Are you preparing for the IELTS exam and looking to enhance your grammar skills? One crucial structure that can significantly boost your score is “Be certain of + noun/gerund.” This article will delve into the intricacies of this construction, providing you with valuable insights and practical examples to help you excel in your IELTS journey.
Understanding “Be Certain of + Noun/Gerund”
The structure “Be certain of + noun/gerund” is a powerful tool for expressing confidence or surety about something. It’s frequently used in academic and professional contexts, making it particularly relevant for IELTS candidates aiming for higher band scores.
Grammatical Structure and Usage
The basic formula for this structure is:
Subject + be (am/is/are/was/were) + certain + of + noun/gerund
This construction allows you to convey a strong sense of assurance about a fact, situation, or action. Let’s break it down with some examples:
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“I am certain of my ability to succeed in the IELTS exam.”
(Subject: I, be: am, noun: ability) -
“She is certain of winning the competition.”
(Subject: She, be: is, gerund: winning) -
“They were certain of the project’s success.”
(Subject: They, be: were, noun: success) -
“We are certain of completing the task on time.”
(Subject: We, be: are, gerund: completing) -
“The researchers are certain of their findings.”
(Subject: The researchers, be: are, noun: findings)
Applying “Be Certain of” in IELTS Writing
Incorporating this structure effectively in your IELTS Writing task can demonstrate your command over complex grammar patterns. Here’s how you can use it in different parts of your essay:
In the Introduction
“I am certain of the significance of this issue in today’s globalized world.”
This sentence sets a confident tone for your essay, showing the examiner that you have a clear stance on the topic.
In Body Paragraphs
“Experts are certain of the positive impact that regular exercise has on mental health.”
Using this structure to present evidence or expert opinions adds credibility to your arguments.
In the Conclusion
“In conclusion, we can be certain of the need for immediate action to address climate change.”
Employing this phrase in your conclusion reinforces your main points and leaves a lasting impression.
“Be Certain of” in IELTS Speaking
In the Speaking test, using “Be certain of” can help you express your views more assertively. Consider these examples:
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Part 1 (Interview):
Examiner: “Are you confident about your English skills?”
You: “Yes, I am certain of my ability to communicate effectively in English, especially after preparing for the IELTS exam.” -
Part 2 (Cue Card):
When describing a memorable event: “I am certain of the date – it was July 15th, 2019. I remember it clearly because…” -
Part 3 (Discussion):
“While I can’t predict the future with absolute accuracy, I am certain of the growing importance of technology in education.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Incorrect preposition: “I am certain about my decision.” (Incorrect)
Correct: “I am certain of my decision.” -
Using ‘to’ instead of ‘of’: “She is certain to winning.” (Incorrect)
Correct: “She is certain of winning.” -
Forgetting the ‘be’ verb: “They certain of the outcome.” (Incorrect)
Correct: “They are certain of the outcome.” -
Using an adjective instead of a noun/gerund: “We are certain of successful.” (Incorrect)
Correct: “We are certain of success.” -
Double certainty: “I am certain of being sure about my choice.” (Awkward)
Better: “I am certain of my choice.”
Elevating Your IELTS Score with “Be Certain of”
To achieve a higher band score in IELTS, it’s crucial to use complex grammatical structures accurately and appropriately. Here’s how “Be certain of” can help you reach different band scores:
Band 6-6.5:
At this level, you can use the basic structure correctly:
“I am certain of my opinion on this matter.”
Band 7-7.5:
Show more flexibility by using different tenses and subjects:
“The government was certain of the policy’s benefits, but citizens remained skeptical.”
Band 8-9:
Demonstrate sophisticated use of the structure with complex subjects and in various contexts:
“Having thoroughly analyzed the data, the research team is certain of the correlation between sleep patterns and productivity, which could revolutionize workplace policies.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “Be certain of + noun/gerund” structure is a valuable asset for IELTS success. By incorporating this construction into your writing and speaking, you demonstrate a high level of grammatical proficiency and express your ideas with confidence. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts and to avoid common mistakes. With consistent application, you’ll be certain of improving your IELTS score!
To further enhance your IELTS preparation, you might also want to explore related grammatical structures such as “Be susceptible to + noun/gerund” and “With reference to + noun”. These additional constructions will broaden your linguistic repertoire and contribute to a more impressive performance in your IELTS exam.