The phrase “be adjacent to + noun” is a useful grammatical structure for describing spatial relationships in English. Understanding and using this phrase effectively can enhance your performance in the IELTS exam, particularly in the Writing and Speaking sections. Let’s explore how to use this structure correctly and incorporate it into your IELTS preparation.
Understanding “Be Adjacent to + Noun”
The phrase “be adjacent to + noun” is used to describe the position of something that is next to or adjoining something else. It’s a precise way to indicate that two things are directly beside each other, without any space between them.
Formula: Subject + be (conjugated) + adjacent to + noun
Examples:
- The library is adjacent to the cafeteria.
- Our house was adjacent to a beautiful park.
- The conference room is adjacent to the CEO’s office.
In these examples, the subjects (library, house, conference room) are described as being directly next to the objects (cafeteria, park, CEO’s office) without any intervening space.
Using “Be Adjacent to + Noun” in IELTS Writing
Task 1: Maps and Process Diagrams
In IELTS Writing Task 1, you may encounter maps or diagrams where describing spatial relationships is crucial. Using “be adjacent to + noun” can help you articulate these relationships clearly and accurately.
Example:
“As shown in the map, the new shopping center is adjacent to the train station, providing convenient access for commuters.”
Task 2: Essays
While less common in Task 2 essays, this phrase can still be useful when discussing urban planning, architecture, or geographical topics.
Example:
“Many argue that building high-rise apartments adjacent to historic sites damages the aesthetic value of these cultural landmarks.”
Incorporating “Be Adjacent to + Noun” in IELTS Speaking
Using this phrase in the Speaking test can demonstrate your command of precise language, especially when describing locations or layouts.
Part 1 Example:
Examiner: “Can you describe the location of your school?”
Candidate: “Certainly. My school is adjacent to a large public park, which provides a pleasant environment for students during breaks.”
Part 2 Example (Describing a place):
“I’d like to talk about my favorite café. It is adjacent to a small art gallery in the city center. This location makes it a popular spot for artists and art enthusiasts…”
Part 3 Example:
Examiner: “How do you think city planners decide where to build new facilities?”
Candidate: “I believe they consider various factors. For instance, they might choose to build a new library adjacent to a school to make it easily accessible for students.”
Advanced Usage and Variations
To achieve a higher band score in IELTS, it’s important to use a variety of structures and demonstrate flexibility in language use. Here are some variations and related phrases:
-
“Be contiguous with”: Similar to “adjacent to” but emphasizing a shared border.
Example: “The nature reserve is contiguous with the national park.” -
“Be in close proximity to”: Indicates nearness without necessarily touching.
Example: “The hotel is in close proximity to major tourist attractions.” -
“Abut”: A more formal verb meaning to be adjacent to.
Example: “Our property abuts the riverside, offering beautiful views.” -
“Adjoin”: Another verb form meaning to be next to or attached to.
Example: “The guest room adjoins the main living area.”
Using these variations can help you achieve a higher band score by demonstrating a rich vocabulary and the ability to use less common structures accurately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Incorrect preposition: Don’t say “adjacent with” or “adjacent from”.
Incorrect: The museum is adjacent with the art gallery.
Correct: The museum is adjacent to the art gallery. -
Using it with non-physical concepts:
Incorrect: His idea is adjacent to mine.
Correct: His idea is similar to mine. -
Overuse: While it’s a useful phrase, don’t force it into every description. Vary your language to maintain naturalness.
-
Forgetting the verb “be”:
Incorrect: The school adjacent to the park.
Correct: The school is adjacent to the park.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “be adjacent to + noun” and its variations can significantly enhance your ability to describe spatial relationships in the IELTS exam. Remember to practice using this phrase in context, particularly when describing maps, locations, or layouts. By incorporating this structure alongside a variety of other spatial language, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any task requiring detailed description of physical relationships between places or objects.
For further practice, try describing the layout of your hometown, your workplace, or a familiar building using “be adjacent to” and its variations. This will help you become more comfortable with the structure and prepare you for potential questions in the IELTS exam.