In IELTS exams, expressing feelings and reactions is crucial for achieving high scores. One powerful structure to convey disappointment or demotivation is “Be Discouraged By + Noun”. This phrase frequently appears in both Writing and Speaking sections, allowing candidates to articulate complex emotions and situations. Let’s explore how to master this structure and use it effectively in your IELTS responses.
Understanding the Structure and Its Significance in IELTS
The phrase “be discouraged by + noun” is a passive construction used to express feelings of discouragement or demotivation caused by a specific factor. In IELTS, this structure can help you articulate challenges, obstacles, or negative influences in various contexts.
Examples:
- Many young entrepreneurs are discouraged by the high failure rates in startups.
- Students often are discouraged by the complexity of academic writing.
- Job seekers can be discouraged by repeated rejections from potential employers.
IELTS Discouraged
Grammar and Usage: Mastering “Be Discouraged by + Noun”
Formula and Variations
The basic formula is:
[Subject] + [be verb] + discouraged by + [noun/noun phrase]
Variations include:
- Using different tenses: was/were discouraged by, will be discouraged by
- Adding modifiers: greatly discouraged by, easily discouraged by
- Negative form: not be discouraged by
Application in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing Task 2, this structure can be used to discuss societal issues, personal experiences, or hypothetical situations. Here’s an example paragraph:
Many young people are discouraged by the current job market conditions. They are often discouraged by the high competition for entry-level positions and can be discouraged by the requirement for extensive experience even in junior roles. This discouragement is further exacerbated by the rising cost of living in major cities, which makes it challenging for newcomers to sustain themselves while job hunting.
Analysis:
- The structure is used three times to emphasize different aspects of the problem.
- It helps to create a cohesive paragraph by maintaining a consistent theme.
- The variation in sentence structure (passive voice, different tenses) demonstrates language proficiency.
Enhancing IELTS Speaking Responses
In Speaking Part 3, you might be asked about challenges in various fields. Using “be discouraged by” can help you articulate complex ideas:
Question: What factors might discourage people from pursuing higher education?
Sample answer: “There are several factors that can discourage people from pursuing higher education. Firstly, many are discouraged by the high costs associated with university tuition and living expenses. Additionally, some individuals might be discouraged by the time commitment required, especially if they have family responsibilities or are already in the workforce. Lastly, the uncertainty of job prospects after graduation can be discouraging for those considering investing in further education.”
Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores (7+), consider these advanced applications:
-
Combine with other structures:
“Despite being discouraged by initial setbacks, successful entrepreneurs often persist in their efforts.” -
Use in complex sentences:
“The tendency to be discouraged by minor obstacles is a trait that successful individuals must overcome to achieve their goals.” -
Incorporate idiomatic expressions:
“Many aspiring artists are discouraged by the ‘starving artist’ stereotype, which can be a self-fulfilling prophecy if not challenged.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Incorrect preposition: “discouraged from” instead of “discouraged by”
Incorrect: “She was discouraged from the high costs.”
Correct: “She was discouraged by the high costs.” -
Using the active form incorrectly:
Incorrect: “The high costs discouraged her.”
Correct: “She was discouraged by the high costs.” (when using this specific structure) -
Forgetting to change the verb form in different tenses:
Incorrect: “They will discouraged by the news.”
Correct: “They will be discouraged by the news.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “be discouraged by + noun” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to express complex ideas about challenges and demotivation in both Writing and Speaking tasks. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts and tenses to internalize its usage. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider how you can incorporate this phrase into discussions about personal experiences, societal issues, or hypothetical scenarios to demonstrate your language proficiency and analytical skills.
For further practice, try using this structure in essays about environmental challenges, technological advancements, or educational reforms. These topics often involve discussing obstacles and discouragements, providing ample opportunities to showcase your mastery of this useful grammatical construction.
