In the IELTS exam, demonstrating a wide range of grammatical structures is crucial for achieving a high band score. One such structure that can elevate your language proficiency is “be acquitted of + noun.” This phrase is particularly useful in discussing legal matters, justice systems, and personal experiences related to accusations or legal proceedings. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this structure and explore how to effectively incorporate it into your IELTS responses.
Understanding “Be Acquitted of + Noun”
The phrase “be acquitted of + noun” is a formal expression used to indicate that someone has been found not guilty of a crime or offense in a court of law. It’s a passive construction that emphasizes the result of a legal process rather than the action itself.
Formula: Subject + be (conjugated) + acquitted + of + noun (crime/offense)
This structure appears in various IELTS tasks, particularly in Writing Task 2 essays and Speaking Part 3 discussions related to law, crime, or social issues.
Examples in Context:
- “The defendant was acquitted of murder after new evidence came to light.”
- “Despite public opinion, the politician was acquitted of corruption charges.”
- “She had been acquitted of theft three years before the new allegations surfaced.”
- “The company executives were acquitted of fraud in a landmark case last month.”
- “Many believed he would be convicted, but he was ultimately acquitted of all charges.”
Legal acquittal process
Applying “Be Acquitted of + Noun” in IELTS Tasks
IELTS Writing Task 2
In Writing Task 2, you might encounter essay topics related to crime, punishment, or justice systems. Using “be acquitted of + noun” can showcase your ability to discuss complex legal concepts.
Example paragraph:
Some argue that the justice system is flawed, pointing to cases where individuals are acquitted of serious crimes despite strong evidence. However, it’s crucial to remember that the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” is fundamental to fair trials. While it’s distressing when someone is acquitted of murder or assault, it’s a necessary safeguard against wrongful convictions. The emotional impact on victims when an accused person is acquitted of a heinous crime is undeniable, but this must be balanced against the greater societal need for a robust and fair legal system.
IELTS Speaking Part 3
In Speaking Part 3, you might be asked about crime, punishment, or social issues. Incorporating “be acquitted of + noun” can demonstrate your ability to discuss these topics with precision.
Example response:
Examiner: “Do you think the justice system in your country is fair?”
Candidate: “Well, that’s a complex question. I believe our justice system strives for fairness, but like any system, it has its flaws. For instance, there have been high-profile cases where individuals were acquitted of serious offenses like fraud or embezzlement, which caused public outrage. However, it’s important to remember that being acquitted of a crime doesn’t always mean the person is innocent; it might simply mean there wasn’t enough evidence to convict. On the other hand, we’ve also seen cases where people were acquitted of wrongdoing after spending years in prison, thanks to new evidence or improved forensic techniques. This shows that the system can correct its mistakes, which is crucial for maintaining public trust.”
Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores
To aim for higher band scores in IELTS, consider these advanced applications of “be acquitted of + noun”:
Use with modifiers: “He was surprisingly acquitted of all charges, despite the overwhelming evidence against him.”
Incorporate into complex sentences: “Although he was acquitted of bribery, the scandal irreparably damaged his political career, demonstrating the lasting impact of accusations even after legal exoneration.”
Combine with idiomatic expressions: “The defendant was acquitted of fraud, but in the court of public opinion, he wasn’t off the hook yet.”
Use in hypothetical situations: “If she were to be acquitted of embezzlement, it would set a dangerous precedent for white-collar crime cases.”
Employ in passive constructions with modals: “Given the new evidence, he should have been acquitted of the crime years ago.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using “be acquitted of + noun,” be wary of these common errors:
Incorrect preposition: “He was acquitted from murder.” (Correct: He was acquitted of murder.)
Wrong verb form: “The jury acquitted him of robbery.” (While grammatically correct, this active form doesn’t use our target structure. Correct passive form: He was acquitted of robbery by the jury.)
Misuse with non-criminal actions: “She was acquitted of her mistakes.” (Incorrect usage, as “acquitted” is specific to legal contexts. Better: She was absolved of her mistakes.)
Incorrect noun choice: “They were acquitted of innocence.” (Illogical, as one is acquitted of a crime, not of innocence. Correct: They were acquitted of the crime.)
Tense confusion: “He has been acquitting of theft.” (Incorrect verb form. Correct: He has been acquitted of theft.)
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “be acquitted of + noun” can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam, particularly in tasks that involve discussing legal or societal issues. By incorporating this structure accurately and appropriately, you demonstrate a sophisticated command of English grammar and vocabulary. Remember to practice using this phrase in various contexts and tenses to ensure you can employ it confidently during your exam. As you prepare, consider exploring related legal terms and phrases to further expand your lexical resource for discussing complex topics in IELTS.