Master ‘Carry out’ to Excel in IELTS Speaking and Writing

Understanding ‘Carry out’ and Its Importance in IELTS

The phrasal verb ‘carry out’ is a crucial component of advanced English vocabulary, particularly for IELTS candidates aiming to achieve high scores. Its versatility and frequent use in both formal and informal contexts make it an essential tool for expressing ideas clearly and effectively in the IELTS exam.

Definition and Explanation

‘Carry out’ primarily means to perform, conduct, or execute a task, plan, or order. It implies bringing something to completion or fulfillment. This phrasal verb is often used in professional and academic settings, making it particularly valuable for IELTS Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.

Synonyms: implement, execute, perform, conduct, undertake

Usage in Context

Here are some examples demonstrating the use of ‘carry out’ in different contexts:

1. “The scientists carried out a series of experiments to test their hypothesis.”
2. “The company is carrying out a survey to assess customer satisfaction.”
3. “The government has promised to carry out reforms in the education sector.”

Scientists carrying out research in a laboratory

Grammar Analysis

‘Carry out’ is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning that no word can be inserted between ‘carry’ and ‘out’. It is typically followed by a noun or noun phrase representing the action or task being performed.

Structure: Subject + carry out + noun/noun phrase

Example: “They carried out the plan efficiently.”

Application in IELTS

In IELTS Speaking

In the Speaking test, using ‘carry out’ can demonstrate your command of advanced vocabulary and your ability to express complex ideas.

Example question: “What kind of research do you think is important for society?”

Sample answer: “I believe it’s crucial to carry out research on renewable energy sources. By conducting studies in this field, scientists can develop more efficient and sustainable ways to power our cities and reduce our carbon footprint.”

In IELTS Writing

For Writing Task 2, ‘carry out’ can be used to discuss processes, research, or actions taken by governments or organizations.

Example: “To address the issue of climate change, governments need to carry out comprehensive studies on carbon emissions and implement strict regulations based on their findings.”

Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Conduct (research) /kənˈdʌkt/: To organize and perform an activity
   Example: “The team conducted a thorough investigation into the matter.”

2. Bring about /brɪŋ əˈbaʊt/: To cause something to happen
   Example: “The new policy is expected to bring about significant changes in the industry.”

3. Bear out /beər aʊt/: To confirm or support (a statement or theory)
   Example: “The latest findings bear out the researcher’s initial hypothesis.”

4. Drop out /drɒp aʊt/: To leave a school, competition, or activity before it is finished
   Example: “Some students drop out of university due to financial pressures.”

5. Die out /daɪ aʊt/: To become extinct or disappear completely
   Example: “Conservationists are working to prevent endangered species from dying out.”

Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. The government plans to __ __ a nationwide vaccination program.
2. Researchers are ___ __ experiments to test the new drug’s effectiveness.
3. The company will __ __ annual performance reviews next month.
4. Scientists need to __ __ more studies on climate change.
5. The police are ___ __ an investigation into the recent robberies.
6. The charity organization __ __ various projects to help the homeless.
7. It’s important to __ __ regular maintenance on your vehicle.
8. The university will __ __ a survey to gather student feedback.
9. The team needs to __ __ the plan exactly as discussed.
10. Archaeologists are ___ __ excavations at the ancient site.

Sentence Transformation

1. The company implemented a new marketing strategy.
   The company a new marketing strategy.

2. Our team is conducting research on artificial intelligence.
   Our team is research on artificial intelligence.

3. The government executed the policy despite public opposition.
   The government the policy despite public opposition.

4. Scientists are performing experiments to test the new theory.
   Scientists are experiments to test the new theory.

5. The police conducted a thorough investigation of the crime scene.
   The police a thorough investigation of the crime scene.

6. The university is undertaking a major renovation project.
   The university is a major renovation project.

7. The charity organization implemented several programs to help the community.
   The charity organization several programs to help the community.

8. The company is executing its expansion plans in phases.
   The company is its expansion plans in phases.

9. Researchers are conducting a long-term study on climate change.
   Researchers are a long-term study on climate change.

10. The government is implementing new measures to boost the economy.
    The government is new measures to boost the economy.

Answers and Explanations

Fill in the Blanks:

1. carry out
2. carrying out
3. carry out
4. carry out
5. carrying out
6. carries out
7. carry out
8. carry out
9. carry out
10. carrying out

Sentence Transformation:

1. carried out
2. carrying out
3. carried out
4. carrying out
5. carried out
6. carrying out
7. carried out
8. carrying out
9. carrying out
10. carrying out

Explanation: In all these sentences, ‘carry out’ is used to replace verbs like implement, conduct, execute, perform, and undertake. This phrasal verb maintains the same meaning as the original verbs while demonstrating a more advanced vocabulary usage.

Memory Tips

To remember ‘carry out’, visualize yourself physically carrying a task or plan out of a door, symbolizing the completion or execution of that task. This mental image can help reinforce the meaning of performing or conducting an action.

Visualization of carrying out a task

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Separating the phrasal verb (e.g., “carry the plan out”)
   Correction: Always keep ‘carry’ and ‘out’ together.

2. Mistake: Using ‘carry out’ for simple, everyday actions
   Correction: Reserve ‘carry out’ for more significant tasks, research, or plans.

3. Mistake: Overusing ‘carry out’ in informal contexts
   Correction: While versatile, ‘carry out’ is more suited to formal or professional contexts in IELTS responses.

Conclusion

Mastering the phrasal verb ‘carry out’ can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in Speaking Part 3 and Writing Task 2. Its formal tone and versatility make it an excellent choice for discussing research, policies, and significant actions. Remember to practice using it in context and pay attention to its inseparable nature. By incorporating ‘carry out’ effectively in your IELTS responses, you’ll demonstrate a sophisticated command of English and improve your chances of achieving a high score.

To further expand your phrasal verb repertoire and enhance your IELTS performance, consider exploring related phrases such as “conduct effective research” vs “carry out rigorous research”. This will help you understand the nuances between similar expressions and use them appropriately in different contexts.