IELTS & PTE lesson · Grammar

IELTS & PTE Complex Sentences Grammar notesA whole idea doing a noun's job

The right opener, order and subject. This IELTS & PTE lesson is a deck of 9 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 9 cards
  • Free to read online
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  • Updated 30 September 2026

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Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.

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  1. IELTS · PTEGrammar · Complex sentences

    One text, three slips

    the clause is a noun, so keep it whole

    A noun clause is a whole idea doing a noun's job. It keeps its own subject and verb, and needs the right opener.

    We asked why did people leavestatement order. Managers argue what'that', not 'what' pay is low. Staff say that the hours they aresubject twice long.

    Fixed: order · that · one subject

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 9
  2. IELTS · PTEGrammar · Complex sentences

    Where a noun clause sits

    one clause, four jobs

    JobThe clause at work
    SubjectWhat we need is time.
    ObjectExperts say that prices will fall.
    ComplementThe problem is that fares are high.
    After 'it is'It is clear that fares are high.

    Each clause has its own subject and verb.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 9
  3. IELTS · PTEGrammar · Complex sentences

    Which opener?

    ask what the clause has to say

    1. 1Is the clause a full statement, like 'fares rose'?
      • yes: say, showthat + clause
      ↓ no: it asks or points
    2. 2What does the clause leave open?
      • the thingwhat + clause
      • the reasonwhy + clause
      • yes or nowhether + clause

    Statement order: 'why fares rose'.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material3 / 9
  4. Card 4 of 9 onwards

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9 cards

Contents

  1. 1One text, three slipsthe clause is a noun, so keep it wholeIn the preview
  2. 2Where a noun clause sitsone clause, four jobsIn the preview
  3. 3Which opener?ask what the clause has to sayIn the preview
  4. 4In a Task 2 paragraphfour clauses, four jobsFree account
  5. 5In a PTE gap-fillafter a verb of saying, a full statementFree account
  6. 6Fix the clauseone rule behind each fixFree account
  7. 7Where it is noticedthe wording behind the marksFree account
  8. 8Your turnopener, order, one subjectFree account
  9. 9Save thisthe noun-clause checklistFree account

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