Are you looking to elevate your IELTS score by mastering advanced grammatical structures? The “be eager to + infinitive” construction is a powerful tool that can help you express enthusiasm and eagerness in your writing and speaking tasks. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the intricacies of this structure, its significance in the IELTS exam, and how to use it effectively to boost your performance.
Understanding the “Be Eager to + Infinitive” Structure
The “be eager to + infinitive” structure is used to express a strong desire or willingness to do something. It’s a more formal and emphatic way of expressing enthusiasm compared to simpler phrases like “want to” or “would like to.”
Grammar Breakdown:
Subject + be (conjugated) + eager + to + base form of verb
Examples:
- I am eager to start my new job.
- She is eager to learn more about environmental science.
- They were eager to explore the ancient ruins.
- We are eager to contribute to the project’s success.
- The students are eager to receive their exam results.
In each of these examples, the subject is followed by a conjugated form of “be,” then “eager,” and finally the infinitive form of the main verb. This structure emphasizes the subject’s enthusiasm and readiness to engage in the action.
Eager to learn concept
Significance in IELTS and Frequency of Appearance
The “be eager to + infinitive” structure is particularly valuable in IELTS for several reasons:
Vocabulary Range: It demonstrates a more sophisticated vocabulary choice, which can contribute to a higher band score in both writing and speaking tasks.
Grammar Accuracy: Correct use of this structure showcases your ability to handle complex grammatical constructions.
Task Achievement: In writing tasks, especially essays, this structure can help you express your opinions and intentions more effectively.
Coherence and Cohesion: It can be used as a linking device to show enthusiasm for future actions or consequences.
While not extremely common, this structure does appear in IELTS exams, particularly in reading passages about personal ambitions, career goals, or scientific endeavors. Being familiar with it can give you an edge in comprehension and in producing more sophisticated responses.
Formula and Grammatical Points
Formula: Subject + be (conjugated) + eager + to + base form of verb
Key grammatical points to remember:
- The verb “be” must agree with the subject in number and tense.
- “Eager” is an adjective and remains unchanged.
- The main verb always appears in its base form after “to.”
- This structure can be used in various tenses by changing the form of “be.”
Examples in different tenses:
- Present: I am eager to improve my English skills.
- Past: They were eager to participate in the study.
- Present Perfect: She has been eager to start her own business for years.
- Future: We will be eager to hear about your travel experiences.
Applying the Structure in IELTS Tasks
Writing Task 2
In essays, the “be eager to + infinitive” structure can be particularly effective in introductions and conclusions to express your enthusiasm for addressing the essay topic.
Example:
“As a society, we should be eager to embrace sustainable practices that can mitigate climate change. This essay will explore several key strategies that individuals and communities can adopt to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Speaking Part 2
When giving a long turn about a topic, you can use this structure to express your enthusiasm about future plans or past experiences.
Example:
“I was eager to visit Japan last summer because I had always been fascinated by its unique blend of traditional culture and cutting-edge technology. During my trip, I was particularly eager to explore the ancient temples in Kyoto.”
Speaking Part 3
In discussions about broader topics, this structure can help you express opinions about societal trends or personal aspirations.
Example:
“I believe young people today are eager to make a positive impact on the world. Many of my peers are eager to start businesses that address social or environmental issues.”
Strategies for Achieving Higher Band Scores
To maximize your IELTS score, consider these strategies when using the “be eager to + infinitive” structure:
Combine with other advanced structures: “Despite the challenges, I remain eager to pursue a career in international diplomacy.”
Use it to introduce complex ideas: “Scientists are eager to harness the potential of artificial intelligence to solve global issues.”
Employ it in conditional sentences: “If given the opportunity, I would be eager to contribute my skills to your organization.”
Pair it with adverbs for emphasis: “We are incredibly eager to implement these innovative solutions.”
Use it to express contrasts: “While some may be hesitant about change, I am eager to embrace new technologies that can improve our daily lives.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect verb form after “to”:
- Incorrect: She is eager to learning new skills.
- Correct: She is eager to learn new skills.
Misusing the adjective form:
- Incorrect: They are eagerly to start the project.
- Correct: They are eager to start the project.
Wrong tense agreement:
- Incorrect: He were eager to meet his new colleagues.
- Correct: He was eager to meet his new colleagues.
Overuse in a single response:
- Poor: “I am eager to travel, eager to learn languages, and eager to make new friends.”
- Better: “I am eager to travel, keen on learning languages, and looking forward to making new friends.”
Confusing with similar structures:
- Incorrect: I am eager for improving my skills.
- Correct: I am eager to improve my skills. (Or: I am keen on improving my skills.)
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can demonstrate a nuanced understanding of English grammar, which is crucial for achieving higher band scores in IELTS.
Conclusion
Mastering the “be eager to + infinitive” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance by adding sophistication to your language use. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts and tenses to become comfortable with it. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, be eager to incorporate this and other advanced grammatical structures into your writing and speaking. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the band score you desire.
For further practice, try using this structure in responses to sample IELTS questions about future plans, career aspirations, or societal changes. The more you integrate it into your language repertoire, the more natural and impressive your English will become.