The phrase “is known to” is a powerful tool in any English speaker’s arsenal, particularly for those aiming to achieve a band 7 or higher in the IELTS exam. This seemingly simple structure can elevate your language, demonstrating a strong command of grammatical structures and vocabulary that examiners look for.

Let’s illustrate its use in different sections of the IELTS:

Speaking (Part 2): Describe a famous landmark in your country.

“The Taj Mahal, known for its breathtaking beauty and intricate marble work, is said to be a testament to eternal love. It is visited by millions of tourists annually.”

Writing (Task 2): Some people believe that the government should invest more in public transportation. Others think that it is better to invest in roads. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

“While improving road infrastructure is crucial, it is widely acknowledged that investing in public transportation yields significant environmental benefits. For instance, efficient subway systems are known to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions.”

Listening: (A lecture discussing the properties of a specific element)

“This element, known for its high conductivity, is commonly used in the manufacturing of electronics.”

As you can see, “is known to” and its variations are versatile and frequently employed in various contexts. Mastering this structure will undoubtedly strengthen your IELTS performance.

Decoding “Is Known To”: Meaning and Significance in IELTS

“Is known to” is a passive voice construction used to state a fact that is widely recognized or accepted. It implies common knowledge and adds a sense of formality and objectivity to your writing and speaking. Using this structure demonstrates your ability to:

• Present information credibly and convincingly.
• Utilize a wider range of grammatical structures, showcasing your language proficiency.
• Avoid repetitive language, making your communication more sophisticated.

Mastering the Formula: Grammar and Application

Formula:

Subject + Passive Verb (is/are known to) + Verb (infinitive/ perfect infinitive) / Noun Phrase

Breaking it down:

• Subject: The person or thing that is known.
• Passive Verb: “Is known to” (singular subject) or “are known to” (plural subject).
• Verb (infinitive/ perfect infinitive): Describes the action that the subject is known for.
  • Infinitive: Used to describe a general fact. (e.g., Coffee is known to improve alertness.)
  • Perfect Infinitive: Used to describe an action completed in the past. (e.g., The ancient city is known to have been a center of trade.)
• Noun Phrase: A group of words that function as a noun, providing further information about the subject. (e.g., He is known to be a talented musician.)

Application in IELTS:

This construction proves valuable across all sections of the IELTS exam:

• Writing (Task 1): Describe trends or present factual information. (e.g., The graph shows that social media usage is known to have increased dramatically over the past decade.)
• Writing (Task 2): Present supporting arguments and commonly accepted knowledge. (e.g., Studies have shown that regular exercise is known to reduce the risk of heart disease.)
• Speaking (Part 1, Part 3): Respond to questions that require you to discuss general knowledge or widely held beliefs. (e.g., “What are the benefits of learning a new language?” – “Well, bilingualism is known to enhance cognitive abilities and improve memory.” )

Crafting Success: Example Applications in IELTS

Writing Task 2:

Prompt: Some people believe that the best way to improve public health is through education. Others believe that there are other more effective methods. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Response: “Advocates for health education argue that by informing individuals about healthy habits, they are empowered to make better choices. Indeed, it is widely known that smoking is linked to lung cancer and heart disease, yet many continue to smoke despite this knowledge.”

Analysis: Here, “is widely known that” effectively introduces a well-established fact, supporting the argument about the role of education in public health.

Speaking Part 3:

Examiner: What are some of the challenges of living in a big city?

Candidate: “Well, one of the main issues is known to be the high cost of living. Rent in major cities around the world is known to be significantly higher compared to smaller towns.”

Analysis: The candidate utilizes “is known to be” to discuss a common challenge (high cost of living) associated with big cities, demonstrating good vocabulary and grammatical range.

IELTS Exam Preparation

Elevating Your Language: Advanced Usage and Alternatives

To achieve higher band scores, consider these strategies:

• Formal Verbs: Utilize verbs like “acknowledged,” “recognized,” “considered” as alternatives to “known.” (e.g., The company is recognized as a leader in technological innovation.)
• Formal Phrases: Incorporate phrases like “It is generally accepted that” or “It is a well-established fact that.” (e.g., It is generally accepted that climate change poses a significant threat to the planet.)
• Modal Verbs: Employ modal verbs like “may,” “can,” “could” to express possibility or probability. (e.g., Social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness about important issues.)

Remember, effective language use in the IELTS is not just about using complex structures, but also about using them appropriately and naturally. If you’d like to explore other grammatical structures, consider reading about the use of conditional clauses without ‘if’ or the use of conditional perfect to enhance your understanding further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Incorrect Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure the verb form agrees with the subject. (e.g., Incorrect: The use of renewable energy are known to be beneficial. Correct: The use of renewable energy is known to be beneficial.)
• Overuse: While useful, avoid overusing “is known to.” Employ synonyms and vary your sentence structure.
• Informal Context: This structure is generally more formal. Be mindful of the context and register of your language.

Conclusion:

Mastering the use of “is known to” and its variations is a significant step towards achieving your desired IELTS band score. Remember to practice implementing this structure in various contexts, focusing on accuracy and natural usage. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!