Mastering ‘Make out’ for IELTS Success: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding ‘Make out’: Definition and Usage

The phrasal verb ‘make out’ is a versatile expression with multiple meanings, making it a valuable addition to your IELTS vocabulary. Let’s explore its various definitions and applications:

1. To perceive or understand something with difficulty:
   “I could barely make out the words on the faded sign.”

2. To discern or identify:
   “Can you make out the shape of that building in the distance?”

3. To write or complete (a document):
   “I need to make out a check for my rent payment.”

4. To succeed or manage:
   “How are you making out with your IELTS preparation?”

5. (Informal) To engage in romantic physical activity:
   “The couple was making out in the park.”

Understanding these different contexts is crucial for using ‘make out’ effectively in your IELTS exam.

Multiple meanings of the phrasal verb 'make out'

Grammar and Usage Tips

‘Make out’ is a separable phrasal verb, meaning you can place the object between ‘make’ and ‘out’ or after ‘out’. For example:

• “I could make out the words.” (Object after the phrasal verb)
• “I could make the words out.” (Object between the verb and particle)

When using pronouns, they must come between ‘make’ and ‘out’:

• “I could make it out.” (Correct)
• “I could make out it.” (Incorrect)

Applying ‘Make out’ in IELTS Speaking

Incorporating ‘make out’ in your IELTS Speaking responses can demonstrate your vocabulary range. Here are some example answers:

Question: “Describe a time when you had difficulty understanding something.”

Answer: “I remember visiting a historical site where the inscriptions were quite worn. I had to squint and really concentrate to make out the ancient text. It was challenging, but also exciting, like solving a puzzle from the past.”

Question: “How do you deal with unclear instructions?”

Answer: “When faced with unclear instructions, I always try to make out the main points first. If I’m still struggling, I don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. It’s better to seek help than to make out the wrong meaning and proceed incorrectly.”

Using ‘Make out’ in IELTS Writing

While ‘make out’ can be used in Writing Task 2 essays, it’s important to use it appropriately given the formal nature of the task. Here’s an example:

“In today’s digital age, it can be challenging for older generations to make out the complexities of new technologies. This generational gap in technological understanding often leads to communication barriers within families and workplaces.”

Remember, use ‘make out’ sparingly in formal writing, and ensure it fits the context naturally.

Related Phrasal Verbs

To expand your vocabulary further, here are some related phrasal verbs:

1. Figure out /ˈfɪɡər aʊt/ – to understand or solve something
   “I finally figured out how to use the new software.”

2. Work out /wɜːrk aʊt/ – to calculate or solve
   “Can you help me work out this math problem?”

3. Bring about /brɪŋ əˈbaʊt/ – to cause something to happen
   “The new policy brought about significant changes in the education system.”

4. Sort out /sɔːrt aʊt/ – to resolve or organize
   “We need to sort out these misunderstandings before the meeting.”

5. Point out /pɔɪnt aʊt/ – to draw attention to something
   “The teacher pointed out several errors in my essay.”

Infographic of related phrasal verbs

Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. I couldn’t ___ the writing on the old photograph.
2. How are you ___ with your new job?
3. Can you ___ the shape of that building in the fog?
4. We need to ___ this issue before the deadline.
5. The detective tried to ___ the clues from the crime scene.
6. It’s difficult to ___ what he’s saying over the phone.
7. They’re working hard to ___ a solution to the problem.
8. Can you ___ the difference between these two paintings?
9. The teacher asked us to ___ the main ideas from the text.
10. I’m trying to ___ a way to improve my English skills.

Sentence Rewriting

1. Original: I couldn’t understand what he was saying.
   Rewrite: I couldn’t make out what he was saying.

2. Original: They’re managing well with the new project.
   Rewrite: They’re making out well with the new project.

3. Original: Can you identify the person in this blurry photo?
   Rewrite: Can you make out the person in this blurry photo?

4. Original: We need to solve this problem quickly.
   Rewrite: We need to figure out this problem quickly.

5. Original: The new policy caused significant changes.
   Rewrite: The new policy brought about significant changes.

6. Original: I’m trying to understand the complex theory.
   Rewrite: I’m trying to work out the complex theory.

7. Original: Can you explain the main points of the lecture?
   Rewrite: Can you point out the main points of the lecture?

8. Original: We need to resolve these issues before moving forward.
   Rewrite: We need to sort out these issues before moving forward.

9. Original: The detective is attempting to understand the motive.
   Rewrite: The detective is attempting to make out the motive.

10. Original: I’m struggling to perceive the details in this dark image.
    Rewrite: I’m struggling to make out the details in this dark image.

Answers and Explanations

Fill in the Blanks:

1. make out
2. making out
3. make out
4. sort out
5. make out
6. make out
7. figure out
8. make out
9. point out
10. work out

Sentence Rewriting:

1. ‘Make out’ is used here to mean ‘understand with difficulty’.
2. ‘Make out’ in this context means ‘manage’ or ‘succeed’.
3. Here, ‘make out’ means ‘identify’ or ‘discern’.
4. ‘Figure out’ is used as a synonym for ‘solve’ or ‘understand’.
5. ‘Bring about’ means ’cause to happen’.
6. ‘Work out’ is used to mean ‘understand’ or ‘solve’.
7. ‘Point out’ means ‘to draw attention to’ or ‘explain’.
8. ‘Sort out’ is used to mean ‘resolve’ or ‘organize’.
9. ‘Make out’ here means ‘understand’ or ‘discern’.
10. ‘Make out’ is used to mean ‘perceive’ or ‘see with difficulty’.

Memory Tips

To remember the various meanings of ‘make out’, try associating each definition with a vivid mental image:

1. Perceiving with difficulty: Imagine squinting at a faded sign, trying to ‘make out’ the words.
2. Identifying: Picture yourself pointing at a distant object, saying “I can just make out a building!”
3. Writing a document: Visualize yourself ‘making out’ a check, carefully filling in the details.
4. Succeeding: Think of someone giving a thumbs up, saying “I’m making out great!”
5. Romantic activity: (Remember this is informal and not suitable for most IELTS contexts!)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Misusing ‘make out’ in formal writing: While it’s great for speaking, use more formal alternatives in Writing Task 2.

2. Confusing ‘make out’ with ‘make up’: ‘Make up’ means to invent or reconcile, while ‘make out’ is about perceiving or understanding.

3. Forgetting it’s separable: Remember you can say both “make out the words” and “make the words out”.

4. Using it inappropriately: Be aware of the informal romantic meaning and avoid it in the IELTS context.

5. Overusing in Speaking: While it’s good to show range, don’t force ‘make out’ into every answer. Use it naturally and appropriately.

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like ‘make out’ can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. It demonstrates a nuanced understanding of English and can help you express complex ideas more naturally. Remember to practice using ‘make out’ in various contexts, but always be mindful of the formality level required in different parts of the IELTS test. By incorporating this versatile phrasal verb into your language repertoire, you’re taking a significant step towards achieving your desired IELTS score.

Don’t forget to explore other phrasal verbs, such as make no bones about it and make a mountain out of a molehill, to further enrich your vocabulary. Remember, as the saying goes, “you can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs” – improving your English requires effort, but the results are worth it!