause to help readers understand which of the two clauses is more important in the sentence. Keep in mind that the subordinating clause introduces the less important main clause in the sentence. Read this example:
Amy ran to her mother as soon as she saw her.
The main clause “Amy ran to her mother” holds more weight than the other clause “she saw her” in the sentence. Therefore, the subordinating conjunction “as soon as” is placed after the main clause.
Five Commonly Used Subordinating Conjunctions
To boost your OET Manila review preparation even more, below are the five subordinating conjunctions that you can utilize in the OET Writing Sub-test:
1. As introduces a statement that tells that something is being mentioned or expected.
Acupuncture has been used as a medical procedure in China.
2. Because indicates a reason or explanation.
The doctor forbids him to smoke because of his medical condition.
3. If presents a conditional clause.
If the patient is poorly nourished, give these medicines to make him feel well.
4. Unless announces the case in which a statement being made is not true.
A consent is not valid unless the patient has enough information to make a decision.
5. While expresses a period of time.
Bryan leaned forward while the nurse plumped up his pillows.
One final reminder: During your OET Manila review classes, utilize these subordinating conjunctions when answering OET writing practice tests.
Thirsty for more writing tips? Visit the nearest OET review center and check out our blog today!
REFERENCES:
“Subordinating Conjunctions Examples, List, Definition, Videos.” Toppr. November 01, 2018. Accessed May 09, 2019. https://www.toppr.com/guides/english/conjunction/subordinating-conjunctions/.
“Subordinating Conjunctions––Examples & Exercises.” Ginger Pages. Accessed May 09, 2019. https://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions/.
“Subordinating Conjunctions.” YourDictionary. August 11, 2018. Accessed May 09, 2019. https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/conjunctions/subordinating-conjunctions.html.
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