“Be averse to” is a useful phrase that IELTS candidates should master to express dislike or reluctance towards something. This structure appears in various IELTS tasks and can significantly enhance your vocabulary score if used correctly. Let’s delve into its meaning, usage, and application in IELTS.
Understanding “Be Averse to + Noun/Gerund”
The phrase “be averse to” means to have a strong dislike or opposition to something. It’s often followed by a noun or a gerund (verb + -ing form). This structure is considered formal and is particularly useful in academic writing and speaking tasks.
Examples:
- Many people are averse to change in their workplace.
- Some individuals are averse to taking risks in their investments.
- The company is averse to hiring inexperienced workers.
Grammar and Usage in IELTS
Formula and Structure
The basic structure is:
[Subject] + [be verb] + averse + to + [noun/gerund]
It’s crucial to remember that “averse” is always followed by “to,” never “from” or any other preposition.
Application in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing Task 2, this phrase can be particularly effective when discussing opinions, trends, or societal issues.
Example:
“In recent years, younger generations have become increasingly averse to traditional career paths, preferring instead to pursue entrepreneurial ventures or freelance work.”
This sentence demonstrates a sophisticated vocabulary usage that can contribute to a higher band score in the lexical resource criterion.
Use in IELTS Speaking
For the Speaking test, incorporating “be averse to” can showcase your ability to use advanced vocabulary naturally.
Example:
Examiner: “Do you think people in your country like to try new things?”
Candidate: “Well, it depends. While younger people are often eager to embrace new experiences, older generations tend to be more averse to change. They’re often averse to trying unfamiliar foods or adopting new technologies, preferring to stick with what they know.”
Enhancing Your IELTS Score
To achieve a higher band score, it’s essential to use this phrase accurately and in context. Here’s how you can elevate your usage:
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Band 6-7: Basic correct usage
“I am averse to working late hours.” -
Band 7-8: More complex sentence structures
“Despite the potential benefits, many employees remain averse to adopting new technologies in the workplace.” -
Band 8-9: Sophisticated usage with idiomatic expressions
“The company’s risk-averse culture, coupled with its aversion to innovation, has left it lagging behind more dynamic competitors in the market.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Incorrect preposition: “He is averse
frompublic speaking.” (Correct: He is averse to public speaking.) -
Using it with positive concepts: “She is averse
to success.” (This doesn’t make sense as people are usually not averse to positive things.) -
Confusing with “adverse”: “The weather conditions were averse.” (Correct: The weather conditions were adverse.)
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Overuse: Using “be averse to” too frequently in a single paragraph or essay can make your writing seem repetitive and unnatural.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “Be Averse To + Noun/gerund” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. Practice using this phrase in various contexts, and remember to use it sparingly and appropriately. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, try incorporating this structure into your practice essays and speaking responses to become more comfortable with its usage.
For further practice, consider using “be averse to” in discussions about environmental policies, technological advancements, or cultural changes – all common topics in IELTS tasks. Remember, the key to success in IELTS is not just knowing these phrases, but using them naturally and effectively in your responses.