The “be indicative of + noun” structure is a sophisticated grammatical pattern that often appears in IELTS exams, particularly in the Reading and Writing sections. Mastering this structure can significantly enhance your language proficiency and help you achieve a higher band score. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this construction and explore how to use it effectively in your IELTS preparation and exam.
Understanding the “Be Indicative of + Noun” Structure
The phrase “be indicative of” means to be a sign or indication of something. When followed by a noun, it creates a powerful structure that expresses how one thing suggests or points to another. This construction is particularly useful in academic and formal writing, making it highly relevant for IELTS candidates aiming for band 7 and above.
Formula and Grammatical Analysis
The basic formula for this structure is:
[Subject] + [form of “to be”] + indicative of + [noun]
Let’s break down this structure with some examples:
“The rising sea levels are indicative of global warming.”
- Subject: The rising sea levels
- Verb: are (form of “to be”)
- Indicative of: fixed phrase
- Noun: global warming
“Her frequent absences were indicative of a deeper problem.”
- Subject: Her frequent absences
- Verb: were (past tense of “to be”)
- Indicative of: fixed phrase
- Noun: a deeper problem
“The company’s increased profits are indicative of economic recovery.”
- Subject: The company’s increased profits
- Verb: are (form of “to be”)
- Indicative of: fixed phrase
- Noun: economic recovery
IELTS Grammar Structure
Applying “Be Indicative of + Noun” in IELTS Writing
In the IELTS Writing task, using this structure can demonstrate your command of complex grammar patterns. Here’s how you can incorporate it into your essays:
Task 2 Essay Example
Consider this Task 2 question: “Some people believe that the increasing use of technology in our daily lives is having a negative impact on social interactions. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
You could use the structure in your introduction or body paragraphs:
“The proliferation of smartphones and social media platforms is indicative of a shift in how we communicate. While this technological advancement has brought unprecedented connectivity, it is also indicative of a decline in face-to-face interactions, which may be indicative of broader social issues.”
Task 1 Report Writing
For Task 1, particularly when describing trends in graphs or charts, this structure can be very effective:
“The sharp increase in online shopping figures between 2010 and 2020 is indicative of changing consumer behaviors. Moreover, the corresponding decline in high street sales is indicative of a shift towards digital marketplaces.”
Enhancing Your IELTS Reading Skills
In the IELTS Reading section, recognizing this structure can help you quickly identify key information and relationships between concepts. Let’s look at an example passage:
“The unusual migration patterns observed in certain bird species are indicative of climate change impacts. These shifts in behavior are indicative of the birds’ adaptation to changing environmental conditions, which in turn is indicative of the far-reaching consequences of global warming.”
Understanding this structure allows you to grasp that:
- Unusual migration patterns suggest climate change impacts.
- Behavior shifts indicate adaptation.
- These adaptations point to the extensive effects of global warming.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When using “be indicative of + noun,” IELTS candidates often make the following mistakes:
Incorrect verb form:
- Incorrect: “The data is indicative of a trend.”
- Correct: “The data are indicative of a trend.” (Remember, “data” is plural)
Using an adjective instead of a noun:
- Incorrect: “This is indicative of problematic.”
- Correct: “This is indicative of a problem.”
Overuse: While it’s a sophisticated structure, overusing it can make your writing seem repetitive. Aim to use it 1-2 times in an essay, not in every paragraph.
Confusion with similar phrases: Don’t confuse “indicative of” with “indicated by.”
- “The results are indicative of success.” (Correct)
- “Success is indicated by the results.” (Different structure, also correct)
Forgetting the “of”:
- Incorrect: “This is indicative the problem.”
- Correct: “This is indicative of the problem.”
Alternative Expressions for Variety
To avoid overuse of “be indicative of,” consider these alternatives:
- Suggests
- Points to
- Is a sign of
- Demonstrates
- Reflects
For example: “The rising unemployment rate reflects economic instability.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “be indicative of + noun” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in Writing and Reading sections. By understanding its usage, avoiding common pitfalls, and practicing its application in various contexts, you can demonstrate a sophisticated command of English grammar. Remember to use this structure judiciously, alongside a variety of other complex grammatical patterns, to achieve a high band score in your IELTS exam.
As you prepare, practice incorporating this structure into your writing on various IELTS topics such as environmental monitoring or stress management. This will help you become more comfortable with its use in different contexts, further improving your chances of success in the IELTS exam.