The phrase “be astonished by + noun” is a powerful expression that can elevate your IELTS performance, particularly in Writing and Speaking tasks. This structure allows you to convey a sense of surprise or amazement effectively, which is crucial for descriptive and narrative tasks in the exam. Let’s delve into the nuances of this phrase and explore how to use it to boost your IELTS score.
Understanding the Phrase “Be Astonished by + Noun”
The structure “be astonished by + noun” is used to express extreme surprise or amazement at something. It’s a more formal and sophisticated alternative to simpler expressions like “be surprised by” or “be amazed by.” In IELTS, using such advanced structures can help demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency.
Examples:
- I was astonished by the complexity of the ancient civilization’s architecture.
- Many visitors are astonished by the sheer size of the Grand Canyon.
- Scientists were astonished by the discovery of a new species in the Amazon rainforest.
- The audience was astonished by the virtuoso’s flawless piano performance.
- Economists are often astonished by the rapid growth of emerging markets.
Person astonished by natural wonder
Grammar and Usage in IELTS Context
Formula and Structure
The basic structure is:
[Subject] + [be verb] + astonished + by + [noun/noun phrase]
This structure is particularly useful in IELTS Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 2, where you often need to describe experiences, reactions, or opinions.
Application in Different IELTS Sections
IELTS Writing Task 2
In essay writing, this phrase can be used to emphasize strong reactions to phenomena, discoveries, or societal changes. For example:
“Many people are astonished by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on the job market.”
IELTS Speaking Part 2
When describing a memorable experience or a place that impressed you, this phrase can add depth to your description:
“When I visited the ancient ruins, I was astonished by the intricate carvings that had survived for thousands of years.”
Sample Responses Using “Be Astonished by + Noun”
Writing Task 2 Sample Paragraph
Topic: Technological advancements in the last decade
“Over the past ten years, technological progress has been nothing short of remarkable. Many experts are astonished by the pace of innovation in fields such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology. For instance, the development of mRNA vaccines, which proved crucial during the recent pandemic, left scientists astonished by the potential of this new technology. Similarly, the public has been astonished by the capabilities of AI language models, which can now generate human-like text and even pass complex exams. These advancements not only showcase human ingenuity but also raise important ethical questions about the future of technology in society.”
Speaking Part 2 Sample Answer
Describe a natural place that impressed you.
“I’d like to talk about a visit to Yellowstone National Park in the United States. What struck me most was the incredible geothermal activity throughout the park. I was astonished by the vibrant colors of the hot springs, particularly the Grand Prismatic Spring. Its vivid blues, greens, and oranges were unlike anything I’d ever seen before. Moreover, I was astonished by the power of the geysers, especially Old Faithful. Watching it erupt and shoot water high into the air was a truly awe-inspiring experience. The park’s diverse wildlife also left me amazed; I was astonished by the sight of wild bison roaming freely across the vast landscapes. Overall, Yellowstone’s natural wonders left me astonished by the raw beauty and power of nature, and it’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
Tips for Achieving Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, it’s crucial to use advanced structures like “be astonished by + noun” accurately and appropriately. Here are some tips:
Vary your vocabulary: Instead of always using “astonished,” consider synonyms like “astounded,” “amazed,” or “dumbfounded” to showcase your lexical resource.
Use adverbs for emphasis: Enhance the expression with adverbs, e.g., “utterly astonished by,” “completely astonished by.”
Extend the noun phrase: Instead of a simple noun, use a more complex noun phrase, e.g., “astonished by the intricate workings of the ecosystem.”
Combine with other structures: Mix this phrase with other advanced structures for more sophisticated expression, e.g., “Having always been skeptical, I was astonished by the effectiveness of the new method.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overuse: While it’s a powerful phrase, overusing it can make your writing or speaking seem repetitive. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.
Incorrect preposition: Always use “by” after “astonished.” A common mistake is using “with” or “of.”
Incorrect: “I was astonished with the results.”
Correct: “I was astonished by the results.”Misusing tenses: Ensure you use the correct tense of “be” to match the context.
Incorrect: “I am astonished by the ancient ruins last year.”
Correct: “I was astonished by the ancient ruins last year.”Using it with minor things: Reserve this phrase for truly surprising or amazing things. Using it for everyday occurrences can seem exaggerated.
Forgetting the article: When using a singular countable noun, don’t forget the article.
Incorrect: “She was astonished by size of the building.”
Correct: “She was astonished by the size of the building.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “be astonished by + noun” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in Writing and Speaking tasks. This structure allows you to express strong reactions and amazement effectively, which is valuable in descriptive and narrative contexts. Remember to use it judiciously, vary your vocabulary, and combine it with other advanced structures to showcase your language proficiency. Practice using this phrase in different contexts related to common IELTS topics such as technology, environment, education, and social issues to prepare for the exam.